Rejected by My Beta Mate

My mate, Calvin Jenkins, Beta of the Silver Moon Pack, had returned to his hometown for a visit. I noticed he’d forgotten the special gifts he’d bought, so I rushed after him. When I arrived, I spotted him stepping out of his car, looking sharp in a tailored suit. Greeting him was Valery Hudson, an Omega from our pack and his childhood sweetheart. They stood hand in hand, smiling as if they had just completed a mate ceremony. It wasn’t until they noticed me that Calvin hurriedly let go of her hand.

"Her mother is really sick, and her only wish is to see her daughter mated. I’m just helping out," he said, his tone dismissive.

I chuckled softly, gesturing for him to rejoin the small gathering of pack members who were cheering them on. "When’s the pup coming? I’ll need to get a present ready!"

My sarcasm drew even more attention to the spectacle. Valery ushered the guests inside, then approached me, her expression pleading.

"Rachel, don’t be mad. Calvin and I are just pretending. If you’re uncomfortable, I can explain everything to everyone."

I nodded, signaling her to go ahead, but Valery hesitated, frozen in place. Calvin pulled her close, giving me a disapproving glare.

"It’s just a favor, Rachel. Aren’t you empathetic? Stop being so jealous."

I laughed bitterly. "Well, then I wish you both a happy ceremony and a speedy arrival for your first pup."

Calvin’s face turned pale, and he dragged me aside. "Rachel, what’s your deal?"

I stayed silent. Yesterday had been my birthday, and I had planned for us to spend a romantic day together. But Calvin had rushed off, claiming his mother was in trouble and he had to return to his hometown. I’d offered to take time off and go with him, but he refused, saying he didn’t want to disrupt my warrior duties. Turns out, the "mom" in question was Valery’s mother. While I’d anxiously waited day and night, he’d been attending a fake mate ceremony with his childhood sweetheart.

Seeing Valery in her elegantly fitted dress, it was clear the ceremony had been planned for quite some time. Bitterness welled in my heart. Calvin thought I was just being immature. "I told you, it’s merely a favor for Valery. Don’t be petty."

I shook my head. "You’re overthinking it."

"After this, let’s head to the pack’s council. We’ll sever our mate bond, and you two can complete your marking. How practical."

Calvin was stunned at the mention of severing our bond. Just then, Valery emerged, supporting a middle-aged woman—her mother, Mrs. Ellis, an Omega from our pack.

"Calvin, my mom’s worried because you haven’t come inside yet. She wants to see you."

Mrs. Ellis hobbled forward, coughing lightly, her eyes kind as she looked at Calvin. "Calvin is a good boy, Valery. Treat him well in the future. By the way, who’s this?"

Seeing Mrs. Ellis looking at me curiously, Calvin quickly explained. "Just someone asking for directions, Mom. Go back inside; it’s cold out here."

Hearing him reduce me to a stranger, I couldn’t help but laugh, turning to leave. Calvin seemed ready to follow me, but Valery called out, "Come on, it’s time we should go in. Everyone’s waiting."

Then the sound of fireworks crackled loudly behind me. Calvin didn’t chase after me. No matter the circumstances, I was never his choice.

---

Leaving Calvin’s place, I headed straight to my mom’s cottage. Calvin had disliked living with her, so after we’d completed our mate bond, she’d thoughtfully decided to return to her hometown. I’d bought her a cozy cottage in one of the pack’s best neighborhoods, thinking she deserved some comfort now that she was older. Because of this, Calvin had given me the silent treatment for three months. Only when my mom suggested putting the house in both our names did he stop sulking.

Opening the door, I was surprised to find my mom eating plain oatmeal with toast. My heart sank. "Mom, didn’t I give you enough money to live on? Why are you eating such bland food?"

She hadn’t expected me and lit up with delight. "Rachel, why are you back so suddenly? Where’s Calvin?"

Seeing her graying hair made my heart ache. For years, I’d been busy with my warrior duties, busy pleasing Calvin, but I’d neglected the woman who raised me. I’d already decided: after settling matters with Calvin, I’d have her come live with me.

"Mom, I haven’t eaten yet either. Let’s go out for a meal together!"

My mom quickly waved her hand. "Eating out is too extravagant. I’ll cook for you."

She rushed into the kitchen. But when she opened the fridge, there was only toast and some wilted vegetables.

"Mom, let’s go out to eat."

I didn’t give her a chance to disagree, taking her out directly. After dining out, I took her to the pack’s market before heading home. But as we arrived, we found the door wide open.

My mom suspected a break-in and hurried inside. Calvin’s arrogant voice echoed.

"Why aren’t you at home instead of wandering around? I have relatives coming over later, so you’ll need to move out for a few days!"

Hearing this, anger welled up, and I followed her in. "Calvin, who exactly are you asking to move out?"

Seeing me, Calvin looked surprised. "Rachel, what are you doing here?"

I scoffed. "This is my house. Where else would I be?"

He shrugged indifferently. "Valery wants to use the house for a few days. I agreed, and since you’re here anyway, you and your mom can move out for a couple of days."

Calvin spoke with audacity. To him, this was his house; he saw himself as the rightful owner. Valery chimed in, "Rachel, I just need the space for a while. If you’re unwilling, I can pay you rent."

I looked at Valery with disdain. But before I could respond, Calvin sneered.

"Why should she pay you? You’ve worked hard for your money. With such a big house, it’s wasteful for the old lady to live here alone. Let our relatives enjoy it."

"Besides, my name’s on the title deed. She can’t kick us out!"

His words ignited fury within me, and before I could firmly refuse, a commotion at the door interrupted us.