The Rejected Luan's Chosen Path

Chapter 1: Destiny Awaits

Angelina

For weeks, I kept my head down, avoided unnecessary conversation, and tried to pretend that everything was fine. But no matter how hard I tried, Lucas was always there. He lingered in the hallways, his piercing blue eyes following me like a predator stalking its prey. He’d lean against doorframes, flashing that infuriatingly charming smile that used to make my heart race. Now, it only made my skin crawl. “Hey, Angelina,” he’d purr, his voice low and smooth. “You’re looking good today.”

I’d ignore him, pushing past without a word. But he never stopped. One afternoon, as I was organizing files in the back office, I felt his presence before I saw him. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and when I turned, there he was, standing in the doorway with that same smug expression.

“Lucas,” I said sharply, trying to keep my voice steady. “You shouldn’t be here.”

He stepped closer, his gaze darkening. “I hate that the bond still feels strong between us,” he muttered, his jaw tightening. “Even after rejecting you, it’s still there.”

I stiffened, my heart pounding in my chest. “That’s your problem, not mine.”

His lips curled into a sneer. “We can still have something, Angelina. You know you want me. Be mine. No one needs to know. Marissa can be my Luna, and you can be my pet.”

I felt the blood drain from my face, replaced by a surge of pure, blinding rage. “I’d rather die than be your pet,” I spat, my voice low and venomous. But he didn’t back off.

He took another step, closing the distance between us, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. “You’ll change your mind,” he whispered, his breath hot against my skin as he leaned in. Before his lips could touch mine, the door swung open.

“Lucas?” Luna Stral’s voice rang out, her tone sharp with surprise. She stood in the doorway, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. “What are you doing here?”

Lucas straightened instantly, the predatory look vanishing from his face, replaced by a casual, charming smile. “Just checking in on the new assistant, Mom,” he said smoothly. “Making sure she’s settling in.”

Luna Stral raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he sauntered past her, pausing just long enough to lean in close to me. “You can’t run from me,” he whispered, his breath sending a shiver down my spine. “I’ll have you one way or another.” And then he was gone, leaving me standing there, trembling.

That night, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing. The fear gnawed at me, coiling tighter with every passing minute. I considered leaving—running far away from the pack, from Lucas, from everything I’d ever known. But then I remembered. I remembered sitting at my grandmother’s feet by the fire, her weathered hands gently braiding my hair as she spoke in that soft, steady voice that always made me feel safe.

“Grandma, why did you leave the elite fighters?” I asked, curiosity burning in my chest. “You could’ve stayed and become the strongest of them all.”

She chuckled a low, warm sound that rumbled in her chest. “Oh, Angelina, I fought for many long years with the Elite,” she said, her eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. “I was one of the strongest. But on one mission, I met your grandfather. He was my mate.”

Her eyes softened, the fondness in her gaze palpable. “And after so much time on the battlefield, I realized I wanted something different. A life of peace with the man I love. Who knows? Maybe one day you can be an Elite Warrior, too. You’re one of the strongest werewolves I know. You would make a fine addition to the uniform.”

I frowned, chewing on her words. “But what if I meet my mate in the pack? What if I have to choose?”

She cupped my cheek, her thumb brushing away a stray tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. “Mates are wonderful things, sweetheart. If you want to stay with your mate, that’s your choice. However, I’m offering you an alternative option. If you want more than life in a small pack… if you want to be something more, you can join the Elite.”

Her words echoed in my mind, a bittersweet reminder of the path I hadn’t thought about—but maybe should have.

My grandmother hadn’t just been a strong werewolf. She was a force to be reckoned with, her body honed by years of grueling training and battle. She had taught me how to fight, how to defend myself, and how to be strong in the face of fear. I could still feel the sting of her tough love during our training sessions. Her sharp eyes never missed a mistake, her firm grip corrected my stance, and her voice pushed me to go beyond my limits. “Again,” she’d bark when I faltered, her stance unyielding. “You’re stronger than that, Angelina. Don’t let them see you break.”

I sat up in bed, my decision crystallizing in the quiet darkness. I wouldn’t let Lucas break me. I wouldn’t let this pack define me. It was time to forge my own path. And maybe, just maybe, it was time to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps and become something more than anyone ever expected. I sat on the edge of my bed, the dim light from the single bulb casting long, eerie shadows across the small room.

