"You? My mate? The moon goddess must be kidding me," Leon’s voice was sharp, his eyes narrowing on me with nothing but disgust.

The words cut into me like a blade. My lips trembled as whispers filled the room.

My knees felt weak, and I could barely breathe. Tears gathered in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall in front of everyone.

I had been his maid since I was a little girl. I knew his scent, his laugh, his smile. I had loved him silently for so long. But now, he looked at me like I was filth.

“Leon…” I whispered, my voice shaking. “I…”

“Shut up!” he barked, his voice echoing. “I will not have a low omega like you as my mate. From today onward, you are banished from this pack. Leave. And don’t ever show your face in front of me again.”

The words hit me harder than any physical blow could. Banished. Just like that.

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, but my hands shook as the tray of dishes I was holding slipped from my fingers. The plates crashed to the ground, breaking loudly. Shards cut across my palm, and warm blood dripped down my hand. Gasps and laughter broke out across the hall.

Maya stepped forward, her lips curling into a cruel smirk. She looped her hand through Leon’s arm like she owned him. “She doesn’t belong here anyway,” she said sweetly, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Don’t waste your anger on trash.”

Leon’s face softened instantly at her touch. He smiled at her. He actually smiled. My chest burned as if my heart had been ripped out.

The crowd began to laugh, mocking me.

“She’s just a maid.”

“An omega as the Alpha’s mate? Impossible.”

“She should be grateful he didn’t kill her.”

Their words stabbed into me, each one heavier than the last. My vision blurred with tears as I clumsily tried to gather myself. My injured hand throbbed as blood stained my dress. I had never felt so humiliated in my life.

I turned and stumbled out of the pack house, my eyes burning, my breath shaky. I didn’t even know where I was going. I just wanted to get away from their mocking stares, their laughter, his cold eyes.

“Elena.”

I froze at the sound of my name. I turned and saw Ethan, Leon’s Beta, rushing toward me. His eyes darted around, making sure no one else was watching. He carried a small bag and pressed it into my hands.

“Here,” he whispered urgently. “Food, water, gold…some money. It’s not much, but it should help you survive. I'll find you Elena.”

My lips parted in shock. “Why… Why are you doing this? Why are you so nice to me?”

His jaw clenched, and his eyes softened as they met mine. For a second, it looked like he wanted to say something. Instead, he gently brushed a strand of hair away from my face, his touch was careful.

“Just… go, Elena. Go quickly, before anyone sees you. Be safe. I’m sorry I can’t do more.”

I bit my lip to stop myself from crying again. I wanted to thank him, but my throat was too tight. I nodded and turned away, clutching the bag to my chest. The forest loomed ahead, dark and unforgiving, but it was better than staying here another second.

My feet carried me past the borders of the pack. My chest ached, and my injured hand throbbed. I walked and walked, tears slipping down my cheeks as the weight of rejection pressed on me. I was tired, weak, and alone.

That was when I heard it—the snapping of branches. My stomach twisted.

“Well, what do we have here?” a rough voice sneered. Shadows moved between the trees, and soon I was surrounded. Rogues. Their eyes gleamed with hunger. My heart pounded as I clutched the bag tighter.

“Please,” I whispered. “I don’t want trouble. Just let me go.”

They laughed. One of them yanked the bag from my hands and tossed it to another. “Looks like she’s got some goodies. Food and cash. Thanks, sweetheart.”

“No…please! That’s all I have!” I cried, my voice cracking.

The tallest one stepped closer, his eyes raking over me in a way that made my skin crawl. “We can’t just take her things and leave. She’s very pretty. We can have a little more fun with her.”

My chest tightened in terror. “No… please, don’t…”

“Shut up.” He grabbed my wrist harshly, pulling me toward him. His free hand tugged at my torn sleeve, exposing my shoulder. I struggled, but he was too strong. My heart raced as panic surged through me.

“Let me go!” I screamed, thrashing wildly, but my voice echoed into the empty forest where no one would hear.

He pressed me against a tree, his breath foul against my face.

“Stop fighting. You’ll like it soon enough.”

His hand moved lower, and I felt bile rise in my throat. Desperation filled me as tears streamed down my cheeks. I clawed at his arm, but he only laughed.

And then… he stopped.

His eyes widened in shock as blood bubbled from his mouth. He collapsed at my feet, lifeless.

The other rogues froze, their faces turning pale. Their leader was dead in an instant.

“Alpha Kael,” one of them whispered, his voice trembling. “He’s here…”

“Run!” another shouted, and they scattered into the night, their fear overwhelming.

My entire body shook as I slowly turned. My breath caught in my throat.

A man stood in the shadows, tall, broad-shouldered, his eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight. His presence was overwhelming. He walked toward me with calm steps, his gaze never leaving mine.

My chest rose and fell rapidly. My lips parted on instinct, and before I could stop myself, a single word slipped out in a shaky whisper.

“Mate?”