Rejected by Royal Mate

On the eve of our mark ceremony, the Lycan Prince suddenly announced a change in his chosen Luna.

My sister, Lexi, stood before me in the ceremonial gown meant for me, her expression unapologetic.

"Opportunities and status are earned, not given," she said coolly. "You lost to me. Accept it."

Just like that, I became my father's discarded daughter.

To silence the rumors circulating in the pack, my father hastily arranged for me to be mated to a low-ranking Omega from a distant, impoverished family.

My mate, Archie Lane, was an Omega with nothing to his name but his intelligence and a blind grandmother to care for.

---

At the Come of Age Ceremony hosted by the Lycan Queen, a drunken Delta was found slumped behind a garden hedge, my missing necklace clutched in his hand.

When he was roused and questioned, he boldly claimed it was a token of affection I had given him.

Such a scandal could have been handled discreetly to protect my reputation, especially since the Lycan Queen was to be my future mother-in-law.

But instead, she chose to confront me in front of the entire gathering of high-ranking wolves and their families.

"Chaya Lane," she demanded, her voice sharp with accusation, "what do you have to say for yourself?

"You are bound by the mate bond to the Lycan Prince, yet you engage in such disgraceful behavior. Is this how the Silver Moon Pack raises its daughters?"

The weight of their judgmental stares bore down on me.

My childhood friend and intended mate, Yousef Webb, the Lycan Prince, stood among them, his expression cold and unreadable.

"Miss Lane," he said, his tone icy, "you owe me an explanation."

"Do you not trust me?" I asked, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest.

Such a clumsy setup—he, born into the intricate politics of the Lycan court, should have seen through it immediately.

Unless he had orchestrated it himself or was complicit in its execution.

"I trust only what I see," he replied, his gaze unwavering.

Swallowing the bitterness rising in my throat, I took the necklace and turned to the assembled pack members.

"Does anyone recognize the design on this necklace?" I asked, holding it up for inspection.

The women passed it around, their voices rising in indignation.

"Queen," one of them spoke up, "this is the necklace Chaya lost earlier today. We searched for it with her. The four roses are unmistakable—especially the fourth, carved with gold at the center. This Delta is lying to defame her!"

The Lycan Queen's smile was strained. "I see. My apologies, Chaya. I acted too hastily."

I turned to Yousef, my voice low but firm.

"Prince, how do you intend to handle this Delta?"

The Delta, Kendrick Palmer, came from a family of decent standing within the pack. His father, Kyle Johnston, was a respected Beta.

Kendrick, though a troublemaker, was his father's heir.

If Yousef was involved in this plot, he would likely show leniency.

If he wasn't, Kendrick's actions were a direct insult to his mate and his authority as Lycan Prince.

Yousef hesitated, then said, "Perhaps he was overcome by his admiration for you and acted foolishly. Let him be punished with twenty lashes as a warning."

It was a slap on the wrist—clearly biased.

I clenched my trembling hands, my disappointment sharp.

Yousef's gaze hardened, as if daring me to challenge his decision further.

Around us, murmurs of discontent rippled through the crowd. Such a lenient punishment for an attempt to defame a high-ranking she-wolf was unacceptable.

I met Yousef's eyes across the gathering, my own unwavering.

But he looked away, refusing to hold my gaze.

I exhaled softly, my fingers brushing the cool fabric of my dress as I forced myself to remain calm.

"Very well," I said, my voice steady despite the storm within me. "Let it be as the Prince decides."