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Chapter 17: Determined To Be Brave
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2024-11-12 12:19:04Related chapters
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 18: The Line Crossed
Xander's POV The silence of my office was the kind that allowed thoughts to swell and churn, thoughts that lately were almost always of Alison. Since that night, I could still feel the touch of her hand, the way her laughter filled me with a peace I’d never known. But today wasn’t about basking in memories. Today was about preparation. Alison needed to understand the depth of her responsibilities, the weight of the leadership role she was stepping into, and I intended to give her every advantage in doing so.As I leaned back in my chair, gazing out the window at the dense, brooding forest that bordered our lands, I considered how best to support her. Alison had strength in her spirit, a fire that had drawn me to her from the beginning. Yet, this world was vast, complex, and sometimes merciless. She had to be prepared for what lay ahead.A knock on the door broke my focus. Luke entered, his face etched with quiet professionalism, his gaze steady but carrying a hint of urgency.“Alpha
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 19: Mending Broken Hearts
Alison's POV I stumbled back to my room, every step heavy, my chest aching as if I’d taken a direct blow. I had never felt such a sharp, unrelenting pain before. The moment I’d walked into Xander’s office, I’d been frozen, seeing Caitlyn’s hands draped around him and her lips pressed against his. Even worse, I’d seen the shock on his face, but it hadn’t mattered. That image was now burned into my mind. It felt like deja vu.When I reached my room, I shut the door with a thud and slid down against it, my body trembling. I wrapped my arms around myself, clutching tightly, as if holding myself together could somehow stop the pain. Everything we’d shared these past few days, the trust that had been growing between us... it felt fragile now, on the verge of shattering.A knock sounded against the wood, quiet but firm. My heart clenched as I heard his voice.“Alison, please. Open up. I need to talk to you.”I bit down on my lip, anger and hurt twisting in my chest. “Go away, Xander. Just..
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 20: Confrontation
Alison's POVI sat back on the porch, trying to stifle a laugh as Andrew and I wrapped up our lesson for the day. The air was warm, filled with the scent of freshly cut grass, and I felt light, free for once. The last few weeks had been grueling as Andrew pushed me to catch up on subjects I’d never had the chance to study before. But with each lesson, I felt myself grow a little stronger, a little smarter, and today, I felt downright accomplished.Andrew chuckled beside me, leaning back as he rubbed his temples. "You’re doing better than you give yourself credit for, Alison. Really. It’s rare to see someone this dedicated."I shook my head, still smiling. "You mean desperate, right? I can’t exactly afford to waste the opportunity Xander’s given me.”Before Andrew could respond, a shadow fell across the porch. I looked up and felt my stomach twist. Caitlyn stood before us, her gaze cold and sharp as it raked over me. Andrew greeted her politely, but she ignored him, fixing her eyes on
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 21: "The Cold Reception"
Alison's POVThe morning sun filtered through my window, casting a soft, warm glow over the room. I’d just finished my lesson with Andrew and was feeling restless, a strange energy building up inside me. Xander had encouraged me to become familiar with the Nightfang Pack’s lands and customs, but up until now, I hadn’t ventured much beyond the castle grounds. Today, something in me urged to explore, to see more of the place I was slowly beginning to call home.I took a deep breath, straightening my shoulders. "It’s time," I murmured to myself, slipping on a light jacket and heading out. I was going to face this world outside, whether they liked me or not.Stepping out of the castle felt like stepping into another world entirely. The gardens gave way to cobbled paths, which led to the cluster of stone buildings that made up the heart of the Nightfang Pack’s territory. The air here was thick with the smell of pine and earth, layered with the occasional waft of grilled meat or baking brea
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 22: "Facing the Rivals"
Alison's POVI hadn’t yet grown used to the weight of their stares.Every glance that lingered a moment too long, every careful whisper behind cupped hands, it all felt like a constant reminder of the skepticism surrounding my place here. I told myself that they didn’t know me, that in time they’d see who I truly was and what I could offer the Nightfang Pack. But that didn’t make the icy receptions around me any easier to bear.This morning was no exception.Breakfast had barely begun when Caitlyn strolled into the room, her presence filling the space with an unspoken authority that most pack members seemed to respect and fear. She moved with a confidence that suggested she already considered herself the Luna of this pack. And why wouldn’t she? Katherine, Xander’s mother, had practically crowned her as the chosen one long before I’d arrived.“Good morning, Alison,” she greeted me, flashing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I hope you’re settling in well. Adjusting can be so hard, e
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 23: "Learning the Pack Ways"
Alison’s POVA month into my studies, I had finally begun to feel comfortable here or as comfortable as I could, given the circumstances. Each day, I’d been learning from Andrew, absorbing lessons on pack history, leadership, and the diplomatic intricacies of being a Luna. While it was no easy feat, I was beginning to see myself as more than just Xander’s mate. I was transforming, piece by piece, into someone who could stand beside him and lead.Xander noticed my progress, too. Just that morning, he’d suggested we take the next step in my training.“Alison, you’re doing brilliantly with the studies,” he’d said, his tone filled with pride. “But there’s more to being Luna than just knowledge. You should start physical training, learning to harness your wolf, practicing combat, and immersing yourself in the ways of the pack.”I nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle over me. I knew he was right. To truly earn the respect of the pack, I couldn’t just learn from books. I needed to
