Pursuing My Rejected Alpha
Chapter 11

According to the legend, werewolves were once wolves that were blessed with superior abilities. They not only ruled amongst the ordinary wolves but also acted as guardians to men. Over time, the superior wolves became more and more envious of the human beings that, despite their weakness and limited wits, were able to thrive and become the rulers of the earth.

The superior wolves on the other side had to remain hidden in darkness.

Night after night, the wolves howled out of frustration and sadness. They begged the gods and goddesses to be able to become human beings as well. The story said that the wolves cried for a hundred days and nights before a goddess finally deigned to grant them their wishes.

The strongest of the superior wolves, later on referred to as alpha werewolves, were granted the ability to shift into human form and wolf form at will. These alpha werewolves then separated and established their own packs. That was the origin of the werewolves. Every year, the Werewolf Council celebrated the Moon Goddess' blessings upon the werewolves. Every werewolf was invited to the event without exception.

There were two rules that all event participants must obey.

First, the participants were required to wear only white to symbolize pure heart and rebirth.

Second, no one was allowed to engage in any kind of fight during the celebration event. Those who broke the rules would be punished harshly, as it was considered disrespectful toward the Moon Goddess. "Ronan, are you ready?"

.....

Lillian Woodland sauntered into Ronan's bedroom casually. She was wearing a beautiful white gown with long sleeves. Small diamonds were sewn onto the gown, making it one of the most expensive gowns out there. The gown sparkled whenever Lillian moved, dazzling all those who gazed upon the wearer.

The long sleeves almost made Lillian look innocent. As Ronan fastened his cuff links, he could not help but frown. It was not Lillian's usual style, definitely not. She had a beautiful body with sensual curves that accentuated her slender waist and pair of beautiful legs. It was not until Lillian turned around that Ronan saw that the gown was anything but innocent.

Lillian's back was open, exposing her perfectly tanned skin down in a V-shape. If Ronan were the man from a year ago, he might have seduced this beautiful temptress of a she-wolf into his bed. The current Ronan, unfortunately, could not think about anyone else but his fated mate who was about to get married to the Alpha of a rival pack.

"Let's go," Ronan smiled at Lillian and offered her his arm.

The beautiful woman looped her arm through Ronan's and let him lead her to the event venue.

Every year, the event was held in the Holy Temple of Moon Goddess during the full moon. It began with a ritualistic mass that was led by the High Seer, during which all werewolves were asked to take a seat on the verdant grass field at the temple yard. The yard was not mown in order to imitate the wilderness. It served as a reminder for all werewolves that they were once mighty beasts that thrived in nature. It was only by the grace of the Moon Goddess that the werewolves came to be.

The werewolves poured into the yard one by one, all of them clothed in white clothes of various forms and sizes. Ronan was reminded that white was coincidentally Lucien's favorite color. It was the kind of white that was pure and innocent. The kind of white that men wanted to soil.

Ronan and Lillian took their seats side by side. Ronan tried hard to not be too obvious, but his eyes were searching the yard for a certain person. All Alphas were obliged to attend the event without exception. Since Kinnon Youngshaper was guaranteed to attend, Lucien as his future Luna naturally also had to attend.

Two weeks had passed since the news of Kinnon Youngshaper's upcoming marriage with Lucien Clearwater spread throughout the werewolf society. Ronan naturally heard it from Jake personally. Jake swore to him that he had seen Lucien with his own eyes, handed the saber to him personally, and even had Lucien send him off. Lucien had neither said a word nor dropped any hint.

He looked happy.

That was what Jake said.

Ronan did not believe it.

In this world, who other than him could make Lucien happy?

They were fated mates. Their lives were intertwined into one by the Moon Goddess herself. Lucien was supposed to be his, and he was supposed to be Lucien's. Kinnon did not fit anywhere in the equation.

Ronan had expected Lucien to continue teaching at the South Bedford Art College. He had wanted to get through to Lucien by sneaking into the college as a student again.

He wanted to talk to Lucien directly.

He had a thousand questions to ask the man, and the latter was the only person who could answer Ronan's questions.

Unfortunately, Lucien resigned from his position a few days after his engagement with Kinnon was made public.

How typical, Ronan had thought when he heard the news. He hated how Lucien was acting like a she-wolf who was getting married to any strong Alpha. Throwing away his life like that to become Kinnon Youngshaper's Luna?

It was as if Lucien had no other identity other than attending to Kinnon's needs and becoming the mother of the pack.

