Her Return:Rejected By My Mate

Sera's pov

Three years. Today has been three years since Caden Voss looked me in the eyes and said, “Marry me, Sera. Let's do it today.”

I smoothed down the front of the simple blue dress I knew he liked and clutched the small gift box tighter. Inside was a silver cuff engraved with the Blackridge pack seal and a tiny inscription that said ‘my Alpha, my heart.’ I had spent weeks planning this surprise while he had been buried in meetings for days, tension rolling off him like storm clouds.

But tonight I wanted to remind him about why we worked, why I had given up everything to stand beside him and I thought that he would love it. I was wrong.

The pack grounds buzzed with unusual energy as I approached the council chambers. A large crowd had gathered outside, wolves murmuring in low, excited tones. I frowned. I didn't know anything that was happening so I slowed down.

Something felt very wrong.

I pushed through the bodies, my heart hammering. Caden stood on the raised platform at the front, tall and commanding in his black formal tunic. The silver streaks in his dark hair caught the late afternoon light. Nadia Cross, my closest friend in Blackridge stood just behind his right shoulder with a proud posture. Her warrior braids gleaming brightly.

Caden’s voice rang out clear and steady. “...and after careful consideration, I have made my choice for the good of the pack.”

My feet stood rooted to the ground, waiting with baited breath to hear what he was saying.

“Three years ago, I took Sera Ashwood as my wife and she has served Blackridge well, no doubt about that.” His gaze swept the crowd, passing over me without recognition. “But war is no longer a shadow on the horizon, it is now here. Our enemies circle closer every day and Blackridge needs strength. We all need a Luna with proven blood and steel in her veins, not just... pleasant manners.”

A murmur rippled through the pack and I held my breath, waiting for the words before they landed.

“Sera’s bloodline is ordinary,” Caden continued, each syllable cutting like a blade. “She cannot give us the power we need. Therefore, I reject her as my mate and Luna. Effective immediately.”

The world tilted. My mouth opened, but no sound came at first. Tears burned hot rolled down my cheeks.

Nadia’s eyes found mine across the distance and for a fraction of a second, something like pity or triumph flickered there before her lips curved into a sleek, satisfied smile.

“No,” I whispered. Then louder, pushing forward until the crowd parted. “Caden!”

His head snapped toward me and for the first time since I’d arrived, our eyes truly met. Something like regret ghosted across his face before it hardened.

“Sera,” he said in a flat voice. “This is not the place…”

“You’re rejecting me?” My voice cracked as I climbed the steps, legs shaking. “In front of everyone on our anniversary?”

The crowd hushed completely.

“I loved you,” I said, tears streaming freely now. “I waited my whole life for you. I left my home, suppressed everything I was, learned every alliance, and every political thread in this pack just to stand beside you. I gave you three years of my life without question. And you call me ordinary?”

Caden’s jaw tightened. “You have done a good work, no one denies that, but good work is not enough when our people’s lives are at stake. Nadia has led our warriors and she carries the Cross bloodline which is strong, and battle-tested. The pack needs her.”

Nadia stepped forward, placing a hand lightly on his arm. “It’s for the best, Sera. You’ll see that eventually.”

I stared at the woman who laughed with me over late-night teas, and helped me navigate Blackridge’s customs. Who had cried on my shoulder after losing a patrol member. She was my best friend.

“How long?” I asked her, my voice barely above a whisper. Then louder, to him. “How long have you been planning this behind my back?”

Caden exhaled sharply. “The decision is made. If you cannot accept it, be gone before sundown. I won’t have discord in my pack when war looms.”

The gift box slipped from my fingers and clattered to the stone floor. The silver cuff rolled out, glinting mockingly.

I pressed a hand to my stomach, the secret I had come to share burning like acid in my throat. ‘I’m pregnant, Caden. I'm carrying your child.’

But the words won't come here.

I turned and walked away through the silent crowd. No one spoke, and no one stopped me.

Back in our quarters, I moved like a ghost and packed everything I owned in three years into two small bags. I folded the dresses he had complimented, the shawl he had bought me during our first winter, and each item felt like I was tearing out pieces of my soul.

A sob ripped from my chest as I sat on the edge of the bed, and held the slight swell I had only just begun to notice on my stomach. “I was going to tell you tonight,” I whispered to the empty room. “We were supposed to be a family.”

The sun dipped lower as I wiped my face, and walked out with my bags. I have my pride so I won't beg, even if everything else had been stripped away.

I walked through the dense wood that led out of Blackridge territory as my wolf stirred restlessly inside me, but I kept her suppressed, just as I had for years on my father’s orders.

“Stay hidden and safe.” She purred.

That was when multiple footsteps began to approach. I turned and saw three figures coming from the underbrush, their eyes glowing with hostile intent.

“Well, well. The discarded Luna,” one sneered. “Heard you’re all alone now.”

I dropped the bags and shifted into a defensive stance, my heart racing. “Please stay away from me.”

They laughed and lunged.

Pain exploded across my side as claws raked me. I fought back desperately, landing a solid hit on one attacker’s jaw, but they were too many. A heavy blow to my head sent me staggering as the world blurred.

I panicked. ‘Oh my God, my baby.’

A roar split the night, followed by a flash of powerful movement crashing through the attackers. Screams and yelps filled the air as the newcomer tore through them with brutal efficiency but I was already coming down fast.

Strong arms caught me before I could hit the ground.

“Easy,” a low voice murmured. “I’ve got you.”

I tried to focus on the face above me, but the world was spinning. The scent of pine and steel wrapped around me as he lifted me effortlessly.

“Who...?” I managed, but he didn't say. The last thing I heard before I lost consciousness was, “Sleep, Sera. You’re safe now.”