" I, Ember MacGregor reject you, Alpha Paris as my mate!". " Did this woman just reject me? Did my wife renounce me as her mate?". " How dare you reject my son! You're just a lowly ungrateful Omega!", Luna Lara yelled at her. Ember clenched her fist into a ball set a sharp gaze toward them for the first time in five years and left the ward. *** Alpha Paris chose Ember to be his wife and Luna of his packs even though she's not his fated mate because he thought he was in love with her but in the third year of their marriage, he found his destined mate Kate. He couldn't resist their wolf bonds so he marked her behind his wife's back. He cheated on her and he even impregnated his fated mate. Ember couldn't give an Alpha an heir because she was infertile so to return the favor, she obeyed every order his family told her and her husband but when Alpha Paris believed Kate's lies that she hurt her; they even forced her to donate her kidney to amends her crimes, she decided to reject Paris and leave him. Paris was shocked and thought that he saw a new side of his wife. He was thinking that after almost five years of being together, he still didn't know everything about her. After Ember left, Paris regretted it and tried to get Ember back.
Chapter 1 The Last Straw
Ember POV
Alpha Paris wasn't my fated mate. We chose each other to be mates because we thought were both in love back then five years ago. He found his fated mate Kate a year after our fourth wedding anniversary and here I am, still stuck in our fifth year of marriage as his Luna.
Until today, I wondered to doubt my choice when Queen Luna Lara, my mother-in-law ordered.
" Ember, we don't have much time! What the hell are you thinking? Did you know that Kate's life is in danger because of what you did? You need to donate your kidney to save her! Do you hear me?", hearing her thunderous voice made me shudder.
We were inside the operating room already, but I still had double thoughts in my head about whether to proceed with this operation or not because there's no reason that her kidney will get affected by a scratch stab.
"Mom, is this nece--ssa--ry? I mean, we can find someone else, right?", I stammered trying to convince her to find anyone but not me.
She walked closer and clumped her hands on my face. Her sharp gaze made my whole body freeze in fear.
" It's your fault that Kate's kidney got damaged! If you didn't stab her then you wouldn't be in this position!", Mother Luna insisted that it was my fault but they didn't know the whole story.
I didn't stab her. I was nice to my husband's fated mate to hurt her. I know I was lacking when it comes to bearing an Alpha's child but I still have conscience to kill Paris' destined mate. She was the who hurt herself and she's trying to frame me. When we started fighting, I saw a weird purple herb in her hands until I realized that it's a poisonous plants called wolfsbane which been instinct for many years among shapeshifters like us. It could affect our kidney. My bad that they don't want to believe me. They had no idea what Kate was hiding behind her innocent smile. I just realized it until today.
She let me go and firmly ordered me to do as she said or else they would send me to prison right away.
" If you do not do it, we don't have a choice but to bring you to jail, Ember! If you want this matter to end smoothly, to make amends for your crime, will you give one of your kidneys to her, understood?", Luna Lara pressed me to obey her but this is not fair.
" No!--- I can't! I don't want to. Please, just this once hear me out, Mother!", I tried to convince her that it was not my fault that Kate was hurt. My whole body trembled thinking inside this operating room, they would get my kidney. I didn't dream of being treated like this for five years of being a faithful and obedient wife and Luna for my Alpha and his family.
" So, you're disobeying me now, huh Ember?", Mother Luna talked back with her eyes glaring at me.
" No! Mother, you know that I-- I can't do that. I've always followed your orders and for five years, I didn't complain about anything! But, but this one is just unfair! Why would I give my kidney to her when I'm innocent!", I protested with my soft sniffs.
I shifted my eyes to Kate and I saw how she sneered secretly at me then her expression changed easily into an innocent girl.
" Luna, I'm sorry for my behavior. This was all my fault. I made Ember furious yesterday. If I didn't provoke her, maybe---", she stopped for a moment covering her face as she made those false sniffs.
" I'll take responsibility if I can. I am willing to sacrifice my life. I'm sorry, Ember. I hope you understand my condition." She added as she shed her fake tears on us.
Queen Luna Lara came closer and caressed her hair with much care.
I felt jealous seeing them like that because being her daughter-in-law for five years meant nothing to her. I haven't felt loved by her even today. I saw the kindness in her eyes when she sat beside Kate and comforted her.
