HIS REJECTED MATE

chapter 2

The moment Alpha Veyne stepped forward, Lucien's attention shifted from Elara to him.

The change was subtle.

But Elara saw it. The coldness in his eyes became something darker.

Her father bowed, “Your Majesty, welcome to Moonridge.” Lucien didn't return the greeting immediately. His gaze remained fixed on Alpha Veyne.

“You look well.” The words sounded polite.

His tone wasn't. Alpha Veyne straightened.

“It's been many years.”

“Yes.” A strange silence settled between them.

Elara looked from one man to the other.

They knew each other; that much was obvious.

But why? Her father had never mentioned meeting the Alpha King before.

Not even once. Your Majesty, her father said, we have prepared the residence for your stay.

I won't be staying long.

The Alpha King's eyes shifted back to Elara.

I'm sure you won't, Alpha Veyne replied. Elara noticed the way her father's fingers tightened at his side.

Before she could think about it, Lucien turned away. The bond between them pulled painfully.

Elara's chest tightened. She almost took a step after him. Almost.

Then she remembered the look in his eyes.

Fear, Recognition, Hatred.

She remained where she was.

Mira moved closer to her, Are you okay? Elara didn't answer. She was still staring at Lucien's back.

There was something about him- something that felt familiar, not his face, not his scent, something deeper, like a memory she had forgotten.

Are you okay? Mira asked again.

Elara blinked. Yes.

Mira looked unconvinced.

You look like you've just seen a ghost.

Maybe I have.

Mira followed her gaze. Do you know him?

No, I don't

Then why was he staring at you like that?

Elara looked toward her father.

I don't know.

But she did know one thing: her father knew.

The welcome ceremony began at sunset. Every important member of the Moonridge Pack gathered inside the great hall.

Elara stood at the back beside Mira, trying to remain unnoticed. It was difficult.

The moment she entered, people began whispering.

That's Alpha Veyne's daughter, the one without a wolf. Why is she here? Elara ignored them. Her eyes went to the front of the hall.

Lucien sat beside her father. He hadn't looked at her once since arriving, not once.

And somehow, that hurt more than if he had continued staring; she didn't understand the strange connection between them, she didn't understand the burning in her chest, she didn't understand why the voice inside her mind had called him her mate.

But she understood rejection. She had watched people reject others before. She had seen the pain, the humiliation, the way the bond could make two people feel as if they belonged to each other, the way it could also destroy them.

Elara didn't want that; she didn't want a mate.

Not if he looked at her the way Lucien did.

A servant passed beside her with a tray of drinks

Elara reached for one before her hands could touch the glass; the servant stumbled. The tray fell, and glass shattered across the floor.

The sound silenced the hall; everyone turned

Elara looked down; a thin cut had appeared across her palm.

Blood trickled down her fingers.

Lucien's head snapped towards her; their eyes met. His wolf roared; Elara felt it.

The bond between them suddenly became so powerful that her knees almost gave way.

Lucien stood

The entire hall watched him

His expression was terrifying

leave!!

Elara stared at him. What?

His voice became colder. I said leave

The hall went silent. Elara looked around; everyone was looking at her.

Her face burned. I haven't done anything

Lucien's eyes darkened. Don't make me repeat myself.

Something inside Elara cracked; she looked at him

Why do you hate me?

The question escaped before she could stop it.

Mumurs spread through the hall

Lucien froze, for a moment; something flashed across his face: pain. Then it vanished.

You should ask your father.

Elara turned towards Alpha Veyne; her father's face had gone completely pale.

What does he have to do with this? Lucien's expression hardened. Everything

The hall because unbearly quiet.

Elara stared at her father. Father?

Alpha Veyne stood abruptly. That is enough! His voice was sharp. Take Elara to her room. Elara didn't move.

No! Her father stared at her.

What did you say?

I asked him a question

You will do as I say.

Why does he hate me? nobody spoke

Elara looked at the two men. Why does he look at me like I killed someone? Lucien's jaw tightened. Alpha Veyne's expression changed.

And that was all the answers Elara needed; something had happened, something connected her family to Lucien, something everyone knew except her.

Her father walked towards her, Elara! go upstairs

No! His face hardened. Now!

I want to know the truth!

You are not entitled to....... The moment he said it, the hall went silent.

Elara stared at him. Not entitled? To know what?

About my mother? About my family? About the Alpha King? The scar beneath her collarbone began to burn. The pain was so sudden that she grabbed the edge of the table.

Lucien noticed. His eyes immediately dropped to the scar. The color drained from his face.

What is that?

Elara looked at him. What?

He took one step forward.

The mark. Her hand moved instinctively to cover it.

Lucien's voice lowered. Where did you get that?

I don't know. You don't know?

No.

His eyes remained fixed on the mark.

What do you mean, you don't know? Elara's confusion turned into anger.

I said I don't know.

Lucien looked at Alpha Veyne. What have you done? Her father took a step forward.

Watch your words. Lucien laughed. There was no humor in it.

Eight years.

Elara's heart began to pound.

Lucien looked back at her. Eight years ago, my family was murdered.

The hall fell completely silent. Elara stared at him.

I know.

No. His eyes hardened. You don't.

He took another step toward her.

They were not killed by rogues.

Elara felt the blood drain from her face.

Lucien's voice became quieter; they were betrayed.

Her father said nothing.

Elara slowly turned to him. Father?

Alpha Veyne looked away. The silence was answer enough.

Lucien's eyes remained fixed on Elara.

Your family was there that night.

Elara stopped breathing.

No.

Ask him.

She looked at her father.

Is that true? Alpha Veyne said nothing.

Elara's voice shook. Father.

Still nothing. Her heart began to pound.

Were you there?

Alpha Veyne finally looked at her.

His eyes were filled with something she had never seen before.

Fear.

Yes.

Elara took a step backward; the room seemed to spin.

Lucien's gaze remained cold. Your family betrayed mine. Elara shook her head.

I didn't.

I know. She froze.

Lucien's eyes met hers.

For the first time, she saw something other than hatred in them.

Something that looked dangerously close to conflict.

But you are a Veyne.

His voice was cold again. And that is enough.”

Elara stared at him. The bond between them burned in her chest.

Her mate. The man who had been destined for her, the man whose family had been destroyed by hers.

Lucien looked away first.

Reject her.

Elara's heart stopped.

Her father stiffened.

What? Lucien's gaze returned to her.

I said reject her.

Elara's blood ran cold.

The room disappeared around her.

What are you talking about?”

Lucien's eyes were emotionless. If she is my mate, then I reject the bond.

Elara stared at him. no! The word came out as a whisper. Lucien stepped closer, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Don't make this harder than it already is.

Elara looked into his eyes. Why?

For the first time, Lucien hesitated, only for a second, then his expression hardened.

Because I will never love the daughter of the man who destroyed my family.

The word tore through her; Elara felt the bond snap, and pain exploded through her chest. She screamed, and somewhere deep inside her, something ancient woke up.