Astrid's POV
The pain of my mate rejecting me slammed into me making me gasp as I rocked back, my body shaking and vibrating.
l had heard of people rejecting their true mate yet I had never thought that it would happen to me.
Somehow I had thought surely the moon goddess wouldn't be so cruel as to give me a mate that wouldn't care for me in addition to all my troubles.
I had been wrong. I didn't even know how it was possible for a wolfless omega like me to have a mate like Xavier. I wasn't as strong as Lyra so why me?
What I knew was that I was in a world of pain. To think that if I had a wolf the pain would have been twofold of what I was feeling now. Guess there was a good side to being a wolfless omega after all.
Xavier wrapped his arm around Lyra and the stab of pain in my chest made my knees weak beneath me.
I wanted to crawl under my covers and hide.
But I had been doing that my whole life.
Hiding because I was a powerless omega, hiding to avoid the people who would hurt me.
Hiding because maybe if I lived quietly enough they would let me live in peace.
But none of that had worked anyway. I was done with that.
I stood up to Xavier. My mate who had rejected me.
"I used to love you," I told him knowing that I might still love him but it didn't matter anymore because to him my status mattered more than our mate bond.
Tears filled my eyes as I continued speaking. "We had so many beautiful memories together. But that only blinded me to the monster you have become."
"Monster? You bitch." Lyra lashed at me, her claws tearing across my face. "He is my mate, not yours!"
Blood dripped down my face staining my hand as I cupped my cheek. Xavier watched on unmoved as his girlfriend assaulted me. This was not the sort of mate I wished to have.
"You can have him," I told Lyra before turning to face Xavier. "I also don't want you, Xavier. I also refuse to accept you as my mate."
I saw the shock on Lyra's face and the anger on Xavier's.
He bared his teeth at me.
"Do you think you have any choice?" It was as if no one had ever rejected him. "I am an Alpha. Soon, I will inherit this pack. You think I want a mate as weak and useless as you are?"
I didn't say anything as I watched him waiting for him to finish what he had to say.
He looked at me from head to toe with barely concealed hatred. "The moon goddess has made a big mistake."
I smiled. At least I had gotten to him as he had me. "Don't worry, Xavier, I will remedy that. I, Astrid Nightshade, rejec—"
"Stop!"
We all collectively froze as the growl of Xavier's father, Alpha Finn, filled my room.
He walked in authoritatively, his dominant aura making all of us apart from Xavier bow.
Alpha Finn was the one who had brought me to this pack and while he was always busy with his pack duties to notice how bad the bullying got, he was always caring and nice to me whenever we interacted.
I had come to even see him somewhat as a fatherly figure.
"Alpha." I bowed lower.
"Alpha Finn." Lyra echoed.
"Dad, what are you doing here?"
I raised my head in time to see Alpha Finn give Xavier what had to be the harshest glare I had seen him give his son.
"Stopping you from making the biggest mistake in your life."
What?
Alpha Finn wanted me to be his daughter-in-law?
From the look on his face, Xavier didn't seem to like the idea one bit.
However Lyra spoke first, her voice high-pitched and nearly hysterical.
"Alpha, she is an omega. She's not suitable for him. I should be your daughter-in-law, you already accepted me."
Really? I thought she and Xavier were just seeing each other casually. But it made sense for him to accept her. She was beautiful. Strong and not an omega.
Alpha Finn looked at Lyra with obvious pity.
"The moon goddess obviously disagrees."
Lyra's anger grew. "But—"
Alpha Finn didn't let her finish. "I'm still speaking to my son, you will not interfere."
Xavier looked from his father to me to Lyra, his confusion obvious.
"Dad, what are you saying?"
Alpha Finn merely raised his hand, his countenance firm and unshakable.
"Shut up. You have said enough."
I just watched everything happening around me with wide eyes up until Alpha Finn took my hand, his gaze kind and sincere.
"I know my son has said a lot to you but I want to apologize on his behalf."
Lyra made a sound of outage and Xavuer looked at me with so much anger that if looks could kill, I would be six feet under.
I focused on the Alpha in front of me apologizing to me, an omega.
