The Rejected Plump Mate, Now Wanted

8: Predestined

Damian

My line of thought soon drifted when Dad began softly, as if taking his time to fully process every detail like he hadn't already done before this gathering.

Dad. Always his ways. That cold, dominant, ruthless Alpha of Darkshades, that ruled the kingdoms with great precision. Feared by all, even in his absence. So ruthless that even his name sent dread flying in the air without lifting a hand or even saying a word.

“As everyone knows, I'm already in my prime age, and I am deeply grateful to the moon that my two sons are well of age to take over the pack lands and rule with even greater precision, perhaps even beyond what I have done,” he said, his lips curving into a controlled smile as he turned in our direction.

But where I sat, his words faded into distant echoes.

My mind had already begun to drift—slowly, dangerously. Yet I forced myself, gritted inwardly, refusing to let my gaze wander toward where she was.

And as if the moon’s orchestration wasn't yet enough, I caught it, Liam’s gaze.

Lingering, fixed and unmoving.

From the corner of my eye, I watched as he motioned to one of the servants. The servant bowed instantly, then disappeared shortly after. I didn’t hear what he whispered to the sarvant, and it didn't matter to me either.

At least… that’s what I told myself.

Until I saw her.

No… the very lady, the one.

“Mate” Aaron stirred softly.

But my eyes remained on her. I saw her again, this time carrying a tray of wine, walking straight toward the high table where I sat. My brows drew together immediately.

Wait.

Why was she coming closer?

Why couldn’t she just remain where she had been, hidden, unnoticed, safely out of reach?

Was this deliberate? Another subtle way of provoking me?

Or…

The words seized in my throat when she stopped, just there. Right at the head table, just a few inches away from me. Her alluring scent wrapped into my nostrils without warning, and I bit down on my lips as my fingers curled vehemently onto the table.

This table had surely suffered the weight of it all. And I’m not letting this affect me more than it should. I was sure I was going to end this whole charade by the time this gathering was over, or worse…

Wait. She had stopped beside Liam.

I stiffened.

Liam leaned closer, whispering something I couldn’t quite catch, but this time, my attention sharpened instantly. My interest spiked in a way I couldn’t control. I suddenly needed to know what he had said… and why her body trembled so faintly in response.

Something shifted inside my chest. Tightened and unfamiliar.

And then came the surge, sharp, unsettling. Not rage. Not disgust at the moon’s cruel pairing. Not even irritation toward Liam.

But something different. Something I couldn't even get myself to admit. Something I couldn't tell myself was the slightest word called normal.

Because whatever it was… it wasn’t normal.

It couldn’t be normal to feel something so dangerously close to…

Then, she knelt. Right in front of him. With the tray still balanced in her hands, and for a moment, the entire world tilted.

The hall suddenly felt suffocating, too tight, too loud, too overwhelming for my senses. Every voice blurred into meaningless noise as my awareness narrowed, locking onto what was happening just beside me.

I told myself not to react. Told myself to stay still. To hold my composure.

To convince myself that this was nothing more than routine, that this was simply how omegas were assigned their duties.

But this level of humiliation and service, simply because of being an omega, the least of the ranks, was ruthless and heartless.

Don't get me wrong, I know you needed to rule with a certain level of precision to be the leader that screams fear even without having to say a word.

But this?

This wasn’t leadership. This was degradation. And the worst part?

She wasn’t just any omega.

I exhaled sharply, dragging myself back under control, repeating the same rigid command in my mind.

Never react. Never show weakness. Never let him see he’s getting to you.

But then, the shift… the drastic shift in the atmosphere when I felt a surge of something intense hit me.

That was it.

I turned just in time to witness the height of whatever I couldn't contain. At least I told myself that this was inhuman and uncalled for. Splashing whatever liquid was in that cup at an omega and smacking her hard on the face thereafter.

My brows furrowed. Something inside me broke. My body moved before my mind could catch up. I reached out instantly, grabbing Liam’s arm just as he raised it again, stopping the second strike mid-air.

Silence fell over the hall. Heavy and suffocating.

But I didn’t care.

I didn’t care what had happened before this. I didn't care about the glaring eyes that stared back at me. But all I cared about right now was teaching this dude standing right here and glaring at me the least form of respect.

Respect for humanity. Respect for dignity. Respect for even the slightest living being, either ranked or whatsoever.

No… this wasn't second chance… whatever. But that moment where one had to tell himself that something was right and called for was the same moment one starts to see the flaw that lurked within.

I know I'm ruthless. I'm cold. I'm daring. But I'm never a tormentor. Least of all being a leader without a heart simply because a servant or my allies didn't do what they ought to.

And then… her.

“How dare you,” I roared, my grip tightening around his arm, my voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

A small smirk tug at the corner of his lips.

No, that wasn't satisfaction to him either. It was different, like he could read every meaning to my actions, my fierceness, and was carefully crafting ideas and strategies to get at me.

And I just saw, he got it right this time. And all thanks to her. The lady that curled up on the floor, suspended by my free hand, eyes wide open like she had witnessed something out of the blue, yet fumbled slightly like some little puppy who was splashed with the dirties of all mugs.

But something else in her eyes softened. No… that wasn't it. I didn't see that right.

That cold relief that washed over her, and the subtle appreciation on her lips.

Or was I just forming those lines?

What the heck was wrong with me?

What the heck was wrong with her?

Why does it feel like she had constantly faced worse in her position and this… this small act had meant something?

Why did it feel like this was the first time anyone had ever stood up for her?

Why do I feel that sudden need to protect her and never let go?

And then, it happened.

Too close… far too close.

My breath caught.

My lips hovered just inches from hers, as though the distance between us had vanished without permission, like fate itself had drawn us together, or like this position was carefully predestined.

Then Dad’s voice broke through the tension. Sharp, commanding, unforgiving.

His next words struck like lightning, sending a violent shock straight through my spine.