Rejected, But Survived.

1 Rue's POV A surge of joy coursed through my entire body as I made my way to Riley's room, finally done with all my work for the day. Riley Sullivan has been my one true friend in this pack, standing by my side despite the constant judgmental gazes I face every single day. I've always been labelled as a living stigma, an outcast who carries an invisible burden. It's been over a year since I turned eighteen, and still, I haven't witnessed the awakening of my wolf or experienced the transformation. No one has been able to unveil the truth about my identity, but everyone assumes I'm an Omega. Abandoned at the Blue Moon pack's doorstep eighteen years ago, I've accepted that as the only logical explanation. Why else would someone cast me aside if I held any value? Nobody. Having a Beta friend like Riley is beyond anything I could have ever wished for in a place where I feel utterly useless and unwanted. As I eagerly bounded forward, I counted my steps, my heart fluttering with anticipation for what awaited me. Tonight would symbolise the end of my troubles, worries, and shame, ushering in a new beginning. Finally, I would find everlasting freedom, and from this night forward, a glimmer of belonging would illuminate my path. It was how it was always meant to be—I would be an ordinary member of the pack. Riley confessed his love for me, vowing to be by my side forever, and tonight would serve as proof of his devotion. I was prepared to give my all to him tonight. Discovering that he is my mate intensifies my happiness to extraordinary levels, almost overwhelming me with emotions I can hardly contain. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rue, just Rue, without a surname. My parents remain unknown to me, their identities lost in the abyss. I've often endured mockery for being left at the pack's gate on a frigid day. The Alpha at that time couldn't bear to turn away an innocent, vulnerable baby in the biting cold. Sometimes, though, I wonder if it would have been better if they had turned a blind eye, allowing me to succumb to the elements. If they knew they wouldn't take full responsibility for my well-being, perhaps it would have spared me from enduring the pain and profound sadness that has accompanied my journey. I've struggled to prove myself to those who have completely written me off as a mere slave. Don't misunderstand me; the Alpha at the time did his best, and now I'm grateful that he didn't give up on me. It would have been a tremendous blessing if he were still the Alpha today, but unfortunately, he succumbed to a rare and devastating illness that claimed the lives of some among us. "Hey, where are you off to, bouncing with such enthusiasm?" Alexis called out, catching me by surprise as she yanked me from behind and turned me to face her. My mind had been elsewhere, unable to concentrate enough to notice her approaching. If I had, I would have done my utmost to avoid her. She never grants me a moment's peace, always finding something to complain about. "Alexis," I greeted her, frustration lacing my tone. Alexis is one of Riley's friends and the daughter of a high-ranking official who has never hidden her dislike for me. I always try my best to avoid her whenever I see her approaching, but today wasn't the most opportune time for that. "I asked you a question! Where are you going? Have you finished the chores in the pack kitchen?" she demanded, looking down at me from her towering five-foot-nine frame, compared to my more modest five-foot-six. "Yes, Alexis! I have completed everything that was asked of me today. I finished my chores," I replied, rolling my eyes in exasperation. She blinked, taken aback by my swift response. It's understandable since it usually takes me hours to wash all the dishes used by the entire pack and still assist with dinner. However, I had planned ahead this time and worked faster than ever before. Making a deal with the cook, Mr. Pat, to help him with the next day's lunch and dinner instead of tonight's dinner proved to be a great help. Thankfully, I didn't have to grovel at his feet for his permission. "This early? Are you sure?" she questioned. "Yes, I finished early because I have other things to attend to today," I confirmed. "Another job? Are you working for money? Is someone paying you? Is that why you rushed through your assigned chores today? Did you even complete them properly? And what about dinner? Isn't it your turn to help out? I'm going to report what you've done to the Beta in charge, you wretch! I'll make sure they beat you or even lock you in the dungeon!" Of course, I do have side jobs that earn me a few coins, but I'm not about to reveal that to her. Her threats would do nothing to deter what is about to happen between Riley and me tonight. "No, I'm not going to another job!" I snapped back, refusing to let her intimidate me. Continuing with a calculated tone, I added, "...Dinner is being prepared, and I'm certain it will be ready soon. Stop jumping to conclusions and perhaps go check if your brother needs assistance with his diaper again." I knew she believed that information to be a secret, known to only a few individuals, about her grown brother's struggle to control himself when it comes to relieving himself. However, I needed something to make her back off and not delay me any further. I focused on the path leading to the corridor that would take me to Riley's private room. Soon, I would escape from this mistreatment and begin a new chapter. "Can I go now? You're delaying me," I pleaded, noticing her