Page 24 of Alpha's Unclaimed Mate

Vanessa raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes as she looks me over from head to toe, her nose scrunching post-assessment. I’m sure I look quite plain in front of her perfectly tailored flowy silk dress. Her jewelry sure doesn’t look costume.

“You know what? I have a friend looking for virtual assistants. You can work from home,” Vanessa says, her smile tight. “I’ll put in a good word for you. I know you manage the schedules of the hired help at the estate.”

Ignoring the sting of her words, I smile. “Thanks, but I think I’ll try my luck here.”

She looks at me with a raised eyebrow before leaning in to whisper, “Sweetie, you won’t like it here. I know about your little crush, but Theron and I are having our mating ceremony in two weeks. I don’t want any scenes here.”

Mating ceremony?

For a moment everything goes dark.

My insides hollow out like I’ve been punched, even though I should be used to Theron’s betrayals by now. But this…this is irreversible.

My eyes well up. I don’t even bother trying to hide it from her. I don’t think I can.

I look at Vanessa. She’s a wolf, just like Theron. How is she okay mating with someone else’s fated mate?

She narrows her eyes at me. A look of surprise crosses her face.

“He didn’t tell you?” she asks with barely contained fury. Shaking her head, she walks away. I realize how big a fool I’ve been.

I slump onto the couch, just trying to get my bearings together.

“Yes, I’ll adjust the rest of the meetings for today, but are you sure about PlayTone? They flew in from LA.”

The receptionist is walking right alongside the last man I want to see, but I need to do this.

“Oh!” She halts in front of me. “Ms. Smith is here for the Office Manager position.”

Theron’s face is exhausted, but he shows no sign of remorse. “Oh yeah,” he mutters, as if he had forgotten me yet again. Maybe he had. “Let her come in. But no one else. I don’t have the energy today.”

Without a backward glance, he strides into his office and I follow.

While he flops into the chair behind the desk, I notice the floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering a view of the forest on one side and bookshelves on the other. The leather couch sits pretty in a corner. Bitterly, I wonder how many women have joined him on that couch. I’m sure he’s had plenty of occasions to use it. The only wooden wall in the room is dominated by a massive painting.

“Have a seat,” he says, while switching on his laptop.

I don’t. I exhale a deep breath, clench my fists, and tighten my shoulders, preparing to face him for the last time.

“Every time I think this will turn out differently, you go ahead and surprise me.”

I keep my voice low, but Theron’s gaze turns to me immediately. His forehead wrinkles as he frowns.

I smile. “It’s taken me ten years to finally understand where I stand in your life.”

His eyes narrow. “What happened, Seren-hen? Did someone say something to you?”

I shake my head. “When were you going to tell me about your mating ceremony? Before or after it happened?” His eyes widen, but I continue. “I’m guessing never, since you didn’t even bother to tell me we were mates.”

Theron jumps out of his chair and walks over to me. “I swear, it isn’t like that.”

Witnessing the guilt flash in his eyes only fuels my anger. “Spare me the act. I’m not buying it anymore.”

I turn around and walk over to the door, taking another deep breath as I touch the handle.

His chest is heaving and his eyes are wide, as if he can sense what’s going on in my head.

“For all the favors the Blackwoods have done for me, consider this your payback. After all these years, you can finally be free of me.” I hold his gaze and keep my voice firm. “I, Seren Smith, reject you, Theron Blackwood, as my fated mate.”

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