Reject My Alpha Mate novel Chapter 4

Claire's POV

Moon-blessed breakfast breads awaited at both ends of the ritual dining table. I claimed the Luna's traditional place.

Dominic took his Alpha seat, eyes sharp. "Why alter the protection wards on your crystal-screen?"

The sacred device was his Moon-Blessing gift for my twenty-fifth season. He'd set its wards himself, but I changed them after discovering his midnight run with Scarlett.

He'd only now noticed.

"No cause," I replied, focusing on my meal.

His Alpha markings darkened. "The Territory Alliance Gathering approaches tonight. You've always desired to attend as my Luna. Will you stand as my mate?"

Strange. Scarlett had been his chosen companion at pack gatherings since her Beta ascension, while I joined my friends. What changed?

Ava warned caution - we couldn't risk him discovering our departure plans.

"Accepted," I answered without meeting his gaze.

The Grand Territory Hall hummed with pack energy as I sat beside my mate, feeling more distant than ever.

"Does the gathering please you?" Dominic noted my disinterest.

I nodded silently.

His presence felt hollow now. I knew none of the visiting Lunas or Alphas - he'd kept me isolated all these years.

"Are you-" His words cut short as a familiar scent approached.

"Alpha!" Scarlett's voice rang out.

"Peace, brothers! A pup mistook shadow-play for rogues," Alpha Kane announced, calming the chaos.

I watched Dominic return with Scarlett, checked my moon-timer, and slipped away.

My sky-vessel would depart at dawn's first light.

The next sunrise, soaring above pack lands, his desperate mind-link pierced my barriers:

"Claire! The mate-bond burns!

Why are you leaving? Where are you going?"

"Answer me!"