"Alpha."
Alpha Finn smiled at me softly and in that smile, I saw the man that had always had my back no matter what.
"My son is an immature child who doesn't understand the gift of finding one's true mate. I will explain it all to him."
I was confused. Why was he taking my side over his son's? I didn't dare look up at Xavier whose anger was so great that I could feel him vibrating with it.
Alpha Finn's hold on my hand tightened slightly bringing my attention back to him and away from my thoughts.
"Trust me."
Growing up here, he had been the nicest to me. How could I not trust him?
I nodded.
He beamed at me making me feel even safer.
"Thank you, Astrid." He kissed my forehead. "Now off you go, I arranged a surprise for you in the gardens for the celebration of your birthday."
I knew he was just getting rid of me so he could talk to Xavier but the fact that he remembered that it was my birthday made me want to cry.
"Thank you very much." I said.
Alpha Finn nodded and I stepped out of my room.
I should have gone straight to the gardens to collect my gift but I found that I couldn't. Something was tightening in my chest and I was surprised to discover that I was worried for my mate.
Xavier might have rejected me but I had not accepted his rejection or rejected his well in return. The bond was still there on my chest, hurting from his rejection but still there.
So I hung around. Just close enough to overhear them.
Lyra was wailing. "Alpha Finn, please don't separate me from Xavier for that whore!"
I was a virgin but the truth had never stopped Lyra from saying all sorts of things about me before.
"Enough!" Alpha Finn growled, obviously losing his anger and patience for her. "She will be my daughter-in-law and if you know what is good for you, you will not utter another word against her."
Lyra didn't say anything anymore but her sobs were loud enough for me to hear them clearly from where I stood.
Xavier growled, making goosebumps travel up my hand. "Will you silence me too Dad?"
Alpha Finn was silent and Xavier continued.
"I will never touch her. She is a weak omega who will destroy this pack."
My heart lurched in my chest at his words. For Xavier would I never rise above my station? Would he forever see me as a weak omega instead of his mate?
Alpha Finn seemed to be outraged at Xavier's words.
"You dare oppose me?! Fool. Stupid idiot. Follow me right now to my office!"
I barely hid in a nearby room in time to avoid them seeing me.
Once their footsteps faded, I slumped against the door, my heart pounding and racing in fear.
What would Alpha Finn do to punish Xavier for opposing him?
Astrid's POVMaybe I should have followed them.But I didn't. It was one thing to eavesdrop on them from my room and another entirely to go to the Alpha quarters out of bounds for omegas just to listen in on their conversations.So I went to the gardens instead. All the way there, I thought of how unreal all of this was. Me, an omega mated to an Alpha. How exactly did that work?I also thought of all the things that Xavier had done to me over the years. Could I really forgive him for all of that just because of the mate bond?But I was already worried about what his father would do to him.No, Astrid. You will not let your conflicted feelings because of the mate bond affect you.I reached the gardens that were decorated with strings of light, music -that I couldn't tell where it was coming from- and an adorned table that held a much larger cake, gifts and a box that revealed a gold and diamond necklace.There was no one here just yet but I could see the platters of food for people.It
Astrid's POVI wish I could say that I left immediately, found my Dad and began to live the life that I was destined for.My life simply couldn't be that easy.Fighting the urge from the mate bond to return to Xavier, I made my way back to my room to pack my essentials.I didn't know where exactly my father the Alpha King was but I knew that my search would have to start at the capital city. The Werewolf Capital City was the pack managed by the Alpha King that lay at the heart of our continent.It was also where he resided. At least until he disappeared. My current pack was such a long distance away from the capital that I wondered what exactly my mother had been running from to run this far.I would find out when I reached my father. I would find him. I wasn't sure how but I worried that if I thought too long about this plan then I would back out completely.I needed to leave now. And I couldn't get caught.I finished tossing whatever little property I had left into the bag and proce
