Page 3 of Amaris Rejected

Alpha Wright's expression clouds. "Medical anomaly?" The discussion doesn’t faze Devon, though. His attention is fixed on me, just as mine is on him. Luna Wright simply looks at Alpha Black with mild concern.

"Yes. Amaris has an issue with her wolf. She was approved to attend the Meet-and-Greet because her wolf is present. Lyra communicates with Amaris and appears to her, advising and helping her heal quickly. The only concern is that she hasn't shifted yet. The medical team has cleared her and found that she is both physically and mentally healthy, but we still don't know why she hasn't shifted. Alpha Black concludes, "In full disclosure, she was a foundling, so we don't know her family history. She is an advanced trainee healer with certificates and licenses; she has a clean record, and I highly recommend her in every respect."

"I'm not sure we want a latent wolf for a future Luna, Alpha Black." Alpha Wright glares. "Why weren’t we informed of this sooner?"

"I'm not sure why you’re reacting this way, Alpha. This is our first meeting on this matter, and we made things clear right away," Alpha Black reiterates calmly. "There’s nothing wrong with Amaris. She has great potential and will be an exceptional Luna for your pack."

Devon looks at his father. "Dad, with all due respect, I'd like to move forward with the paperwork and get to know my beautiful mate." He turns back to me and smiles.

All parties involved sign the paperwork to legally bind Devon and me in marriage. The bonding ceremony, which includes the mate marking, will take place when we return to his pack—the pack that will soon be mine, too.

The next morning, as I wake with my head resting on my new husband's gorgeous chest, I stretch languidly and smile. I feel a rumbling beneath my cheek as Devon says, "What have I done?" Blinking my sleep-hazed eyes, I try to make sense of the words he just uttered. Everythinghadhappened so fast, but that's usually how it goes in the wolf-shifter community with your fated mate. Eternity presents itself, and you know that nothing is stronger.

Sitting up, I pull the bedsheet over my bare breasts and lean away from him. In astonishment, I whisper, "Excuse me? Wh-what did you say?"

Devon rubs his face and groans. He turns to the side of the bed and grabs his trousers. Standing up and pulling them on, he repeats, "I can't. I can't do this. I thought I could, but I can't."

I fall back onto the bed and retort indignantly, "Don't you think it's a bit too late for that? I mean... we... you..."

"Look," Devon bolts for the door, putting on his shoes while stuffing socks and underwear into his pockets. Without another glance, he grabs his shirt, jacket, and bag. "I... I’m sorry!" He whips through the door.

"I don't understand!" The words are an anguished cry for help. Tears begin running down my cheeks as I curl into a fetal position, shattered by his cold abandonment.

Lyra howls in my head."Mateeee!"

He never came back. What am I supposed to do now? I hadn't thought beyond this point. Everything in my life leads to this. I have only one heart's desire: to find my mate and finally have a family and the happiness I’ve longed for so desperately.

Chapter 3 - Finding A New Home

Amaris

Not long after thecowardmade his quick getaway, I decide that staying any longer is pointless. Taking a hot shower, I scrub my body frantically, trying to wash away the beauty of last night, which has now turned into the anguish of today. Turning to face the showerhead, silent tears continue to flow. Sinking to my knees, my forehead presses against the cool tile, and I lose myself in the raw pain.

He didn't return. I am alone.

Ashamed.

Abandoned.

Bereft.

As I feel the heart-wrenching tug of the mate bond in my chest, I curl into the fetal position and let the shower pound on me until the water turns ice cold. Numb, I stand to grab the towel.

“He isn’t coming back,”my wolf, Lyra, mourns for her mate.

As the realization sinks into my thoughts, I turn to the mirror and wipe the condensation. Staring at myself, I assess my looks. I’m not what anyone would call drop-dead gorgeous, but I think I’m pleasant to look at. My deep green eyes are pretty despite the pain I see in them.

At that moment, I feel the bond with my pack snap as Alpha Black releases me into my new life. What should feel like freedom just tastes bitter. Everyone in my life abandons me. I understand that Alpha and Luna Black have done this without knowing the devastating impact of their timing, but it only adds to the ache of Devon’s betrayal.

Straightening my spine, I wash my tear-stained face and make a promise to myself. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I say, "I will survive! I am strong and worthy of love! I can do this alone. I don’t need anyone!" The words become more than rote as I breathe them into existence, gaining strength and growing louder with each declaration until I practically shout the last sentence. "I don’t need anyone!"

Turning away, I grab my bag, which is thankfully still packed, and quickly slip on a nice pair of skinny jeans and a tank top. I brush through my long black hair, pausing for a moment to apply a bit of natural-looking makeup to help with my pallor. With a bright smile, I pick up my bag and head to my car.

The place is crowded at this time of day, with echoes of "mate" still bouncing around. I hope their relationships are more successful than mine. Stepping off the elevator into the lobby, I spot Devon and his family near the front desk. A young female around his age clings almost desperately to his arm. I notice him stiffen when he scents me, but he never turns to face me.

"Well," I repeat to myself, holding my head high, "I can do this alone! I don’t need anyone!" I pass just a few yards away from them and head for the glass front doors.

The fragrance of flowers on the breeze is so intoxicating that nausea washes over me. The sun is shining, but ironically, I feel it should be overcast because it’s raining in my heart.Pain strikes with memories of last night before my heart was wrenched from my chest. Tears well up in my eyes as I struggle for control.I am stronger than this,I remind myself as I walk to my new car and place my bag in the trunk.

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