Rejected Omega: Claimed By Her Ex's Uncle

Touching what is mine

Reina’s POV

"I was never acknowledged in that pack and my house," I whispered, the words tumbling out like a confession of a crime I hadn't committed. "In my father's eyes, I am nothing but a sin, a mistake he’s spent years trying to erase. My mother gave her life just to force him to open the gates for me. I’m an Omega by birth, Damon. I’m weak. I have nothing to offer a powerful Alpha like you."

I couldn't stop the flood of honesty. Ever since Zayne’s rejection, my mind had been a jagged mess of his cruel parting words. He had told me I was useless, that I could never be the partner a leader required. Those insults were burned into my soul.

Suddenly, Damon’s hand moved, his fingers cradling my neck with a possessive, burning heat. "Who was he?" he growled.

I looked up, gasping as I saw his eyes shift. The calm gold had vanished, replaced by a fiery, predatory crimson that seemed to glow in the dim light of the balcony.

"What did he do to you? Tell me!" his voice dropped. "I knew it the moment you refused to marry me. The mark on your neck is fading, but I can feel your heart breaking through."

I stared at him, my confusion warring with my grief. Why was he acting like this? Why was he reacting as if my pain was his own?

"You married me against my will," I reminded him, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and exhaustion. "You forced this union, and now you’re acting like you care for me? Why?"

"Do you think I was blind to the way they looked at you?" Damon demanded, his thumb brushing against my skin. "The way your father treated you told me everything I needed to know. I took you from that house because you are mine. You have no idea how long I’ve been searching for you, Reina. I didn't marry you to hurt you. I married you to claim what the Moon Goddess promised me."

He leaned in closer. "And yes, I care. I care because you are my mate, and from this moment forward, anyone who hurts you is an enemy of the Black Shadow Pack. So, Reina, tell me who was the bastard who hurt you and broke your heart?"

"It doesn't matter," I said, my voice barely a whisper as I grabbed his wrists and gently pulled his hands away from my neck. "I’ll freshen up."

I turned and retreated into the suite, leaving Damon alone on the balcony.

The hot water of the shower helped wash away the grime of the day, but it couldn't touch the ache in my chest. Once finished, I changed into the modest nightgown he had provided. When I stepped back into the main room, I found a spread of steaming dishes already laid out on the table.

"Let’s have dinner," Damon said, his golden eyes met mine.

"Hmm." I draped the damp towel over the back of a chair and sat down. I felt a flush of shame realizing I had nearly broken down in front of him. Mentioning Zayne, even indirectly, was a weakness I couldn't afford.

I picked up a spoon, turning it over in my hand before looking up at him. "How old are you? And what did you mean by searching for me for a long time? Do you... Do you actually catch the scent of my pheromones?"

"I am thirty-two," Damon answered, his gaze never leaving mine. "I spent over twelve years searching for my mate, never knowing you were so close all along. In the end, I sought the help of a witch to guide me to you."

He leaned back slightly, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "And yes, I smell you. It’s what makes me so certain of our bond. Sweet honey and fresh roses, that is your scent, Reina."

I was stunned to realize he was nearly eleven years older than me.

"Don't you catch my scent?" Damon asked.

"No," I whispered, focusing intently on the steam rising from the vegetable soup in my bowl.

I stole a quick glance at him and saw the muscle in his jaw twitch. There was a storm behind his eyes; he clearly had a thousand things he wanted to say, yet he held them back, tethering his intensity for my sake.

I turned my attention to the meal, eating in a comfortable silence. The food was exquisite, a far cry from the scraps and bland rations I was used to at home. It was a luxury I could never have afforded on my own, and despite the weight of the day, I found myself enjoying every bite. By the time I reached the dessert, the sweetness offered a small comfort to my battered heart.

"So, who was he? Your former mate?"

The question cut through the silence. Damon was leaning back, swirling a glass of deep red wine that matched the intensity of his gaze.

"I told you, it doesn't matter anymore," I said, my voice trembling as I looked down at my lap. "I'm your wife now. That should be enough."

"It matters to me, Reina," he countered. His voice had taken on a possessive edge that made me gulp. "The thought of someone else touching what is mine... How the f**k did he claim you before I could find you?"

The low growl that vibrated from his chest made my heart hammer against my ribs.

"He rejected me," I blurted out, the words tasting like poison. "I caught him with... With my half-sister. I hate him, Damon. I don't want to think about him or speak his name ever again. I'm sorry I even brought it up. I’m just overwhelmed, and I feel like crying, and—"

I couldn't finish. Before another sob could escape, Damon moved with a speed that defied my senses. His calloused hand caught my chin, tilting my face upward, and his lips crashed against mine, silencing my grief with a sudden, overwhelming heat.