It was so ridiculous.

Pathetic.

"Oooh, Alpha Kinnon Youngshaper, it is great to see you again," a Werewolf Council member gushed.

Ronan slowly turned his head to take a look.

Some distance away, Kinnon Youngshaper was chatting with the Werewolf Council member. He had one arm wrapped around another man in a protective manner. The two men looked exceedingly handsome in white robes of complementary design. They might as well conduct their wedding ceremony on the spot because they were dressed perfectly for the occasion.

Lucien was carrying a small child with blonde hair in his arms. The child rubbed against Lucien in a spoiled manner and they exchanged loving smiles.

What a beautiful family.

Ronan clenched his jaw and curled his fingers into fists.

The moon was shining brightly in a cloudless sky. It was a perfect night for the yearly occasion. After exchanging brief greetings and friendly banters, the werewolves spread on the field and took their seats.

At 8 PM sharp, the High Seer appeared from the temple. Her appearance commanded silence. The atmosphere turned solemn almost instantly. Her movement was graceful as she walked soundlessly toward the heightened stone platform in the middle of the yard. The High Seer was an elderly woman who had lived for more than two hundred years. Despite her age, she looked no older than twenty years old. Her youthful appearance was a direct blessing from the Moon Goddess. Only her long, silver hair bore testament to her actual age.

The mass started with a formal greeting to all participating werewolves. Then, everyone was required to recite the Blood Oath together.

The Blood Oath was a set of rules that werewolves swore by from birth to death. It dictated the expectations toward the behavior of all werewolves for as long as they planned to be part of the werewolf society.

All werewolf pups learned about the Blood Oath as soon as they started recognizing letters and characters. It was the first lesson they had in kindergarten and it was repeated again and again throughout their life in the hope that they not only remembered it but also internalized it.

After the reciting was done, the High Seer rose to her feet to deliver a sermon. It was not an ordinary sermon. The High Seer always incorporated hints about the future within her sermons.

The Moon Goddess bestowed the gift of divination onto the High Seer. She was granted access to visions of the future but she did not have the freedom to speak of them openly.

The reason was quite simple. If she openly shared her visions with relevant parties, then the future would change and there was no telling whether it would be better or worse. When the High Seer did share her visions, then it was usually pertinent to the greater picture, for example the harmony between the werewolf packs.

.....

According to the rumors, the High Seer had specifically approached Deacon Clearwater the previous year. She warned him about the great danger of pride.

The Silent Walkers Pack's defeat in the hand of the Night Prowler Pack was shocking at first, but more and more people came to understand what happened.

The High Seer had seen the war between the Silent Walkers Pack and the Night Prowler Pack in her visions.

The result of the war was quite obvious. Kinnon Youngshaper would win the war. That was why the High Seer approached Deacon Clearwater, hoping that the latter would practice humility and not agree to a war. Unfortunately, Deacon failed. And so the Silent Walkers Pack was now at the brink of destruction.

At least that was how most packs perceived it. It thus came as a surprise when Kinnon Youngshaper proposed to Lucien Clearwater who was once an Alpha candidate prior to contracting a mysterious disease.

Thanks to Lucien Clearwater's acceptance, the Silent Walkers Pack had some hope to rebuild itself. It delighted everyone even more to see Lucien blending in so perfectly into Kinnon's small family. Ralph clearly adored Lucien and the gazes that Kinnon gave his future Luna was nothing short of love and devotion.

After the sermon ended, the mass concluded and a banquet followed. The Moon Banquet was to be held inside the temple. The relaxed atmosphere returned in an instant. Everyone started to mix with each other and discussed about a variety of topics while they moved into the temple.

Kinnon and Lucien too rose from their seats with Ralph holding onto both of their hands. The cute little boy attempted to swing while hanging onto his parents' hands.

"Ralphy," Kinnon scolded with a frown. "Not here."

Ralph immediately stopped and apologized, "Sorry, Daddy."

The little boy looked rather pitiful when he pressed his lips together into a thin line and hung his head. Lucien could not help but chuckle.

Lucien took Ralph into his arms with a swoop. "Don't be sad. You can do it once we get back home," he comforted him with a smile. Ralph beamed. He put his tiny arms around Lucien and happily squealed, "Mommy is the best!"

"Lucien."

Lucien and Kinnon stopped in their tracks. Kinnon turned around and saw Ronan standing some meters behind them.

"It's Alpha Ronan Silverback," Kinnon remarked.

