Elena's POV

Elder Rowan's presence filled the room, comforting my wary self. I didn't have the courage to face him. My eyes were swollen from crying, and I could feel more fresh tears welling up, ready to spill.

"Father," I called in sob, my voice weak as I finally looked up at him. His eyes softened with that same paternal concern he always had for me.

He sighed deeply as he sat down on the bed, and I did the same, beside him. "Elena, my child," he said. He reached out and placed a gentle, calloused hand on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't let his actions get to you. Andrew... rejecting you like that in front of everyone. It's not right."

I couldn't hold it back anymore. The tears spilled over, hot and fast, and I leaned into him, burying my face in his shoulder in a hug like I was a little girl again. "It hurts so much, Father," I sobbed, my words muffled against his shirt. "Last night... he marked me, kissed me, said I was his. And then today, he just... threw me away. Like I'm nothing. Why would he do that? Why mark me if he was just going to reject me?"

He wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight, his hand stroking my back in slow, comforting pat. "Shh, Elena, my child. Let it out. You've been strong for too long on your own." His voice was steady, but I could hear the anger simmering underneath. "I was out in the woods last night, checking the borders like I always do. I saw it all, the pull between you two, the mark, the way he claimed you. The Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes like that lightly."

I pulled back a little, wiping my face with the back of my hand, but the tears kept coming. "But he rejected me, Father. Publicly. Everyone laughed. They called me weak, an omega. How can I even show my face out there now?"

His expression hardened, his bushy eyebrows drawing together in a frown. He took my hands in his, his grip kind. "Listen to me, child. That rejection of his? It's going to bring consequences to the whole pack. Fate doesn't accept something like that so easily. The bond between you and Andrew is still alive, whether he admits it or not. You feel it, don't you? That mark on your neck, it's not just a scar. It's a tie that the Goddess herself approves."

I clenched my fists in my lap, my nails digging into my palms because I didn't want to hear it. Part of me knew he was right concerning the pull and I could still feel it but admitting it meant more pain. "I don't care about the bond," I muttered, my voice shaky. "He doesn't want me. He said I'm weak and unworthy. What consequences? The pack seems fine with it. They're all cheering for Selene now."

Elder Rowan shook his head, his eyes narrowing with determination. "The pack might not see it yet, but they will. An Alpha rejecting his true mate? It weakens the leadership, invites unrest from the spirits, maybe even from rival packs who sense the discord. I've seen it before in my years, bonds like this don't break clean. You have to remain strong, Elena, because this isn't over. The elders are meeting soon to decide what should be done. The disaster that awaits is huge."

I wanted to argue, to tell him it was hopeless, that Andrew's words had cut too deep, but my throat was dry from crying. I just nodded weakly. He gave my hands one last squeeze before standing up.

"Rest now, my child," he said softly, leaning down to kiss the top of my head. "You're not alone in this. Call on me if you need anything." With that, he turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving me in the quiet that felt heavier than before.

Not long after, there was another knock. I didn't move at first, but then Clara's voice came through. "Elena? It's me. I brought food."

I dragged myself off the bed and opened the door. She bustled in, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of stew and some bread. She set it down on the rickety table and turned to me, her eyes widening when she saw my puffy face. "Oh, Elena, you look awful. So pale too. Here, eat something. You haven't had a thing all day, have you?"

I shook my head and sat back on the bed, staring at the food without touching it. "I'm not hungry, Clara. Just... leave it."

She crossed her arms, her expression stubborn. "No way. You're eating, even if I have to feed you myself. Look at you, you're shaking. That rejection... it's bullshit, and you need your strength."

I sighed, picking up the spoon just to make her stop. "Fine. But only a little." I took a small bite but it didn't make me feel any better.

Clara sat down next to me, her hand on my knee. "The wolves out there are already gossiping like crazy. Some are pitying you, saying it's unfair what Andrew did. Others... well, they're mocking you, calling you weak or whatever. But I gave them a piece of my mind. Told one girl straight up that if she didn't shut her mouth, I'd make her do so."

Her words only made the knot in my chest tighten. I set the spoon down, tears pricking my eyes again. "I just want to disappear, Clara. Crawl into a hole and never come out."

She grabbed my hand, her grip fierce, her eyes blazing with loyalty. "Hey, no. Running away would only give them more reasons to laugh. You're better than that. Stay and show them you're not broken. We'll get through this together, okay? Andrew's the idiot here, not you."

