Rejected Mate's Vengeance

The next morning, Ronan was still asleep in his den when I left early, my wolf pelt draped over my shoulders. It wasn’t that I was avoiding him on purpose; I just didn’t want to start my day with any negativity that might affect my mood. Today, I had a crucial training session with the pack warriors, where the Beta would announce the new Gamma. I knew how to prioritize my rank over romance, especially when the romance was with someone who had already become unreliable.

With my thoughts organized and my head held high, I walked into the training grounds with complete self-assurance. Right at the entrance, I unexpectedly bumped into Malaysia Jimenez, my only rival for the Gamma position. She wasn’t fond of me, mostly because my combat skills often outshone hers. She liked to complicate things for me, and she was a fan of Ronan’s.

Years ago, when Ronan downplayed our relationship with a blunt four-word statement, Malaysia had mocked me in front of the pack, revealing her friendship with Callie. Back then, she had been instrumental in setting up Callie and Ronan. Now, with Ronan’s public declaration of Callie as his mate, Malaysia was more smug than ever.

“Check out the perks of being the official mate. It’s just different, isn’t it?” she sneered, her voice dripping with malice. “Better than some she-wolves who overestimate themselves and think they can climb the ranks using male wolves. As if anybody would even consider them.”

I chuckled, giving her a once-over from head to toe. Her sleek, dark fur bristled under my gaze. "In terms of looks, I certainly can’t hold a candle to you. Using a male wolf to climb the ranks is just your style."

“I, on the other hand, find it sleazy.”

Malaysia’s face contorted in anger as she fired back. “Nadia, don’t get cocky. You’ll be the one howling in sorrow later.”

But little did she know, the tears would be hers to shed, not mine. She was so full of herself because of her affair with Barrett Wheeler, the pack’s current Gamma. She was sure she’d win the promotion, but she didn’t expect Barrett’s mate to storm into the training grounds and create quite the scene by confronting her in front of the entire pack.

The outcome was clear—I clinched the Gamma position without a hitch. As I passed by Malaysia in her frazzled state, her fur matted and her tail drooping, I leaned in and whispered, “Looks like using a male wolf didn’t work for you either.”

She seethed silently, her golden eyes burning with rage.

After the training session, it began to rain, the droplets soaking into my pelt as I made my way back to my den. Rubbing my tired temples, I opened the door to the smell of roasted meat. Ronan, donning an apron, emerged from the kitchen, holding a plate of barbecue ribs—my favorite dish.

His face brightened as he saw me, his broad frame filling the doorway. “Nadia, freshen up, dinner’s ready. It’s all your favorite dishes tonight.”

The sight felt unreal. Ronan was a talented cook, but he rarely prepared meals, typically only on my birthdays. I’d once confessed that eating his food felt like a slice of happiness. He’d teased, “If I ever upset you, you can forgive me after eating my cooking, right?”

I’d agreed with a silly grin, “Okay.”

“What are you daydreaming about? Time to eat,” Ronan said, taking off his apron and reaching for my pelt with his usual attentiveness.

Before I could respond, a sickly sweet voice interrupted, “Ronan, darling~”

I looked up. It was Callie, strolling out of my bedroom, wearing my ceremonial wolf pelt—the one I had earned after years of loyalty and hard work. Her golden fur shimmered in the dim light, and her eyes gleamed with triumph.

My wolf growled low in my chest, a primal sound of warning and betrayal. But I forced myself to stay calm, my claws retracting as I clenched my fists. This wasn’t over—not by a long shot.