Birthday and rejection

Cade's POV

"Alpha Cade!" the crowd cheered as I walked in, my head held high. My father proudly placed his hands on my shoulders, a smile lighting up his face.

"Double celebration for us, Nightshade. Alpha Cade is plus one today!" he announced, and the room erupted in applause.

I smiled, scanning the room until my gaze met Zyra's. Instantly, my smile faded as I noticed the stern expression on her face. She quickly looked away before I could react.

Looks like someone has some guts now.

I watched as she made her way back into the mansion, determined to get under my skin. Well, I would deal with her later.

Amidst the congratulatory wishes from pack members, I grew tired of the noise. The celebration filled every nook and corner, and I decided to retreat inside the mansion. Kevin and Alex walked beside me as we made our way to the hall where the birthday festivities were taking place.

Everything was going well—I had assumed my rightful position as the Alpha, the birthday celebration was in full swing, and now all that remained was finding my mate.

Standing at the head of the table, I watched my pack members enjoy the food, drink, and music. It was truly a joyous occasion. As I reached for a glass of champagne, I spotted Aria gracefully approaching me with a wine glass in hand, swirling the liquid within it.

"Alpha Cade," she smiled, bowing her head respectfully. "It's good to see you again. I hope you're having fun."

"Yes, I am. Thank you, Aria. And happy birthday," I replied with a raised eyebrow.

Aria's smile widened as she pulled out a small box from behind her back.

"Oh, for me?" I mouthed, and she nodded.

"I got you a little present," she said, gesturing for me to open the box. I took it in my hands and slowly opened it, revealing a diamond wristwatch inside. I chuckled softly, looking back at her.

"Well, thank you. It's a perfect addition to my walk-in closet," I replied, closing the box.

"I'm glad you love it. You have such high class," she complimented, her eyes sparkling.

She was right—I did have high class and taste, no doubt about it. But then, out of nowhere, she surprised me with a question.

"So, I was wondering if you'd consider me as your mate," she stated with a hopeful smile.

I laughed softly, smirking at her. "You want to be my mate, don't you?"

Her smile grew wider as she nodded. "Who wouldn't want to be your mate? Although I haven't felt any bond yet. Have you?"

I shook my head, indicating that I hadn't either. "No, not yet. Well, let's see if you could be my mate."

"Let's see," she replied, and the whole room erupted in cheers and applause.

Suddenly, our attention was drawn to two pack members kissing passionately in the corner of the room.

"Looks like Sam has already found his mate. I better find mine too," Aria sighed, glancing at the scene before taking one last look at me. She swayed her hips seductively as she walked away, trying to provoke me as always.

I laughed softly, turning my gaze to find my parents engrossed in conversation. My mother's smile was infectious, spreading joy throughout the room.

Taking another sip from my glass, however, I felt a sense of unease. I knew this feeling—it was the expectation of finding my mate today. But was I truly ready for that kind of commitment?

As I looked around, my eyes fell upon a lone figure standing at the edge of the clearing. Something about her caught my attention. It was like a magnetic pull drawing me closer to her. With each step towards her, the feeling intensified until she turned around.

And there she was—the person I felt inexplicably drawn to. But as our eyes met, her expression turned to one of disappointment and disbelief.

Zyra's POV

I couldn't find the words to describe what I was feeling—a strange pull towards someone, an undeniable connection. And yet, as I turned around with a smile, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment.

Of all people, why did it have to be Alpha Cade?

As he approached me, our pack members around us understood what was happening. Scowls and jeers emanated from the crowd, and Alpha Cade's look of disappointment only confirmed their disapproval.

"I had always imagined my mate to be someone I would love and cherish, but you... someone I care less about," he said, his words cutting through me like a knife.

For a moment, the room fell into stunned silence, only to be replaced by murmurs and whispers that stung as they reached my ears.

"Oh my goodness, she's his mate?"

"Why her???”

"Damn, a low-class bitch is mated to our esteemed Alpha? What a shame for our pack."

The comments and whispers filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of their judgment.

"Do you think I want anything to do with you?" I questioned Alpha Cade, meeting his intense gaze.

He narrowed his eyes, baring his teeth, his voice rumbling with an almost menacing tone. "I don't want anything to do with your pack either," he retorted with a scoff.

The hostility in his words hit me hard. I forced a smile, although tears welled up in my eyes. "Alpha Cade, please don't say that. You shouldn't," I replied, my voice trembling.

Without hesitation, he took a step back, his side smile filled with a sense of pride. "Zyra, I reject you as my mate. I, Alpha Cade of Nightshade Pack, reject you, Zyra Xander, as my mate," he announced, his words piercing through my heart.

My eyes widened in shock, my breath hitching in my throat. The realization that I would be bound to him through the wolf bond, yet unwanted, weighed heavily upon me.

"How could I love an omega as pathetic as you? You are weak and will never be good enough for me and my pack. I have no desire to waste my time on you," he proclaimed, his words laced with disdain.

Tears streamed down my face, a mixture of pain, humiliation, and confusion. The world around me blurred as the reality of rejection settled in.

Alpha Cade's rejection echoed loudly in my mind, a constant reminder that the bond we shared would remain, even if his heart chose to turn away. The room filled with murmurs of sympathy and shock, amplifying my feelings of isolation.

Within me, something shifted. I straightened my posture and wiped away my tears with determination in my eyes. I wouldn't allow his rejection to break me. I had faced hardships before and would continue to do so with strength.

"How dare you," I whispered, my voice steady. "How dare you reject me so callously, disregarding the bond we share. I may be an omega, but I am strong, resilient, and deserving of love."

Alpha Cade's eyes widened, his arrogance faltering for a moment as he observed my newfound resolve.

"There is strength in me that you have failed to see, Alpha Cade. I may never be good enough for you and your pack, but that doesn't define my worth," I declared, my voice growing stronger with each word.

With one final glance of defiance, I turned away from him, holding my head high. As I walked away, I could feel the weight of the pack's stares, a mix of curiosity, judgment, and pity. Yet, I refused to let their opinions define me.

I will rise above this rejection and prove not only to myself but to everyone that I am more than Alpha Cade's rejected mate.