Rejected by My Beta Mate

My mate, Calvin Jenkins, Beta of the Silver Moon Pack, had returned to his hometown for a visit. I noticed he’d forgotten the special gifts he’d bought, so I rushed after him. When I arrived, I spotted him stepping out of his car, looking sharp in a tailored suit. Greeting him was Valery Hudson, an Omega from our pack and his childhood sweetheart. They stood hand in hand, smiling as if they had just completed a mate ceremony. It wasn’t until they noticed me that Calvin hurriedly let go of her hand.

"Her mother is really sick, and her only wish is to see her daughter mated. I’m just helping out," he said, his tone dismissive.

I chuckled softly, gesturing for him to rejoin the small gathering of pack members who were cheering them on. "When’s the pup coming? I’ll need to get a present ready!"

My sarcasm drew even more attention to the spectacle. Valery ushered the guests inside, then approached me, her expression pleading.

"Rachel, don’t be mad. Calvin and I are just pretending. If you’re uncomfortable, I can explain everything to everyone."

I nodded, signaling her to go ahead, but Valery hesitated, frozen in place. Calvin pulled her close, giving me a disapproving glare.

"It’s just a favor, Rachel. Aren’t you empathetic? Stop being so jealous."

I laughed bitterly. "Well, then I wish you both a happy ceremony and a speedy arrival for your first pup."

Calvin’s face turned pale, and he dragged me aside. "Rachel, what’s your deal?"

I stayed silent. Yesterday had been my birthday, and I had planned for us to spend a romantic day together. But Calvin had rushed off, claiming his mother was in trouble and he had to return to his hometown. I’d offered to take time off and go with him, but he refused, saying he didn’t want to disrupt my warrior duties. Turns out, the "mom" in question was Valery’s mother. While I’d anxiously waited day and night, he’d been attending a fake mate ceremony with his childhood sweetheart.

Seeing Valery in her elegantly fitted dress, it was clear the ceremony had been planned for quite some time. Bitterness welled in my heart. Calvin thought I was just being immature. "I told you, it’s merely a favor for Valery. Don’t be petty."

I shook my head. "You’re overthinking it."

"After this, let’s head to the pack’s council. We’ll sever our mate bond, and you two can complete your marking. How practical."

Calvin was stunned at the mention of severing our bond. Just then, Valery emerged, supporting a middle-aged woman—her mother, Mrs. Ellis, an Omega from our pack.

"Calvin, my mom’s worried because you haven’t come inside yet. She wants to see you."

Mrs. Ellis hobbled forward, coughing lightly, her eyes kind as she looked at Calvin. "Calvin is a good boy, Valery. Treat him well in the future. By the way, who’s this?"

Seeing Mrs. Ellis looking at me curiously, Calvin quickly explained. "Just someone asking for directions, Mom.