Astrid's POVAt that point, the haze in my head cleared.Alpha Jaxon was the Alpha of the Crimson Moon Pack. The name was nearly as deadly as the deadly infamous pack.The Crimson Moon pack was one of the biggest packs on this continent. That was because the Alpha of the pack, Alpha Jaxon, kept conquering other packs and adding them to his.He was rumored to be deadly, bloodthirsty and extremely merciless. Even my former pack shied away from any interaction that involved the Crimson Moon pack instead choosing to send gifts to Alpha Jaxon in hopes of appeasing him to prevent an attack.This was the man that I had been 'sold' to become his breeder? Just how much drugs had they put in that food?I just wanted to find my dad, why did it seem like I was going from one trouble to another?I blinked up at this stranger who told me that he had bought me."A surrogate?"What little I knew of that word was that they carried babies. Would that involve sex? Sex with a bloodthirsty monster?Fighti
Alpha Jaxon's POVI looked back at the woman who would be my surrogate very soon.How dare she question me? She needed to know her place.Leaning in, I grabbed her chin roughly making her gasp out in surprise. So far I had been nice and considerate but I was an Alpha and I didn't accept challenges from anybody."No one questions me, pet." I whispered in her ear, feeling her stiffness against me.My hand shifted to her neck placing just enough pressure to not hurt her but enough to show her that if I wanted to I could."Most especially not you."Astrid's pale green eyes widened with fear and I was surprised that a part of me wanted to take that fear away but I ignored it.It was better for both of us if she was afraid of me. We didn't need this arrangement to be anything other than what it was. A much-needed arrangement.I pulled away from her feeling angry at her, myself and this whole blasted situation."Alpha, the car is ready." My Beta, Caleb said bowing as I exited the apartment b
Astrid's POVI had lost my mind.How did I know that I had lost my mind?Because with Alpha Jaxon looking down at me, his eyes a stormy gray that hinted at annoyance and his dark hair falling slightly over his forehead, all I could think about at this point was how handsome he looked.His scent was undoubtedly the best thing I had smelt. He smelt like cedar, sweet wine and so undeniably male. I could get lost in his eyes and his hair, I was just dying to touch to feel if it was as soft as it looked.I felt a tingle work itself up my body.A growl escaped Alpha Jaxon and his gaze darkened, his arms around me tightening making me gasp out in pain."When I am talking to you, I expect a response."My lips parted. "I…"But what did I have to say? What would I tell him and where would I start from and where would I end?I couldn't tell him about the fact that I left the pack house without telling him why and the last thing I wanted was for him to also find out that I was royalty and try to
Astrid's POVWhen I got to the Crimson Moon pack hospital with Beta Nathan, I was more than confused.What exactly had Alpha Jaxon meant by the list and why did he want a doctor to see me?The injury on my cheek was already healed. I might not have a wolf but I could heal even though it was way slower than a regular wolf's.The doctor seemed pleasant at least."I am Rachel and in your time here as your time here as a surrogate, I will be your guide and confidante."I looked at the smiling doctor with cropped blond hair and almost angelic blue eyes. My supposed confidante. She was from the Crimson Moon Pack and ultimately one of Alpha Jaxon's people. I couldn't trust anyone but myself here.She turned to face Beta Nathan who seemed to stand straighter under her gaze."Wait outside the clinic and give this to the Alpha."Rachel handed him an envelope. Beta Nathan accepted it and gave me what I assumed was a don't misbehave look before walking away.I turned back to you the doctor. Had s
Astrid's POVIt was surprisingly cool to be a surrogate.Imagine that. It was cooler being a person who sold their body for money rather than being a powerless omega.I was given a big room on the top floor with windows that had a magnificent view of everything.No one disturbed me and Alpha Jaxon didn't come to force himself on me or anything else like I feared. In fact, I would have thought that they had forgotten I was in the house if not for the servants that attended to me.Yes. I now had servants. Servants that brought me whatever I wanted, cleaned up my room, styled my hair even though I was going nowhere and dressed me up.They attempted to bathe me as well but I drew the line there. I wasn't a child.I wasn't allowed to work hard - so as not to strain myself and affect my conception - so I always had a maid on hand in case I wanted to change or do anything strenuous.I slept well for the first time in a long time.I ate and gorged.And I grew bored.I know what you are thinki
