The Alpha’s Rejected Mate

9

ELEANOR

The memory of that morning came rushing back, and I quickly looked away. I could remember the shock of seeing him wake up and the way I had scrambled away from him without giving him the chance to say anything. I bit my lip in embarrassment.

I didn't even understand why I felt so ashamed. He had been the one to grab me and pull me toward him. I hadn't deliberately put myself in that position.

But he hadn't been in his right mind, either.

Maybe I should have insisted that he release me. Maybe I should have found another way to help him instead of staying in his arms all night. Then again, what else could I have done? He had looked like he was in terrible pain, and I had wanted to help.

I didn't regret helping someone who needed me.

I only regretted how complicated everything was. Against my better judgment, I stole another glance at Caspian.

His attention was fixed on the mess around the worktable, but something about his appearance caught my attention. He looked paler than he had this morning and there was a faint tension around his eyes. He seemed exhausted.

I wondered whether he was feeling better after whatever had happened to him during the night. He needed some kind of help. Whatever I had witnessed in his bedroom hadn't looked normal, and I couldn't imagine that something so severe could simply disappear without a reason.

Before I could think about it any further, Mira spoke.

“Your precious guest has decided to destroy my work!”

I stared at her. Precious guest? Was she being serious?

Caspian's eyes shifted toward me, and I immediately lowered mine.

“Explain,” he said.

Mira pointed toward the worktable.

“She walked into my studio and spilled paint all over the place! Do you know how long it took me to get those materials? I spent months trying to get it, and now she's ruined my hardwork because she couldn't keep her hands to herself!”

She turned toward me, her expression growing even angrier.

“And the worst part is that she thinks it's just ordinary paint. She thinks she can apologise and everything will be fine!”

I pressed my lips together. Caspian looked from her to me, his expression unreadable.

“Was it an accident?” he asked.

“Yes,” I answered quickly. “I was looking at the artwork, I was startled when she suddenly appeared and I accidentally knocked over the container. I tried to catch it, but some of the paint spilled. I apologised, and I offered to clean it up.”

Mira let out an irritated laugh. “Of course that's what she would say.”

I looked at her in disbelief.

“What else am I supposed to say?”

“Enough,” Caspian interrupted. His voice wasn't particularly loud, but it was enough to make me fall silent.

He looked at Mira, who was still visibly furious.

“I understand that you're upset, but please don't make this a bigger problem than it already is.” He said calmly.

Mira stared at him. “Are you serious? She ruined my work, Caspian!”

Mira shook her head, looking like she couldn't believe he was taking this approach. Then she gestured toward the paint again.

“Look at what she's done!”

Caspian exhaled. He stepped forward and took Mira by the hand, attempting to lead her toward the doorway.

“Come on. I need to speak to you.”

Mira immediately pulled her hand free.

“Why are you taking me out?” she demanded. “She's the one who trespassed! If anyone should be leaving, it's her.”

Caspian's expression hardened. “Mira, don't make a fuss over this. I need to talk to you.”

“No. You can talk to me here. Let her leave.”

She folded her arms, then pointed toward the doorway. I stood awkwardly beside the worktable.

If this continued, Mira and I would probably spend the rest of the morning arguing over a mess I had never intended to make. And I didn't have the energy for that.

“I'm sorry.” I said, stepping forward before either of them could speak again. Both of them turned toward me and I forced myself to meet Mira's eyes.

“I shouldn't have wandered around the house without asking anyone where I could go. I didn't know this room was your studio, and I shouldn't have come in here and touched anything. I was curious, and I let that get the better of me. I understand that I damaged something important to you, and I'm sorry. I'll be more careful from now on.”

Mira kept on glaring and I didn't wait for her to accept my apology. I had said everything I could, and I didn't think there was anything left to add.

“I'll leave you two alone.”

I turned and walked out of the room. I had barely taken a few steps into the corridor when I heard Mira speak again

.

“Why did you bring her here, Caspian?”

I stopped. I knew I shouldn't listen. Whatever happened between them was none of my business, and standing in the hallway to eavesdrop on their conversation would only make me feel worse. But my feet refused to move.

“She's not supposed to be here,” Mira continued. “She has nothing to do with us. Why bring her into our home when you know how things are?”

I knew exactly what she meant. The Blackwoods were a powerful and wealthy family. They had history, influence, and connections I couldn't even begin to understand. My father and I lived comfortably, but we were nowhere near their level.

“It's complicated,” Caspian replied.

Mira scoffed. “Complicated? You've never brought anyone here without a reason. You don't just let people into your personal space, Caspian, and you certainly don't let them stay in this house. So tell me what's going on.”

There was a pause.

I leaned closer to the doorway before I could stop myself. Why was he so reluctant to explain? Was he ashamed to tell his own sister that I was his fated mate? The thought left an unpleasant feeling in my chest. I knew he didn't want me as his Luna, but I had never thought that he would act like it was something embarrassing.

“Caspian,” Mira pressed. “I'm waiting.”

He sighed.

“I didn't want to tell you this, but Eleanor is my fated mate.”

I couldn't think of anything else as my fingers tightened on my palm, and I stared at the floor as something painful and unfamiliar settled in my chest. The fact that he had to be pushed into telling his sister made the words feel different from what I had imagined. He hadn't wanted her to know. Not even her.

“She is your what?” Mira asked, her voice rising in disbelief.

“My fated mate.”

Silence followed.

I could almost picture the expression on Mira's face. She had known Caspian all her life, and from what I had observed, he wasn't the kind of man who made decisions without considering the consequences. He was powerful and respected. Yet fate had chosen a nobody like me for him.

“No way,” Mira finally whispered. “You're serious?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn't you tell me?”

“Because I didn't want anyone knowing. Eleanor won't be staying here for long.”

“Why not?” Mira asked. Caspian was quiet for a moment.

“She's an omega, Mira. And she can't even shift.”

I closed my eyes.

“She can't shift?” Mira repeated, sounding genuinely shocked.

“No. That is exactly why I rejected her, because she's weak. I won't allow my enemies to use my Luna as a weakness against me. I do not need a weak Luna.”

My eyes stung. The word weakness settled heavily in my chest. Mira remained quiet for a while before speaking again.

“I understand. Whatever you decide, I'll support you.”

I opened my eyes.

“What are you going to do about her, then?” she asked. “Why is she here when you rejected her?”

“I can't explain right now.”

“Why can't you explain it to me?”

There was hurt in her voice this time, and I found myself wondering whether she was upset because he was keeping secrets from her or because she wanted to help him get rid of me.

Caspian sighed.

“Don't take it personally. I don't understand what's happening myself. I need Eleanor to stay close for now, and until I figure out why, I don't know what to do with the situation.”

I also wished I understood what was going on. It would have been easier that way.

“I'll tell you when I understand it myself,” Caspian added. “Until then, I need you to trust me.”

There was another pause.

“Whatever,” Mira muttered. Her voice sounded dismissive.

“What are you going to do about the paint? It's partly your fault for bringing her here.” She whined.

“Don't worry. I'll get it for you.” Caspian consoled her.

Just like that, the conversation was over. I quickly stepped away from the doorway before they could notice me standing there.

My stomach had stopped growling, and the thought of food no longer appealed to me. I walked back toward my assigned bedroom, keeping my eyes on the floor as I passed through the living area.

When I reached the room, I closed the door quietly behind me. It seemed like I had only traded one uncomfortable situation for another.

I crossed the room and sat on the edge of my bed, rubbing my paint-stained palms against my thighs. I didn't want to be here any more than Caspian wanted me here.

I just needed Caspian to figure out whatever was happening so I could finally leave this place and start over somewhere else.