The Alpha’s Rejected Mate

Chapter 4

***Rainah***

Five years have passed since that fateful day, and I stand before the mirror, grappling with the reflection staring back at me. The black rings around my once bright gray eyes deepen with each passing day, a perpetual reminder of the rejection I endured. Every time I catch a glimpse of myself, a familiar pit forms in my stomach, stirring emotions I fight hard to control. The wolf within me is restless and unpredictable, especially when anger flares.

Life thrust me into the wild, forcing me to confront not just the natural world, but also the chaos within me. The wilderness has become my refuge and my teacher. I’ve learned to hunt, gather, and survive—all while nurturing a bond with a group of rogue wolves who have become my makeshift family. Together, we roam the forests, share laughter and meals, and protect one another. The connection I share with them is something I once dreamed would come from my biological pack; it fills some of the void left by my rejection.

Each member of my rogue pack has a unique story. Jaxon, the former enforcer, hides a heart of gold beneath a rough exterior. Lila, a fierce fighter with a playful spirit, keeps our lives interesting. Max is our wise strategist, always keeping us grounded, while Torres, the gentle giant, has a knack for finding the best food sources. And then there’s Evie, whose laughter can brighten the darkest days. Together, we are a family—not by blood, but through shared experiences and unwavering support.

Despite the happiness they bring me, remnants of my past cling to me like an unwelcome shadow. Tonight is supposed to be special; we’ve set aside time to enjoy a rare evening out.

As the sun sets behind the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, we enter the local diner. The air is thick with the aroma of grilled meat and freshly baked bread, making my stomach rumble in excitement.

We settle into a booth, laughter bubbling as we reminisce about our misadventures—like the time Jaxon tried to charm a deer and ended up scaring it away, or when Torres attempted to bake and accidentally started a small fire in our camp. It’s comforting, the way our shared stories knit our lives together, providing a temporary escape from the haunting memories of the past.

But just as I start to relax, my heart sinks. In walks a familiar male; Beta Camden—the embodiment of everything I’ve tried to forget. Standing tall and imposing at the entrance, he looks just as I remember, his athletic build accentuated by the tailored clothes he wears. A chill passes through me, resonating with feelings I wish to bury deep. Camden is laughing, and beside him a female, a marked female- perhaps his fated mate? The stunning woman whose beauty seems to outshine the diner’s fluorescent lights.

My breath catches in my throat, and the warmth from the previous moments evaporates. It’s as though the universe has conspired to remind me of my loss in a cruel twist of fate. I can feel the tension crackle in the air, and my wolf stirs instinctively; the rejection ignites a possessive anger I’ve tried so hard to master. The black rings around my eyes swirl with emotion.

I glance at my pack, engaging in their conversation as I purposefully ignore the presence of my old pack member. Although my own pack didn’t data a word, I could see the concern in their eyes. They’ve witnessed my turmoil often enough to recognize when I need grounding. Lila places a reassuring hand on my shoulder, as if to say, "you okay?” But seeing Camden laugh with his mate puts my resolve to the test, and I’m determined to push through without letting them see my struggle.

“Yeah just thinking,” I say, plastering on a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. I can feel Camden’s presence drawing nearer, and with each step he takes, the weight of my past presses down harder. Oh moon goddess please don’t let him recognise me. I sent up the silent prayer.

In a moment he walked past me before he stopped right in front of me. I looked up pretending to see why a person had stopped in front of me and he seemed surprised. Our eyes meet for just a brief moment, and a flash of recognition passes in him. “Rainah?” He says my name and my pack members go silent.

“Do I know you!” I asked not leaving any recognition in my voice.

“Camden? Beta of..” he trailed off a he assessed me and the people I was with. “Nevermind, you look like someone I know.” He said as he and his fate went three seats down.

I pulled out my phone as something in me said he lied about knowing me. He must not want to startle me. That’s when I knew why. I sent a text to my pack that we have to leave now. They didn’t questions or hesitate. We all stood as one and walked out of the dinner.

Max moving quick to get our dinner to go. The first half of the drive was silent as we drove away from the diner.

I try to focus on my food, on my family, but the thought of seeing Camden- my mates beta. I feel an old wound open, and the wolf within me came forward, yearning to lash out at the source of my pain.

“Do you need anything?” Jaxon finally asks, noticing my inability to shake the dark cloud hovering over me.

“I’m fine,” I reply tersely, though I can feel the tension coiling tightly within me.

“Let’s go home and maybe tomorrow go for a swim,” Malik suggests, ever the mediator.

I nod gratefully, using the excuse of placing my headphones over my ears. As I step into a relaxed zone, the cool air-con in the car washes over me, providing a brief relief from the chaos of emotions swirling inside.

“Rainah,” Jaxon begins, tapping my shoulder. “We’re here for you. You know that, right?”

I turn to face him, a mixture of gratitude and pain filling my eyes. “I just need a moment. It’s complicated.” I say.

“We are here if you need to talk,” Jaxon says softly, looking deep into my eyes. “When you’re up to it.”

As I lean back my chair to listen to my playlist, I realize that what if Camden had told Sawyer about seeing me? I didn’t have it in me to face the male that has broken my heart, no matter how long it’s been. I am no longer that girl who desperately sought acceptance. The wilderness has taught me to survive on my own, and my pack has shown me that family can be forged from scratch.

Taking a deep breath, I finally allow the thought of my pack of four years seep into me. I was surrounded by people who have come to care for me just as I have them. “You’ll be alright.” My wolf said.

“You’re right,” I concede, my voice steady. “I’ll be okay.” I replied to her.

As we return to our home, I said goodnight to pack as I walked to my room. I will not let Camden’s presence remind me of the mate I had lost. I have become stronger then that omega from five years ago. If he by any chance comes looking for me, which I doubt he would considering he had rejected me. I would never take him back. I would never accept him. He would come to regret rejecting me, I am Rainah—a wolf forged in the wilderness, surrounded by my family who loves me unconditionally. Rejection will no longer dictate my happiness.

With that thought, I think about my pack, allowing the many laughters we have shared float in my memory. I wasn’t just their family but an Alpha of my pack. My mates image fades into the background, overshadowed by the memories and bonds I have built over these five long years.

Little do I know, the challenges I face are only the beginning.