Rejected Luna Faye

New Beginning

Faye - POV

In the punishment chamber, I shivered as Mae, wielding a whip, stepped inside. Each strike delivered was merciless, drawing out cries of anguish from me. The pain was unbearable, not just physically but emotionally, too, as I was mourning my mother's tragic death in a fire and the current torment inflicted by my cruel cousin.

"How dare you not accept the rejection of Oscar? Accept the reality that Oscar has rejected you. He wants me, not you. Do you understand?" Her words halted, leaving a trail of torment. Overwhelmed by defeat and heartbreak, I felt my determination to confront Mae weaken. Reluctantly, I conceded, recognizing that it was wise to cut ties with Alpha Oscar rather than continue antagonizing Mae.

Mae had tended to my injuries and provided me with quality clothes, masking her bullying to not draw Alpha Oscar's attention by highlighting her supposed benevolence.

I am powerless against Mae, mainly because my mother owes a debt to Mae's family. Furthermore, Mae's manipulation extends to fabricating documents and was above to falsely accusing my mother of theft within our Pack because I had intended to complain about Mae's action of bullying me to Alpha Oscar. Mae had even plotted further actions, but I assured her I would keep silent about her bullying—not to Alpha Oscar or anyone else. Despite my feelings for him, it's clear Alpha Oscar does not reciprocate. I was led to Alpha Oscar's office.

"I've come to accept your rejection, Alpha Oscar," I murmured, locking eyes with his, which were alight with anger.

"Faye, please don't do this," pleaded Bree, my inner wolf. Yet, heart heavy, I declared, "I accept your rejection, Alpha Oscar Lockwood of the Orion Pack ." My statement resonated in the hushed office. Inside me, Bree wailed in sorrow, and I wasn't alone in my suffering. I discerned a glimmer of agony and despair in Alpha Oscar's gaze. A sudden pain overwhelmed me, causing me to sway on my feet.

Just before I could fall, Alpha Atlas caught me in his arms. His presence significantly eased my pain. His scent, reminiscent of fresh pine, enveloped me, igniting an odd yet comforting sensation.

"Thank you, Alpha Atlas," I managed to say, gaining some stability but keeping my distance from him. As I attempted to leave, Mae seized me and dragged me back for another session of punishment. I tensed, flinching with each hit, preparing for the whip's sting.

"Next time you know your place, dear cousin sister." Mae hissed. Hit me again.

Then, a firm voice halted the punishment. "What are you doing?" I saw Alpha Atlas holding Mae's hand in mid-air, his gaze stern.

"She must learn her lesson for attempting to allure my mate," Mae snapped back, trying to wriggle free from his grasp.

"I highly doubt Faye is guilty of your accusations," Alpha Atlas retorted. "Had she been as manipulative as you claim, she wouldn't have rejected Oscar."

"I know Faye, my cousin, better than you do, Alpha Atlas," Mae snapped, her irritation evident.

Alpha Atlas, undeterred, shed his jacket and gently draped it over me, concealing the torn fabric of my dress, a silent testament to the whipping I had endured.

Mae's voice, dripping with venom, broke the silence. "Why do you meddle in our affairs, Alpha Atlas? I suggest you leave and forget this ever happened."

Unmoved, Alpha Atlas responded firmly, "I cannot overlook the fact that you've treated your cousin worse than an animal. She's coming with me to my Pack."

His declaration caught me off guard, sparking relief and hope within me. The idea of leaving behind the pain inflicted by Mae and her father since my own father's demise brought an unexpected solace. Tears blurred my vision, a blend of sorrow and newfound hope stirring within me.

As I followed Alpha Atlas, Mae's frustrated glare followed us, her powerlessness evident against an Alpha's decision. "Are you okay?" he asked without emotion.

Alpha Atlas added, "I should have asked if you're okay with joining the Red Night Pack." His consideration, seeking my consent, highlighted his genuine concern for my well-being.

With tears streaming down my face, I looked at him, "Going to the Red Night Pack is Fine with me, Alpha Atlas. Tonight, I've lost both my mother and my mate. I have nothing left in Orion Pack."

