CHAPTER 4: REJECTION

Serena took a step back, her hands covering her mouth as a sob escaped her lips. The crowd took the opportunity to push forward their cameras flashing at the stunned couple in bed.

She masked the smile tugging her lips and continued her ruse, forcing a tear from her eyes as she collapsed to her knees.

“Anya! Ashton! How could you?” She shrieked.

As if brought out of a trance, Anya and Ashton scampered to put on their clothes, their faces conveying panic and fear as they rushed out of the room.

“It’s not what you think Serena,” Ashton rushed to her, taking her hands which she angrily dragged away.

Serena's mother, Luna Linda came forward, her eyes filled with reproach and anger as she stared at Anya.

“How could you seduce your sister’s mate? On her wedding day!” she barked, grabbing Serena's shoulder in a comforting way.

Anya rushed towards her, tears streaming down her face as she looked desperately at Luna Linda.

“ I…I didn't! Serena sent me to pick up something for her…then…then I fainted. I don't know what happened. Mom, you have to believe me.”

Serena watched with cold eyes as her mother looked conflicted, a part of her already believing what Anya uttered.

Ashton, seeing the reaction, immediately jumped in. “ I had a little to drink. I went into the room to see if Serena was ready. The lights were dim; I mistook Anya for Serena,”

Serena scoffed as she rose, taking deliberate steps toward the pair clinging to her father and mother.

She glanced at the guests and forced out some tears from her eyes. They weren't the only ones who could put on a show.

“How do you expect any of us to believe that? You…,” her voice broke, tears falling rapidly down her cheeks. “ You spend more time with each other than any of you spends with me!

I didn't even get the chance to send her the errand I wanted because you carried her out of the room in your arms.” she fished out a handkerchief from her pocket and gently dabbed her eyes, painting the image of a scorned bride.

The crowd who were beginning to believe their story suddenly turned hostile, murmurs rising while the panicked look on Anya's face grew bigger.

“Anya, I have seen you multiple times pestering Ashton, throwing yourself at him! Bu….but I never expected you'd do such a thing at my wedding!”

Luna Linda yanked her hand away from Anya and walked to Serena, gathering her in her arms while her hands patted her hair softly.

Serena felt genuine tears pool in her eyes at the gesture, her mother holding her securely in her arms, just like she always did before Anya came into the picture.

Anya rushed forward, her hands clutching their father who had a grim look on his face.

“Father you…you have to believe me!” she wailed.

He dropped the champagne glass and turned towards Serena who rolled her eyes.

She could almost hear what was coming.

“No... I don't think I can bear this,” she pronounced, holding on to her mother's hand.

“ We're done. I'm not marrying Ashton!”

Alpha Lucas's face twisted, his hands at his sides clenched in anger.

“No! You cannot call off this wedding! You must marry Ashton!”

“And why can't I father? Would you rather your daughter be trapped in a marriage with a man who cheats on her with her sister?” Serena thundered, anger rushing through her veins as she stared down at the man that has been nothing but a sperm donor for her.

He flinched at the outburst, the murmuring of the guests rising with each second.

“She's right, who'd marry a man like that?” One spoke.

“ He treats his adopted daughter better than his blood. Unbelievable!” Another voice echoed from the crowd.

Serena folded her arms across her chest, her eyes blazing with rage as she stared at her father.

His control was slipping, the image he portrayed as a kind and loving father was getting broken and people were beginning to see him for what he truly was.

Scum!

Ashton stood from his kneeling position, every trace of the contrite look he had earlier vanished from his face.

He looked at the crowd with contempt, his eyes filled with hate as he stared at Serena.

“I simply mistook one person for another. Is that worth all this drama?” He barked in a cold and sharp voice.

“It was a simple mistake any of you whispering among yourselves could make!

If this damages the alliance between our families, it will destroy this pack, who will then take responsibility for it?”

Some elders in the pack shook their heads with contempt and walked out of the venue, much to the chagrin of Alpha Lucas who looked like he was about to strangle Serena.

Ashton walked close to Serena, seizing her arm harshly and drawing her close to whisper furiously in her ear.

“Think about what you're doing you bitch. This alliance is needed between our families and if you mess this up you’ll be begging for my forgiveness,”

Serena yanked her hand back, pushing Ashton in the process, her eyes dark with fury as she met his gaze.

“Let's see who will plead for forgiveness!” she retorted, pulling off the ring on her finger, throwing it at him.

“I, Serena Blackwood, reject Ashton Greywolf as my mate and husband!” She proclaimed.

Ashton collapsed to his knees as a piercing pain tore through him at her pronouncement, his face immediately coated with sweat.

Alpha Lucas stood rooted to the spot, his face black as charcoal before he turned to Serena and exploded.

“How dare you disobey me! I am your Father and whatever I tell you to do must be carried out!” He roared, stalking towards Serena with his hand raised to strike.

Serena braced herself for the impact but before it could land a voice boomed from the doorway.

“Touch her and you'll regret it.”