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.

Andrew's POV

The chamber door shut with a heavy thud, leaving only silence behind. Elena's scent still lingered in the air, faint but maddening, searing into my memory and making me restless. My hand flexed against my thigh where moments ago it had circled around her throat. I could still feel the warmth of her pulse, the tremble of her breath beneath my grip, the way her lips had parted when I leaned in.

"Damn her."

I should have sent her out the moment she stepped through that door. Instead, I'd let her stay. I'd let her speak. Worse, I'd let the bond pull me toward her like a fool. If my mother hadn't walked in, only the goddess knows what would've happened.

"Elena, leave us," I had ordered, and without a word she obeyed, walking past my mother with her head lowered like an obedient kitten. The sound of her retreating footsteps echoed in my ears long after she was gone.

I pushed the thought away, and continued to stare at the beautiful woman before me. She had a deep frown on her face earlier, but when her eyes met mine, they softened slightly, and slowly she nodded at me with a smile.

"You did well," she muttered, fumbling with her hands. "You stood your ground, it's something I'm glad to see."

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair before dropping into the chair behind my desk. The weight of her words pressed against me, heavier than I wanted to admit.

"You think so?" I muttered.

"I know so," she replied, stepping further into the chamber.

"The elders may doubt you. They cling to tradition, to bonds, to foolish prophecy. But you are the Alpha, you cannot afford weakness. Rejecting that girl was the right choice. She would drag you down, Andrew. I saw it in her eyes today-timid and fragile. That is not what this pack needs besides its leader."

She sounded certain, and her words should have eased the storm inside me. Instead, they twisted it tighter.

"She is still my mate," I said quietly, surprising even myself with the admission.

My mother's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing. "The Moon Goddess makes mistakes, too. Do not let that bond blind you, son. You chose strength. Selene is strength, and that is what matters."

My heart wavered, and I sighed and poured myself another glass of whiskey, staring blankly at the wall before taking a slow sip.

"Don't worry about the elders," my mother continued. "They will fall in line. And Elena? She will learn her place soon enough. You have more important things to focus on. The harvest festival is in two days. The hunters need your approval for the next raid. And Selene is expecting you tonight."

I scoffed, twisting my lips. Selene, waiting for me with her lustful eyes, her perfect posture, her broad smile. She was everything my mother praised-beautiful, ambitious and untouchable.

Yet when I closed my eyes, it wasn't Selene I saw. It was Elena. Her defiance, her trembling frame, her lips parting under my grip.

"Damn it all."

Suddenly, my mother's hand pressed lightly against my shoulder, drawing my mind back to reality. "Come, Andrew, you should eat something. A leader must stay strong."

My eyes flicked to the tray of food waiting near the table. My stomach churned, and I replied with a hoarse voice. "I'll be there soon," I rasped, swallowing the lump in my throat.

My mother gave me a satisfied nod, leaning down to press a kiss to my temple like she used to when I was younger. "Good, but don't keep me waiting."

Then she turned and left, leaving me alone in the room with my numerous thoughts. I leaned back in my chair, staring down at the glass in my hand. I lifted it to my lips and drank it all in one go, welcoming the burn as it slid down my throat. But no amount of whiskey could wash away Elena's memories from my mind.

I hated the way she looked at me-defiant yet vulnerable, as though she knew I wanted to break her and save her at the same time. The way her voice trembled when she swore she wouldn't leave, even knowing the whole pack whispered against her. The way she leaned her body toward mine, as if some part of her still wanted me.

The bond pulsed, unrelenting. It was supposed to fade with rejection, but instead it burned hotter, crueler, mocking me every time she was near.

I closed my eyes, pressing the glass to my forehead. The elders' voices echoed in my mind-warnings of sickness, unrest, rival packs circling like vultures. Rowan's stubborn words, accusing me of tempting fate.

Then my mother's voice, reassuring, commanded me to hold fast. Selene's voice, honeyed and sweet, promising me loyalty and strength.

And beneath it all, Elena's whispers. "If rejecting me made you stronger, then why do you still care?"

I tightened my grip around the glass, and bit my lower lip bitterly. She's right. Why did I still care? I gulped down and fixed my gaze on the wall, but all I saw was Elena's face. The mate I'd cast aside, the weakness I refused to accept, the bond I couldn't break.

I took another drink, lost in the pull of thoughts I couldn't silence, the weight of the crown pressing heavier on my shoulders more than before.

Just then, the door opened and I straightened instantly and responded. "Enter!"

The door swung open and Rowan strode inside with a pale face. His eyes flicked to me, then around the chamber as though checking if we were alone.

"What is it?" I demanded, and he swallowed hard and responded in a low tone, lowering his head as if he's afraid to look me in the face.

"It's Elena."

"What about her?" I asked, my pulse already stumbling.