Rejected by the Alpha: Bound to the Lycan

~ Andrea "A major change is coming today”. It's the day I leave behind my role as a bullied servant in the packhouse and become the future Luna. I can't wait to see the reactions of my bullies when the Alpha's son publicly claims me as his mate. But my excitement and anticipation keep me from focusing on my chores. As I scrub the floor of my room, I catch myself humming my favorite song. Then, my bedroom door swings open, revealing my sister with a look on her face that suggests she has news to share." Have you heard?" she asked, her eyes wide open, walking into the room before I could process a single thought. "Heard what, Lilly?" I sighed, tired from scrubbing the floors at the pack house. I was not in the mood for gossip, especially after a guest's earlier threat. "I just heard that the Lycan King plans on choosing a wife for himself tonight!" She beamed. That caught my attention. "How sure are you?" "Very sure. Everyone is talking about it." My curiosity piqued, and I grabbed a nearby chair to sit before my sister. "Tell me everything," I demanded. "Apparently, the entire plan was meant to be discreet," she said with a sly smile. "The Lycan King, not wanting attention on his mate selection, quietly gave orders to all the Alphas. Their task: choose the finest and most eligible maidens from their packs and discreetly present them at The Hunt." My hands shot to cover my mouth in surprise. When it comes to finding and claiming a mate, werewolves and lycans follow distinct traditions. Werewolves have 'The Claiming'—a ceremony where mates publicly declare their bond. Today, those who have found or chosen each other will publicly claim their mate, followed by an immediate marriage proposal. On the flip side, Lycans partake in a ritual known as 'The Hunt.' From what I've gathered, it can be rather brutal and outright savage. Unlike werewolves, Lycans can't have mates, leading to the creation of The Hunt. In this ceremony, all eligible individuals are sent into a dense forest to run and hide. After a head start is granted, Lycans rely on their heightened senses, delving into the woods to let their wolf instincts choose a mate based on scent. The more frightened an eligible is, the stronger their scent, making The Hunt a uniquely terrible mating ritual. Once a lycan identifies the scent of their chosen partner, they initiate 'The Exchange' ritual. Though unfamiliar with its details, I learned it establishes a unique mating bond, just like the connection between werewolves and their destined mates. "Why now?" I questioned. The lycan king, known for remaining single for years, surprised everyone by hastily selecting a wife. Lilly shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe his icy heart has finally melted, and he's lonely." I shot my sister a skeptical glance. According to what I heard about the Lycan king, he’s a feared and ruthless ruler, notorious for his merciless nature. Pity washed over me for the girl destined to be his bride, as no one but his own people had seen his face. "Speaking of ceremonies, are you ready to be claimed tonight?" My sister grinned, playfully nudging me. I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "All hail the future Luna!" My sister mockingly bowed, and I nudged her in return, prompting laughter. Ever since discovering I was mated to the Alpha's son, I've been over the moon. We've been dating secretely, but after today, we won't be a secret anymore. Our lives, as well as my sister's and parents', will change for the better. My phone beeped, and a green bubble text from "The Love Of My Life" appeared: "Hey Andrea, can you come right now? I'm at the packhouse. I need to see you before the ceremony begins." I read the message. Why has Liam addressed me by my first name? I couldn’t have done anything wrong right? I wondered. Lilly, noticing my mood, asked, "Is everything okay?" I swiftly turned off my phone, wearing a reassuring smile. "Yeah, everything's fine," I stammered. "It's Liam . He wants to see me before The Claiming. Sounds important. I have to go." Lilly gazed at me briefly before nonchalantly responding, "Okay. I'll take a shower and get dressed." "Alright. See you there," I said, smiling as I left the room. Once the door closed, I promptly replied to Liam, typing, "Is everything okay?" and hitting 'Send.' Almost instantly, I noticed the moving three dots, indicating he was typing. "Yes, dear. Just need to discuss some things." “Dear. That's better, right? It implies he's not upset with me or anything.” While it's a far cry from the usual 'my love' or 'my princess' he calls me, standing here won't provide answers. “I’m coming right away, I texted him”. At the packhouse, people come and go, chatting animatedly. Whispers circulate about the Lycan King choosing a wife tonight. Some wonder who it'll be, while others wish they were one if the eligibles. Despite not finding Liam around, I could still perceive his scent. I texted him of my arrival, and he promptly responded, "Come upstairs, I'm in my father's office." Okay. Something is amiss. I reflected on the past few days, everything had been great between us until he started acting distant, leaving me surprised. Despite my confusion, I sighed and ascended the stairs to the Alpha's office. As I approached the door, muffled voices reached my ears, abruptly silencing the moment I knocked. "Come in!" Echoed Alpha Bradley's voice from the other side of the oak door. Before I could touch the handle, the door swung open, revealing Liam with his sky-blue eyes. "Hey," he sighed. "Hi," I replied, scrutinizing him. His gaze shifted from me to the floor as he stepped back to usher me in. That's when I sensed something was amiss. Seated behind his office desk was Alpha Bradley, accompanied by his wife, Luna Kendra , both fixing me with stone-cold gazes. In one corner stood a man I immediately recognized. When our eyes met, surprise flashed, recalling the guest from another pack who had threatened me earlier. While he wasn't the peculiar man with a distinct floral scent, he was involved in the threat I faced. Then, I noticed the woman in a chair before Alpha Bradley and froze. As our eyes locked, she subtly readjusted in her seat, crossing her legs. This was the same woman who had stared me down earlier, warning of dire consequences if I dared to reveal her secret. “Could this be the reason I was called to the Alpha's office”. My attention shifted to Liam , who avoided meeting my gaze, and returned to the woman who seemed uneasy under my gaze. I greeted everyone, receiving no response, prompting me to inquire, "Am I in trouble?" All eyes focused on Liam , who now wore a frown while absentmindedly rubbing the back of his neck. His gaze met mine, devoid of warmth. A sense of impending trouble lingered, but I pressed on, asking, "Baby, what's wrong?" Liam winced, seemingly uneasy with my words. "Andrea, I'm sorry, I can no longer claim you as my mate," he declared. My disbelief echoed within me. Instantly, my wolf whimpered. "Excuse me?" My heartbeats thundered in my ears. "Why?" "Because you are not a suitable Luna, and as the future Alpha, I must act in the best interest of the pack and find someone worthy," he explained. His gaze drifted away from mine, focusing on the lady who nervously observed us. "You've got to be kidding me!" I shook my head, denial on the tip of my tongue, feeling my wolf threatening to surface. "No." I shook my head again, tears stinging my eyes and cascading down my cheeks. "No!" "Andrea, you need to understand me." Liam took a step forward, but I instinctively retreated. He hesitated, mouth opening and closing without words. In that moment, isolation engulfed me. My inner wolf restlessly paced, emitting soft whimpers. The thought of remaining a servant , and being bullied by the pack members haunted me. I couldn't endure that life again. Determined, I Kneeled before Liam , his eyes widened in shock and embarrassment, but I remained determined to make him change his mind. "Liam , please don't do this," I pleaded. "I'm your mate. You once said we were forever." I gazed into his eyes, desperately seeking a change. "Not anymore," Liam declared, and I gasped at the coldness in his expression and voice. "You and I are over. I, Liam Davis , reject you, Andrea Faloca, as my mate and future Luna. Accept it now, and let the bond that binds us be forever broken."