Selling Myself To The Alpha

Chapter 5 Rejection

Liana POV

I am overcome with sadness as I look at myself in the mirror. My blond hair is curled and loosely braided with tiny purple flowers and shines golden where the sun rays hit it. My wedding gown is snow white and fits me like a glove. My makeup is impeccable, and I look like the fairy princess I dreamed of. But it brings me no joy.

My blue eyes are clouded with pain and betrayal and the corner of my lips pulls downwards into a sad smile.

I want to cry. This is supposed to be a joyous day but instead, it is filled with disillusions and sorrow.

"You are breathtaking," Nina sighs as she walks towards me.

"Thank you," I manage to smile as I turn around. "So are you."

It is not a lie. Nina looks stunning in her violet dress. The colour compliments her tanned skin and black hair.

"Are you ready?" Nina gives me a wicked smile and I shake my head.

"How can anyone be ready for this?" I grunt as I nervously fumble with my fingers.

"Hey," Nina rests her hands on my shoulders. "Trust me, okay? This is going to work. My dad knows what he's doing, and we can trust him."

"I know," I take a deep breath. "But this is one hell of a risk and dangerous."

"We don't have to do this, Liana," Nina says urgently. "We can call it off and …"

"No," I shake my head. "I would rather take this risk and die than marry him."

"Well, it's not going to come to that. Let's get this over with so you can relax," Nina gives me an encouraging smile and I nod.

I close my eyes for a moment before she takes my hand and I follow her outside.

**

"Remember what we talked about," Nina whispers as we stop at the park. "We need witnesses for this plan to work."

"And precise timing," I add nervously as I open the car's door.

"That too," she chuckles.

In silence, we cross the road towards the park, and I am acutely aware of people staring at us. It would not have bothered me if it were not for our plan. It is normal for people to look curiously at a bride and her bridesmaid when they arrive alone in the park.

"Excuse me, sir," Nina says loudly as she walks over to an older man. "Would you mind taking a photo of me and my friend? We want to capture our last moment as two single ladies."

"It would be my pleasure," the man smiles brightly as he takes Nina's phone. "You ladies look stunning."

"Thank you," we reply and stand beside each other.

"Now," Nina whispers and my stomach dives.

"Oh, wait," I say quickly as the man lifts the phone to take the picture. "I forgot my veil in the car. I'll be back in a moment."

I turn around and run across the street towards the car.

"Liana! Watch out!" Nina shouts and I stop abruptly. I turn to the oncoming truck and stare at it with honest fear.

I close my eyes and wait for the impact. Tires screech and a horn blare. People are screaming and shouting. There is a loud thud before I am swept off my feet and then everything turns black.

**

The monotone of beep-beep-beep is the first thing I become aware of, followed by excoriating pain. I moan softly as I try to open my eyes.

"Just stay calm," Nina's voice is soft and soothing against my ear. "You're fine. A little bruised, but fine."

"It hurts," I croak as I try to move but Nina gently pushes me back onto the bed.

"Don't move," she urges softly. "You bumped your head pretty hard when you landed, but there's no serious injurious. They gave you something for the pain and it's making you sleepy. Go back to sleep, I'm right here and will not leave your side."

"Thank you," I sigh as I allow the darkness to take over again.

**

The concept of time is lost on me when I wake up again. I have no idea if I were sleeping for an hour, a day or a year. Voices in the distance start getting louder until I recognise Nina and Wyatt. Quietly I open my eyes and do not move. I do not want him to know that I am awake.

"Who was the driver?" Wyatt demands. "He needs to be held accountable."

"I don't know," Nina's voice is steady. "It happened so fast, and I was only concerned about Liana. I …"

"You imbecile," Wyatt interrupts her, and his rudeness is enough to stir me to life. He has no right to talk to her like that.

"Wyatt," my voice is hoarse.

"Liana," Wyatt sighs as he rushes towards my side and takes my hand. "You're awake. How are you feeling?"

"Hold me … please," I mumble. I want to get this over with and get rid of him.

Gently he picks me up and pulls me onto his lap. I bite my bottom lip as pain surges through me when I put my arms around his neck and nestle closer to him.

"It's okay," he whispers as he strokes my back. "You're safe now."

"The wedding," I murmur, and I must suppress the repulse as he kisses the top of my head.

"I postponed it until further notice," he sighs. "Don't worry about it. Once you're healed, we'll get married."

"Wyatt," I raise my lips to his ear. "I, Liana Erickson, reject you, Wyatt Miller, son of the Delta from Clear Moon Pack, as my mate."

His body jerks against mine and he groans in pain. I try to get off his lap, but his arms tighten around my waist and pull me painfully against him.

"You b***h," his voice is low and dangerous. "You will not get away with this."

"You're hurting me," I complain as I try to free myself from his hold.

"This is just the beginning," he growls, and panic grabs hold of my heart as I try to free myself.

"Nurse!" Nina shouts down the hallway. "She's awake."

Quick footsteps come our way and Wyatt releases his hold on me.

"I'm not done with you," his voice is low and dangerous as he lays me down and gets up. But the nurse is inside my room before I can respond.

Wyatt looks at me with pain and anger as he steps back. His fingers are trembling as he pushes them through his hair. In all the years I have known him, I have never seen him this emotional. For a split second, I feel bad for him. Nina told me rejection is painful, but it never occurred to me exactly how painful it is.

"Excuse me," Wyatt mumbles before he scurries out of the room.

"You're one lucky lady, Miss Erickson," the nurse smiles at me as she takes my vitals. "Except for the bump on your head, you're fine. You will be a little stiff and sore for the next couple of days but will be able to continue with your life as normal."

"When can I go home?" I ask softly.

"As soon as Doctor checks up on you," she smiles. "But I think he will discharge you today."

"That's great news," Nina clamps her hands together and looks at me with bright eyes.

"Thank you," I smile and lay back against the pillows.

With a smile, the nurse leaves, and Nina sits beside me.

"It worked," Nina whispers urgently as she takes my hand in hers. "You're free of him now."

"Don't pop the champagne just yet," I grunt. "He made it clear that he's not done with me. I must get away from here as soon as possible."

"He's hurt and angry," Nina squeezes my hand. "Don't read too much into it. There's nothing that he can do anymore. You rejected him and it cannot be undone."

"It doesn't matter," I shrug. "I'm still getting out of here. I'm not a wolf or mated to one, I have no business staying here."

"Are you going back to your parents?" Nina asks sympathetically. She knows exactly how hard I worked to get away from that trailer. Going back is the last thing I ever wanted.

"I don't have a choice," I sigh heavily. "I spend all my savings on this wedding. Hopefully, the restaurant will take me back."

"Stay with me," Nina says urgently. "You don't need to move in with your parents. Stay with me until you find a job and a new place in the city."

"Are you sure?" I ask surprised. "I mean, I can't contribute financially and …"

"I don't need your money," she interrupts me. "But I do need my friend to be okay."

"Thanks, Nina," my eyes well up with gratitude. "You're the best."