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 24: Training begins
Alison’s POV“Get up, Alison,” came the clipped, frosty voice from across the room. My eyes snapped open, and there stood Katherine, already dressed in full training gear, her arms crossed and her gaze drilling into me with impatient distaste. “Daylight is burning, and half the pack is already out and about. Five minutes to join us outside or there will be consequences.”She spun on her heel and left, her footsteps echoing down the hall, leaving me scrambling. Heart pounding, I jumped out of bed, feeling a swell of frustration and determination collide within me. I knew Katherine had no real intention of making this easy. She’d do everything in her power to make me feel inadequate, to test my patience, and above all, to make me question my worthiness as Luna. But if this was a battle she wanted, I’d give her one.Quickly freshening up, I threw on my training clothes and bolted out the door, the cool morning air biting at my face. As I reached the training grounds, I slowed, taking in
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 25: "Sabotage in the Shadows"
Alison's POVI squared my shoulders, exhaling as I stepped onto the training grounds. Every step I took felt heavier under the watchful eyes of the pack members who were present today. It's two solid weeks into my Luna training and I can strongly say I was improving, physically and mentally, but Katherine's relentless regimen and barely hidden disdain didn’t make it any easier. I expected resistance from her. What I hadn’t anticipated was the simmering hostility of the pack, whispers, sidelong glances, and thinly veiled sneers that felt like daggers in my back, I had thought that by now seeing my resilience they would finally accept me, but I was wrong. “Good thing You’re early today,” Katherine’s voice cut through my thoughts like a whip. She stood at the edge of the training field, her posture rigid, her eyes as sharp as ever. She crossed her arms, her gaze sweeping over me as if searching for a flaw. “Let’s not waste anymore of our time. Warm up with the forms we practiced yesterd
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Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 37: Fractured Bonds
Alison's POV A pounding headache dragged me out of my unconsciousness, the relentless thrum behind my temples like a drumbeat of misery. My eyes fluttered open, only to be assaulted by the harsh light streaming through the curtains. The brightness was blinding, and I groaned, shielding my eyes with a shaky hand.I wasn’t in the hallway anymore. The familiar scent of lavender confirmed it.. I was in my room. But how? My last memory was of me collapsing in the hallway, my body giving in to a strange dizziness. I didn’t remember walking here.As I pushed myself up, the duvet slipped from my shoulders, and I realized I was half naked beneath it. Tension rose within me for a moment "Who had undressed me?" but before I could think further the bed shifted beside me. My blood turned cold.Slowly, I turned my body to the left, my breath hitching in my throat. A man I didn’t recognize lay there, his chest bare and rising steadily with each breath. He looked to be in his late twenties, his dark
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 36: Trapped
Alison's POV The night felt too quiet, the kind of quiet that always made my instincts hum with unease. I sat at the kitchen counter, swirling the last dregs of red wine in my glass as the faint ticking of the wall clock filled the space. The air was heavy, like something was waiting just beyond my grasp, a tension I couldn’t shake. I tried to focus on the warmth of the wine spreading through me, grounding me, reminding me that I’d earned this moment of peace.Only a few months ago, I had felt like an intruder here, a trespasser in a life I wasn’t sure I belonged in. But things had changed. Not only have I warmed by way into the hearts of the people, Xander's mother Katherine had extended her approval, and I couldn't be any less happy. Most of the pack women, who once whispered behind my back, now came bearing genuine smiles and warm embraces. Yesterday, they’d visited me, leaving me with a basket of homemade treats and heartfelt words of welcome.For the first time, I allowed mysel
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 35: Approval
Alison's POVFor the first time in weeks, my phone felt like a harmless distraction instead of a looming portal to chaos as Kendrick's recent disturbing calls had been chaotic moments for me. I lay sprawled across the bed, scrolling aimlessly through my feed, laughing quietly at mundane memes and inspirational posts I knew I’d never apply to my life. A peaceful silence wrapped around me, thick and unbroken, a far cry from the usual tension that hung in the air. Breakfast had been peaceful, dinner the same. Even Katherine had seemed... dare I say it, amicable.I couldn't ignore how Katherine's usual air of disdain had softened. Last night, she’d actually complimented my dress. I still wasn’t sure if she meant it or if it was some elaborate game to lure me into a false sense of security. Knowing Katherine, it could go either way. But part of me, the part that desperately wanted to believe in hope, clung to the possibility that things were finally changing.I swiped to the next page on m
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 34: More Victory