This was it. My chance to leave behind the suffocating walls of the Half Moon Pack—the pack that had never truly accepted an unranked wolf like me. I can now step into the world my grandmother had once dominated as an elite warrior. Taking a deep breath, I rose from the bed and crossed the small room to the corner, where a loose floorboard creaked under my foot. I recall that my grandmother used the hidden slot beneath the floorboards to conceal her Elite Past and any paperwork she deemed too important to leave out. She said it was because she wanted to protect her past from prying eyes. I remember she told me I could find whatever I needed in that secret place and that I was the only one she trusted with her secrets.

Kneeling, my fingers expertly pried up the board, revealing the hidden compartment beneath. There they were, wrapped in layers of faded cloth—my grandmother's elite warrior weapons: glowing silver daggers, a sleek, deadly sword, and a set of throwing knives, each etched with ancient runes that shimmered faintly in the dim light. Beside them lay her uniform, black as midnight with the insignia of the Elite Warrior embroidered in silver thread across the chest. I ran my fingers over the fabric, feeling the cool, smooth texture beneath my touch.

The weight of her legacy settled heavily on my shoulders, a silent reminder of the strength I was expected to carry forward. Carefully, I packed the weapons and uniform into a duffel bag, my mind racing with the details of my escape.

For a fleeting moment, I considered approaching Lukas' father, the current alpha, to seek his permission. But the thought quickly dissolved. If Lukas caught wind of my plans, he'd convince his father to refuse my request. Plus, I don’t want to reveal my rejection to his father. The Alpha and the Luna were always kind to me, and I didn’t want to hurt them with the truth.

The sting of his rejection still burned in my chest, a constant reminder of my place—or lack thereof—in this pack. Instead, I turned to my laptop; the screen cast a pale glow on my face as I typed “Elite Warrior Training Program” into the search bar.

The results loaded quickly, and my eyes scanned the information. The next training cycle began on the night of Lukas' initiation under the full moon—a week from now. Perfect timing. But as I read deeper, my heart sank. A sponsor was required to join, and someone from within the Elite was required to vouch for me. Deflated, I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling.

My thoughts drifted to my grandmother, the fierce warrior who had defied her powerful family for love. I remembered the stories, the lessons, and the quiet strength she had always encouraged me to cultivate. “Let them underestimate you,” she had said. “Your strength is not for show. It's for survival.”

With a sigh, I returned to the secret compartment inside the floorboard, rummaging through the remaining contents in a desperate bid for answers. That’s when I found it—a sealed envelope with my name scrawled in my grandmother’s familiar handwriting. My fingers trembled as they traced the faded words inscribed in the center of the letter. Angelina. The paper felt so fragile, like it might crumble under the weight of the emotions surging inside me. The only sound was the soft creak of the floorboards beneath me, amplifying the pounding of my heart—a relentless rhythm of fear and excitement crashing through my veins.

My fingers trembled as I broke the seal and unfolded the letter.

My dearest Angelina,

I don't know what path you will choose—whether you will stay with your mate or seek the life of an Elite warrior. But if you decide to follow in my footsteps, I have made arrangements. There is someone within the King's Elite Guard who owes me a favor. His name is General Bale Henderson. He has watched your progress through the training videos I've sent him over the years. Should you choose this path, he will be your sponsor. You need only call him. His number is enclosed. Remember, my darling, strength is not just in the body but in the heart and mind. Trust yourself.

With all my love, Grandmother

Tears welled in my eyes as I read the letter, my heart swelling with a mix of grief and determination. Whether my grandmother knew it or not, she provided me with a way out of my current situation.

The next morning, I met Lola at our usual spot near the clearing behind our houses and told her that I planned to leave.

“Hey,” I greeted her.

She was waiting for me, arms crossed, her soft brown eyes filled with concern. “Hey. How are you feeling?”

I shrugged. “I’m still trying to figure things out. But there’s one thing I know, and that’s that I have to leave the pack.”

“Are you really considering leaving?” she asked.

I nodded. “I can’t stay here, Lola. Not after everything. Not with Lukas breathing down my neck.”

She bit her lip, shifting nervously. “So what’s your plan? You can’t just run off with no direction.”

