The Alpha King's Redemption

6;Broken.

Foolishly, as I rested my head on his chest later on after rounds we’ve lost count of, I thought perhaps, I could call him mine. That maybe, we might turn what we have to something serious, and I’d get my dream of being his mate fulfilled.

That thought came crashing when I woke up alone to a cold bed the very next day. I could feel it, I knew something is wrong and yet, I still tried to look at it from a brighter perspective. I thought perhaps, he had pack duties to do and so, had to leave early.

Clinging onto that though, I managed to slip out of the room, careful to avoid anyone in sight because I have no explanation as to why I’d be walking around in his white shirt and shorts which I have no recollection of slipping into. I’m certain he did the honors.

I was about to take a turn down the corridor that would take me to my bedroom without drawing any attention to myself when a sight caught my attention from outside. My feet took me to where the window is, from where I could see the people there.

I could instantly recognize Mom and Dad, along with another older couple—Alpha and Luna of Uranius Pack, the number one Pack after Royal Pack if I’m not mistaken, along with Ares and another unfamiliar she-wolf that clung to his arms, almost as if glued together.

My heart squeezed at the scene, but I tried to ignore it. At least, until I heard the words uttered by the Alpha of Uranius. “It’s an honor to have my daughter as the mate of the Alpha King, Your Highness. I didn’t think my daughter would find her mate here, especially not the Alpha King.”

I took a few staggering steps back, his words feeling like daggers stabbing my poor heart. My breath hitched, the cruel reality suddenly crashing on me. Everything around me was nothing but a loud ring that made the world spin.

I wanted to believe it couldn’t be, that maybe I’m in some sick dream and I’d wake up from all this. Or maybe, Ares would deny it—even if his interlocked arm with the Auburn hair she-wolf whom had her back towards me was against my thoughts.

But, he did speak. Only instead of what I craved to hear, he said that with broke my heart in pieces impossible to mend together.

“Since I’ve finally met my other half, I wouldn’t want to drag this any longer. Let’s hold the Luna ceremony by the end of the week. I want my people to know I’ve found my Queen, Aubery.” He looked down, his eyes meeting her and…he smiled. Happily.

I may be far away, but I could see the happiness in his eyes. They shone with unmatched glee that I’d never seen before. At this point, I’d be deceiving myself I still told myself that he would look my way again when he’s found his fated half.

I’ve always known this day would come, but not like this.

I was lying when I said I’d be able to move on when he finds his mate. My heart hurts, badly. I could feel the walls closing in on me, my breath hitching. I looked away from the sight, my gaze blurry.

I dare not look back, for I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to hold it.

Somehow, I managed to get my legs moving, and in a desperate attempt of seeking an escape from that sight, I ran to my room and closed the door behind me, locking it. My back rested on the door, as I slowly slipped on the floor, drawing my knees close to me as I cried.

I cried, till my tear ducts were drained of any. And even then, I still cried. This is it, the moment I’ve been dreading. My heart so much I fear I wouldn’t be able to handle it.

****

Everyday felt more hellish than the last. I feel like the walking dead with nothing but an aching soul.

Ares has been avoiding me. Or perhaps, the right term to use is, he’s been ignoring me. It’s been a few days since the appearance of Audery, his fated mate and Queen as everyone had eventually started to call her, and not once have I had the chance to talk to him. He was never alone.

Where he goes, she clung onto his arm, both of them holding up the best of smiles. I stood by the shadow, afraid if I step into the light, they would all see I’m nothing but an empty shell. And in the few instances his eyes meet mine, they were cold, and blank.

Those hurt more than hearing rejection from him. I mean, there’s no such thing between us since we aren’t mates to begin with but at least, I’ve been made to know where I stand now.

I’ve never seen that look in his eyes before, at least, it was never directed towards me. Ares had never looked at me that coldly before, never with such indifference. Yet, during these past few days, whenever our eyes met, I was struck with nothing but that cold look.

It wasn’t just his actions that made me feel worse though. He remained indifferent towards me, ignoring my presence like I was never there nor have I ever mattered to begin with, but everyone else could see. I could feel their pity looks that followed me around, I even heard some whispering amongst themselves.

I don’t know if they’re aware of what transpired between I and Ares the night before he found his mate, and I genuinely couldn’t care. I’d rather believe they aren’t aware, then I’ll be less embarrassed to show my face around.

I didn’t put much effort into pretending to be fine, aside from the small smiles I flash every once in a while when someone redirected a light conversation towards me. Otherwise, I locked myself in my room.

I wanted to blame him, I wanted to resent him, but I knew the consequence and still went ahead with it. I’m to be blamed, and not him. I know that. I know he can never leave his mate for me, and yet, I still foolishly went after him.

I want to resent Audrey as well, I want to resent her sudden timing of appearance and for consuming his thoughts as a whole. It would’ve been easier if she’s snotty and bratty, but she isn’t. She was like a ray of sunshine, and each time she and I met, she’s been nothing but kind to me.

From the beautiful appearance and the warm smile, to the kind treatments she gives me, I couldn’t hate her even if I wanted to. I could see myself in her, the light I once had, only ten times better. She was everything one would need in a mate, and a Luna.

She’s an Alpha’s daughter, she’s a warrior, with a strong wolf and a sunshine personality seemingly impossible to dim. She’s everything I am not. Everything that would make everyone adore her as his mate. I stood no chance against her. Not with the family, nor the strong wolf.

It has never bothered me that my wolf isn’t as strong as others, heck, I can’t even shift on my own accord. But, I didn’t care. Because I had Ares with me, he was enough for me. Until, he wasn’t there anymore