Rejected Little Secret by Lisj

As the Alpha Ascension ceremony kicked off, a sense of excitement hung in the air, making it crackle with anticipation. 

The square was a melting pot of different packs, each identifiable by their distinct markings and scents. As Alpha Gavvyn stood tall and proud beside his nephew, everyone in the audience couldn’t tear their eyes away from the stage. With a tense posture and an unreadable expression, Zeke’s demeanor was inscrutable. 

From the crowd, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, and a knot of unease twisted in my stomach. Despite the lively sounds and colorful decorations, a lingering sense of something being amiss persisted. 

As Alpha Gavvyn spoke, his voice reverberated across the square, demanding the attention of all in attendance. 

“Today marks a new chapter for the Thornholde pack,” As he began to speak, his words resonated with the weight of centuries of tradition and the responsibility to uphold it. “As I step down from my position as Alpha, I am proud to pass the torch to my nephew, Zeke.” 

While the crowd erupted into applause, my attention remained solely on Zeke as he confidently stepped forward to accept his new title. His face gave nothing away, his jaw firmly set in a display of unwavering determination. The moment our eyes connected, a bittersweet sensation washed over me – a blend of hope and fear that gripped my 

heart. 

In that brief moment, our eyes connected, and I sensed a hidden depth in his gaze that stirred my innermost feelings. Just as I was about to decipher the message hidden in his gaze, he abruptly shifted his attention back to the stage. where Alpha Gavvyn’s words filled the air. 

With each passing moment of the ceremony, my unease intensified. Zeke’s ascension to Alpha should have been a moment of celebration, but instead, an eerie silence hung in the air, foreshadowing the impending chaos. The air in the square was heavy with tension, as if something ominous was about to unfold. 

With a quick glance, I surveyed the expressions of the other pack members, hoping to detect any hint of shared unease. Their expressions spoke volumes they were all caught up in the excitement of the moment, their faces beaming with joy and anticipation. 

Returning my focus to the stage, I observed as Alpha Gavvyn gracefully stepped aside, creating space for Zeke to assume his position. With each step towards the podium, his countenance grew more serious, his unwavering gaze revealing the burden of responsibility he carried. 

Thank you, Uncle,” Zeke’s strong and confident voice rang out as he spoke. My heart betrays me, for even though I am aware of the hurt he inflicted and the need to detest him, the sound of his voice and the way he carries himself still evoke a reaction within me. “I am honored to accept this title and to lead our pack into the future.” 

The cheers from the crowd echoed through the air, but I stayed quiet, captivated by Zeke’s words and unable to tear my eyes away from him. My heart was filled with a mix of anger and pride as I looked at him in that moment. At the end of the day, instincts prevail, solidifying the bond between him and me as True Mates, regardless of my personal 

sentiments. 

The sound of Alpha Gavvyn’s voice filled the square, resonating with authority, while his hand waved towards the side of the stage. 

“I would like to invite Markus, my beta, and his beloved daughter, Nadia, to join us up on the stage.” 

A sense of confusion washed over me as I observed them ascending the stage, causing my brows to furrow and a knot to tighten in my stomach. Why should they be up there? 

I couldn’t quite understand the depth of Zeke’s emotions as his expression grew tense and his jaw clenched. As I stole a quick look at him, I longed for reassurance in his eyes, but they betrayed no hint of emotion, only a façade of 

indifference. Amidst the crowd, I caught sight of Axton, his face mirroring my own curiosity as he watched intently. It was as if he had a sixth sense, because the moment I started watching him, he turned to meet my gaze. 

We exchanged a glance, but then he shakes his head, silently acknowledging our mutual lack of understanding- 

The Alpha Ascencion ritual would often begin with the current Alpha delicately cutting their forearm, a small drop of blood staining the ground as a symbolic gesture. Just like their predecessor, the chosen successor also does the same. In order to symbolize the pack’s leadership unity and ongoing legacy, a ceremonial vessel is used to collect the blood from both Alphas. As the blood is combined, it forms a symbolic concoction that embodies the combined strength. wisdom, and lineage of both the old and new Alpha. Passed down through generations, this blended blood is believed to be infused with the very essence of leadership, making it highly revered. 

Once the blood is mixed, it is ceremoniously anointed on the forehead of the chosen successor, denoting their status as the new Alpha. 

None of those events have taken place so far. Zeke has just been introduced. 

So, why did they call Nadia up on stage? 

“We stand on the cusp of a new era,” Alpha Gavvyn’s voice filled the square, booming and commanding as he made his declaration. He waved his arm towards Zeke, a proud smile spreading across his face. “To guarantee the flourishing of the Thornholde pack, it is essential that our Alpha is united with a formidable Luna.” 

The weight of his words settled heavily on me, causing my breath to hitch in my throat as I absorbed the implications with a sinking feeling. My head begins to shake, and I mutter incomprehensible words that escape my lips. Tears well up in my eyes as I feel a chilling sensation run through my entire body, causing me to tightly clasp my hands over my 

mouth. 

