REJECTED... THEN CLAIMED BY THREE ALPHAS

Lyra Kaelen's lips grazed softly along the rim of my ear, and his fingers combed through my long, dark hair while he leaned in for a kiss. "Don't we need to hold off a bit, to make this moment even more magical?" I asked, since I couldn't quiet that nagging voice of doubt urging me not to. This wasn't how I'd pictured my first time happening. I wanted it to feel special, I wanted it on my wedding night, I wanted my virginity to be a cherished gift to my mate Kaelen, after he'd marked me and let the whole pack see we belonged together. But him not announcing it to everyone bothered me. "I love you, Lyra, and I can't wait any longer to have you," Kaelen said, gripping my hands and twirling me around. "You look so gorgeous and totally stunning in this dress, but I bet you'd look even better out of it," Kaelen complimented, and I felt my cheeks heat up a little. "I just want to know," he trailed off, planting a kiss on my forehead, but I couldn't shake that deep gnawing sense of not fitting in. Growing up in a pack where I got bullied and labeled as the weak one, I wasn't seen as anything worthwhile. It was a tough life, and nothing added up. The pain and shame built up worse every day, until the moon goddess finally blessed me, and I found my mate—he wasn't just any wolf, but the next in line to be beta of our respected pack. Every second I'd waited for Kaelen felt worth it. The hurt and rejection I'd carried stopped haunting me, because Kaelen was incredibly kind and affectionate with me. I longed for the day he'd mark me, so everyone would know we were mates and I wasn't worthless anymore. "I know you're worried because I haven't made our relationship public," I nodded along with his words. At last, he got what was stopping me and why I hesitated to let him go further with me. "I promise you, Lyra, I'm waiting too—for the moment I'm officially named beta, and then right there in front of the whole pack, I'll claim you as mine. You're so important to me, and I want you to feel that. For now, let's keep it just between us and surprise everyone," I smiled to myself, I really liked his idea, and imagining the shock on their faces made it all worthwhile. Kaelen always had a way with words that softened my heart, and once more, he'd eased my worries and pushed my doubts away. I gazed at him, his deep blue eyes telling a story of desire, his lips curved in a smile, and his perfectly toned body making me want him more. But a fresh wave of uncertainty hit me, and before I could pull back again, his rich, deep voice called out. "Now come here, you naughty girl," Kaelen said as he drew me in for a kiss. I tried to hold off and face the one question that always nagged at me. "Was this what I really wanted?" But I'd gone too far to argue with myself now, so I just let go and enjoyed the way his tongue plunged deep into my mouth. *** We'd been lounging in bed for ages, and it was past midnight. After that intense passion we'd shared, I figured I'd whip up something for Kaelen to eat. I mixed some butter and eggs, tossed in a few more things that made my pie unbeatable, and soon dinner was ready. I dished it out for Kaelen, and he devoured it like crazy, even complimenting my skills while nearly licking his fingers. "You'll make a great wife," he joked as he got up and mentioned he had to catch up with some friends. He promised he'd be back quick, since it was just a chill hangout with the guys. "Okay, but don't take too long," I said as he closed the door behind him. I sank into the chair and reflected on my harsh childhood, how I'd given up on fate ever bringing me anything good until Kaelen came along. He turned all my bitter moments into sweet ones. I smiled with relief, and the hope of our future together gave me the strength and bravery to keep going. I got up to clear the table and spotted Kaelen's phone. He must've left it behind. I rushed out to find him, but he was already pretty far off, so I chased after him to hand it over. I headed into the pack house, walking with the confidence that soon everyone would know Kaelen and I were mates, but I stopped at the door when I overheard him and his packmates talking about his future plans. "Kaelen, you're about to become beta, and you still haven't introduced us to your mate?" one of his friends asked firmly, and my heart jumped. The moment I'd been waiting for was here, and I was thrilled that Kaelen would finally tell them I was his mate. "Or is it Lyra? Since you two are tight and she always hangs around you," another friend questioned, and I kept smiling, waiting for his answer. Kaelen burst out laughing hard before replying to them. "Lyra? Come on. I'd never go for someone as weak and fragile as her. She's just a fling who can't get enough of me, always coming back for more." They all exploded in laughter, and Kaelen shattered whatever hope I had left. "I haven't found my mate yet, but when I do, it'll be someone who deserves me. Maybe from the royal family, or at least another beta like me." I stumbled back, nearly falling over, then clamped my hands over my mouth to keep from screaming. My ears rang with echoes of his cruel words, and my eyes filled up heavy with tears. Kaelen's words struck like a thousand arrows piercing my heart, each one a painful reminder that I'd been tricked and made a fool of by the man I'd trusted with everything.