" No, it's not your fault, dear. Take a rest and sooner the doctor will come to start the operation." She whispered to her ears and I overheard it. Of course, that's what shapeshifters possessed, their active hearing ability.
I suddenly felt weak in my legs at any moment, I would collapse in fear. I won't let them operate me. I saw hope inside the operating room when I felt a strong energy approaching and when the door opened widely, I was right, my husband Paris came with his head held high. As an Alpha, his presence was the most powerful one and even though I wasn't his fated mate, the bonds between us weren't ordinary. We were mated through love and not by fate. His masculine scent made my wolf jump in excitement though this was the first time that I had a closer look at him.
" My Alpha, I'm glad you came. Help me! Mother wanted me to donate my kidney to Kate. I said I don't want to. I didn't do anything", I said coming closer to convince him.
Our body was so close that I could sniff his mint scent, so addicting and captivating. He pressed his hands on my arms which made me at ease. He cupped my face so dearly and I could feel the warmth of his hands. I've been waiting for this moment to be close to him. I waited for him to defend me, but it's not what I expected.
" Ember?", she called my name in his command voice.
I gulped and answered my husband. I looked up and our eyes met, making me shiver my toes. Those looks were decisive.
" Ember, can you do me a favor? You will obey whatever I told you, right?", his voice was like a warning.
I keep listening, but any minute, I'm going to break. I tried to remain calm as he went on.
" You know how badly I wanted have an heir of my own right? Please my Luna, help Kate and our baby. Just accept the operation, okay? If you do as I say, you won't get punished. Do you hear me?", His actions was comforting when he walked closer and hold my hands so dearly but when he started his words, they were like a sharp knife striking my ears. I thought he would protect me, but he's more concerned about his fated mate's condition. I hastily let go of his grip.
" Why do I have to do this? I'm the victim here but why did no one want to hear me out? Do you think that it's my fault?", I shouted in desperation.
This was the first time that I raised my voice to my Alpha when Kate began to distract our conversation.
" Yes, Ember! This is your fault and you can't run away with it . Why? Because-----because I have Alpha's child in my womb, so without your kidney I might die!", hearing Kate's confession shocked me.
My whole body turned numb as I slowly shifted my eyes to Paris. I want to confirm it to him myself.
" Was it true? Tell me! Did--did Kate was pregnant that's why you're willing to sacri --- fice me because of her child?", I can hear my stuttering voice. This whole truth wants me to kill myself. I felt like my whole world shattered in one day. I kept tightening my jaws so as not to cry.
His expression didn't change. I couldn't see any remorse from it. He seems not to care about me anymore. He took a deep breath and coldly told me his thoughts about this matter.
" Yes, she is. Now that you know, I guess you will obey me now, right Ember? I can't let Kate die and our baby!", His eyes widened as he told me.
Reality hit me which was hurtful. I felt like I lost almost half of my life to realize that my husband had a child with someone else.
" No! I can't do that! You betrayed me! How can you do this to me, Paris? Why?", I couldn't take it anymore. My tears fall as raindrops from heaven.
I kept shaking my head face the floor when Cristina moved toward me and slapped me.
" How dare you disobey my brother? He's our Alpha and he has the right to order you!", she yelled at me and I quickly cupped my swollen face while my eyes shifted to my husband.
I thought he would scold his sister for hurting me but he didn't do anything. I saw Kate set a smirk on me which made me feel so useless. I can feel the moisture in my eyes and any minute my tears will explode. I waited for him to show a little ounce of empathy for me, but it didn't happen.
When I was 17, Paris found me and courted me until he proposed to me to be his Luna after I reached 19. Because I loved him, I accepted his marriage proposal even though we were not each other's mates. We were happy and in love back then until in our third year of marriage, we decided to consult a doctor because I couldn't produce an heir until the doctor informed us about my infertility. A year later, Paris found his fated mate Kate. Even so, I trusted my husband because he chose me to be the Luna of his packs and he promised me that he still loves me even I can't offer him an heir. Yes, I thought I made the right decision that I chose him to be my Alpha but when I learned that he cheated on me, my beliefs change.
***
I started to burst into laughter like crazy while striking a sharp gaze to all of them while thinking how I pitifully lived my life for almost five years with them. .