I hesitated. “Grandma always wanted me to join the Elite Warriors. It’s what she trained me for. And before I considered finding a mate, it was something I seriously considered.”

Her eyes widened. “The Elite?” She lowered her voice. “Angelina, that’s… that’s dangerous.”

“I know.” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “But my grandmother was one of them and she loved it. She left something for me. A letter. She arranged for someone to sponsor me.”

Lola inhaled sharply. “Who?”

“General Bale Henderson.”

Her jaw dropped. “The General Bale Henderson? He’s one of the highest-ranking members of the King’s Elite Guard.”

I nodded. “I’m calling him tonight.”

Lola swallowed hard, then grabbed my hands. “Angelina, please. Don’t do this alone. Come with me. Come to Byron’s pack.”

I squeezed her hands back, my heart aching. “You know I can’t.”

Her voice cracked. “But I don’t want to leave you behind.”

I forced a smile, blinking back tears. “You won’t, Lola. You have Byron now. You’re going to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. And I have a path now. This is what I was meant for. I can feel it in my bones, and I trust my instincts. This is the path I’m meant to follow. I know it.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “But what if something happens to you?”

I took a deep breath. “I promise I’ll be okay. But I need this, Lola. You know, grandma trained me for years, and this is why. Please trust me.”

Her lip trembled, but then she nodded, accepting my decision. “I do trust you, Angel. I do. Just promise me something.”

“Anything.”

She sniffed, wiping her eyes. “Promise me you’ll email me. Call me. Wherever you go, whatever happens—don’t disappear.”

Emotion clogged my throat as I nodded. “I promise.”

She pulled me into a tight hug, and for the first time in days, I felt something other than pain.

I felt loved.

That night, I said goodbye to my best friend.

She didn’t say more—just looked at me with those big, teary eyes. Then she rushed forward and hugged me one last time. “Stay safe. I know you’re going to kill it at Elite training,” she whispered.

“You stay safe, too. And say hello to Byron for me.”

And then she was gone, vanishing into the night to start her own journey.

Once I got home, I pulled out the small slip of paper with the phone number, hesitating for only a moment before grabbing my phone and dialing.

The line rang twice before a deep, authoritative voice answered. “This is General Bale Henderson.”

“General Henderson,” I began, my voice steady despite the nerves coiling in my stomach. “My name is Angelina… I'm the granddaughter of Lina De Leon of the Half Moon Pack. She said you might be expecting my call.”

There was a brief pause on the other end, followed by a warm, almost nostalgic chuckle. “Lina’s granddaughter. I’d recognize that name anywhere. Your grandmother was one of the finest warriors I ever knew. She’s spoken of you often—and sent me videos of your training. You've got her fire.”

Pride swelled in my chest at his words, and my confidence grew. “She mentioned you might sponsor me for the Elite Warrior Training Program.”

“I’d be honored to sponsor you,” Henderson replied without hesitation. “But tell me, why do you want to join the Elite now?”

I hesitated, the words catching in my throat before I forced them out. “My mate… he rejected me. His name is Lukas. He…” My voice wavered for a moment, but I steadied myself. “He didn’t see my worth. I need to forge my own path. My grandmother always believed I would make a formidable Elite Warrior and encouraged me to choose my future when the time was right. I know the time is right now.”

A low growl of disapproval rumbled from Henderson. “I see. Your former mate is a fool to reject a daughter of the Illuminae Moon Pack. You are from the strongest wolf family in the world. But perhaps his blindness is our gain. You’re meant for more, Angelina.”

My chest tightened with emotion, but I managed to keep my voice steady. “Thank you, General. That means more than you know.”

“I will sponsor you, but there’s something you need to understand,” Henderson continued, his tone serious. “You can’t tell anyone I am your sponsor. If people think you got in through favoritism, it will make your path harder. You must earn your place on merit alone. Do you understand?”

“I understand,” I said firmly. “I don’t want any special treatment. I want the chance to prove myself.”

“Good,” Henderson replied, his tone approving. “I’ll send you everything you need—your ticket, the meeting location, and a list of supplies. The bus will pick up recruits in a week. Be ready.”

“Thank you, General Henderson,” I said, my heart pounding with anticipation.

