Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the Crown

Ember Frost's POV 

Today was the mating ceremony, the most significant event in any young wolf's life.

"Mom, hurry up! "I don't want to miss anything, and I want to see Owen before the ceremony begins," I said, fidgeting while my mother dressed.

"You understand how significant this day is, Ember. I have to look my best. Who knows, you might find your mate tonight!" she replied, stepping out of her room. I blushed, my secret stirring within me.

I hadn't told my family that Owen, the Alpha Heir, was my mate. I wanted it to be a surprise. As a wolf-less human, it felt like a divine miracle when we discovered we were mates on his twentieth birthday. Since then, we became close, and I've fallen for him.

I had been waiting anxiously for this day, the day I would know my place in the pack. And today was the day, and I couldn't hide my excitement as we walked toward the ceremonial grounds.

"See you later, Mum," I said with a shy smile, leaving her to find Owen.

I waved when I saw him near the bonfire with his friends, with a bright smile lighting up my face, I approached them, "Hey-" I started, but before I could finish, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me to a secluded corner.

He released me instantly and stepped back, as though he wanted distance between us.

"Why would you show your face here?" he growled.

"Huh?" I blinked, confused by his anger.

"Do you seriously think I would accept you as my mate? Ah, girl, you must be insane to believe that," he snarled, his words hitting hard.

The noise of the ceremony drowned out our conversation, unnoticed by others. My chest ached with pain, and my heart raced. Owen's husky growl sent chills down my spine.

"Accept the rejection and leave. I don't want this bond. You really thought I would choose you as my mate? A human-what use would you be to the pack? You were overjoyed when we discovered we were mates, but here's the truth: I used you. If you had any sense, you would have stayed hidden."

His words sliced through me, the mate bond twisting in my chest. I fought back tears, desperate not to cry in front of him, making me even more stupid. Maybe he was right. What could I, as a wolf-less human, give the pack? I wasn't even a true member. On my sixteenth birthday, I discovered I wasn't my parents' biological child. They'd found me in the woods. Yet they never made me feel useless, until now.

Owen made a strange guttural sound, urging me to accept the rejection. The thought of it, of admitting how pathetic I am, tightened my throat. I inhaled sharply, struggling to breathe.

"I, Ember Frost, accept your rejection, Owen Greystone," I stammered, trembling as pain surged through me, but I refused to let a tear fall.

Owen snorted, his eyes filled with contempt.