Page 46 of Semi-Rejected Life

Alpha.

I looked up and my heart froze solid in my chest. It couldn’t be. Out of everyone in the entire world I could be running into, there was no way he would be in Shifter Grove. Not in a million years. But… there he was, giving me that disapproving look as always.

My father and the Alpha of my pack.

“D-Dad?” I stammered, taking a step back. “What are you d-doing here?”

“I came here to get some coffee and breakfast before we set out to find you,” he replied. “But it looks like I got lucky this morning.”

“We?” I glanced over at the woman standing next to him. She was tall, had long dark hair, intense amber eyes, and a tough demeanor despite her obvious beauty. “Who is this?” I asked, knowing full well what the answer was going to be.

“This is Michelle,” he replied, offering her to me. “You’re new mate and future Luna of our pack.”

“New mate?” Vince asked beside me, his fingers slipping away from mine. “What does that mean?”

“Didn’t River tell you?” my father grinned. “He’s already betrothed. Has been since the end of last summer. This is their first time meeting face to face, but Michelle has already passed every test we had for our future Luna. She will be a leader worthy of her station.”

“You didn’t tell me about that…” Vince whispered, the hurt in his voice nearly breaking my heart. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I was about to–”

“And,” my father added. “I’ve already gotten the paperwork for your inheritance lined up. Once you two are married and have taken over the pack, I’ll sign over the thirty-five million to you. With my guidance, our family will be wealthy for generations to come. Neither you nor the pack will ever want for anything.”

Vince’s eyes grew wide. “Thirty… Thirty-five million?!” He glared up at me, his expression suddenly full of suspicion. “You’re rich?!”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “It’s not–”

“Yes, he is,” Dad replied, cutting me off. He snaked a hand around my shoulder and pulled me close, his fingers digging into my shoulder painfully. “And he’ll be a great Alpha. River’s been training his whole life for this and he knew it was coming. This was his last summer to mess around and get…” My father looked Vince up and down. “Whatever out of his system. Now he’s coming home with me and his new mate to lead our pack into a bright and glorious future. We’re all very proud of him, aren’t we Michelle?”

“Extremely,” she nodded, all passion and personality gone from her voice. “It will be my honor to be your wife and lead our pack. I can’t think of any greater purpose for my life.”

“Dad, I don’t–”

“Come, come,” he said, giving me a shake. “Don’t make a scene in front of your friend. Say your goodbyes and let’s get out of this dingy little town. This coffee shop is too busy, anyway. We’ll get breakfast somewhere else.” He held his hand out to Michelle who took it dutifully. “You know what the car looks like. Don’t worry about your van, I’ll have it driven back home later. Not that you’ll be needing it anymore.”

As soon as they’d walked away, I turned to face Vince. He’d already taken a few steps back from me.

“Vince… I was going to tell you–” I began.

“Were you?” he snapped. “You’ve been here for three weeks and not once have you mentioned a single thing that man just said. All you said was you were in line to be Alpha. What about all the rest of it?”

“It doesn’t matter,” I replied, taking his hand. “I want to stay here with you.”

Vince pulled his hand away. “How do you expect me to believe that?”

“Because it’s the truth.” Tightness filled my chest. “I love you.”

He just shook his head. “Do you? Or is that just another lie you’ve told me?”

“I didn’t lie–”

“Not telling someone the truth is lying, River!” His shout echoed across the parking lot. He stopped, taking a deep, shaky breath. “How can I trust you when you won’t even tell me what’s going on?”

“Vince–”

“Save it,” he said, the words cutting through me like a knife. “I knew I wasn’t special enough for you, anyway. I never have been for anyone.” He looked up, his eyes filled with tears. “It’s fine. I’m used to it. Go enjoy your money and your new mate. I’m sure you’ll make a great Alpha.”

And, before I could say anything, he turned away from me and walked away. I started to go after him but I felt a hand grip my shoulder.

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