Reject My Alpha Mate novel Chapter 2

Claire's POV

Suddenly, Dominic grinned and I knew it wasn't meant for me.

"Scarlett just mind-linked about urgent pack matters. The Council chamber awaits."

Before I could respond, his Alpha presence had already vanished from the door.

My enhanced senses caught Scarlett's greeting echo through the corridor. "Dominic!"

"My Scarlett." The warmth in his voice made my wolf whimper. Their auras moved toward the pack's vehicle bay.

As Supreme Alpha, protocol demanded that only his Luna or family address him without title. Yet he allowed his Beta such familiarity. Was their relationship really professional?

"The blood roses are yours. I know they're your ritual flower." His voice carried his smile through our fading mate-bond.

My suspicions confirmed - the sacred flowers were meant for her.

In five years, he'd never gifted me ritual blooms.

My wolf's pain echoed through our shared consciousness.

The Council chambers called to my Luna duties, but something dark stirred in my wolf's instincts about their private meetings.

As Luna, pack leadership was my birthright alongside my mate. Instead, Scarlett had claimed my place in the Council.

My role had diminished to blessing ceremonies, healing clinic visits, and pack feasts. Even those duties Scarlett now frequently usurped.

"Victory to the Moon Goddess! The Alpha's blood roses for Beta Scarlett - their mating ceremony approaches!" A pack she-wolf, Ruby, celebrated with her circle near the room entrance.

"Sources say they're already moon-bound!" Pearl added.

"But what of Luna?" Jade questioned, their voices drawing closer.

Ruby's whisper carried. "Word is Luna Claire isn't his true mate. The Moon Goddess blessed Beta Scarlett as his destined one."

"You believe such heresy?" Jade's shock was evident.

Pearl and Ruby chorused, "The signs are clear!"

Pearl's next words struck like silver. "I witnessed their private moonlight run last Blood Moon. So romantic!"

My wolf howled in anguish as my legs gave way.

They rushed in as Jade gasped, "Luna Claire! We didn't sense..."

Darkness claimed me before she finished.

When consciousness returned, Dominic loomed by my healing bed, his Alpha markings dim with irritation. "Why did you block our pack-link?"

"Unconscious wolves can't mind-link," I replied dryly, forcing myself upright.

"Still bitter about the pendant?" Confusion colored his tone. "The moonstone set was claimed by another. I'll buy you a better."

My silence enraged him.

His Alpha voice shook our room: "You should howl gratitude for any mate-gift I give you!"

"I need a midnight run!"

He snarled when I remained unmoved.

In moons past, I would have chased him, submitting to maintain peace.

But I refused to play that game anymore.

His anger meant nothing now.

He never returned to our home that night.

As the moon crawled across the sky, I wondered if Scarlett ran at his side, if they shared her room under the moon's knowing gaze.

Dawn's light brought his return, his appearance wild from the night's run.

His eyes held fresh contempt as he growled,

"Prepare two ceremonial robes for me before moonrise."