Reject My Alpha Mate novel Chapter 3

Claire's POV

As the pack's Ceremonial Robe Weaver, I'd always crafted ritual garments for Dominic and his blood kin. Yet my wolf instincts knew these weren't for his sister.

"The moon will set before I complete them," I stated coldly.

His Alpha presence flickered with irritation. "When then?"

"Next sunrise. I'll gather the blessed materials now."

Relief crossed his features as he nodded, pulling out a stack of pack currency. "For the sacred threads."

His pack-link howled and he answered instantly, vanishing from our home.

Five years of mate-bonds, and he'd answered my mind-links only five times.

*Our Alpha has abandoned us,* My wolf Ava mourned within.

*Soon we'll break free of these chains,* I soothed my wolf.

The next day, a pack-wide mind-link notification pierced my consciousness as I took my midday meal.

[Claire, your ceremonial robes exceed expectations.] Dominic's formal tone echoed.

Scarlett's mind-link followed: [Such beauty! The Moon Market would've charged triple, but their quality is questionable. Our Alpha protects me from such deceit.]

My suspicions confirmed - the robes were for her.

[Acknowledged.] I kept our bond cold.

[Join us at the Crescent Moon gathering. We're in the Alpha's Overlook, four dens down,] Scarlett invited.

[Your presence isn't required,] Dominic's dismissal came swift.

A private mind-link from Scarlett followed: [Bring moon-blessed wings for the feast.]

Her audacity - treating me like a common pack servant!

I found them in the Overlook's sacred space, their auras intertwined. Dominic gazed at his Beta with an intensity once reserved for me.

My presence shattered their moment. His Alpha markings darkened with barely contained rage.

"You've arrived," Scarlett's smile held hidden fangs.

"Against my direct order," Dominic growled through clenched teeth.

Scarlett's grin widened. "I summoned her for feast offerings."

"You hold no blame, Scarlett," Dominic soothed, clasping her hands.

I withdrew the transfer scroll, steadying my voice. "A pack sister seeks to join her mate's territory. Your seal is required."

"Two days," I whispered, grateful he didn't probe about my broken mate-bond.

Heavy Alpha footsteps approached. Dominic emerged from the shadows, his expression unreadable. I couldn't tell if he'd caught my conversation through our fading bond.

"We'll stay here tonight," he commanded, ascending to the upper chambers.

The request was odd - our home just near here, but I followed.

I woke alone in strange furs, the moon-clock showing mid-cycle.

Dominic's presence returned, his Alpha aura unusually bright.

"I've prepared a ritual feast," he announced. "Join me in the dining chamber."

His sudden attention set my wolf's instincts on edge, but I followed his descent.

The dining chamber held an elaborate spread - moon-blessed meats, sacred herbs, and ritual wine. Far more than a simple meal.

"Sit," he gestured to the Alpha-mate's place. "I prepared everything myself."

The food bore his scent alone.

"You never cook," I observed, taking my seat.

His eyes held an unfamiliar gleam. "Special occasions deserve special efforts."