After handing me a tissue and a glass of water, Alpha Atlas offered me a pill to ease the pain of my rejected mate bond. His blank gaze met mine as I accepted his care.

Noticing the scars on my back, he called medics to treat me. Alpha Atlas offered his bed for me to rest, and he took the couch, insisting despite my initial protests. The comfort of the bed and the medication soon ushered me into a deep sleep, leaving me to ponder the unexpected kindness I'd received and the new reality awaiting me.

*******

Waking up early the next morning, I discovered Alpha Atlas asleep on the couch. His features softened in sleep, highlighting his undeniable charm. Despite his role as my rescuer, I sensed a hidden darkness within him, sparking a mix of fear and fascination. I gently covered him with a blanket, stirring him awake. Our eyes met, and recognition quickly replaced his initial confusion.

“Good morning, Alpha Atlas,” I greeted, breaking the morning stillness.

"Good morning, Faye. You can call me Atlas," he said.

"Okay," I answered, feeling uneasy about calling someone as imposing as him by his first name, but I respected his wish.

"Get ready; we're leaving soon," Atlas told me after I showered. I found out that he wasn't in the room anymore. Fresh clothes were laid out for me on the bed. I quickly dressed and noticed that Atlas must have used another room to get ready as he returned, offering me a cup of coffee.

"Alpha Atlas, I need to ask something. Do you think Alpha Oscar will allow me to come with you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I haven't talked to him yet. He's been recovering after the mate bond rejection. Your cousin, Mae, has been looking after him, so it wasn't the right time to discuss this. Maybe I'll tell him later," Atlas explained. "Let's go now." As we left, I saw some of the mansion’s staff giving me disapproving looks, but we ignored them and went outside. A man was waiting in a car.

"Start the car, Rex," Atlas ordered.

"Who is she, Atlas?" Rex asked.

"This is Faye Cooper, a new member of the Red Night Pack," Atlas introduced me. "Faye, meet Rex, my Beta."

"Hi, it's nice to meet you, Beta Rex," I said politely.

"She seems very polite, Atlas. How will she fit in with us?" he joked. Atlas just shook his head. "Please, just call me Rex. We don't use formal titles in our Pack, unlike the Orion Pack," Rex told me.

I nodded, and as we drove away, I silently said goodbye to the Orion Pack, a place of sadness and nightmares. I wondered if Mae or her dad had caused the fire at my house. I promised myself I'd get revenge one day, hoping to find the strength and resources I'd need.

We arrived at the Red Night Pack, a big Pack and more lively, unlike the Orion Pack. Red. Rex drove us to a grand house, more impressive than Oscar's. A cheerful woman greeted us warmly as we exited the car, looking happily at Atlas.

"Welcome back, dear," she said.

"You didn't have to come out to greet me, Ash. It was just a short trip," Atlas replied, hugging her. When Ash saw me, her smile turned into a look of confusion.

"Who is she?" Ash asked, her curiosity evident.

"She's a new member of the Red Night Pack and will be staying in the Manor," Atlas replied. I wondered why he offered me a special place to stay, but was too nervous to ask him directly.

"Why is she staying in the Manor, Atlas? What will people think?" Ash sounded worried.

"Her father, Arnold Cooper, helped our pack a lot during the wolf plague outbreak. We're letting his daughter stay here as a thank you," Atlas explained, clearing up my questions. His generosity was in honor of my father's help to the Pack and not out of pity for being bullied by my cousin and losing my mom, as he was known as the best healer. This explained why I was welcomed into the Red Night Pack, a place many wish to move to but find difficult because of the strict entry requirements.

"I understand," Ash said, letting the matter go. She then turned to me with a warm smile.

"I'm Ash Clarke," she said, extending her finely manicured hand. "I'm Atlas's fiancée." Shaking her hand, I felt an unexpected sadness. My reaction puzzled me; I felt no mating bond with Atlas. Yet, the news seemed to affect both me and my wolf.