26

26
Jane
I was furious at everything. I had waited my whole life for my mate, dreaming about the day I would meet the person who was supposed to love me unconditionally. And this is what I got? A threat to my life? A man who humiliated me in front of everyone like I was nothing?
He rejected me without even trying to know me. Treated me like garbage at the club, his eyes cold and disgusted when he looked at me. He was willing to mark another Luna and then kill me just to be rid of the inconvenience I represented.
I deserved someone who would love me. My mother had always talked about fated mates like they were the most beautiful gift the moon goddess could give.
She said when she met my father, it was like coming home. But mine? Mine felt like a curse, a punishment for some sin I didn’t even know I’d committed.
“I blamed him for not giving me a chance,” I added, my voice getting quieter but more intense. “I blamed my father for hating me because I didn’t have a wolf. I blamed my entire pack for treating me like I wasn’t worthy of being their future beta. All of them—they were all to blame for making me feel like nothing.”
“I understand your pain,” Vishal said quietly, his voice full of sympathy. “But don’t be too hard on yourself. I’m not saying what he did was right—it wasn’t. But I won’t say he’s completely evil either. Kings are trained from birth to seek powerful mates for the good of their packs. Still... he should have given you a chance to prove yourself.”
He was too good. Even now, after all my ex-mate had done to me, Vishal still tried to see both sides. Still tried to understand everyone’s perspective.
I felt a stab of jealousy—whoever ended up as Vishal’s mate would be the luckiest person in the world. He was too kind, too pure for this cruel world.
“I don’t even know what to say,” I murmured, staring at his gentle face. “Why are you so kind, Vishal? How can you still try to understand someone who hurt me so badly?”
He laughed at that—not a mocking laugh, but something warm and fond. He reached over and gently tugged my cheek, then patted my head like I was something precious.
“Be good,” he said softly. “You’re stronger than you know, Jane. Don’t let his cruelty make you cruel too.”
After we finished eating, we chatted for a while about lighter things.
Funny stories about pack members, anything to lift the heavy mood. But eventually, I needed to move, to do something with all the restless energy inside me.
“I think I’ll go train for a bit,” I said, standing up from the table.
“Don’t push yourself too much,” Vishal warned. “I’m not saying you can’t train—but don’t overdo it. You’ve had an emotional day.”
“I won’t. I promise. Thank you for everything, Vishal. For the food, for listening, for... for just being you.”
“Always,” he muttered.
Alone in the training room, I tried to pour my emotions into the session. The familiar rhythm of punching and kicking usually helped clear my head, but today I couldn’t seem to focus. My mind kept spinning between anger at my ex-mate and confusion about my feelings for Vishal.
I was in the middle of a particularly aggressive combo when a familiar voice called out.
“Jane!” she cried out, running toward me with tears streaming down her face.
I stopped mid-punch and blinked in surprise. “Amira?”
What was she doing here? And why did she look so upset?
“Amira! What are you doing here?” I asked, dropping my stance and rushing to meet her.
“Do you hate seeing me?” she inquired with teary eyes, her bottom lip trembling like a child’s.
Gosh. Her charm… She was so cute my heart couldn’t bear to hurt her.
“I could never hate seeing you, darling. You’re my best friend,” I said, pulling her into a tight hug. She smelled like vanilla. “But what brings you here? You look upset.”
“Hmmm!!” she hummed dramatically, stepping back to wipe her eyes. “I rushed here because I’m worried sick about you. Father told me about the Alpha King and what happened today. I didn’t know he was trying to replace you with some fake Luna. I hate that jerk! Why is he doing this to you? Why reject you, then try to kill you? It’s so cruel and unfair!”
Her words came out in a rush, her emotions making her voice high and shaky.
“I’m glad his wolf didn’t support that trash,” she continued, anger flashing in her usually sweet eyes. “He killed the female instead of marking her. I didn’t feel sad about it at all. She knew he wasn’t her mate—why would she accept someone like that? Jane, are you okay? Really okay? Don’t lie to me.”
I stared at her. Everything was written across her face—her worry, her care, her fierce love for me. She had rushed here just because she was worried.
She was angry on my behalf, protective like a little sister even though we were the same age.
“I’m good, sweet,” I whispered, hugging her tightly again. Her small body felt so fragile in my arms. “That ex of mine? He’s not worth a single tear from either of us. Let’s not waste another second talking about him.”
But even as I said it, I knew it wasn’t true. He was still taking up too much space in my head, still affecting my life even after rejecting me.