Page 37 of Claiming His Rejected Mate

“Whatever privacy you think you are entitled to, is about to be nonexistent,” she says, her gaze flicking to Mara, who visibly shrinks under the scrutiny. “What’s this? Hazel’s little army?”

“It’s none of your business,” I snap, my voice sharper than I intended.

She smirks, crossing her arms. “Oh, it’s definitely my business. You’re defying the Alpha’s orders, and you think no one’s going to notice?”

“Leave,” I say, my tone cold.

“Gladly. This isn’t my scene anyway.” She chuckles, but her threats aren’t lost on me. “But don’t be surprised when Kieran hears about this.”

She leaves without another word, the door slamming shut behind her.

The Omegas turn to me, their faces pale.

“What do we do now?” Mara asks, her voice trembling.

I exhale, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “We keep going. If Kieran wants to come after me, fine. It’s me he’ll have to deal with.”

Two days later, I’m summoned to a court hearing.

The pack gathers in the estate’s grand hall, the atmosphere tense. Kieran sits at the head of the room. I can’t tell what he’s thinking, but his sharp blue eyes lock onto mine. Other than the stiff dominance he exudes, I can see the curiosity behind his gaze.

Nina stands smugly to the side, her arms crossed as if she’s already won. I don’t hide my glare and she scoffs.

“Hazel,” Kieran’s voice booms, drawing my glare away from Nina to him. “You’ve been accused of organizing unauthorized combat training with Omegas. Is this true?”

I meet his gaze, my chin lifting defiantly. “Yes.”

A murmur ripples through the room, the pack’s reactions ranging from shock to disdain.

Kieran’s expression doesn’t change, but there’s a flicker of anger, maybe frustration, maybe even a hint of respect, in his eyes.

“You know it’s a punishable offense. Do you have anything to say for yourself?” he asks.

I take a deep breath. “I’m not a member of your pack, and no one debriefed me as if I were. They came to me. They wanted to learn how to fight, how to defend themselves. You cannot hold that against. I taught them because no one else would.”

I sound accusatory. I hear the faint gasps from the crowd. I don’t care, though. If they won’t do their Omegas this courtesy, they should be called out for their negligence.

“And you thought it was your place to do so?” he asks, his tone sharp.

“No,” I say, my voice steady. “But it was the right thing to do.”

Kieran leans back in his chair as he considers my words. The room is silent, the weight of his authority palpable. My body flares, warmth spreading from my chest down to my core. My wolf whines with the desire that pumps through our veins. But I'm standing here, being judged by him and despite how attracted I am to him, I want nothing more than to sucker punch his face.

No Mate of mine would make me go through this. But how much of my disdain for him can stop me from the thoughts that flood my mind about him?

I feel my core tighten, and I know I am oozing pheromones. He knows what I’m feeling, and I can swear by the way his eyes darken from their usual clear blue, he feels it too.

Finally, he speaks.

“If these Omegas are as capable as you claim, they’ll have the chance to prove it.” His tone is final. “There will be a tournament. They’ll compete against each other, as well as some of my guards. If they succeed, their training can continue. If not…”

He doesn’t finish the sentence, but the implication is clear.

The Omegas glance at me, their faces pale, but I see the fire in their eyes. The gratitude in their stance and the determination not to let me down.

“Fine,” I say, my voice firm.

Kieran’s eyes lock onto mine, his expression unreadable. “I hope your little stunt is worth it.”

---