Ronan gave him the slightest nod of acknowledgement before shifting his focus back to the man who still refused to face him.

Lucien had seen Ronan before the mass began. He did not plan to speak to Ronan about anything at all. He had hoped that Ronan would do the same thing. Just pretend to be strangers until the night was over. Alas, Ronan was never one to shy away from any confrontation. Seeing that Lucien did not respond, he did not choose to back off.

"Lucien, can we talk?"

Lucien closed his eyes and swallowed hard. He then gingerly handed the confused Ralph over to Kinnon.

"Please excuse me," he said to Kinnon.

Kinnon deliberate pulled Lucien close and pressed a kiss at the latter's forehead before he replied, "Don't take too long."

Seeing that he was looking at Ronan when he said it, it was obvious that the words were directed to Ronan instead of Lucien.

All the guests had left the yard and went inside the temple to enjoy the lavish banquet. Only Lucien and Ronan remained outside, looking at each other in depressing silence.

It had been a month.

Within this one month, so many things had happened. The intimate encounter at South Bedford Art College seemed like a distant memory.

"Do you remember?" Ronan asked while tugging at his tie to loosen it. Although it was how he usually wore it, it felt so tight all of a sudden. "This was where we met for the first time."

Whether he remembered, the Alpha asked.

A strange light flashed across Lucien's glassy eyes, taking him on a journey through the memories of their adolescent romance.

Ronan would never know that these memories kept playing themselves before Lucien's eyes while the latter lay on his bed and suffered through the pain.

So how could he ever forget?

It was indeed during the Moon Goddess Celebration Event seven years ago that they first laid their eyes on each other and succumbed to the forceful attraction that only fated mates had for each other. Those who saw the two young alphas rolling on the ground on top of each other would have thought that they were engaged in a fight.

Thankfully, no one saw them.

The two young alphas breathed heavily in between kisses, the sound of their pounding hearts was louder than the music that came from inside the temple.

Ronan was completely immersed in lust. He only had one goal in mind, and it was to make Lucien his. He tore at Lucien's white robe to expose his scent gland, intent on marking him. Lucien barely managed to break away from the clutch of desire and shove Ronan away.

.....

Even then, Ronan had innocently asked him, "Why?"

Why are you pushing me away?

We are fated to be together.

Our wolves scream for our union.

You are mine and I am yours.

Back in the present time, Lucien merely closed his eyes for a while to get rid of the sentiments of the past. When he opened his eyes again, he was the cold and ruthless Lucien again. The one who told Ronan that he no longer wanted to stay together with him. And that Ronan should reject him as compensation for Lucien's sudden change of mind.

Ronan had never changed.

Be it seven years ago when they first met, when they started dating, when they broke apart or now, he still longed to fulfill the fated mate connection that the Moon Goddess personally established between the two of them.

Alas, Lucien was not able to accept Ronan's outstretched hand. He did not deserve Ronan's devotion and love.

"I guess you no longer remember," Ronan chuckled, more at himself than at Lucien. His fingers raked through his inky hair, messing up the neat slick back hairstyle.

Lucien did not have any intention to correct Ronan. Misunderstandings would only help Ronan reach closure faster. If Lucien had to be the villain, then so be it. "Lucien, just what did I do wrong?" Ronan asked, his voice trembling from desperation. Lucien clenched his jaw.

You did nothing wrong.

"Have I not been sincere in my love for you?"

Yes, you have.

"You said you wanted to be an Alpha, and I did what you asked me to do."

Yes, you did and I thank you eternally for that.

"When you suddenly disappeared and left the Alpha position for your cousin, to be honest I was overjoyed."

A wild glee danced in Ronan's eyes. "I know that I was a complete a*****e for being happy over your misfortune, but Lucien..."

Ronan gave Lucien a bewildered look.

"I thought that it was the Moon Goddess giving us another chance. If you have long given up on your ambition to become an Alpha, you... Why didn't you come back to me?"

Lucien furrowed his brows and pursed his lips. He was unable to answer.

Ronan, you have only seen things from your own perspective. There are so many things you know nothing about. The deal with Mr. Dane Silverback, your father, was to sever the relation completely. It was never about my ambition to become an Alpha at all. "I was so happy when I found you again. Lucien, although harsh words were exchanged between the two of us, have you never once thought about becoming mine?"

I did and do not dare to.

"Lucien, I kept thinking that you are being forced into this situation. I kept trying to give you a way out but you never replied to me. Lucien, tell me the truth. Are you... Are you in love with Kinnon Youngshaper?"

