Rejected by My Fated Alpha

The day Wesley Bennett, my childhood mate, returned from abroad, I went from his secret girlfriend to the girl-next-door. Wesley, the son of the Beta of the London Pack, had been my destined mate since we were pups. But when he left for the continent without explanation, I was left adrift.

Feeling lost, I turned to Julien Morrison, the Gamma of the Silvermoon Pack, who had loved me quietly for seven years. For a year, he treated me as if I were his world, and I opened my heart to him. I planned to get a painting he loved as a gift for our anniversary.

But to my shock, I stumbled upon a hidden studio filled with portraits of Camryn Hoffman, the daughter of the Omega healer, and countless love letters addressed to her. After some investigation, I found out that the mysterious owner of that studio was Julien himself. I eventually realized that his so-called seven-year pursuit was just a strategy to clear the way for his love for Camryn.

At that moment, I was heartbroken, and I agreed to my parents' proposal for an arranged mate pairing. My father, Alpha of the Ramos Pack, had always emphasized the importance of strong alliances between packs.

"Father, I've decided to go through with the mate pairing," I told him over the phone, wandering aimlessly under the soft glow of the streetlights after leaving the studio.

Father was surprised by my sudden decision and sounded a bit disoriented. But then he sternly asked, "Layla, has something happened? Why the sudden change of heart?"

Hearing his concern made my nose tingle, and tears began to fall uncontrollably. Our pack runs the leading business in London, and I'm the cherished daughter of Father and Mother. Growing up, any decision I rejected was never revisited. But now, just two days after my opposition to the arranged pairing, I had changed my stance.

Not wanting to worry him, I took a deep breath and feigned a casual tone, "Father, I'm the little princess of the Ramos Pack; who would dare trouble me?"

Upon hearing my cheerful voice, Father relaxed and chuckled, "Well, my precious princess, I'll come to Dublin to bring you home."

"No need, Father. I've got some things to sort out. I'll come home by myself in a week."

As soon as I finished speaking, Julien's voice came from behind me, "Layla, where did you say you were heading?"

Afraid Father would sense something, I quickly ended the call.

Turning to Julien, I replied dismissively, "You must have misheard."

Julien, unconvinced, pressed on, "Come on, I don't mishear things."

He leaned closer, his breath tickling my ear, making it itch slightly.

I furrowed my brow and tried to evade him, but he grabbed my wrist. "Layla, where are you going?"

He hugged me from behind, letting out a soft chuckle, "Layla, you haven't told me where you're off to."

Annoyed by his persistence, and unable to break free, I reluctantly confessed, "Home, for the mate pairing."

Upon hearing this, I felt Julien stiffen momentarily. But he quickly resumed his usual nonchalant demeanor, "Alright then, Layla, don't forget to invite your brother here for the celebration."

I knew he didn't believe me.

But I was sincere, "I don't think that'll be necessary."

My straightforward answer made him laugh softly again.

"Oh, my little Layla, just having a spat with me."

Saying this, Julien tried to kiss me.

He was always like this, masking his true self with a carefree attitude, no matter if I was genuinely upset or not.

I used to fall for this act. But now, I was truly done with it.

I pulled away from him, confronting him directly and asked, "Where did you come from just now?"

Since discovering the studio, I've been there multiple times, yet have never crossed paths with Julien.

But I was sure he was in the studio, as he’d always return home with a faint scent of oil paint.

I was sure he knew I’d discovered the studio.

I didn't confront him because I wanted to see if this man, who "loved me for seven years," could speak even a single word of truth to me.

As for Julien, he might have not confronted me, thinking I wouldn’t find out about the studio’s truth.

Or perhaps he feared that if the truth came out, I'd turn back to Wesley Bennett, his worry being that Camryn Hoffman, his true love, would be hurt in the process.

After a tense silence, Julien sighed deeply.

He reached for my hand and started, "Layla, lately..."

His words were abruptly interrupted by Camryn Hoffman emerging from the nearby alley, "Julien, you said you were just going for a smoke, what took so long..."

"Oh, Layla, you're here too."