Rejected by my mate, chosen by fate

Chapter7

LOGAN

“Alpha Logan, Alpha Logan,” her cute, feminine voice echoed, way too close to my face.

I snapped my gaze to her, fierce and unyielding, my expression sharp enough to cut through steel. It worked, she flinched slightly, stepping back as if my stare alone had threatened her safety.

What just happened? I questioned myself, confusion flashing like lightning through my mind.

‘You seem not to have control around her. You were losing it!’ my wolf growled, his voice rough and clear, cutting through the haze of emotions clouding my head.

Damn. He was right. The last thing I recalled was leaning in, almost kissing Nora. The pull had been too strong, overwhelming. But it was good I didn’t. Good that I managed to stop myself.

Barely.

“Alpha Logan,” she called again, her voice softer now, laced with worry and something else, fear, maybe? I looked up, meeting her gaze.

“I should be leaving now,” she muttered awkwardly, her eyes darting away like she couldn’t hold my stare any longer.

But I wasn’t going to let her walk away.

Before she could put any real distance between us, my hand shot out, firm and fast, wrapping around her wrist. She froze mid-step, the suddenness of my grip pulling her back toward me.

“Why?” My voice was low, steady, and confident. “Didn’t you say you would help me with whatever it is? Or were you just saying that to sound good?”

Her face tensed, the wrinkle between her brows deepening. She looked uncomfortable, like my words had poked at something she didn’t want to admit.

What’s your problem, Nora? I thought, my frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Then I threw another question at her, hoping to c***k that guarded look on her face.

“Why do you say things you can’t fulfill? Words are powerful, and part of leadership. I should have added that to my speech.”

The last part was more of a murmur, but she heard it. I could tell because her expression shifted, surprise flashing across her face before she quickly masked it.

She flinched, just a little, but I noticed. I always noticed everything about her.

It didn’t take long for her to regain control, her emotions tucked away like she had locked them in a box. That was unusual. Most she-wolves couldn’t hold their ground around me, they would crumble, either from fear or submission.

But not Nora.

‘Our mate is strong,’ my wolf commented, a hint of pride in his voice.

I didn’t argue. I agreed.

She swallowed hard, her throat bobbing as she gathered herself. I noticed her clenched fists, like she was holding back more than just words. After a breath that seemed to steady her, she finally spoke.

“Yes, you might have been smart enough to understand that this is my weak moment and want to take advantage of me,” she said, her voice trembling slightly but filled with defiance. “But whatever is going on between me and Sylvester is temporary. We will resolve it soon and come back together. We always did.”

Her words were like knives, but I didn’t flinch.

She took another breath, her chest rising and falling as if the weight of her emotions was pressing down on her.

“If you are offering to help me knowing I will agree because I need to save face, don’t blame me when I turn my back on you. You know the right thing to do. I will never accept you as my mate. Sylvester is my mate. So, the earlier you get it, the better it is… for us.”

She exhaled slowly, her forehead glistening with sweat. Saying those words had cost her something, I could feel it.

And yet… it didn’t hurt me the way it should have. Maybe because I understood. Or maybe because I could see through her words to the truth she didn’t want to face.

But she misunderstood me.

I didn’t come here to steal her from Sylvester. I just wanted to see my mate one last time, to wish her well. I never had any dark intentions.

But seeing her hurt, broken by the same man she had chosen over me, the same man who was supposed to make her happy, it did something to me. That’s why I wanted to help her. Not to win her over. Just… to protect her.

I didn’t bother correcting her. Not now. Maybe later. Gradually.

Her fists had relaxed, and she seemed lighter, like letting it all out had eased her burden. But she was still waiting, waiting for me to react, to say something.

Instead, I reached into my pocket, pulled out my handkerchief, and gently dabbed the sweat from her forehead.

She stiffened under my touch, but I continued, careful, gentle, as if wiping away more than just sweat, like erasing her pain.

When I was done, I placed the handkerchief in her palm, letting my fingers brush against hers for just a second longer than necessary.

“You can leave if you want,” I whispered softly, my voice low enough to feel intimate. “I will join you soon. They should be dancing or wrapping up by now.”

She looked shocked, her eyes wide, like she hadn’t expected that response. I smirked, not to mock her, but because it amused me how she thought I would react differently.

Seeing her at ease made me… happy.

“Are you leaving from here?” she asked quietly, her face blank, but I could hear the hesitation beneath her words. She didn’t want me to leave. A part of her regretted how harsh she had been.

I kept my smile soft, wanting to ease her discomfort.

“No,” I replied. “I willjoin you soon. We haven’t danced together after all, have we?”

She shook her head immediately, her gaze dropping to the floor, avoiding my eyes.

I stepped behind her, resting my hands lightly on her shoulders, guiding her a few steps forward before letting go. She didn’t turn back.

I sighed. Losing control like this wasn’t me. But with Nora… it was different.

I adjusted my tie, dabbed my face, and walked into the party like nothing had happened.

The crowd was lively, dancing, laughing, and celebrating. But I wasn’t here for them.

Where’s Nora?

I scanned the room, my eyes darting through the crowd until they landed on Sylvester. He was dancing with Mira, laughing like nothing in the world could touch him.

Then I saw her.

Nora…

She was standing by the door, her face pale, her eyes glassy. She must have seen them. She was about to leave.

I didn’t think. I moved. Fast.

I caught up to her just as she reached for the door. Grabbing her hand gently, I whispered, “Nora, please… dance with me.”

I didn’t wait for an answer. I spun her around, pulled her into my arms, and suddenly, we were the center of attention.

But none of that mattered.

Because all I saw was her.