Alpha Jaxon's POVI saw the shock spread across their faces as they processed my presence.The man who held Astrid in his arms let go of her slightly, probably from the shock but that was all she needed to pull away and race away from him to hide behind me.This close, I could perceive his scent on her and it enraged me. How dare this man touch what wasn't his?If not for my need to check up on Astrid after the librarian had informed me via the pack link of her leaving Astrid alone in the library, I would have never known.This rage I was feeling was unfamiliar.I didn't even know Astrid all that well but I was bothered. Bothered was an understatement. I felt undeniably possessive about her.She was mine. I had bought her straight and clear and she had also agreed to our bargain.The man in front of me looked and smelled strangely familiar and there was the look he had been giving Astrid.I was willing to bet that this was her former mate who had been stupid enough to let go of someon
Alpha Jaxon's POVI saw the shock spread across their faces as they processed my presence.The man who held Astrid in his arms let go of her slightly, probably from the shock but that was all she needed to pull away and race away from him to hide behind me.This close, I could perceive his scent on her and it enraged me. How dare this man touch what wasn't his?If not for my need to check up on Astrid after the librarian had informed me via the pack link of her leaving Astrid alone in the library, I would have never known.This rage I was feeling was unfamiliar.I didn't even know Astrid all that well but I was bothered. Bothered was an understatement. I felt undeniably possessive about her.She was mine. I had bought her straight and clear and she had also agreed to our bargain.The man in front of me looked and smelled strangely familiar and there was the look he had been giving Astrid.I was willing to bet that this was her former mate who had been stupid enough to let go of someon
Astrid's POVIt was surprisingly cool to be a surrogate.Imagine that. It was cooler being a person who sold their body for money rather than being a powerless omega.I was given a big room on the top floor with windows that had a magnificent view of everything.No one disturbed me and Alpha Jaxon didn't come to force himself on me or anything else like I feared. In fact, I would have thought that they had forgotten I was in the house if not for the servants that attended to me.Yes. I now had servants. Servants that brought me whatever I wanted, cleaned up my room, styled my hair even though I was going nowhere and dressed me up.They attempted to bathe me as well but I drew the line there. I wasn't a child.I wasn't allowed to work hard - so as not to strain myself and affect my conception - so I always had a maid on hand in case I wanted to change or do anything strenuous.I slept well for the first time in a long time.I ate and gorged.And I grew bored.I know what you are thinki
Astrid's POVWhen I got to the Crimson Moon pack hospital with Beta Nathan, I was more than confused.What exactly had Alpha Jaxon meant by the list and why did he want a doctor to see me?The injury on my cheek was already healed. I might not have a wolf but I could heal even though it was way slower than a regular wolf's.The doctor seemed pleasant at least."I am Rachel and in your time here as your time here as a surrogate, I will be your guide and confidante."I looked at the smiling doctor with cropped blond hair and almost angelic blue eyes. My supposed confidante. She was from the Crimson Moon Pack and ultimately one of Alpha Jaxon's people. I couldn't trust anyone but myself here.She turned to face Beta Nathan who seemed to stand straighter under her gaze."Wait outside the clinic and give this to the Alpha."Rachel handed him an envelope. Beta Nathan accepted it and gave me what I assumed was a don't misbehave look before walking away.I turned back to you the doctor. Had s
Astrid's POVI had lost my mind.How did I know that I had lost my mind?Because with Alpha Jaxon looking down at me, his eyes a stormy gray that hinted at annoyance and his dark hair falling slightly over his forehead, all I could think about at this point was how handsome he looked.His scent was undoubtedly the best thing I had smelt. He smelt like cedar, sweet wine and so undeniably male. I could get lost in his eyes and his hair, I was just dying to touch to feel if it was as soft as it looked.I felt a tingle work itself up my body.A growl escaped Alpha Jaxon and his gaze darkened, his arms around me tightening making me gasp out in pain."When I am talking to you, I expect a response."My lips parted. "I…"But what did I have to say? What would I tell him and where would I start from and where would I end?I couldn't tell him about the fact that I left the pack house without telling him why and the last thing I wanted was for him to also find out that I was royalty and try to
