HANNAH’S POVXavier opened the car door and gestured for me to get in. “Let’s go home,” he said. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”I hesitated but slid into the seat, gripping it tightly as he closed the door behind me.Once inside Xavier’s car, the weight of it all crashed over me like a tidal wave. My chest tightened, and tears spilled before I could stop them—hot and unstoppable.I curled into myself, hands trembling as I pressed my face into them, trying to muffle the sound of my sobs. The memory of what I’d almost done burned behind my eyelids, sharp and vivid.I could still feel the cold fury in my hands, see Vivian’s terrified face, and hear the crackle of my own rage.I hadn’t recognized myself back there. That person—the one who nearly killed her—was someone I didn’t know. Someone capable of murder.But then I thought about Ella—sweet, innocent Ella—who had died the death meant for my son. My Jackson. My precious little boy. The thought clawed at my chest, and all I could se
HANNAH’S POVTwo days had crawled by since Vivian was thrown into the dungeon, and in all that time, not a single word had escaped her lips. Her silence was oppressive—an unrelenting shadow that loomed over Xavier and Kas as they worked tirelessly to piece together fragments of evidence against her. The weight of it all pressed harder with each passing hour.Meanwhile, Cecilia, her mother, had been released the moment Vivian was detained. Cecilia hadn’t stopped seeking me out since. Each encounter felt like an open wound—her pleas, her grief, her desperate cries. Today was no different.She stood before me now, trembling, her face streaked with tears that never seemed to dry. Her hands clutched at the fabric of her dress as though holding on for dear life.“Please, Hannah,” she sobbed, her voice cracking like brittle glass. “I’m begging you. I know what she’s done is beyond forgiveness, but she’s my only child. I can’t lose her. Please, talk to Xavier. Convince him to show her mercy.”
ANDREW’S POVI moved swiftly through the silent corridors of the pack’s central quarters, my heartbeat hammering a rhythm of disbelief and dread. The air was thick with tension, every breath laced with the acrid bitterness of betrayal. Luna Vivian’s attempt to poison Jackson—Hannah’s innocent boy—was a wildfire consuming every conversation, every corner, every mind.I couldn’t stop replaying the news in my head. Vivian, who always kept her disdain for Hannah simmering just beneath the surface, had sunk to a level I hadn’t thought possible. A child? It was monstrous. My thoughts tangled with questions I couldn’t answer: What was Hannah feeling right now? And Coby—how did one begin to grapple with the truth that their mate had tried to murder their son?As I neared Coby’s quarters, I saw him standing at the door, his back hunched as he fumbled with his keys. His movements were sluggish, deliberate, like he was holding himself together by threads too frayed to last.“Coby,” I called, kee
ANDREW’S POVAs I hurried home, the cool breeze kissed my face, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside me. Meeting Lily’s mother wasn’t just another dinner—it felt like stepping into a spotlight, every move scrutinized, every word weighed.Lily had assured me her mom already liked me, but the stakes were too high for me to believe it without question. I wasn’t just meeting her mother. I was meeting her future. Our future.The moment the door clicked shut behind me, I headed straight for the bathroom. Hot water streamed over my shoulders, its soothing warmth unraveling the knots of tension in my muscles—though not in my mind.“Just be yourself,” Lily’s voice echoed in my head, calm and sweet, like a melody I couldn’t stop replaying. But what if myself wasn’t good enough? What if I said the wrong thing or—God forbid—spilled wine on her mother’s favorite tablecloth?Shaking off the thought, I stepped out of the shower, water droplets trailing down my skin as I reached for a t
XAVIER’S POVThe lab results left no room for doubt. The poison Coby found at Vivian’s mother’s house wasn’t just similar—it was the exact compound that had taken Ella’s life. My chest tightened as I stared at the report on my phone, the stark clarity of the truth sending a chill through me.Ella had been more than a pack member—she was family, a light snuffed out far too soon. And now, I finally knew who had extinguished that light.Vivian.For a moment, I forced my fingers to type a message to Hannah: It’s confirmed. The poison matches. I’m heading to the prison to confront her. I might be home late.I didn’t wait for a reply. My Lycan stirred, its anger simmering just beneath my skin. It wanted vengeance. So did I.The prison loomed in the distance, its walls stark against the inky night. The heavy clang of the entrance gate echoed in my ears as I pushed through. I barely acknowledged the guards as I walked in. They knew why I was there. Everyone did.When I reached her cell, Vivia
Xavier’s POVVivian’s smirk was a mask—defiant and cold—but her eyes betrayed a flicker of something else: triumph, maybe, or desperation masquerading as confidence. Her voice dripped with mockery, each word slow and deliberate.“Oh, you’ll find out soon enough,” she said, her tone sweet like poisoned honey. “But perhaps you should start looking a little closer at the people around you. Not everyone’s as loyal as they seem. Not everyone is who they say they are.”Her words crawled under my skin, igniting a low, simmering anger that threatened to boil over. My jaw tightened, and I felt the sharp edges of my teeth grind together.“Enough of your games, Vivian.” My voice was measured, but a tremor of fury crept in. “If you’ve got something to say, then say it.”Her smirk widened, and she tilted her head slightly, studying me like a predator sizing up its prey. “Oh, but I don’t need to spell it out,” she said with a casual shrug. “Truth has a way of revealing itself. And when it does? Let
VIVIAN’S POVThe cell was cold, and the stone floor bit into my knees as I huddled in the corner, my body wracked with exhaustion. My tears had long dried, leaving my face sticky and my throat raw. The reality of what Xavier had said—three days until your execution—echoed in my mind like a death knell.How had it come to this?I hadn’t meant for Ella to eat the cake. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. Eva and Elder Elijah were the masterminds, whispering their schemes and dragging me into their web. Yet here I was, alone in this cell, paying the ultimate price while they walked free.And then there was her.Hannah.The wretched woman who’d ruined everything. She was Xavier’s weakness, his soft spot. She had whispered in his ears and hardened his heart against my plea. I was sure of it. She had told him I was irredeemable, that I needed to die. It had to be her idea.But if I was going to die, I wouldn’t go down alone. My lips curled into a bitter smile at the thought. I’d take the
