A Rejection For Christmas

Chapter 3: She is back

Five years later...

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Jared's POV

"Is everything ready for the meeting?" I asked Esteban, my Beta.

“Yes, Alpha, although, may I ask something?” Esteban and I weren’t exactly friends, but he was Kathy’s cousin, and it was a favor she asked me.

Kathy and I have been together since Isabella died. At first, I thought it must be a joke, but when the lawyer came and asked me to identify her body, I realized she was really gone.

Thane disappeared for almost a year; we couldn’t feel her passing because of the rejection, and when he returned, he refused to talk to me.

My relationship with my wolf was in shambles, and it showed. I wasn’t as strong as before, and of course, I became grumpier.

“Sure, Esteban, tell me,” I said, trying not to let my anger get to me.

I was so angry all the time; I didn't understand why.

“Why are you organizing this event? You don’t believe in Christmas,” he stated.

It was true, but it was something Isabella did when she was Luna. She liked this Holliday and thought it wold be a great idea to host a small gathering between neighboring packs, that way more wolves could find their mates.

I don’t know why I kept this tradition; I just did.

A year ago, I decided to include a charity event so we could help raise funds for the orphans. Right now, I will meet with the wealthiest family in the werewolf community.

They have the biggest pack in the country, own the largest companies, and, of course, the Alpha is part of the council.

Alpha Liam Salvadori, the strongest wolf there was, I had to secure his help, which would benefit us greatly, but I knew he wouldn’t be an easy man to convince.

Salvadori was known for being ruthless. He rules over his pack, Silver Claw Pack, with an iron fist, to the point that every single member is a skilled fighter.

“I don’t, but this is for the greater good,” I had convinced myself that I was doing this to make a difference, though deep down, I wasn’t entirely sure why I kept holding on to this tradition. Maybe it was guilt, perhaps it was duty, or maybe it was something else I didn’t want to admit.

Esteban raised an eyebrow but didn’t push further. “Alpha Salvadori and his party will arrive shortly. They’ll be expecting the formal welcome.”

I nodded, adjusting the cuffs of my tailored suit. It wasn’t often that I dressed to impress, but this meeting was important. Our pack wasn’t as strong as it once was, not since the rift between me and Thane. Losing Isabella had taken a toll on me, on us, even if I didn’t want to admit it. Kathy noticed, too, but she never voiced it. She just stayed by my side, as she always did. I can't believe the Moon Goddess didn't pair us; we were meant for each other.

As I walked toward the main hall, I caught a glimpse of Kathy overseeing the decorations. She smiled warmly when she saw me, her golden-brown hair catching the soft light of the chandeliers.

“You look handsome,” she said, her voice gentle.

I forced a smile. “And you look beautiful, as always.”

We came to a hotel that was neutral territory. Alphas use this place for different reasons, one of which are business transactions.

She reached for my hand, squeezing it lightly. “Good luck with the meeting. You’ll do great.”

I nodded, giving her a brief kiss on the forehead before continuing on my way. The tension in my chest grew heavier with every step. Negotiating with someone like Salvadori was daunting, but it was necessary if I wanted to strengthen my pack’s position.

I had a Luna, but she wasn't my fated Luna, and we haven't been able to conceive. If I didn't do this, I might be seen as weak, and other packs might try to attack us.

They already have.

When I entered the hall, I immediately sensed the power emanating from the group that had just arrived. Alpha Liam Salvadori stood at the center, his presence commanding and cold. His dark eyes scanned the room with the precision of a predator, and his sharp features were set in a stony expression. Behind him were two warriors, equally imposing; they weren't his Beta, but the power that radiated from them could easily be mistaken by one of a higher-rank wolf.

“Alpha Jared,” Salvadori’s voice broke through my thoughts, smooth and deep. He extended a hand, his grip firm and unyielding when I shook it. “I hear you’re organizing a charity event. How... altruistic of you.”

The faint mockery in his tone didn’t escape me, but I kept my expression neutral. “It’s a cause I believe in. Our orphans deserve a future, and we must give them the opportunities they need to thrive.”

Salvadori raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint smirk. “A noble sentiment. Let’s see if your actions match your words.”

I gestured for him to sit at the long table set up for our meeting.

Thane started to pace around impatiently, which made me recall the day I saw Isabella. He was acting the same way, forcing me to go to my father's office, but that was impossible. Isabella was gone, and I had another Luna.

"What's wrong?" I asked, but he didn't answer.

Great.

I decided to ignore my wolf and focus on the task ahead. This could mean the beginning of a new era for my pack or the beginning of my downfall.

As the meeting progressed, Salvadori was as difficult as I expected. Every proposal I made was met with a counterpoint, and every suggestion was scrutinized. He wasn’t just a leader—he was a tactician, one who thrived on control and precision.

After an hour of back-and-forth, I felt the weight of frustration pressing down on me. “Alpha Salvadori,” I said, my tone firmer, “this partnership isn’t just about our packs. It’s about building a stronger future for all wolves. Surely, you can see the value in that.”

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing. “Perhaps. But tell me, Alpha Jared, what’s really driving you to host this event? Charity, or something else?”

Before I could answer, I heard a voice I hadn't expected to hear again. The one person I didn't expect to see. “I think it’s guilt.”

Her words hit me like a blow, and I turned to her sharply. Her blue eyes met my grey ones; my breath got caught in my throat.

I must be hallucinating; there is no way this is true, but her scent of blueberries confirmed it.

"Isabella?" I called softly, but she didn't react to that name.

"Why do you think that, Bella?" Alpha Salvadori addressed her, and the sweetness in his voice didn't settle right with me.

"Why don't you ask him?" she accused, walking to stand by the Alpha's side.

“Excuse me?” I said, my voice low as I finally woke from my stupor.

She tilted her head slightly, studying me. “You hold on to traditions that don’t align with who you are. You organize an event your Luna once cared for, yet you claim it’s for the greater good. It seems to me you’re trying to atone for something.”

The room fell silent, the tension thick. Salvadori didn’t stop her, and I realized this wasn’t just some random member of his pack. But could she be my Isabella?

I was given her death certificate. There is no way they are the same person, but the resemblance is uncanny.

“Who are you?” I asked and waited for her answer.

A small smile played on her lips. "What? Don't you recognize your dead mate?"

"You tricked me?" I was furious. I couldn't believe she had decided to play me as a fool.

Alpha Salvadori's aura slipped; he was protecting Isabella, and it made me wonder why.

"No, I did what I had to do to survive; besides... that Isabella you knew is long gone," her voice was so cold; she didn't behave like the woman I once knew.

Isabella wasn't like Kathy. She had a fire within her. She always questioned my decisions, and when she rejected me, she wasn't like other she-wolves, but she was never cold. Even if she was angry, furious, or disappointed, she still had some sweetness inside.

"You are still my wife; you never sent the divorce papers," I glared at her; the only thing that hasn't changed is how cruel she is. Salvadori growled in response, our auras were clashing, and unfortunately he was winning.

"Those papers were only a formality; besides, my name isn't Isabella Thorne anymore, so they are invalid," she stated.

"What do you mean by that?" I pressed. She disappeared for five years, and now she came back to torment me. Perhaps she is trying to see how we can get together; she might be scheming something to hurt Kathy again, but I won't let her; she-

"My name is Bella Salvadori. Your proposal has not been accepted. Jared, you may leave now."

WHAT?!