After a brief pause, Alpha Gavvyn continued, his voice filled with a sense of gravity. 

“After extensive consideration, it has been determined that Zeke, who is our future Alpha, will be paired with Nadia in an arranged mating. Both of them have not yet discovered their True Mates and have both made the noble sacrifice of rejecting them in order to ensure a prosperous future for our pack.” 

Gasps erupted from the crowd, their collective surprise reverberating through the streets. A surge of agony coursed through me as my heart tightened in my chest, the weight of pain crashing down on me like a relentless tide. The idea seemed too far–fetched to accept. It felt surreal, as if it couldn’t possibly be real. As everything around me becomes a blur of pain, I instinctively curl inward, clutching my chest and struggling to catch my breath. 

From the sidelines, I could feel tears gathering in my eyes, the pain of betrayal igniting like a raging fire within me. How could Zeke, knowing the consequences, possibly agree to this? How could he just stand there, allowing them to tear us apart piece by piece? As the questions swirled through my mind, a sense of helplessness washed over me, knowing that there was nothing I could do. It was a bond that could not be broken, the unbreakable connection between Alpha and pack. 

To go against it was to gamble with everything. 

And I was not worth anything. 

“It is for the good of the pack,” Zeke’s proclamation resounded, bouncing off the nearby cabins and filling the air. “And as your future Alpha, it is my duty to ensure the survival and prosperity of our kind.” 

Listening to his words, a bitter taste lingered in my mouth, amplifying the searing sensation of betrayal in my chest. How could he use duty as a justification for tearing us apart? 

It felt as though the entire world was pressing against my chest, making it difficult to catch my breath. As I watched from the edge of the crowd, the pain of betrayal twisted like a knife in my heart, bringing tears to my eyes. How could this be happening? How could Zeke agree to be mated with Nadia, the woman who had torn tie — 

Clupter 9 

The weight of it became unbearable, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I felt overwhelmed by the pain and sorrow, as if it could spill out of me in a shattered scream that I couldn’t hold back. My hands shook uncontrollably as I raised them to my mouth, desperately trying to suppress the sound from escaping. But it was no use. The sorrow was too great, the pain too intense. 

I couldn’t hold it in any longer, and a loud, choked sob burst forth from my lips. It was impossible to ignore the piercing gazes of those around me, their eyes filled with a curious and concerned expression. But I couldn’t bring myself to care. The overwhelming sense of loss consumed me, as if my heart had been shattered and scattered into countless irreparable fragments. 

And then, as if by some miracle, I felt a strong, warm arm encircle my waist, providing a gentle and comforting embrace. Through tear–filled eyes, I glanced upwards and saw Axton standing next to me, his gentle expression and warm smile providing comfort. 

With no need for words, he gently pulled me into an embrace that made me feel safe and secure. I buried my face against his chest, inhaling deeply, as the comforting scent of his calming pheromones instantly put me at ease. 

“It’s okay, Chestnut,” Softly, he murmured words of comfort, his voice like a gentle lullaby. The sensation of his hand running through my hair intensifies my emotions, causing even more tears to well up in my eyes. “Let it out. I’m here for you. 

my 

And without hesitation, I did exactly as I was told. I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer, and they streamed down my face, carrying with them the weight of my pain and sorrow. Holding me close, Axton’s presence became anchor in the storm, his steady heartbeat a comforting rhythm in my darkest hour. When he pulls me away from the crowd, I can hear the distant chatter fading into the background. 

However, my heart, filled with foolishness, couldn’t resist stealing one last glance towards the stage. Despite the pain he caused, I find myself unable to resist the urge to search for him. 

Zeke’s standing there, all tense, looking at Axton like he wants to rip him apart. 

Yet, he does nothing more than that 

The weight of betrayal hung heavy in the air, making each passing moment during the ceremony feel like an eternity. As Axton’s hand wrapped around my waist, I felt a reassuring warmth coursing through me. In search of solace, I turned to him, finding refuge in the familiarity of his gaze. 

And then, as if sensing my anguish, Axton leaned in and placed a tender, chaste kiss on my forehead, his lips brushing softly against my skin. 

“Tomorrow’s going to be different,” His voice, filled with unwavering conviction, barely audible as he whispered his thoughts. “Better believe it, Chesnut.” 

I clenched my jaw, fighting back tears and suppressing the overwhelming desire to scream and vent my anger at the cruel unfairness of the situation. But I had a sinking feeling that my actions would yield no positive outcome. 

I wanted to believe him, desperately hoping that tomorrow would bring solace to the ache in my heart. But the pain of betrayal still clung to me, a lingering reminder of the trust that had been shattered and the heart that had been broken. 

As my heart weighed heavily, I reluctantly shifted my attention back to the stage, where Nadia stood, her presence commanding. With no shame in her eyes, she locked her gaze onto mine, a mischievous smile forming on her lips. 

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