Her rejection

Jack's eyes are devoid of emotion as he watches me. "You're nothing, Mia. Cassie will be my chosen mate, and Luna will be my mate. I reject you as my mate, Mia Jordan." I felt like I'd just been punched in the gut as those words rolled off his tongue. "No, please don't. Please, don't," I beg, my voice cracking. Jack's laughter hits me like a knife to my soul. "You're worthless, Mia. I never believed you were my true mate. The moon goddess must have made a mistake. Last night was also just a game to get you into bed. You're so gullible." He spits out. “I accept your rejection” I whisper, not wanting to stand any more of his harsh words. The same four words I didn't think I'd ever utter today. The door slams shut behind him, leaving me crumpled on the floor. Tears I'd held back for years flooded out, a wave of pain and heartache. I weep for the girl I used to be, for the love I thought I'd found, and for the rejection that cuts deeper than any wound. I woke up today to the usual kicking and beating from my brother Andrew. I ignored everything, trying to be in a good mood for once and cheerful for it being my birthday—the day I come of age to get my wolf and find my mate as well. I had hoped for this day to come ever since my mother's death because since she died, my whole life had gone from the happy fantasy it was to this living nightmare. And I had only been five. Everyone including my father, the Beta, and my brother had put the misfortune on me, even going as far as to relate it to my birth and cursing the day I was born. The bullying had started a few months later when everyone had successfully noticed that my father couldn't care more or less whether I was alive or dead or whatever was happening to me. And it had gotten so bad that my life was worse than that of the omegas not minding my father's rank in the pack. I felt a gentle touch at night when I had given up hope of finding my mate and turned to find Jack staring at me. Startled, I scrambled back, my wolf instincts on high alert. I scurried, ready to defend myself, but then, my wolf reassured me, "He's not going to hurt us." However, I remained silent, still wary. Jack's expression softened, and he said, "Hey, I'm sorry. I've been a jerk, and I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I wanted to take things slow before announcing you as my mate to my father." I relaxed a little, intrigued and surprised by Jack's words. "Do you mean that?" I asked. Jack nodded. "Yes, I do. Your brother and Cassie got in my head, and I said things I shouldn't have. And treated you so badly, Nobody deserves to be treated the way you did." I smiled, accepting his apology. It was the first apology I have ever heard anyway, we shared a bottle of wine, talking long into the night. As the moon shone brightly outside, Jack's soft voice calmed My nerves. Suddenly, Jack's hands touched mine, a shiver danced down my spine. I hesitated, unsure, but his gentle whisper reassured me, "I'll never make you uncomfortable." His words soothed me, and I let him draw me closer. His lips brushed against mine, and sparks flew through me. My first kiss and it felt like home. The flame between us sparked to life, unstoppable. But, it was Jack my bully after everything he had done is this right?. My wolf's gentle voice whispered, "Forgive him, he's our mate." My resistance melted, replaced by a longing to surrender. Jack's hands explored my body, setting my skin aglow. I felt alive, free, and seen. My heart pounded, and I wrapped my arms around him, deepening our kiss. The next morning, As I rolled over, my hand instinctively reached for Jack's, but his side of the bed was empty. I scrambled up, disoriented, and frantically searched the room. Had it all been a dream? But the bite marks on my thighs told a different story. A blush crept up my cheeks as memories of last night flooded back. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, my life was about to take a turn for the better. Just as I was about to leave the room, the door swung open, and I stumbled back, clutching my forehead in pain. Blood dripped from the cut, and tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. As I looked up, my vision blurred by tears, I saw Cassie clinging to Jack's arm, pouring herself all over him. And Jack... Jack was smiling, his eyes gleaming with amusement. The tears I'd been holding back came rushing down my cheeks, and I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces. Cassie's voice dripped with malice. "Look at her, crying over a little bump from the door." She sneered, her eyes gleaming with triumph. I kept quiet, my head down, unsure of what to do. Last night's intimacy with Jack still lingered, and I was confused. Why was he doing this to me? My wolf growled, urging me to confront Cassie, to claim my mate. But I hesitated, unsure if I was ready for a fight. Thea my wolf, whispered, "Calm down, Mia. Our mate seems to be enjoying this." I silenced her, knowing that couldn't be true. We had connected on a deep level last night; I felt it. But as I looked up at Jack, I saw the truth. He was smiling, his eyes locked on Cassie. My heart sank, and I felt a lump form in my throat. The only word that escaped my lips was, "Why, Jack?" Jack's sneer cut deep. "Why? You thought I'd accept you as my mate?" Cassie's voice was laced with venom "this b***h is your mate? Don't make me laugh, Jack. I'm your mate, not her." Cassie's hands grasped my hair, pulling me down. I felt a searing pain, and my wolf took over. With a surge of adrenaline, she pushed Cassie back. "Don't dare touch me, pup!" But Jack's slap sent me reeling. "Look what she did to me, Cassie shrieked She should be executed!!!" Cassie's eyes blazed with fury as she lunged at me. Jack intervened, his voice cold. "Cassie, out. Now." I clutch my chest, refusing to accept the rejection. "No, this can't be right. It's a mistake," I whisper to myself. My wolf, Thea, is eerily silent now. I called out to her, "Thea, Thea!" but she remained quiet, shut off from me. I crumpled to the floor, overwhelmed by pain and confusion. Why had I accepted his rejection? I should have fought back. As I struggled to catch my breath, I realized I had to escape. I couldn't stay in the pack, not now. I began to pack my bag, my mind racing with plans. I knew the patrol schedule, having often ventured out to gather herbs. Cassie would sometimes send me to fetch fresh fruits from the borders of the park. The patrol officers knew me, and I knew their routine. I decided to wait until dawn when the guards would be less vigilant. Then, I'd make my move, slipping away from the park and leaving the heartache behind. As I pondered my escape, a daunting question loomed: where would I go? I had no one, nowhere to call my own. The pack had been my entire world. I took a deep breath, wiping away tears. Leaving the pack was the first step. I scanned my small room, realizing I had barely anything to pack. My eyes fell on the worn clothes I'd found – the pearl blue skirt, the white shirt, and the crumpled yellow dress, now almost white from excessive washing. These were my only belongings. I laughed bitterly, realizing I didn't even have a bag to pack. Why was I clinging to half-hearted hope? My brother had been right; I couldn't wait for others to save me. No one was coming, I had to save myself. I crawled onto the bed, waiting for nightfall when I'd make my escape. The darkness outside seemed to match my resolve, I would leave this hell behind, no matter what. Finally, it is time to make my escape. I get up, take a few of my things and sneaker out the door quietly. I hear commotion outside and a part of me is happy for the distraction and thankful as well. At least I get to know and leave quietly without anyone hearing me. Just as I made it to the door and touched the handle, someone opened the door with anger. "Where the f*ck do you think you're going to, Mia?!".