At one point we were both abandoned in the woods. Our meeting started with distrust. His wounds were more than the gnashing scratches of the wilderness, it extended to trash his memories and kept him from truth more than once. Her wounds were more than the bruises of the poisonous wilderness, it extended to crush her security and increased her self doubt. It was an exile that led a prideful yet underestimated prince and an tortured daughter of a successful merchant. Our tale only began when we acknowledged our desires, yet the world around us conspired to thwart our every step. The both of us didn't want to doubt, yet, would our resilience and trust be enough to navigate through the jungle of doubts?
She was wolfless. All her life, Holly Ambrose had been longing for her family to reciprocate the love she had been working hard to get from her father and her sister, Irina. Unfortunately, they only saw her as an embarrassment to the pack and used her instead so that Irina could refuse to marry Alpha Evander Edgerton: the ruthless and cold-blooded Alpha of the Blackwood Pack. Thinking that it was the only way to escape them, Holly accepted the proposal. Alpha Alec, her former mate and her sister’s fiance begged her not to. He confessed he still had feelings for her and wanted her back as his mate. Too late because there was no stopping her from having her freedom. But would Holly be truly free if Irina had no intention to stop destroying her life after Alec left Irina to claim Holly back? Would she stay with Alpha Evander even after she found out that his former mate came back and was pregnant with his child?
His body collapses into mine as my back slams on the wall. “You were touching yourself because of me weren't you” his musky scent suffocating me. My core immediately picks up a heart beat with our proximity as he pins my hands above me on the wall. My bare nipples harden at his touch. I can only think of two words at this moment. Touch me. ***************************************************** Never in Ivy Carter's life did she ever think that she'd fall for a man she couldn't have,especially when the man was not only her professor but also her new step brother. Caden's heart has always been where his pack is, gilded by the pack's legacy but the minute he lays eyes on Ivy Carter his walls come crashing down. But he can't have her even though she's his mate. Their worlds collide with an irresistible force and it's only a matter of time till they cross the line, breaking all restraints with an unholy attraction.
Audrina, a powerless omega, becomes entangled in a web of deception created by her own flesh and blood. Her crafty stepsister sends her into the arms of MistyMoon Pack's Alpha, James, where she meets a guy whose icy demeanor conceals his powerful and fair character. With chiseled features and a stare that could melt steel, James is both hot and gorgeous. Their one-night affair suddenly blossoms into a lifetime commitment with the news of a kid on the way, leaving them divided between desire and danger. But behind the surface of their undeniable mate bond, there lies a hidden identity and buried truths that could ruin the spark that was just beginning to ignite.
Aurora Everley has always been the overlooked daughter, the one that gets shadowed by her sister Margot. She thought that once she turns eighteen and meets her mate, she would have someone whose attention would just be on her. But she is wrong. Because her mate happens to be the one her sister brings home, introduced as her boyfriend and Alpha Heir, Mason Chase. Now, she has to sacrifice herself again. She has to sever their mate bond, even when her heart screams not to do it. But what happens if someone else is waiting at the sidelines for her? Someone who's been watching her every move, desiring her in ways no one ever did before?
Leaving everything Lily had behind, she moved to a far countryside Pack and made sure no one would be able to find her anymore. Her perfect life back then turned upside down raising twin children with her under a small Pack a kind-hearted stranger brings them into. She was determined to live her life being tied and stuck to her poor situation when out of nowhere her ex-boyfriend, Wade, whom she left hanging years ago when she ran away came to visit the Pack she's currently residing in. The worst part is that he will spend his stay under the same roof with her. Would their interrupted love rejoin this time around? Or the bitterness of the past will prevail.
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn't love her, but that was the last straw for the camel's back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, "Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce." The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
"I, Riccardo Saviano, future Alpha of the Grey Shadow Moon Pack, reject you, Artemisia Guerrieri, Daughter of Alpha Franco of the Blood Moon Pack, as my mate and future Luna." One single sentence. One stupid single sentence was all it took to disintegrate my life. And the day of my birthday, on which this sentence was audaciously uttered to me, I lost the love of my life, my future mate, and my wolf, all at once. As I'm still assembling the pieces of my shattered heart years later, there they come. Like lightning out of a crystal blue sky. My Mates. But wait... If I am mated to triplets, how come I'm about to be mated to 5 gorgeous men? *** TW: explicit and foul language; spicy content; explicit sex scenes ***
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”