Dear Readers,First, let me say a heartfelt thank you for being part of the journey with *My Mate's Betrayal and Rejection.* Seeing your love for my story through your comments and engagement has been a source of immense joy and motivation for me. As a writer pouring my heart and soul into this story, your support means more than words can express. Writing takes time, energy, and passion, and every bit of encouragement makes a difference. That’s why I’m reaching out to you today: if my story has touched your heart, made you smile, or even brought you to tears, I kindly ask for your support. By sending virtual gifts, you’re not only showing your appreciation but also helping me continue to create the stories you love. Your generosity helps keep this journey alive and ensures I can focus on bringing you even more captivating chapters. Every little token of appreciation counts, and it means the world to me as an author. Thank you for your kindness, and for being such an amazing part
ELIJAH’S POVThe air in the dungeon clung to my skin, damp and heavy, thick with the stench of mold and rotting straw. Every breath felt like inhaling decay. Somewhere in the distance, chains scraped against stone—a hollow, metallic sound that slithered into my ears like a cruel whisper.I shifted, the jagged wall biting into my back, but the pain barely registered. My mind was elsewhere, unraveling the web of deception that had ensnared me.The note—my handwriting, every letter a perfect imitation—was a noose tightening around my neck. A threat against Vivian, as damning as it was false. I knew my own script: the rhythm of my strokes, the slight imperfections born from years of habit. But this? This was a forgery, designed with precision and purpose. And now, with Vivian dead, the stage was set for my fall.My fists clenched in my lap. Who wanted me gone badly enough to orchestrate something so meticulous?Xavier or Coby.Xavier was calculated, a man who moved like a shadow on a ches
XAVIER’S POVI left Hannah standing in the living room, her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides. Her lips were parted as if she wanted to say something—anything—but no words came. The fear in her eyes cut deeper than I wanted to admit.I didn’t look back. I couldn’t.The afternoon sun slapped against my skin as I stepped outside, sharp and unforgiving. But it did nothing to cool the fire raging in my chest. My breath came fast and uneven. The note crinkled in my fist, its inked words seared into my mind like a brand.This wasn’t just evidence. It was a death sentence.Elder Elijah—my advisor, the most respected among the elders, the man who had stood beside me for years, whispering counsel in my ear and earning my trust—had ordered my son to be poisoned. He had orchestrated Vivian's murder.A growl rumbled low in my throat as my Lycan clawed beneath my skin, restless and enraged. My muscles tensed, every part of me demanding blood, vengeance. I forced my legs to move, stead
HANNAH’S POVThe drive home felt endless, each turn of the wheel dragging against my muscles like lead. My grip tightened on the steering wheel, the note on the passenger seat a searing weight on my conscience. Every word on that paper was carved into my mind—cold, deliberate, and damning.Whoever wrote it knew what happened that night. It confirmed once more that Vivian’s death wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t a mistake. It was planned.A breath shuddered through me as I pulled into the driveway. The house stood silent, its windows dark like hollowed-out eyes. I wasn’t ready for this. I wasn’t ready to face Xavier—not when my thoughts were a tangled mess of fear and fury. But there was no time to process, no space to hesitate.I stepped out of the car, the note still clutched tightly in my hand, and made my way to the door, my steps slow but purposeful. I couldn’t hesitate now.Inside, the house was quiet. I didn’t need to search for Xavier—I could feel his presence even before I found
HANNAH’S POVThe morning sunlight slanted through the window, painting golden streaks across the wooden floor. The warmth should have been comforting, but it wasn’t. It’s been a week since mom was buried and also the first time am about to leave the house alone.I knelt, adjusting the strap of my shoes with steady hands, but my heart pounded in a slow, uneasy rhythm. Behind me, the quiet hum of Jackson playing with his blocks filled the air, the soft clatters of plastic meeting the floor. But I felt him watching me.Xavier.He stood by the door, arms crossed, his stormy eyes dark with unspoken thoughts—concern? Frustration? Both, maybe.I didn’t look up. Not yet.“You’re sure you don’t want me to drive you?” His voice was low, careful—controlled. But underneath it was something raw, a plea dressed as a question.I forced a small smile, finally meeting his gaze. “I’ll be fine, Xavier. It’s just my mother’s house.”His jaw tightened, a flicker of doubt flashing across his face. He dragg
First, let me take a moment to say how much I appreciate all of you who have stuck with this book from the very beginning. Your support means everything to me, and I wouldn’t be here without you.As some of you may have noticed, this month’s daily updates have come to a close. But don’t worry—this is just the beginning! Act One of the story has officially wrapped up, and Act Two is coming next month. Expect tangled loose ends to unravel, shocking betrayals, and explosive moments from both heroes and villains. Trust me, the drama is just heating up.Before we move forward, though, I have some serious questions for you. Let’s get real, dive deep, and stir the pot:1. Who is your favorite character—and do you think they’re as good or as heroic as they seem? What flaws do you see in them that others might not?2. Which villain do you secretly root for? Come on, admit it—some of them have charm, wit, or motives that make them oddly irresistible. Who’s your guilty pleasure villain, and why?