I nodded, forcing a small smile, but inside, I was crumbling. We spent the evening like that, mostly in silence after I pushed the food away. Clara chattered a bit about pack news to distract me, but eventually, she nodded off in the chair by the table later at night, her head lolling to the side, soft snores filling the room. I stayed awake, curled up, replaying Andrew's cold words over and over in my head. "I reject Elena Torre as my Luna and my mate." Each time, it hurts like the first.

The next morning, I couldn't stay locked up anymore. I slipped out early, hoping the fresh air would clear my mind. I headed to the training grounds, pulling my hood up. But as soon as I got there, I felt every eye turn to me. Whispers followed, heads turning, and I kept my gaze focused, my hands shoved in my pockets.

Selene was there, of course, dressed perfectly in tight training gear that showed off her curves, her hair tied back in a sleek ponytail. She was surrounded by her usual group of girls, laughing and stretching. When she spotted me, her lips curled into a smirk. She leaned in and whispered something to the girl next to her, who burst out laughing, covering her mouth.

My cheeks burned, and I turned away, pretending to watch the sparring matches. But then Beta Marcus appeared out of nowhere, striding over with his usual stoic expression, his arms in his pockets. He stopped beside me as he whispered. "Don't let them bother you, Elena," he said quietly, not looking at me directly but scanning the grounds.

Surprised and confused, I wondered why he would care. He was Andrew's right-hand man, always loyal so I assume he should be on his side.

"Thanks," I muttered, but I didn't say more, my voice barely above a whisper.

Before he could respond, Selene sauntered over, her group trailing behind her. She stopped right in front of me, her voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear in mock. "So, Elena, does it hurt to know Andrew chose power over you?"

Elena's POV

I swallowed, not looking her in the face. She's the future Luna after all.

"I mean, really, who could blame him? An omega like you? Weak, worthless, barely worth a second glance. He needs a real Luna, someone who can stand by his side without dragging the pack down."

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest as her words hit me. The training grounds went quiet, all eyes on us. Her friends snickered behind her, their arms crossed, heads tilted in fake pity of a sneering smile. Selene flipped her ponytail hair over her shoulder. She stepped closer, her gaze ceasing me from head to toes.

"You thought the mate pull meant anything?" she continued, her voice rising so everyone could hear. "Please. That was just a mistake by the moon goddess, a moment of weakness. Andrew's too smart to tie himself to trash. Now he's got me, strong, beautiful, from a good bloodline. You? You're just the orphan girl no one wanted. I don't want to see you any close to my man."

My throat tightened. I wanted to snap back, to tell her to go to hell, but the words stuck in my throat. I dare not talk back. Instead, I clenched my fists at my sides as I fought that violence urge. Beta Marcus shifted his gaze to me, his jaw tight, but he didn't say anything yet.

Before I could find my voice, Elder Rowan's deep tone boomed from the edge of the crowd. "Enough of this nonsense!" He pushed through the gathering wolves. A few other elders trailed him, Elder Miriam, Elder Benjamin too as his lips pursed in disapproval. They must have been nearby, maybe overseeing the training like they sometimes did and they must have noticed Selene's cold words..

The crowd parted for them, murmurs rippling through. My eyes landed on Andrew from afar as he approached with two servants beside him. The moment he reached, his eyes looked cold. His eyes flicked to me for a split second before settling on Rowan.

"Selene, hold your tongue," Rowan said, his voice firm as he stopped between us. He turned to Andrew. "Alpha, this rejection of yours is a grave mistake. The council's been discussing it since last night. The Moon Goddess paired you with Elena for a reason. Rejecting your true mate invites disaster, weakened bonds, unrest in the pack, maybe even attacks from rivals who smell the division. You marked her, claimed her under the moon. You can't just toss that aside. The only way to fix this is to marry her, honor the bond before it's too late."

Andrew's face darkened as he turned to me, his gazing giving that look of "I warned you to keep this to yourself. He stepped forward, towering over the elder. "Marry her? Are you out of your mind, old man? I'm the Alpha. I decide what's best for this pack, not some dusty tradition or your Goddess nonsense. Elena's weak. She's an omega. She'd crumble under the pressure. Selene's the one who makes sense. Strong, loyal. If you elders don't like it, step aside. I don't need your approval."

His words were like a slap, rude and cutting, spat out with no respect. Rowan held his ground even though he felt disrespected as one of the older man in the pack. Ever since the Aloha king died, Aloha Andrew had done things in his way and never listened to anyone.

