Rejected Luna's Destiny

Chapter 2: A Love That Never Was

The whispers follow me, lingering in the shadows. I know the pack is talking about me. I can feel their eyes watching, waiting to see how I’ll react to being cast aside like I was nothing.

“Did you hear? The Alpha rejected her.”

“She’s useless now.”

“She never belonged anyway.”

The words sting, but I force myself to keep walking, refusing to show weakness. I won’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.

I don’t know where I’m going until I find myself standing in front of my small infirmary. My sanctuary. My escape. The place where I spent years proving my worth, working tirelessly to earn my place among the pack. And now, none of it matters.

I push the door open and step inside, the familiar scent of herbs and antiseptic surrounding me. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. But it’s no use. The moment the door closes behind me, the weight of everything crashes down on me. My knees buckle, and I sink to the floor, pressing my hands against my face.

A sob escapes before I can stop it. Then another. The pain is unbearable, clawing at my chest, suffocating me. I gave everything to this pack, to Benjamin. And he threw me away without a second thought.

A soft knock on the door startles me. I wipe at my face quickly, forcing myself to stand. I don’t want to see anyone. I don’t want their pity.

But the knock comes again.

“Camila?”

I recognize the voice instantly. Jack.

I hesitate before opening the door. Jack stands there, his dark brown eyes filled with concern. He’s always been kind to me, always treated me with respect when so many others didn’t. But right now, I don’t want kindness. I don’t want anyone to see me like this.

“Are you okay?” he asks softly, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

I let out a shaky breath. “Do I look okay?”

Jack closes the door behind him, watching me carefully. “I heard what happened.”

Of course, he did. Everyone probably knows by now.

I shake my head, my voice breaking. “He chose her, Jack. He looked me in the eyes and threw me away like I meant nothing.”

Jack sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. “Benjamin is a fool.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “That doesn’t change anything.”

He steps closer, his gaze steady. “It changes the fact that you deserve better. You always have.”

My throat tightens. “That doesn’t make the pain go away.”

Jack is silent for a moment, then he reaches out, placing a warm hand on my shoulder. “I know it doesn’t. But you’re stronger than this, Camila. You always have been.”

I don’t know what to say. I’m so used to standing on my own, to facing my struggles alone. But right now, having Jack here feels like the only thing keeping me from falling apart completely.

“Let me help you,” he says quietly.

I meet his gaze, searching for any sign of pity. But all I see is sincerity.

“I don’t know how,” I admit.

Jack gives me a small smile. “Then we’ll figure it out together.”

A lump forms in my throat, but I nod. Because right now, I don’t want to be alone.

The next morning, I force myself to leave the infirmary. I can’t hide forever, no matter how much I want to. The pack may have turned its back on me, but I refuse to let them see me as weak.

I walk through the village with my head held high, ignoring the whispers that follow me. But just as I’m about to head toward the marketplace, I stop in my tracks.

Kayla.

She stands near the main square, laughing with a group of pack members, acting as if nothing has happened. As if she hasn’t destroyed me.

Anger flares inside me, burning away the sadness, the betrayal. I take a step forward before I can stop myself.

She sees me then, her smile faltering for just a second before she composes herself. “Camila,” she greets, her voice too sweet, too fake.

I clench my fists. “How could you?”

Kayla tilts her head, feigning innocence. “How could I what?”

Rage bubbles inside me. “Don’t play games with me. You knew Benjamin was my mate. You were my friend.”

Kayla lets out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Your mate? Camila, you were never meant for him. He only ever wanted someone strong by his side. Someone worthy.”

The words cut deep, but I refuse to show weakness. “And you think that’s you?”

Kayla smirks. “It is me. And he chose me.”

Something inside me snaps. I step closer, my voice dangerously low. “Then you can have him. But don’t think for a second that I’ll forgive you.”

Kayla shrugs. “I don’t need your forgiveness, Camila. I have everything I want.”

I turn away before I do something I’ll regret. But as I walk away, I make a silent promise to myself.

I will not let this break me.

Kayla may have stolen Benjamin. The pack may have turned their backs on me. But I am not weak.

And I will rise again.

As I walk back to the infirmary, I feel Jack’s eyes on me from a distance. He doesn’t say anything, doesn’t interfere. But I know he’s there. Watching. Protecting.

And for the first time since last night, I don’t feel completely alone.

That night, I sit by the window, staring out at the moonlit sky. My heart still aches, the pain still raw, but there’s something else now. A spark deep inside me.

I may have lost everything.

But I will find a way to rebuild.

Even if it means starting over, even if it means carving out a new place for myself—I will not be defeated.

And as I close my eyes, I make a vow.

One day, Benjamin and Kayla will regret ever underestimating me.

The night air bites at my skin as I walk away from the grand hall, my feet unsteady on the cold earth. My head is spinning, my heart aching with the weight of betrayal. Kayla, my best friend, stood there with Benjamin as if I had never mattered. As if I had never existed in their world.