Chapter Two - The Rejection.

*Selena's POV*

I didn't know what to expect when I said those words, but I definitely wasn't prepared to see him chuckle.

"Do you think I'll accept your rejection, Selena?"

"Why wouldn't you? It would be best for both of us. I don't want you, Alpha Duncan, and I'm determined to reject you countless times."

"But I want you, Selena. I've been searching for you for a long time, and now that I've found you, I won't simply let you go. You're my mate, and the sooner you accept that, the better.

"

"But I—"

"I don't care what you want," he interrupted, moving closer to me. He held my chin, ensuring I met his gaze.

"You're mine, Selena. You belong to me, and I won't let you go. I won't leave this pack without you. You'll come with me to where you truly belong," he said with a smirk.

I slapped his hand away. "And if I refuse?" I questioned defiantly. "You can't force me into something I don't want."

"If you refuse, be prepared to see your beloved pack reduced to ashes. I won't stop until I get what I want. I always get what I want, Selena. Don't test me."

"Are you threatening me!?" I seethed, my fists clenched in anger.

"If that's how you see it, then so be it." He turned his back to me. "Let's go back. We need to announce to everyone that you're coming with me," he said, leaving without giving me another glance.

As I watched him walk away, my hatred for him multiplied. I didn't want to leave with him, and I contemplated discussing this with my Alpha. Maybe he would help me.

I returned to the palace and found Alpha David and my brother Fred engaged in a discussion with Alpha Duncan outside.

When Alpha David saw me, he sighed with relief and motioned for me to approach.

"Selena, Alpha Duncan has expressed his desire for you to accompany him, and since you're his mate, I see no reason for you to refuse," Alpha David said.

I shook my head. "I can't do that, Alpha. I don't accept this bond. I can't leave with him," I refused, glaring fiercely at Duncan.

Duncan seemed calm and unaffected, which only fueled my anger further.

"You can't refuse, Selena. He's your mate, and you must accept this," Fred replied.

"What's gotten into you, Fred!? You're my brother. You should be on my side, not his!" I cautioned angrily, but neither Fred nor Alpha David said a word.

"What have you done to them, huh!?" I yelled at Duncan. "Did you dare to threaten them!?"

"Selena!" Alpha David called, his voice filled with disappointment. "Do not speak that way again. No one has threatened anyone. You will go with him. I won't hesitate to use force if necessary," he threatened.

I glanced at my Alpha and then at my brother, a sinking feeling settling in my chest. It dawned on me that no matter what I said, my words would hold no sway. Their decision had already been made, and it left me feeling powerless.

Reluctantly, I agreed to accompany Duncan.

"Fine, I will go with you, but I have a condition," I stated firmly.

"You're my mate. I should grant you anything," he smirked.

"Even if it means your own life?" I questioned, a smirk forming on my lips. Seeing the anger flash in his eyes brought me a strange sense of satisfaction.

"Don't worry, Alpha. I won't ask for your life," I scoffed. "I'll go with you, but on one condition: you are not allowed to mark me. If you go against this, I promise you, I won't hesitate to end my own life," I declared with utmost seriousness.

"Alright, I agree," Duncan replied with a chuckle.

"I'll go pack my things," I said, turning away from Alpha David and Fred without giving them a second glance. I still felt betrayed that they had chosen to give me away instead of standing by my side.

Back in my room, I packed my things into a suitcase, muttering curses against Alpha Duncan. I couldn't believe my bad luck and wondered who had cursed me with this awful fate. 

Thoughts raced through my mind: Why did I have to leave everything behind? Was there any way out of this? I felt a mix of frustration, anger, and sadness as I packed my belongings.

 Each item reminded me of the life I was leaving behind, and it felt like losing a part of myself. But I had to make sacrifices, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness. 

As I packed, I heard the door open, and I turned to find Alpha David and my brother Fred entering.

Despite David being the Alpha of our pack, he had also been my childhood friend.

"You both must feel so satisfied after betraying me like this," I folded my arms, feeling a mix of anger and hurt.

"We're both sorry, Selena. Believe me, if we could have done anything to prevent this, we would have. But we can't risk a war with the Lycan king. The safety of the pack comes first," David explained with a tinge of regret.

"I'm sorry too, Sis. But Alpha David is right. We don't stand a chance against him in a battle. It's for the best," Fred added.

I understood their reasoning, and I couldn't bear the thought of harm befalling the pack because of me.

"It's okay, you two. I appreciate what you did. No matter what happens, the pack's safety should always be our priority," I said, managing a smile. 

"Just take care of my brother, Alpha. I won't be here to watch over him anymore, so I'm entrusting him to your care."

"You have my word, Selena. Fred will be safe here," David assured me, and I nodded.

We held each other tightly, cherishing our last moments together. Tears welled up in our eyes as we realized the inevitable separation that awaited us. 

"I'm going to miss you both so much," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion.

Alpha David and Fred hugged me even tighter, their love and support comforting me in this difficult time. 

"We'll miss you too, Selena," David said, his voice filled with sadness. "Stay strong and take care of yourself."

Fred nodded, his eyes sparkle with unshed tears. "You're always in our hearts, sis. We'll keep the pack safe, I promise."

I choked back a sob, unable to find the right words to express my gratitude. Instead, I squeezed them tighter, silently conveying my love and appreciation. 

But David eventually broke the embrace, a somber expression on his face. "Duncan is waiting for you, Selena," he said softly. "We shouldn't keep him any longer."

Reluctantly, I pulled away, wiping away my tears. With a heavy heart, I nodded and took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. It was time to face my destiny, even if it meant leaving behind those I held dear.

I finished packing my suitcase, and together, we made our way outside. Duncan's guards helped load my luggage into the car, and I bid farewell to my brother and Alpha David once again before stepping into the vehicle with Duncan.

I had no idea what awaited me in the Lycan king's pack, but little did I know that I would soon face unexpected challenges and trials.