The Alpha's Contract Mate

Rejection And Betrayal

I watched them from the trees.

The firelight flickered through the thick pines, casting twisted shadows across the forest floor. Laughter rang out in waves, carried on the wind, and with every echo, my heart sank deeper into my chest

They were celebrating.

His hands in hers, Damon and Liora stood at the center of the sacred stone circle—exactly where I was supposed to stand.

My legs trembled beneath me, hidden behind a moss-covered trunk. I’d been standing in the same spot for what felt like hours, too afraid to move, too broken to look away. I didn’t even notice the cold until the wind cut through the thin shawl wrapped around my shoulders like a ghost of comfort.

The flames roared taller than any mating fire I’d seen before, fed by thick logs and eager hands. The scent of burned cedar and sage mixed with the iron tang of blood rituals. The entire pack had gathered to witness the bond. To rejoice in the rejection of fate.

I clenched my hands into fists, nails biting into my palms.

He had chosen her.

He had rejected me

Damon stood tall and proud, clad in ceremonial armor laced with raven feathers and black leather, the symbol of our pack painted in silver across his chest. Liora looked radiant beside him—hair braided into an intricate crown, her silk gown clinging to every curve like a second skin. A red ribbon tied around her wrist marked her as a bride.

I didn’t wear a ribbon. I didn’t wear anything that mattered.

Because I no longer did.

A loud cheer erupted as they raised their joined hands to the sky. I flinched. My wolf whimpered inside me, curled in a tight ball, silent. She hadn’t made a sound since he said those words three weeks ago:

> “I reject Arielle Thorn as my mate.”

I hadn’t believed it at first. Not until he walked past me at the evening patrol without so much as a glance. Not until I saw him trailing behind Liora in the marketplace, their fingers brushing like lovers.

Not until tonight.

Tonight made it real

Someone passed Damon a blade—small, ceremonial, gilded. He sliced a shallow cut across his palm. Liora followed, hissing a little but keeping her smile intact.

They pressed their bleeding hands together, and the pack chanted louder.

> “Bound by choice. Not by fate.”

Those words were a dagger to the heart. Our pack always prided strength over destiny, dominance over nature. And I… I was soft. Small. An omega with healing herbs in her pockets instead of weapons. I never stood a chance

Tears blurred my vision. I wiped them away furiously, hoping no one had noticed me.

But of course, no one had.

I wasn’t supposed to be here. I should’ve stayed in the servant quarters, where they pushed me after Father died. But something had pulled me here tonight. Some part of me needed to see it. Needed to watch him let me go, so I could stop hoping he'd change his mind.

I closed my eyes as the Alpha raised his hands.

“Let the mating begin.”

Their heads tilted in unison, necks bared. My breath caught.

This was it.

This was the end.

I looked away the moment their teeth sank into flesh, the bond sealing in blood He had marked her. The crowd roared in approval. Howls pierced the night air—savage, triumphant. My stomach churned. I wanted to run. To scream. To collapse.

Instead, I sank to my knees behind the tree, hands over my mouth, tears finally spilling down my cheeks.

It hurt. Goddess, it hurt.

I forced myself to stand, knees shaking. I wouldn’t watch the claiming dance. I’d seen enough.

My wolf whimpered in pain. She wanted her mate but he was no more. He was with someone else I once considered by best friend.

Liora had always been my best friend, even before my parent's lost their lives to a fatal accident.

Even during my grieving she was always there, acting as a second elder sister to me.

Our lives took a different turn when I found out that my parent's owed a huge some of money to the royal family of the raven pack. And in other to pay the money I and my Elder sister were reduced to Palace servants.

Of course Liora didn't betray me then. No, she kept being a good best friend and even helped me carry out my slave duties, occasionally bringing snacks for me and chasing off any man who dared laid their lewd fingers on me.

All things changed when we turned twenty-one.

As part of the raven pack, every girl of age is mandated to attend the mating ball. because it is believed that the moon goddess pair up mates at that ball.

I had come there just expecting a regular normal guy for a mate as I myself was less than normal

I was just a weak omega healer who couldn't even shift at will even at twenty-one, and was a servant to the alpha family no less.

But what I got as a mate was too generous for one of my status. I got my longtime since- childhood crush* Damon*, my master's son and Alpha prince for a mate.

I had already accepted in my heart to be rejected on the spot by Damon.

But no he didn't, But he didn't accept me either.

" I will think about it, I am not ready to mate yet" was what he said to me.

Naive me! I believed him over and over again hoping that he would overlook my wolf status and rest his gaze on my beauty and elegant figure, because even a blind man can spot my gorgeous beauty. I was indeed very beautiful.

I had done everything in my power to win him over. singing and dancing for him on every chance to make him smile, using my healer abilities to heal even a scratch on his arm.....

I even kiss me touch me... cuddle me and use me anytime he wishes. after all I was keeping myself for only him. and he would have me when ever he wanted once we officially mate.

My entire world fell apart when I caught him with another girl on his bed. He was cheating on me with my best friend Liora.

I had confronted them both, but they didn't hide or feel embarrassed at all.

With tears gushing out uncontrollably, I asked, my voice filled with hurt. "why..."

You are too weak Arielle" Damon had blurted out heartlessly " At your age you can't even shift and you are a lowly omega.... You can't be my Luna. I can't be seen and have babies with you who will grow up to be weak Alphas to the pack"

I had looked at who I considered my bestie, Liora sitting half nude on my mate's bed without shame.

" You think with your pretty face you can get whatever you want...Even the perfect Alpha prince, Damon" Liora gushed out with spite and disgust." "sorry baby face ,The Alpha prince had decided to mate with someone of his type"

"That's not possible I am his mate" I blurted out amidst sobbing.

"Not Anymore Arielle. "I Damon

Petrova Reject you Arielle Thorn as my mate". Damon stated with all confidence.

***********************************************

The sound of fireworks kicked me out of my thoughts. I quickly covered my face with my worn out shawl before anyone recognized me and snuck out of the ceremony hall in heartbroken tears.