The Alpha's Rejected Mate

Unexpected Kiss

=====Eleanor's POV=====

Left alone in the dance floor classroom, I couldn't shake the cold that settled in my hands and feet.

Gideon's heartbeat echoed in my ears, and his disordered breathing still lingered in my senses. My wolf, too, danced excitedly within me, eager for more intimate contact with my mate.

However, I don't know why he suddenly returned to his indifferent attitude. The state is inexplicable.

I saw him disappear in the dark. Did I do something wrong?

Scott, perhaps sensing my confusion, patted me on the shoulder with encouragement.

"You danced very well tonight. Tomorrow will be even better." he reassured, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

I gave him back with a smile. I hope so too. But I heard a voice inside of me shouting, "your mate just left you."

Those moments when his eyes looked into mine, were those my illusions?

The banquet night arrived quickly. I woke up very early to get dressed, put on make-up and get ready again and again the whole day. Tons of people came in and out of my room, trying to push my outfit and makeup to the next level.

Finally, the sky went dark. Gideon came to my room and knocked on the door with knuckles.

"Time to go," when I heard his voice, my heart skipped a beat.

As I stood by the entrance, anticipation hung thick in the air. When I appeared wearing a gorgeous deep red dress, I saw a flash of light in his eyes. But he quickly calmed down and stopped looking at me.

Maybe it was my illusion again. He must hate me.

The quiet of nervousness heightened as a sleek black limo glided before me.

My heart skipped a beat, knowing that within that luxurious vehicle would lead me to a world of uncertainties and perhaps, a future I could hardly fathom.

"After you," Gideon helped me get into the car, but I could feel the indifference and the distance in his tone. I knew he just wanted to act like a gentleman, an alpha with a good image, but deep inside, he must despise me.

Dressed in fancy dress, I still felt out of place as I stepped into the limo. I've never dressed like this before. But I had no choice but to get in the limo with Gideon, the future Alpha King, my future husband, whose undeniable handsomeness caught my gaze.

The dim light accentuated the strong lines of his jaw and the intensity in his eyes. His features, chiseled and commanding, seemed to bear the weight of both responsibility and an undeniable charisma.

At that moment, I couldn't help but acknowledge the undeniable truth that Gideon attracted me so much.

It seemed that he noticed my gaze, and he glanced in my direction, with his face remaining indifferent.

"All the important Alphas of the pack will be invited to the banquet today. So behave like a future Luna as our contract regulated and stay with me all the time."

"Well noted, Alpha Gideon."

Stepping out of the car, Gideon surprisingly draped his arm around me kindly, as if assuming the role of a gentleman. His face also turned into a warm and caring smile.

Just like Gideon said, as we entered, all eyes turned towards us and followed our every move.

Corey, with Amelia on his arm, was among the onlookers. Right, I almost forgot that Corey was our pack's Alpha. I averted my gaze, suppressing the turmoil within.

"Focus, Eleanor." Sensing my distraction, Gideon whispered a stern into my ear. His grip tightened on me at the same time, as if to remind me to pay attention.

"Congratulations, Gideon. Finally find your future Luna. She is gorgeous."

Thanks to my continuous learning over the past few days, I could easily recognize everyone in the venue. The person who came was Pack's former General, a powerful wolf who could fight one against a hundred.

"Thank you for your appreciation General. Gideon often tells me about your hard work in defending the pack. I have often wanted to see you in person, and today I finally got my wish."

Gideon seemed surprised by my appropriate response, glancing at me with admiration.

The soft glow of ambient lighting reflected off crystal-clear glasses of wine, held delicately by the attendees. People, adorned in elegant attire, greeted each other gracefully, their voices echoed around my ears. It was like I was the center of the topic, and everyone came to Gideon and me.

Gideon seamlessly navigated through the crowd, a glass of wine in hand. His presence commanded attention, and as he engaged in conversations with other alphas and dignitaries, there was an air of effortless authority about him.

Since I don't drink often, I was a little overwhelmed by great Pinot Noir and started to feel dizzy.

I gently tugged on Gideon's clothes, "Gideon, I need to use the restroom and get back in a few minutes. Is that okay?"

"Do you need me to accompany you?" Maybe I was too drunk. I even saw concern in his eyes.

"Thank you, but I'm good. I just need some rest."

"Alright, let me know if you need any help."

I entered the restroom, where there were fewer people. I could finally relax my ever-tightening belly and breathe a little more.

"Well well well, here comes our lucky girl."

Amelia. The very last person I wanted to meet.

"AMELIA!" I exclaimed in a low voice, "What are you doing here?!"

"Why am I here? Of course to take care of my little sister."

Amelia gently scratched my dress, with the same expression as when she humiliated me before. I wanted to run but she blocked the exit.

"Looks like Alpha Gideon treats you really well. He even allows you to wear Pack’s best tailors' exclusive haute couture. And the diamond necklace."

Her cold long fingernails lightly prick the back of my neck.

"Eleanor, don't hate dad just because he sold you to Alpha Gideon. It was a great deal. Nobody can say no to that big amount of money. Even you."

"I would never sell my daughter." Even though I knew dad hated me, I still couldn't imagine my father had done this to me.

"So did our dad. I shouldn't say this, but you think who really sold you? It was your beloved Corey."

"Corey?" I shook my head, "no, he would not do that."

"You let him be humiliated in front of so many people, Eleanor. He will never let you get away with that."

My marked back neck started to ache again. My first love and mate hated me so much that he even humiliated me by selling me to another man.

My tears almost burst, but I remembered what Gideon required. Without saying anything, I rushed back to my seat. I couldn't face Amelia anymore.

"Are you okay? What happened?" Seeing that I was in a low mood, Gideon inquired.

"Nothing," I didn't want Gideon to know what happened. I mean, what's the point?

His demeanor softened after a few drinks, but I managed to confine myself with a low but assuring "nothing."

"Amelia is causing trouble for you again, right? Did she tell you that Corey traded you to our pack?"

I was surprised that he knew what was going on. It was only me and Amelia in the restroom just now!

"How did you know?"

At the very same time, Corey walked in and sat down right across us, following Amelia.

Gideon evaded my question. Instead, he stood up and motioned for me to stand up too.

Then, the sound of a golden spoon tapping a champagne glass rang in my ears, and the whole banquet hall fell silent.

"Attention please my guests. It was such a pleasure to have you here tonight. I always wanted to do this but could never find the proper time. Now I think it's a perfect moment."

What was he doing?

He looked at me lovingly, "This is Eleanor, my fiancée."

Everyone in the hall looked at me, including Amelia and Corey. And then Gideon continued.

"Our pack will not look down on a person because of her background, let alone treat someone as a bargaining chip to blackmail someone into a deal, like SOME packs."

Corey's face turned red, then became white.

"Everyone is welcome to our wedding next month," Gideon announced with a firm voice.

I was surprised and touched that this part was supposed to be announced after the dance, but he said it now right after Amelia humiliated me.

Was he doing it for me...?

The next second, suddenly his breath approached me, and then he pressed his lips against mine.

He kissed me!

The hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses momentarily hushed. Time seemed to pause as the room watched. The taste of the unexpected kiss lingered on my lips, and for a fleeting moment, the world around us blurred.

It was a proclamation, a statement to everyone present that I was his. As we parted, his eyes met mine, a spark reflecting something I didn't know.

My heart was beating fast, and my own wolf was howling with excitement. I felt butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

Gideon pulled away until I couldn't breathe, his lips forming a smirk.

"How did I know? I need to know everything about my future Luna."