Chapter 2: My mate's rejection (II)

Exalia's POV

“No, you don’t understand. Exalia is too young. I’ve seen her grow up and know her history of being weak; she hasn’t even shifted yet.” Jake’s words pierced my heart, each one a painful stab.

“She cannot be my mate, and you know that too well; how could she be my Luna? She is so weak?” His words cut deeper than I had anticipated. Tears streamed down my face as I sobbed uncontrollably, my lip trembling and eyes brimming with tears.

“But you know she’s always had feelings for you. Your rejection might break her!” My dad’s frustration was evident.

“I’m going to reject her in front of the pack and choose a stronger female as my mate, for the good of the pack,” Jake declared. I buried my face in my hands, my shoulders shaking with sobs. The thought of being rejected twisted my stomach into tight knots.

“Gather the pack members; I want this done,” Jake commanded.

“Beta Zack, follow the order.”

“Yes, Alpha, but you’ll regret this,” my dad said, his voice laced with fury before he stormed out.

Soon, the pack members gathered, and I joined them, not out of desire but necessity.

“Today, I’m introducing your new Luna,” Jake’s voice echoed through the hall. I closed my eyes, my heart racing. Murmurs filled the room, and I felt every gaze on me, making me more anxious.

The news of me being the alpha’s mate must have spread. “I’m choosing Maria as my mate, and she will be our pack’s Luna. In about three days, we will officially mate,” Jake announced.

The words hit me like a sledgehammer, and I stumbled, my world collapsing into darkness.

“Jake!” I cried, but he ignored me.

Maria smirked, her hand deliberately touching Jake to provoke me. I wanted him alone to explain why he was doing this, to hear it from him directly, though I already knew the reason.

“Jake!” I shouted again, and this time he turned, his eyes cold and expressionless.

“What?” His words cut through me. “You’re 18 today and still haven’t shifted, Jade. I want my Luna to be strong,” he said, his tone dismissive. “Is that reason good enough?” he sneered. I felt undeserving of his treatment.

“I, Alpha Jake, of the Moon Launch Pack, reject you as my mate,” he concluded, sealing my fate.

“What?” I gasped in pain as though thousands of needles were being driven forcefully into my chest.

The pain was so intense that my legs gave out, and I collapsed to the floor.

“Ouch!” I cried out, still looking at Jake, who didn’t even glance my way.

“Just accept the rejection, my dear; you’re better than this.” I heard my father’s voice in my head, his words coming through the mind-link for the first time.

“But why? Why did he have to do this to me?” I screamed internally, the agony was overwhelming.

“I'm sorry baby girl,” Dad responded, his voice filled with intense guilt and remorse. “Dad can't protect you this time.” He added, his voice trembling at the end, and I felt as if my whole world had collapsed right in front of me.

“Accept the rejection, Exalia. You don’t need me to force you.”

Alpha Jake’s voice was cold and unfeeling.

“This is for the best, Exalia.” Maria added, with a feigned gentle smile and I could only swallow the lump in my throat forcefully.

It had always been like this—having to give up everything I held there just because I wasn't as talented as other female wolves.

But, why? Why was the moon goddess so unjust? Why do I have to suffer such a fate?

With immense effort, I struggled to stand. My left leg throbbed painfully under my weight, but I refused to give up.

Clenching my teeth and sobbing, I pushed myself upright, using my trembling arms for support. Tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision as I looked at Alpha Jake.

“I, Exalia of the Moon Launch Pack, daughter of the beta, accept your rejection, Alpha Jake,” I whispered, my voice cracking with each word.

“I accept it,” I repeated, my voice barely audible between sobs. I swallowed hard, trying to push through the crushing weight in my chest that made breathing a struggle.

The room fell silent, except for the sound of my ragged breathing and sobs, I couldn't even hear anything. I felt as though a part of me was being ripped away, leaving me to wither inside.

As soon as I received my mate, I was rejected.

The moon goddess truly had it out for me. I managed a forced smile and hobbled out of the hall toward my room.

The journey to my room felt like eternity as I dragged my heavy body amidst sobs and heartache. Moreover, nobody stopped me on the way, it's as if they've all arrived at a conclusion to let me be.

My body was too weak to move when I collapsed onto the bed.

Once I sank into the soft cushion, a loud scream escaped my lips.

“Why?”