Elder Miriam cleared her throat. "Alpha, with all due respect, you do have the right to choose. The pack laws allow it. But Rowan's right about the risks. We've seen packs fall apart over broken mate bonds. Spirits grow restless, alliances fracture."

Elder Benjamin nodded. "Aye, the Alpha's word is law. But ignoring fate? That's tempting trouble. Marry the girl or not, but don't say we didn't warn you."

The elders around us went silent, their eyes shifting to me, waiting for my reaction. The air felt heavy with expectation. I held my breath, forcing my head high even as my knees felt like jelly. I wouldn't give Andrew the satisfaction of seeing me break into pieces. Not here, not in front of everyone either.

Clara shifted uneasily behind me, her hand brushing my arm like she was ready to pull me away. "Elena..." she whispered, her voice filled with worry.

Marcus, who was Andrew's brother despite being his beta, cleared his throat. We'd been friends for hours now, ever since the rejection. He'd been checking on me. His face was tense, brows furrowed, as he glanced between Andrew and me. "Brother, maybe listen to them. This isn't just about you."

Andrew shot him a glare. "Stay out of it, Marcus. You're my beta, not my conscience."

Selene smirked, her lips twisting as she moved closer. She leaned in, her breath hot on my ear. "Hear that, Elena? Even the elders can't force him. You're done. Finished too. Why don't you just slink back to your hut and cry some more? Or better yet, leave the pack. No one would miss you."

Her words hurt, each one a jab at my heart. I wanted to walk away, to run and hide, but my feet refused to move. They felt rooted to the spot. For the first time, I met her eyes directly, locking onto that smug gaze. "I'm not going to run," I said, my voice steady even though it trembled inside. "Not from you, not from this."

She smiled. Her friends joined in. "Oh, that's precious! The little omega thinks she's tough now. How cute."

My chest tightened, like a vice squeezing my lungs, but I refused to look away. I stared her down, chin up, even as tears pricked the corners of my eyes.

Rowan sighed heavily, shaking his head. "This isn't the end of it, Alpha. The council will convene properly. But mark my words, the risks are real. Sickness in the ranks, failed hunts, challenges from outside. Fate doesn't forgive easily."

Andrew waved him off, turning away. "Do what you want. I'm not changing my mind." He stalked off toward the sparring ring, Selene hurrying after him with a triumphant smile.

The crowd started to disperse, but the whispers followed me. "Did you hear that? Alpha told the elder off..." "Poor Elena, humiliated again..." Wolves pretended not to stare, but their eyes lingered on me, judgmental and pitying but I didn't let it get to me as I felt like everyone could see right through me.

Clara tugged at my sleeve. "Come on, let's get out of here." We walked away from the grounds, her arm linked through mine. She chatted about casual things with me later that evening to uplift my mind. About the new pup in the pack, anything to distract me but I barely heard her. My mind kept replaying Andrew's rude snarl.

As we reached the path to my room, Clara stopped, her face serious. "Elena, what Rowan said... about the bond and the marriage. Does this mean Andrew might have to take back his rejection? The council could force it, right?"

I shook my head. "No, Clara. I don't believe he ever would. He made his choice clear. And even if they tried, what good is a forced bond? It'd just be more painful."

She hugged me quickly, her arms tight. "You're stronger than you think. Don't let them win. I love how strong you are handling this."

I nodded, but inside, I was crumbling.

The rest of the morning dragged on with those whispers haunting me as usual from the pack members. I tried to busy myself with chores, but every glance from a passing wolf felt like a judgment.

By noon, I couldn't take it anymore. I locked myself away in my room again, unwilling to face anyone. The door shut with a thud, and I sank onto the bed, pulling in the pool of my own tears.

Later that evening, I overheard Clara arguing with someone outside the house. Her voice sounded angry. "What do you want? She doesn't need more drama today."

I stepped out, the cool air hitting my face. Marcus stood there. Clara glared at him, arms crossed, but she didn't stop him from speaking.

"Elena," he said softly, his eyes searching mine the moment he saw me. "I just wanted to check if you're alright."

I leaned against the doorframe, surprised by his kindness again. "I'm... hanging in there. Thanks for asking."

He nodded, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Andrew's being an ass, but you didn't deserve that. If you need anything, I'm around." He gave a small smile, then turned and walked away.

Clara huffed. "What's his deal? Acting all nice now."

"I don't know," I muttered, watching him go. "But it helps."

We went back inside, but sleep didn't come easy that night.

At dawn, a sharp knock jolted me awake. I stumbled to the door, heart racing. As my eyes fell on a pack guard standing there.

