The morning breeze moved gently through the garden as Valerie sat on the grass, waiting for her first love.
Even though she already had a mate, one she felt nothing for, Nathan was different. For him, she was willing to risk everything. She had waited for a long time, watching him fuss over her older sister, Lumori. But after her mate was chosen, things changed. Nathan finally began to notice her, and that meant everything to her.
After a while, he walked into the garden and sat beside her.
She frowned slightly. He acted as if he hadn't kept her waiting at all. She turned to him with a small grin.
"You're a little late," she said.
"But I'm here now. That's what matters," he replied calmly.
She played nervously with her fingernails before speaking again.
"I… I… I brought you something," she stuttered.
Shyly, she pulled out the gift she had hidden behind her and handed it to him.
Without even looking at it, Nathan tossed it aside as if it held no value. Then he turned to her and gently held her face.
"When are you going to tell everyone about us?" he asked. After a pause, he added, "When are you rejecting your mate?"
"Today," she said, swallowing hard. "I just need more time to say it. It's not easy, especially now that I'm about to become an Alpha."
For a while now, they had kept their relationship hidden from the world. Valerie understood why it had to stay that way. Still, the thought of Nathan wanting to make it public stirred something warm in her, this was proof that his feelings for her were real.
He cupped her face with both hands.
"You have to try," he said softly. "I want to stand beside you. Even if I'm human, even if it's never been done before, I'm glad you chose me."
He leaned closer, their faces inches apart.
He was right. No female Alpha had ever chosen a human over an Alpha king. There were only two packs in their world. Her mate ruled the first. She was meant to rule the second. Choosing a human would be seen as weakness. It would cause outrage.
But she didn't care.
Nathan kissed her, deep and urgent.
Inside her, Valerie felt her inner wolf, Vera, panic.
"This will hurt your mate," Vera warned sharply. "What are you doing?"
Valerie ignored her. She knew Vera was right but she couldn't bring herself to care about the consequences of her actions.
Her hands tangled in his hair as the kiss deepened. Nathan savored the taste of her lips, completely lost in the moment.
A rustle came from the huge flowers nearby. They pulled apart immediately, knowing what they were doing was wrong and shouldn't be seen by anyone.
But standing in front of them was none other than Valerie's mate, Leonard. He froze, gripping his chest, his face pale.
"See? I told you so," Vera hissed in disappointment in her mind.
"Not now, Vera," Valerie replied silently. They could communicate through mind-linking.
Nathan stood slowly, his eyes lingering on Leonard before drifting back to Valerie, her hands still in his.
"I'll see you later," he murmured, unashamed, completely unapologetic.
With that he walked away as if nothing had happened, like he hadn't just kissed someone else's mate.
Valerie stayed rooted to the spot, unable to meet Leonard's gaze. Shame made her speechless.
"I'll pretend I didn't see that," Leonard said, his voice cold.
"You don't have to pretend," Valerie stammered. "I… I… I want to reject you as my mate."
"What?" he almost yelled, disbelief and hurt lacing his words. "May I know what my offense is?"
Valerie stepped closer, taking his hands in hers.
"You've been an incredible man," she said softly, "but I don't feel the same way. I can't force it. My heart… it belongs to someone else. I hope you'll find the perfect woman."
"You know that's impossible," he said, lips twitching in disappointment. "Once a mate is rejected, I can't take another, except a human. And going for a human would weaken the Harmon."
He continued, "Taking a human as a mate would be seen as weakness. No pack would allow it. As Alphas, it is our responsibility to lead the pack and to fight, should the Harmon walls ever break."
"I'm talking about my happiness," she whispered, quietly but firmly.
"Someone else can take my place as the next Alpha," she added, dropping his hands and turning toward the exit.
"Does he feel the same way about you?" Leonard asked, tilting his head.
"Is it worth risking everything for?" he asked again.
She nodded slightly.
"Fine," he said, exhaling softly. "I accept your rejection but please, announce it after you become Alpha. Today is my birthday. I don't want to ruin it with this news."
Valerie didn't respond. She just left.
Leonard didn't try to stop her. He stood frozen, pain spreading through his chest. He had loved her with everything he had, ever since he knew she was his mate.
Jealousy mixed with heartbreak. He wanted her to be happy but the thought of her in another man's arms shattered his heart completely.
At that moment, he felt completely helpless. What was he supposed to do? he wondered.