Alpha's Substitute Bride

Chapter4 rejection

Not that she knew anything of love. Bloom had never experienced love, and it wasn't entirely her fault. Gener practically confined both of them. It was a marvel that Merlyn even found her lover. While Merlyn possessed a level-headed demeanor, she harbored a rebellious streak and a profound sense of adventure. Merlyn used to jest that windows were meant to be doors at Gener's residence. Occasionally, she invited Bloom to join her, offering an escape from their uncle's clutches and watchful gaze. However, Bloom was always apprehensive about the potential repercussions if Gener discovered their escapades.

On several occasions when Merlyn had slipped out to meet her lover, Gener had vehemently knocked on their bedroom door, demanding entry. Bloom always provided cover, asserting that Merlyn was asleep in bed and not to be disturbed or occupied in the shower, and he seemed to accept these explanations. The dilemma arose: if they were both absent simultaneously, who would shield them when Gener came knocking?

Despite Merlyn's imparting knowledge about she-werewolf customs, Bloom was terrified of assuming the role of the alpha's mate. She felt inept at becoming anyone's mate, let alone the alpha's. The onlookers were likely correct; she appeared to be a mere stand-in for someone else. She hoped to convince Dean that she was competent. Oh, Dean... he was incredibly handsome; no wonder others coveted her position.

She had heard that he was exceptionally handsome, self-assured yet unassuming, traits that made she-werewolves swoon. At last laying eyes on him, she comprehended the allure. Unsure whether she should feel more anxious and insecure, questioning her adequacy, or elated that fate had paired her with Dean.

But now, he remained silent! She couldn't fathom why his father had involved himself in the situation, but she had gleaned that the alpha's father had significant influence within the court. Although she didn't grasp the full extent of his ties, speculations hinted at close connections with the Royal Elders. It was confounding that he would assert the decision rested with his son, the alpha, rather than the Royal Elders.

She longed for it all to conclude. The news of being compelled to assume her sister's role had left her overwhelmed. The prospect of liberation from her uncle overshadowed her thoughts on being the alpha's mate.

The notion of appearing before the Royal Court never crossed her mind. She assumed any negotiations would involve paperwork or meetings among the elders, her uncle, and Dean. The prospect of being paraded before an audience with scrutinizing gazes unnerved her.

And yet, the one person who probably should be sizing her up - and she wouldn't blame him - was Dean. Yet, he continued to stand there, appearing entirely indifferent to the unfolding events. Despite ample time to offer affirmation to the elders' statements, he remained stoic and unresponsive. Would this demeanor extend to his role as a mate? Merlyn's tales of love had painted a vivid picture of its emotional and physical beauty. Was there any heartfelt connection to be expected from this alpha? Dean's current conduct left her pondering.

Now, his father had taken it upon himself to intervene, although it seemed unlikely that his intention was to prompt Dean to declare her as his mate. She sensed a lack of favor from Dean's father. While he had no personal acquaintance with her, it appeared he harbored undisclosed motives for disrupting the proceedings. Could he have an alternative candidate in mind for Dean?

Oh, how she longed for Dean to break his silence and bring closure to this situation.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, though in reality, it had only been minutes, Dean abruptly turned to address the Royal Elders. Their whispering ceased, and a hush fell upon the room in anticipation of his words.

The alpha stood tall and commanding, his immaculate jawline, piercing gaze, and flowing dark locks creating a mesmerizing presence in Bloom's eyes. She gazed at him, awaiting the moment when he would declare his desire for her. The affirmation that he wanted her as his mate, signaling the beginning of their happily ever after, lingered in the air.

Moments earlier, the Royal Elders had conveyed their decision and sought Dean's confirmation, expecting a prompt response. However, silence had prevailed until now, as Dean stood before them. All attention converged on the alpha, awaiting his definitive acknowledgment.

"I will not," he stated simply.

An audible gasp rippled through the crowd. Bloom's heart sank at the rejection, briefly entertaining a surge of resentment towards Dean. Yet, amidst her rising anger, his scent captivated her inner wolf, fostering a conflicting mix of emotions within her.

In a fleeting moment of introspection, Bloom pondered the potential misunderstanding on Dean's part. Why would their union be perceived as calamitous? Casting a glance in his direction, she found Dean's gaze fixated on the court, his expression impassive.

Bloom felt her uncle's grip tighten around her arm, apprehending the weight of the alpha's words. She sensed her uncle teetering on the edge of losing his composure, prioritizing his outburst over salvaging his standing with the pack. Unless Dean retracted his statement, the entire proceedings would unravel, with her uncle poised to unleash his fury on her.

Frantically searching for a resolution, Bloom acknowledged that her fate hinged on the progression of events. Uncertain about assuming the role of the alpha's substitute mate before, she now comprehended the dire consequences of a halted process.

While initially viewing this union as an escape from her uncle's domain, Bloom acknowledged that marriage to Dean wouldn't entirely liberate her from his influence. Nonetheless, she believed that as his partner, she would benefit from his protection and authority, countering any attempts by her uncle to assert control.

It would have been preferable for her if Dean had chosen to remain silent. The Royal Elders and the assembled onlookers might eventually have interpreted the silence as an affirmative response and allowed the proceedings to proceed without disruption. This alternate scenario would have been more favorable than the current predicament she found herself in. Direct confirmation from Dean was unnecessary; she was prepared to depart from her uncle's residence and move forward with him, regardless of his verbal stance.

However, events unfolded differently. Following a tense pause, the alpha eventually broke his silence. His decisive response left no room for ambiguity - he had no intention of accepting Bloom as his mate under any circumstances.

Questions and doubts plagued Bloom's mind. Did Dean perceive a flaw in her, a flaw significant enough to defy the court's decree and reject her as his mate? How could he arrive at such a dismissive decision without even acknowledging her presence? Was he unwilling to extend her an opportunity to prove her worth?

Overwhelmed by a sense of unworthiness, Bloom grappled with the realization that while Dean seemed amenable to her sister serving as his substitute mate, his stance towards Bloom was starkly different.