Rejected by the Alpha's Choice
Chapter 5
The entire third floor had been reserved by Axton Taylor. As I stepped onto the level, the noisy chatter died down instantly, and all eyes turned to me, filled with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
“She actually came?” someone whispered.
“Axton said today is Camila’s birthday, but her status as an Omega doesn’t allow for a grand celebration,” another voice added.
“So they’re using this as an excuse to celebrate.”
Though they were far away, my sharp wolf hearing caught every word. My heart ached, and I couldn’t help but think bitterly: He really knows how to make the most of things!
“Victoria, come over here!” Stefan Barnes called out to me.
Stefan was a mutual friend of Axton and me, someone I’d known since our days at the pack academy. Yet, he had known about Axton’s secret relationship with Camila and never told me. Suppressing the turmoil inside, I nodded slightly and took a seat.
Soon, Axton returned, and to my shock, he was accompanied by Camila. The sight of them together drew laughter and cheers from the crowd, as people eagerly handed Camila their carefully prepared gifts. Some even joked about how their scents matched perfectly, as if they were destined mates, completely ignoring my presence.
Noticing my discomfort, Axton quickly said, “Today’s supposed to be Victoria’s welcome party. Why are you all crowding around me? Go and give her your gifts!”
At his words, Camila shot me a resentful glare. I couldn’t help but find the whole scene absurd. These were once our packmates, people who had once wished us a lifetime of happiness. Yet, they had all kept the truth from me, treating me like a fool. Was I really that much of an outsider to them?
The air in the room felt suffocating. I excused myself to step outside for some fresh air. Standing on the balcony, the cool night breeze helped clear my mind. But as I turned around, I found Camila standing there, her eyes filled with desperation.
“You heard what I said yesterday, didn’t you?” she began.
“Axton doesn’t love you. Why are you still clinging to the title of his mate? For the sake of our past friendship, I’m begging you—let me have him. If you don’t mark him, he can make me his chosen mate.”
I was about to tell her she was delusional when she suddenly threw herself against the nearby wall. Blood trickled down her pale skin, staining her face as she collapsed to the ground, her expression full of anguish.
“Victoria,” she pleaded, her voice trembling, “Axton and I are truly in love. I only ask for a place by his side. Please, let me have this!”
Her cries drew Axton’s attention, and he rushed over, his face a mix of shock and concern. His Alpha aura flared, dominating the space as he knelt beside her, his eyes darting between us with a mix of accusation and confusion.