Alison's POVThey say the morning of a monumental day can set the tone for everything to follow, but the air this morning felt heavy, almost electric, like a storm brewing just beyond the horizon. The day of the Alpha Council meeting had arrived, and despite the flurry of activity in the castle, there was an unnerving stillness in my chest.I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the elegant, deep emerald dress I had chosen, a symbol of strength and grace. It fit snugly against my frame, the fabric shimmering faintly under the soft light. "Today is the day," I whispered to my reflection, inhaling deeply, willing my nerves to settle. All week, I had poured everything into this event, every detail painstakingly perfected to meet expectations, most especially Katherine's and now it was time to prove my worth as Luna-to-be. "No mistakes, Alison. Not today." With a final glance, I headed toward the kitchen, determined to make sure the preparations were flawless. But as I turned th
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 33: The Ultimate Luna Test
Alison's POVSometimes, the biggest battles aren't fought with swords but with silence, smiles, and the subtle art of proving your worth to those who doubt you.Two weeks. That’s how long it had taken for the walls around me to start crumbling, not the stone ones that encased the castle, but the ones built mistrust and resentment from the pack. For the first time since arriving here, I felt a glimmer of acceptance. I wasn’t foolish enough to think I had completely won them over, but I could see it in their eyes now, the cautious glances replaced with tentative smiles. Small victories, but victories nonetheless.This morning, the castle kitchen buzzed with energy as I worked alongside the staff, my hands deftly chopping vegetables while the aroma of sizzling sausages filled the air. The clatter of pans and the hum of conversation created a lively symphony. Today I had decided to take a break and make something nice for the house, I was in the thick of it, sleeves rolled up, when the h
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 32: A Little Approval
Alison’s POVThe faint chill of the morning air brushed against my skin as I stood beside the bus, watching the castle staff hustle around me. Boxes of neatly packed food, wrapped in brown paper and tied with simple string, were being loaded into the vehicles. The faint clatter of footsteps, hushed voices, and the hum of engines filled the air as we worked to prepare for the trip.I clasped my hands together, trying to steady the nervous energy that buzzed through me. Today mattered. I needed this to go well, not for my pride but for my survival in this pack.“Excuse me, Miss Alison,” a timid voice called behind me.I turned to see a young maid standing there, her hands clasped nervously in front of her apron. She couldn’t have been more than Twelve, her wide brown eyes filled with both fear and duty.“Yes?” I said softly, kneeling slightly so I was closer to her eye level.“Lady Katherine requests your presence,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.My stomach dropped. “Where
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 31: Motivated
Alison’s POVThe garden had always been my solace from the day I arrived here, a place where the chaos of the pack house couldn’t quite reach me. The early morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew-kissed flowers and the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil. I sat on the stone bench, my fingers tracing patterns on my skirt, my mind a whirlwind of doubt and pain.Every harsh word spoken during the meeting echoed in my head like a cruel symphony. Katherine’s cold, unforgiving tone. The smugness in Caitlyn’s grin. The silent judgment of the elders.You’ll get one last chance.The weight of those words was crushing. What if I failed again? What if this time, I couldn’t claw my way back? My chest tightened, and I buried my face in my hands.A soft crunch of footsteps behind me jolted me out of my spiraling thoughts. My head shot up, heart racing.“Miss Alison.”I turned to see Luke, Xander’s Beta, standing a few feet away. The golden morning light illuminated his sharp features
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 30: The Elders’ Meeting
Alison's POVThe air in the pack house felt heavy, suffocating, like a storm waiting to break. Whispers had reached my ears early that morning, whispers of a meeting called by the elders. The tension was palpable, coiling around my chest like a python.A sinking feeling took root in my stomach as I was summoned. It wasn’t a request, it was an order. My heart pounded with every step I took toward the council room, the walls closing in around me. I tried to steady my breathing, but my wolf whimpered softly in the back of my mind.As I approached the tall wooden doors, I paused, my palms clammy. Beyond those doors lay judgment not just of my actions but of my worth."You have to do this," I told myself. "They won’t break you." I pushed the doors open.The sight before me stopped me cold.The elders were seated at the long table, their expressions grim, like they were preparing to deliver a death sentence. Katherine sat near the center, her posture regal, her sharp eyes gleaming with cru
Rejected: Mated to Another Alpha Chapter 29: The Ceremony
Alison's POVI woke up to the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains, but the light did nothing to chase away the heavy dread weighing on my chest. My heart thumped erratically, a wild rhythm of anxiety that refused to settle. Today was the day. The Ancestor’s Ceremony."Please, Moon Goddess, I prayed silently, staring up at the ceiling. Help me get through this. Help me prove myself" The quiet plea echoed in my mind as I forced myself to get out of bed. My feet hit the cold floor, and I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to calm the tremor in my fingers.The bath was lukewarm, but it did little to ease the knot in my stomach. I scrubbed every inch of my skin, as though washing away my doubt and fear. As I slipped into the dress I’d carefully chosen... a soft, flowing cream-colored gown with intricate embroidery symbolizing the ancestors, heard the door creak open.I stiffened. Only one person entered my room without knocking.“Xander,” I said softly, my voice barel
