All Chapters of The Rejected Mate's Curse : Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

Turning eighteen was supposed to be the beginning of something powerful, the day my wolf would rise within me and transform my life. All my years as a runt—a frail, insignificant member of the pack—would end, and I’d finally find my place among them. But the only thing that changed this morning was that I woke up to the same empty silence inside, no wolf stirring, no strength or instincts awakening within me. Instead, I forced myself out of bed, threw on my usual worn-out leather jacket, and headed across town to the Sapphire Lounge, the exclusive club where I worked. It wasn’t excitingly attractive, but it paid what it could. I sat discreetly between two sleek buildings, the club was a dark, atmospheric den quiet mostly for the higher-ranking wolves who wanted a place to relax. When humans stumbled upon it by accident, they rarely stayed long, sensing something… predatory. Rick, the owner—a tough wolf with a bald head and a constant scowl—was waiting for me as I came through the

The early morning sunlight streamed harshly through the cracks in the window, blinding me as I slowly opened my eyes. Every part of my body ached. My muscles protested as I pushed myself off the cold, unforgiving cement floor where I had collapsed last night, exhausted and tear-stained. I could feel the sticky trails left by dried tears on my cheeks, reminders of the sleepless night that had drained every ounce of strength out of me.I forced myself upright, though my knees wobbled and my head spun. I wanted nothing more than to stay hidden in my room, to bury myself in the covers and pretend the world didn’t exist. But I didn’t have that luxury. I needed to work—I needed the money. And even if I somehow managed to get out of work, I would have to come up with an excuse. I couldn’t tell them the truth…that Tyson had shattered me in every way possible.Gritting my teeth, I made my way to the bathroom. I grabbed a bucket, and a rag, and filled it with water, forcing myself to return to

Just as if something had come over them, the guards hurried to unlock my cell. One of them slipped his hand under my arm, lifting me a little too quickly. I barely had time to get my balance or adjust my shoe, so when my feet hit the ground, all my weight pressed directly on the bruised, raw skin of my heel, and I couldn’t help but wince.I didn’t expect anyone to notice, but apparently, my… mate did. He growled low, a sound that rumbled in the air and sent a chill through me."Did you hurt her?" he demanded, his eyes sharp on the guard, who immediately shook his head, looking nervous. “No, Alpha, we didn’t touch her—I swear.”My mate—still strange to think of him that way—glared at the guard, his gaze dark and intense. Then, without a word, he strode into the cell, sweeping me into his arms like it was the most natural thing in the world. I went stiff in shock, my whole body locked up, and I couldn’t seem to relax. He must have noticed, but I couldn’t meet his gaze; it was too clos