WE REJECT YOUR REJECTION.

Chapter: 48

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In a grand echo through the Great Hall, the solemn declaration of rejection resonated. "I, Dirk Fairpride, reject you, Seth, Kurt, and Tricc RiverBay as my Fated mates. From this day onward, I sever all links and bindings between us."

The words echoed in the silence of the Great Hall for a full half-minute. They were swiftly followed by roars from all three Lycgers, their shift happening almost simultaneously. This sudden shift prompted the two men guarding Dirk to bear their fangs and ready themselves for an attack on the triplet Weretigers standing before them.

Dirk whimpered from the floor where he lay helplessly, his breathing unsteady. It hurt like hell, but not nearly as much as the pain that tore at his chest. His heart beat frantically against his rib cage as if trying to escape through an open wound. It felt like someone had ripped out the bottom of his heart and taken it with them.

The intense sensation spread through him and down his arms until he felt a