“Don’t thank me yet,” he chuckled. “The hard part is just beginning. But if you’re anything like your grandmother, you’ll do just fine.” As the call ended, I felt a surge of determination. I had a plan now, a way out. But the days ahead were not easy.

The week stretched on, each day heavier than the last. I kept to myself more than usual, avoiding common areas where I might run into Lukas. The mere thought of seeing him—of facing the wolf who had rejected me—was unbearable. I spent my time training in secret, my muscles aching but my resolve unshaken. Nights were the hardest. Lola checked up on me and talked about her new pack and her mating ceremony, which gave me a moment of respite from my thoughts. But once we disconnected the call, I was stuck in my thoughts again. Lying in bed, I replayed the conversation with General Henderson over and over, clinging to his words like a lifeline. My grandmother’s letter lay under my pillow, its presence a comforting reminder of my lineage, my strength.

A few days before my departure, I found myself cornered in the pack’s communal area as I was heading out to run an errand for the Luna. Lukas, his smug grin twisting his handsome features, stepped into my path. “Running away from me, Angelina?” His voice dripped with mockery. “You really think you can escape me? Once I make Marissa my Luna, I’ll come for you. You’ll be mine, too. You were always meant to be. But it will happen on my terms.”

A cold shiver ran down my spine, but I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze with unwavering defiance.

“You lost any claim to me the moment you rejected me, Lukas. I’m not yours. I never was.”

His eyes darkened, the smugness fading into something more dangerous.

“And what exactly are you going to do?” he sneered, stepping closer, his presence suffocating. “You think you can survive out there on your own? If you don’t do as I say, I’ll kick you out of the pack. See how long you last as a rogue.”

I clenched my fists, refusing to let him see the fear curling in my stomach. “I’d rather be a rogue than stay here and be anywhere near you.”

His jaw tightened, but he forced a smile as if trying to mask his growing frustration. “I can give you a good life, Angelina. You know that. I just… can’t give it to you as your mate. But you’d have everything else—comfort, protection. You wouldn’t have to struggle.”

“I don’t want anything from you,” I spat, my voice like steel. “You made your choice when you picked a female that wasn’t your mate. Now, you should abide by it. I don’t want you, Lukas, and I’ll never play second fiddle to another woman.”

His hand shot out, grabbing my arm before I could pull away. His grip was firm but not painful, his eyes searching mine with an intensity that made my skin crawl. Then, without warning, he leaned in, his lips aiming for mine. Disgust surged through me, and I jerked back hard, wrenching free from his grasp. My heart pounded in my chest as I spun on my heel and ran, my footsteps echoing in the hollow silence of the hall. I didn’t stop until the cool night air hit my face, and even then, I kept going. I knew I had to leave soon—before Lukas tried to tighten his grip any further. Because one thing was clear: staying wasn’t an option. And I’d rather face the dangers of the wild alone than let him control me ever again.

When the night of Lukas' initiation finally arrived, a calm determination settled over me. The pack was gathered for the ceremony, their attention entirely on Lukas.

It was the perfect distraction. With my duffel bag slung over my shoulder, I slipped through the shadows, my heart pounding in rhythm with my footsteps. Standing at the threshold of my room for the last time, I took one final look around. This place had never felt like home, but it had shaped me into who I was.

With a deep breath, I stepped out, ready to embrace the future my grandmother had always believed I was destined for. I reached the border of the Half Moon Pack territory just as the first light of the sun disappeared in the sky. Turning back one last time, my heart felt heavy but resolute.

The cool morning air bit at my skin, but it couldn’t match the ache in my chest. I turned back one last time, my heart a heavy knot of sorrow and defiance. “I, Angelina De Leon, denounce the Half Moon Pack as my pack,” I whispered to the wind, my voice trembling under the weight of my words. Memories of laughter and fleeting moments of belonging flickered through my mind, each one a sharp sting. “From this moment forward, I am a rogue.” The words felt like a blade cutting through my soul, severing the last ties to a life I had desperately wanted but never truly had. My breath hitched, but I forced myself to step forward. One foot, then the other, crossing the boundary that had defined my entire existence. With that, I left behind the pack, the home that had never really been mine, and stepped into the unknown. My heart ached, but beneath the pain, a fierce determination burned. I was ready to forge my destiny, no matter how uncertain the road ahead.