Alpha Jaxon's POVI looked back at the woman who would be my surrogate very soon.How dare she question me? She needed to know her place.Leaning in, I grabbed her chin roughly making her gasp out in surprise. So far I had been nice and considerate but I was an Alpha and I didn't accept challenges from anybody."No one questions me, pet." I whispered in her ear, feeling her stiffness against me.My hand shifted to her neck placing just enough pressure to not hurt her but enough to show her that if I wanted to I could."Most especially not you."Astrid's pale green eyes widened with fear and I was surprised that a part of me wanted to take that fear away but I ignored it.It was better for both of us if she was afraid of me. We didn't need this arrangement to be anything other than what it was. A much-needed arrangement.I pulled away from her feeling angry at her, myself and this whole blasted situation."Alpha, the car is ready." My Beta, Caleb said bowing as I exited the apartment b
Astrid's POVAt that point, the haze in my head cleared.Alpha Jaxon was the Alpha of the Crimson Moon Pack. The name was nearly as deadly as the deadly infamous pack.The Crimson Moon pack was one of the biggest packs on this continent. That was because the Alpha of the pack, Alpha Jaxon, kept conquering other packs and adding them to his.He was rumored to be deadly, bloodthirsty and extremely merciless. Even my former pack shied away from any interaction that involved the Crimson Moon pack instead choosing to send gifts to Alpha Jaxon in hopes of appeasing him to prevent an attack.This was the man that I had been 'sold' to become his breeder? Just how much drugs had they put in that food?I just wanted to find my dad, why did it seem like I was going from one trouble to another?I blinked up at this stranger who told me that he had bought me."A surrogate?"What little I knew of that word was that they carried babies. Would that involve sex? Sex with a bloodthirsty monster?Fighti
Astrid's POVI wish I could say that I left immediately, found my Dad and began to live the life that I was destined for.My life simply couldn't be that easy.Fighting the urge from the mate bond to return to Xavier, I made my way back to my room to pack my essentials.I didn't know where exactly my father the Alpha King was but I knew that my search would have to start at the capital city. The Werewolf Capital City was the pack managed by the Alpha King that lay at the heart of our continent.It was also where he resided. At least until he disappeared. My current pack was such a long distance away from the capital that I wondered what exactly my mother had been running from to run this far.I would find out when I reached my father. I would find him. I wasn't sure how but I worried that if I thought too long about this plan then I would back out completely.I needed to leave now. And I couldn't get caught.I finished tossing whatever little property I had left into the bag and proce
Astrid's POVMaybe I should have followed them.But I didn't. It was one thing to eavesdrop on them from my room and another entirely to go to the Alpha quarters out of bounds for omegas just to listen in on their conversations.So I went to the gardens instead. All the way there, I thought of how unreal all of this was. Me, an omega mated to an Alpha. How exactly did that work?I also thought of all the things that Xavier had done to me over the years. Could I really forgive him for all of that just because of the mate bond?But I was already worried about what his father would do to him.No, Astrid. You will not let your conflicted feelings because of the mate bond affect you.I reached the gardens that were decorated with strings of light, music -that I couldn't tell where it was coming from- and an adorned table that held a much larger cake, gifts and a box that revealed a gold and diamond necklace.There was no one here just yet but I could see the platters of food for people.It
Astrid's POVThe pain of my mate rejecting me slammed into me making me gasp as I rocked back, my body shaking and vibrating.l had heard of people rejecting their true mate yet I had never thought that it would happen to me.Somehow I had thought surely the moon goddess wouldn't be so cruel as to give me a mate that wouldn't care for me in addition to all my troubles.I had been wrong. I didn't even know how it was possible for a wolfless omega like me to have a mate like Xavier. I wasn't as strong as Lyra so why me?What I knew was that I was in a world of pain. To think that if I had a wolf the pain would have been twofold of what I was feeling now. Guess there was a good side to being a wolfless omega after all.Xavier wrapped his arm around Lyra and the stab of pain in my chest made my knees weak beneath me.I wanted to crawl under my covers and hide.But I had been doing that my whole life.Hiding because I was a powerless omega, hiding to avoid the people who would hurt me.Hid