friends approaching from a distance. It would only escalate matters if they caught us together here. They were probably heading to the pack's expansive dining area for a meal or simply to hang out. Either way, I didn't want them to witness our conversation. "I'm sorry, but I really have to leave," I said, starting to move away from her presence. She didn't let me go. She held me back, and the pain in her grip was palpable this time. "Where do you think you're going?" she asked sternly, refusing to relent. It seemed my words had cut deep, and now she wanted to hurt me in return. "That's none of your business," I retorted. "Oh, I know. Everyone knows! You're going to meet Riley again! We all know he's been playing you, saying all the right things you want to hear. I can guarantee he'll use you and then discard you, just like he should have done a long time ago," she sneered. "Why would he do that? Riley loves me! Unlike you all, he genuinely cares for me and stands up for me. Whatever happens between us is none of your damn business!" I said with utmost seriousness. I refused to let her spoil the remainder of my day. Leaving her standing there, I walked away without feeling the need to be polite. I knew Riley would never abandon me or make me look bad in front of his friends. Alexis must have said those things out of spite, trying to retaliate for my earlier words. Nevertheless, I vowed to brush it off and not let it tarnish our night together. . . . When I reached Riley's room, he was already waiting for me, but I immediately sensed something different about him. His confident smile briefly transformed into a smirk before returning to the smile I had initially seen. Though he should be aware that I'm his mate now, considering he has seen me, the fact that he wasn't mentioning it made me hesitate. Perhaps he hadn't discovered it yet. I've heard of instances where one mate realises the connection before the other. Maybe ours is one of those cases. Tonight was meant to be special, and if he hadn't noticed our mating bond, it was likely meant to unfold that way. So I chose not to bring it up, allowing the night to unfold naturally. I had expected him to tell me and be excited about it, but since he seemed unaware, I decided to let it be. Knowing he was my mate made tonight all the more meaningful to me. I had made a vow to give my virginity only to my mate, to fully offer myself to the person who would shape my destiny. And I was overjoyed that my mate happened to be none other than my dear friend, Riley. His room, with its masculine charm, felt even cosier than usual. The bed appeared especially tempting, but despite the temptation, I hesitated to move from where I stood, just inside the door. "Come here, Rue. Are you going to stand there all evening?" His voice resonated with strength, exuding masculinity despite being only two years older than me. I obeyed, compelled by the sound of his voice as if it were guiding and directing my every thought. "Hmmm... hmm... I'm coming," I responded shyly, inching closer to him. This would be my first time, so it was only natural for me to feel hesitant and nervous. But it would also be with the person I trusted most in the entire universe. He met me halfway, immediately pulling me in for a passionate kiss. "Hmmm..." I couldn't discern if the moan escaped from me or him, but it didn't matter. I was thoroughly enjoying the moment, longing to be consumed by his touch, his caress. His hands roamed across my breasts as he continued to kiss me, and the sensation was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. "I'm so glad I'm finally sharing this with you," I whispered between kisses. "I'm happy to spend the rest of my existence with you, Riley. You're going to change my life forever." Though I poured my heart out, he didn't reply. He simply continued kissing me, and in that passionate embrace, words became unnecessary. "I..." I began to speak, but he quickly silenced me, placing a hand gently over my lips. He proceeded to remove my chemise dress and everything else I was wearing, leading me towards the bed. As he laid me down, he undressed himself, his eyes locked on mine throughout the process. Strangely, I felt no shyness about my nakedness. From now on, it would belong to him alone. He had professed his love for me countless times, expressing his desire to be the one I shared my innocence with. However, despite his words, I couldn't shake off the unsettling thoughts that Alexis had planted in my mind earlier. "Wait!" I exclaimed as he tried to penetrate me. I had hoped he would offer comforting words or advice to help me relax, knowing that it could be somewhat painful. "What?" he replied, sounding a little impatient. "Can you tell me something? Anything to distract my mind from the pain. I've heard that it can be uncomfortable," I pleaded. "Don't worry, we'll be finished before you know it," he assured me, his response lacking the reassurance I had hoped for. "But still... Tell me something. Something you know I would like," I insisted. "I love you?" he said, his words sounding more like a question instead of a sentence. Before I could question him further, he had already penetrated me, and the pain swept away any words I had intended to say. The whole experience ended as quickly as it had begun, nothing like what I had imagined making love to be. Perhaps it would get better with time; after all, this was only our first time. Exhaustion soon claimed me, and sleep enveloped me, bringing temporary relief from the conflicting emotions that swirled within.