"Elena, you're needed at the alpha chamber. Immediately." He delivered.

Elena's POV

Different thoughts slipped into my mind as I made my way towards Alpha Andrew's chamber. I couldn't stop asking myself why he'd sent for me. Did he want to talk about what was at hand? Possibly, he did-but what exactly would he say?

My heart sank as I stopped in front of the door, wondering if I should knock or just go in. Slowly, I raised my head and glanced at the guards standing nearby. Neither of them looked my way, their eyes fixed blankly ahead.

With a deep sigh, I grabbed the handle and pushed the door open. There he was, standing near the window with a glass of drink in his hand. His posture was as cold and unyielding as the Alpha I once thought I knew.

I stood at the door, my heart pounding loud enough I was certain he could hear it. After a long silence, I walked into the room and closed the door behind me, deciding to draw his attention even though my instinct screamed against it. My voice came out softer than I intended.

"My Alpha."

He didn't turn immediately. He lifted the glass to his lips, drained it in one swallow, and then finally faced me. "Why are you still here? Didn't I make myself clear?"

I frowned, struggling to grasp what he meant. Ever since he rejected me, we hadn't spoken to each other. Then what the hell was he talking about?

I swallowed the lump in my throat and blurted out, furrowing my brows in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I rejected you, Elena. In front of everyone. You should have left already-like the weak little omega they think you are. There are other packs. Why are you still here?"

I blinked rapidly, unable to believe my ears. He was asking me to run away? To abandon everything? Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I refused to give him that satisfaction.

"This is my pack," I said firmly. "My home. I can't just leave."

He clenched his jaw, and then slammed the glass against the table. The sharp sound echoed through the chamber, making me flinch.

"You can't? Or you won't?" His voice dropped into a dangerous growl as he stalked toward me, his fists clenched at his sides.

My heart was hammered, but I forced myself to remain calm. "I'm not leaving. My family's buried here, my life is here. You don't get to cast me out like I'm nothing."

A cruel sound rumbled in his chest-half-growl, half-laugh. His eyes narrowed, sharp and merciless. "You think you have a choice?"

In a blink, he closed the distance between us and seized my throat, slamming me against the wall. His grip wasn't enough to choke me, but firm enough to remind me how easily he could. My pulse throbbed wildly under his palm. It was hard to breathe, but I didn't fight him.

The bond between us hummed, alive and cruel, refusing to let me feel only fear. I hated it, hated that even as he threatened me, my body craved his nearness even when his touch was cruel. Slowly, he lowered his face until his burning eyes locked on mine.

"Do you know what you're doing to me?" he snarled. "Every second you stay, you make me look weaker. You make me-" He cut himself off, tightening his jaw as though finishing the thought would wound him more than me.

"If rejecting me made you stronger," I whispered, my voice breathless against his hold. "then why do you still care?"

There's silence in the room when I finished speaking. However, his grip didn't loosen, but his thumb brushed unconsciously against my neck, sending unwanted shivers through me. The fury in his gaze flickered, and his chest began to rise and fall with uneven breaths as though he fought himself as much as me.

I closed my eyes, torn apart by the heat of his nearness. The bond burned like fire in my veins, a pull too intoxicating to ignore. I should have turned away. I should have hated him. But when his eyes softened, when his lips hovered inches from mine, my heart betrayed me.

I wanted him now more than ever. I wanted to feel him deep within me. His grip shifted, no longer cruel but possessive, almost reverent, as his head dipped lower. I could feel his hot breath against my face, and the nearness of his mouth. My lips parted before I could stop them, caught between dread and aching anticipation.

Andrew leaned closer, so close I could taste the whiskey on his breath, feel the warmth of him searing through every inch of me. His eyes dropped to my mouth. And just when his lips landed on mine, the door slammed open with a loud bang.

We jerked apart, our gazes snapping to the intruder. It's none other than Regal, his mother. The woman who hated me more than death itself. Her gaze flicked from Andrew's hand still resting against my throat, to my flushed, trembling frame, and then back to his face.

For a moment, I began to wonder what was going on through her dark heart. Is she going to drag me by the hair and throw me out? I pressed my lips together and continued to wait patiently, glancing at her now and then.

To my utmost surprise, her lips curved into a smile that made my heart sink in my chest. Clara once told me that if Regal smiles at anyone whom she's not close to, it usually means one thing.

"War!"

And by the look on her face, I could tell she wasn't happy to see me in her son's chamber, and must be thinking of how she'd ruin me completely.