Rejected By My Mate, Claimed By His Stepbrother

**Amelia**

Despite my request for him to reject me, his face betrayed no sign of anger. Instead, his calm expression suggested this was exactly what he had hoped for. A pang of hurt shot through my chest as he agreed so readily, without hesitation.

I stood there, waiting for him to utter the words I feared. But instead, he reached out and gently stroked my cheek. The instant his fingers touched my skin, I stiffened.

*So this is how the mate bond works,* I thought, feeling the intense pull of his presence, his scent overwhelming me.

"So you really want me to reject you?" His voice was teasing, and I felt the space between us close as he took a step closer, lowering his head toward my cheek as if he was about to kiss me.

I should've stopped him. I should've pushed him away, but I couldn't. My heart hammered in my chest, and my body betrayed me, standing still, allowing him to do whatever he wanted.

"You really smile well, mate," he murmured, his face inches from mine. Then, his hot breath against my neck sent a shock of realization through me. *No, he isn't...*

Before I could fully process, I pushed him away, gasping for air. "What the hell were you trying to do?"

His grin only widened. "What every wolf does when he finds his mate," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Since you thought I was going to reject you, I figured I'd show you what I really had in mind. Action speaks louder than words."

I stared at him, my heart racing. "So you wanted to mark me?"

"Of course," he replied, a playful glint in his eyes. "Unless you don't want me to, little mate?"

The words hit me like a punch. I had wanted him to reject me, but a part of me *longed* for the mark, for that connection. My feelings were a tangled mess, and I didn't know what to say.

"Yes... no," I stammered. *What did I want?*

"You're quite indecisive," he remarked, raising an eyebrow. "A few minutes ago, you wanted me to reject you. Now, you want me to mark you, but then you don't. What exactly do you want, Amelia?"

I hesitated for a long moment, my heart pounding. "I don't know," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

The elevator dinged, halting our conversation. As the doors began to open, he quickly pressed the button for the fifth floor again.

"I'm not rejecting you," he said softly, his voice surprisingly calm. "I never planned to. And I'm not going to mark you, not yet. You're not ready. But I will mark you, Amelia. Soon. You're my fated mate. For now, we'll do things the human way. You get to know me, and I'll get to know you."

I could only nod. Despite my fear, I understood the logic. I needed to see if he was different from Adrian before I made any decisions.

"I'm glad you like the idea," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. Then, his gaze darkened, and he added, "But one thing-don't try to run away from me again. I hate it when my possessions try to escape."

I froze, a chill running down my spine. "Possession?" I echoed, my voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes, little mate. You're my possession now. From today on, I'm not letting you out of my sight," he said with a possessive tone, his hand gently cupping my cheek.

Before I could respond, the elevator doors opened, and he stepped out, holding the door for me.

"Shall we return to the ceremony?" he asked, his tone light, though his eyes never left me.

I nodded, too stunned to speak, and followed him into the hallway.

"By the way, I've organized a small party for some of my students after the graduation ceremony. I'd like you to come. It'll be a good chance for us to get to know each other better. Can I count on you to be there?" he asked as we walked toward the hall.

I had no real desire to attend, but I had agreed to give this a chance. "Okay," I replied, forcing a smile. "I'll meet you there after the ceremony."

"Great," he said, his smile returning. "I'm looking forward to it."

As we reached the entrance to the hall, he gave me a quick glance before I walked back to my seat. The ceremony was nearly over, and the tension in the air between us felt unbearable.

Becky turned toward me, an eyebrow raised. "You're back? I thought you said you were sick."

"I was," I replied, giving her a weak smile. "But I took some medicine, and the fever's down a bit. I think I can make it through."

"Well, that's good," she said, her gaze softening. "But I bet today's not your lucky day. Not only did you miss your favorite professor Dr. Edward's speech, but you also missed Dr. Alex Darlington's-your mentor's speech."

I sighed, the weight of it hitting me all over again. "You're right, Becky. Today's not my lucky day."

She tilted her head, but before she could say anything else, I turned my gaze to the front of the hall, my mind racing. Not only had I missed the speeches of the two men who had shaped my life, but one of them-the one I had trusted most-was now my fated mate. And now, he saw me as his "possession."

To be continued...