Page 4 of Rejection to the Alpha King's Daughter

Bored of this cat and mouse chase, I dodge one final punch from Narin and use my momentum to send a roundhouse kick to his torso, hearing the crunch of more bones when my foot connects. Without losing stride, I send a punch to his shoulder, hard enough to inflict damage but not break any bones. He has enough bones to heal and will be out of commission for quite some time. Watching as he falls to his knees, I grab his hair, preventing this Beta wolf from falling further, and smirk.

“Check mate.” I state triumphantly, releasing my grip on his locks and allow his fall to continue. His eyes hold fear before the pain of the match renders him unconscious. I just proved to all watching that I, Crystalline Thorn and future Queen, am not weak.

"Trix, you prick, you owe me fifty percent of the money!" I call out, making my way to my best friend and fist bumping him in triumph.

"You know what, it’s worth it seeing how all these high and mighty macho guys now fear you." He laughs, ruffling my hair. I turn and smirk at the now silent crowd. Of course their expectations of me were low. Now, they hold both fear and respect after taking down the strongest Warrior in the pack.

"Someone help my future Beta to the medical ward.” I bark out the order, seeing the crowd standing there unmoving.

“And as soon as he is healed, make sure his training is increased. We can’t have a weak Beta in this pack.” I continue, leaning against Matrix as he counts the money earned, happy that he and I made a bet for my victory as we had made a killing off of these idiotic wolves.

“Yes, Alpha!” They shout in unison, some rushing to take Narin away on a stretcher while others slowly spread out around the training room to begin their own sparring. I have a feeling that what happened here will soon be spread amongst the pack.

“I almost forgot. Here is your necklace back.” Matrix chuckles, his eyes soft as he looks at me. I smile as Matrix helps to place my silver chain with the moonstone orb around my neck. I am happy he kept it safe for me while Narin and I fought.

The two of us decide that we have trained enough for the day as he places his hand on the small of my back and we make our way to our usual river spot. We both could use some peace and quiet.

?Chapter 5-Belle of the Ball?

Glaring at the ballgown hanging from the wall, I think about what will happen today and why my father is forcing me to wear it. Today is the celebration of a new Alliance. Future Goddess Geminie offered an alliance with my father earlier this year and negotiations finally went through. As such, Father announced this to all the packs in the world with happiness and even planned a ball of honor with packs such as Blood Moon of North America, Hauringu Uindo from Japan. La Chasse from France, and Silver Hounds from England, the strongest packs in the world.

Unfortunately for me, this meant that I would have to shift into my wolf form to howl with Goddess Geminie at the full moon to complete the ceremony. Even worse, this means my secret of being a runt will be revealed and could lead to one of three fates.

Fate number one, Father imprisons me to become a brood mare and produce strong pups to continue to royal bloodline with my mate.

Fate number two, I am disowned from the pack and become a Rogue.

Fate number three, my execution would be right on the spot. I prefer the second fate as turning Rogue meant I have a chance to train and fight for my throne back. Seeing how Father never liked runts and always shipped them off to a pack that will treat them as nothing more than slaves, I have a feeling he may choose the first option and sell any of my pups that are runts to the highest bidder for power.

“Princess Crystalline?” My Maid Hanna calls out as she steps into my room.

“I’m still here.” I chuckle out, seeing her remove the protective gloves from her hand. No one can enter my room without them, the silver on the door knobs preventing any from entering my room without being burned by the pure silver.

“Thank the Goddess for that. It is time to dress you for the ball.” She sighs with relief, seeing me in front of said dress with my bear fur blanket draped around my shoulders for warmth and comfort for what is to come. Turning to the maid, I give her a sad smile as she places the glove on a side table and wraps me in her arms in a hug I desperately needed.

“Happy birthday, Princess. I know it’s not the day you wanted, but you are so strong. Just know the maids have your back and there is a surprise from us for later tonight.” I smile, thanking her for her support and birthday wish before we both turn back to the ballgown hanging on the wall.

A white, strapless, corseted gown with lace applique. It is ironic, considering I am a white runt trapped by the societal norms my father created. I will be a white runt in a white dress ready to be exposed.

Hanna takes my bear fur blanket from me carefully, draping it over the nearby sofa before helping me into the gown. She is careful with helping me step into the gown so as not to ruin my hair or makeup. Only my shift can ruin my perfectly made-up look as I have to portray the look of a perfect royal doll to the guests.

Her praises of how beautiful I am and how the light nude eyeshadow placed perfectly on my eyelids brings out the multiple colours swirling in my iris, remind me of the fact that I am different. Only those with a strong bloodline can poses the prismatic eyes.

With my dress pulled up and Hanna tightening thecorset to where I can barely breath, let alone eat if I wanted to, I am turned to the mirror looking like the perfect doll with a sad smile. I worry for what will happen tonight. Hanna rushes into my closet, most likely to bring the finishing touches of my outfit, and I wait silently for her to return.

“Crysta, its me!” The sound of the door opening and closing followed by Matrix walking in makes me smile. At twenty, Matrix worked his way up the totem pole of ranks and soon became the Theta-in-training. When I take the throne, this wolf with Alpha blood will become my third in command.

His blond hair that is usually in a haphazard mess is now combed back and held down with gel, his tailored black suit doing little to hide the muscles underneath from years of training. It is the first time I have seen him today, and the hope of him being my mate is soon dashed when no sparks are ignited along my skin nor does his scent drive me crazy. I do my best to hide my disappointment, my one hope of the wolf who cares for me the most being my mate and co-ruler dashed. I will just have to search for my mate the old-fashioned way now.

“Happy birthday.” He smiles at me, pulling away from the hug as he looks my body up and down, a hint of lust in his eyes. I can tell that the lack of mate sparks disappointed him as well. I know he wants me the same way I want him, the topics of us being possible mates always one we discuss since his eighteenth birthday two years ago. It sadly is just not meant to be.

“Theta Matrix, care to help put the silver tiara on our Princess?” Hanna’s voice cuts through the silence as she approaches us, her carefully balancing the tiara on the pillow so as not to be burned by the pure silver. I chuckle as I realize she forgot to put on her gloves again.

“Of course, considering I am the only one who can touchit other than Crystalline and the Goddess.” He answers, deftly picking up the tiara encrusted with diamonds and moonstones and gently placing the delicate jewelry atop my head without ruining my hairstyle, a bun with delicate curls and bangs swept to the left side.

“Perfect! Now off you two go before the Alpha King blows a gasket.” Hanna states, shooing Matrix and I out of the room with a smile. The walk is long with the click, click, click sounds of my heels on the stone floor. With Matrix soon seven feet ahead of me due to his long strides, I find myself struggling to keep up.

“You okay, Crysta?” My friend asks, turning to find me leaning on the wall trying to catch my breath.

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