Marked by the Alpha’s son

Cold rejection

The next two days passed slowly for Stephanie. She went through her usual chores, but everything felt different now. She had a mate. Lucian had visited once, bringing a small gift of flowers. He was polite and asked her a few questions about her life, but his eyes kept drifting away. The spark she hoped for never came.

On the third morning, Lucian showed up at the cabin again. His face looked tight. Stephanie’s heart beat faster as she stepped outside to meet him. Uncle Harlan and the cousins watched from the porch, whispering.

“Stephanie,” Lucian said quietly. He didn’t reach for her hand. “I’ve thought about this a lot. The Moon Goddess paired us, but… I don’t feel the bond strongly. It’s not fair to either of us. I’m sorry, but I have to reject the pairing.”

The words hit her like cold water. Stephanie stared at him, her mouth dry. “You… you’re rejecting me?”

Lucian nodded, looking uncomfortable. “It’s better this way. Before any mark happens. I wish you well.” He turned and walked away quickly, like he couldn’t wait to leave.

Tears filled Stephanie’s eyes. She stood frozen in the yard as the reality sank in. Rejected. Even her fated mate didn’t want her. The humiliation burned deep.

Uncle Harlan laughed loudly from the porch. “What did I tell you? Even the Beta’s son saw the truth. You’re not worth keeping.”

Lila clapped her hands, smiling wide. “Rejected already! How sad. You must have thrown yourself at him too hard. No one wants the outcast. Maybe you should just disappear into the woods.”

Marcus and Theo joined in, their laughter loud and cruel. “The Moon Goddess made a mistake picking you. Now everyone will know how unwanted you are.”

Stephanie turned away from them. She walked to the edge of the yard, trying to hold back her sobs. Her chest hurt. She had let herself hope for just a little bit, and now it was gone. She wiped her tears with her sleeve and stared at the trees, feeling more alone than ever.

From deep in those same trees, hidden eyes watched the whole scene. Strong hands clenched into fists. Anger burned hot. The girl he had been watching — the one who pulled at him every single day — was crying because of this. Because of a weak bond and cruel words.

The hidden man took a slow step forward. Then another. The time for staying in the shadows was over.