Rejected by My Alpha Mate

The monthly pack assembly was always a formal affair. Every member of Silver Creek Pack gathered in the great hall, rows of chairs arranged in a semicircle facing the Alpha's podium. I smoothed down my navy dress—the one Daniel once said brought out the blue in my eyes—and tried to ignore the whispers that followed me as I took my seat in the front row.

"Luna Christina," greeted Maya, one of our warriors, with a respectful nod. "Alpha Daniel said he'd be delayed."

I smiled politely, though my wolf, Emma, stirred restlessly inside me. Something felt off today. The air was thick with anticipation, and not the usual excitement that preceded pack announcements.

When Daniel finally entered, he wasn't alone. A young woman with honey-blonde hair and delicate features walked beside him, her steps measured and confident despite her unfamiliar face.

"Silver Creek Pack," Daniel's voice carried through the hall with his Alpha authority, "today we welcome home one of our own. Alessia Rose has returned to us after seven years away."

My fingers tightened around the strap of my purse. Alessia Rose. The name tugged at my memory—Daniel's childhood friend who left before her first shift. A late bloomer.

Alessia stepped forward, her smile sweet and almost shy. "Thank you, Alpha Daniel. It's an honor to return home. My wolf finally emerged three months ago." She touched her chest reverently. "She's small but fierce. I'm grateful to rejoin my pack family."

Daniel's eyes lingered on her longer than necessary. "Alessia has requested readmission to Silver Creek Pack. Any objections?"

Silence fell over the assembly. No one challenged an Alpha's decision, especially not one as respected as Daniel. But I caught the glances exchanged between pack members—curiosity, surprise, and something else I couldn't quite name.

"Then it's settled," Daniel announced. "Alessia Rose is officially reinstated as a member of Silver Creek Pack."

---

Two weeks later, I stood frozen in the doorway of Daniel's office, staring at the official proclamation posted on the bulletin board.

"HEAD HEALER: ALESSIA ROSE"

"Daniel," I whispered, my voice barely audible even to my own ears. "What is this?"

He looked up from his desk, expression carefully neutral. "I appointed Alessia as head healer yesterday. Her credentials are impressive."

"Credentials?" I stepped closer, scanning the document. "She's been gone for seven years. Where did she train?"

"She studied with renowned healers across the country," he replied smoothly. "Her knowledge of herbal medicine is exceptional."

Before I could respond, Elena, Daniel's mother, swept into the room without knocking. Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she glanced at the proclamation.

"Mother," Daniel greeted her warmly. "I was just explaining Alessia's new position to Christina."

Elena's gaze swept over me, her disapproval evident in the slight curl of her lip. "Yes, a much-needed change. Our pack deserves the best care."

That evening, as pack members gathered for dinner in the communal hall, I overheard the whispers clearly.

"Poor Luna Christina," someone murmured. "Seven failed pregnancies..."

"Alpha Daniel said