XAVIER’S POVWhen I walked in with Jackson in my arms, I half-expected to find Hannah where I’d left her—probably curled up in bed, either crying or staring at the ceiling in exhausted silence. Instead, the sharp, rhythmic sound of a knife against the cutting board greeted me.She stood at the kitchen counter, sleeves rolled up, dicing vegetables with a precision that bordered on mechanical. I stopped in the doorway, the sight hitting me harder than I expected.Her movements were smooth but rigid, her shoulders tight, her jaw clenched. She wasn’t just cooking dinner—she was trying to hold herself together, gripping that knife like it was the only thing tethering her to the ground.I set Jackson in his high chair by the table. He giggled, his little legs kicking with unfiltered joy.“Stay here, buddy,” I whispered, brushing a hand over his soft curls.As I moved closer to Hannah, I softened my footsteps. She didn’t look up, didn’t even acknowledge me. Her focus was unyielding, each cho
HANNAH’S POVTwo days later, the Shadow Moon Pack gathered beneath a gray, brooding sky, heavy with unshed rain. The damp earth clung to our boots as if nature itself shared in our mourning. Grief hung thick in the air—almost tangible—pressing down on every chest, every breath.We hadn’t yet recovered from Ella’s death, and now we stood here again, burying Cecilia. The ache was relentless, a gaping void that refused to be filled.The whispers about Vivian’s death had not died down. They lingered, a low murmur of unanswered questions and unspoken fears. Her mysterious and unresolved passing hovered like a ghost at the edges of our collective mind. No one dared speak of it during the ceremony, but I saw it in their eyes—a quiet unease weaving through the crowd like a thread pulled too tight.I stood at the head of the grave—Cecilia’s grave. Her name felt foreign and jagged in my mind. As the only family she had left, the task of leading the rites fell to me. My voice didn’t waver as I s
Hannah’s POVI stayed by Cecilia’s bedside all night, my fingers interlaced with hers as though my grip alone could anchor her to this world. The doctor’s words replayed in my mind, relentless and cold: Her heart is getting weaker.What if she woke up and I wasn’t there? What if the moment I left, she slipped away? The thought clawed at me, suffocating. So I stayed rooted by her side, refusing to move an inch.The dim hum of the monitors was both a comfort and a threat, the steady rhythm of her heartbeat a fragile promise. I watched her chest rise and fall, willing each breath to continue. Her skin was pale—translucent almost—as though the light of life inside her was dimming.By morning, exhaustion wrapped around me like a heavy coat. I rested my head on the edge of her bed, the blanket warm and worn beneath my cheek. Sleep stole me in brief, flickering moments where memories danced—Mom in the kitchen, the smell of vanilla and cinnamon filling the air, her laugh a melody I hadn’t rea
COBY’S POVFor a brief moment, his smirk faltered. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but I saw it. That tiny crack in his armor bolstered me."You think I don’t see what you’re doing? You’re trying to bait me, Elijah, but it’s not going to work. I came here for justice, and I’ll get it—whether you like it or not."Elijah’s playful demeanor evaporated, replaced by something colder, sharper. "Careful, Coby," he warned, his voice icy. "You’re treading on dangerous ground. If you want to keep your precious little life intact, I suggest you tread lightly."I leaned in close, so close I could feel his breath against my face. "You don’t scare me," I hissed. "You’re nothing but a coward hiding behind your power. And when the truth comes out, the pack will see you for what you really are."I turned and walked away, my heart pounding in my chest. I could feel his gaze boring into my back, but I didn’t look back. Not now. Not ever.He might think he’s clever, trying to pin this on me, but I w