No...

I never was. I never am. The only person in my heart has always been you, but don't you understand, Ronan? We can never be together! It doesn't matter who I end up with. It will never be you!

"Lucien, talk to me. Say something. Tell me that you need help and I will take you away from here, the packs be damned."

Lucien shot Ronan a sharp glare.

"Those are words that are unbefitting of an Alpha," he chided the Alpha in front of him.

Ronan broke into a burst of desperate laughter.

"Is that all you have to say to me? After I pour out the whole content of my heart to you?"

Lucien used up every ounce of self-restraint in his body to prevent himself from doing the same.

"Yes. I have nothing else to say."

Lucien turned around to leave, but Ronan grabbed his hand and stopped him from leaving. "Lulu..."

Ronan sounded desperate.

Lucien inhaled a lungful of fresh air.

"... Let me go, Ronan."

Ronan refused to let go. He squeezed at Lucien's hand instead.

"Lulu, is this how we are going to end things? Is this our final goodbye?"

Yes, Ronan... This is our final goodbye.

Tears came streaming down Lucien's face. He prayed with all his heart that Ronan never pulled him back to look at his face.

"Yes," Lucien confirmed, trying hard to sound as normal as possible.

"Oh."

Lucien squeezed back at Ronan's hand. That was the only thing he could do for Ronan.

"Goodbye, Alpha Ronan Silverback. May the Moon Goddess bless you with the greatest blessings on earth."

Ronan let Lucien's hand go silently. He had anticipated this ending, but he never knew that it would hurt so much to look at Lucien's back and send him off to a marriage with another man. "Goodbye, Lucien Clearwater," was all he could choke out after a while.

Ronan took some time to compose himself before entering the temple to participate in the Moon Banquet. Lillian Woodland was chatting with a few Alphas who were entirely captivated by the beautiful woman. They hung at her every word, mesmerized by her bright, beautiful brown eyes and her seductive pair of lips.

The Alphas quickly dispersed as soon as Ronan Silverback entered the scene.

Only those who had been living under the rock did not know that Lillian Woodland was promised to Ronan Silverback, courtesy of Dane Silverback's repeated promotion.

Even without Dane Silverback telling every werewolf who walked the earth about the match made in heaven, the Alphas knew when to retreat. Ronan Silverback was an Alpha just like they were, but all Alphas would agree that he belonged to a completely different class. Not many Alphas dared to bare their fangs at Ronan Silverback. One of those who could do that was Kinnon Youngshaper.

Kinnon Youngshaper just happened to bring his Luna-to-be and his baby heir with him. The three of them offered a beautiful picture, an absolute delight to those who had the pleasant chance to greet the little family.

"You are back," Lillian greeted Ronan with a coquettish smile and a wink.

Ronan took his seat next to Lillian and regarded every Alpha at the table with a cold glare.

"Gentlemen, how are you enjoying your evening?"

The Alphas immediately felt something cold running down their spines. Their survival instinct kicked in and told them to either fight or flee. Fighting was not an option during the Moon Banquet, so naturally, they only thought about fleeing. Not that they could win in one-on-one combat against Ronan.

.....

The poor Alphas quickly came up with a bunch of excuses to escape.

"Ohhh... Alpha Ronan, I just happen to see Mr. Dane Silverback over there... I shall greet him first."

"Alpha Ronan, I was just wondering where you were! Forgive me but I need to get myself some martini...

Two Alphas were gone within an instant. Ronan shifted his gaze unto the only remaining Alpha on the table, who was sweating profusely while searching for any believable excuse.

In his panic, he searched the hall and his eyes landed on Kinnon Youngshaper, Lucien Clearwater, and little Ralph Youngshaper who was leaning against Lucien's shoulder.

"Oh! I need... I need to talk to Alpha Kinnon real quick!"

The said Alpha almost slapped himself as he walked away as soon as possible. Why the hell did he have to mention Alpha Kinnon? How could he not remember that the Infinite Eclipse Pack and the Night Prowler Pack were rivals?

Thankfully he did not turn around to see the look on Ronan's face as soon as Kinnon was mentioned.

Kinnon Youngshaper was his rival indeed. Their pack members maintained civil relations with each other because they knew that the smallest spark could cause a war. But that was not why Ronan especially hated to hear the words "Kinnon Youngshaper" that night. It was because Lucien had chosen Kinnon over him.

And he looked so happy with Kinnon.

Ronan glared at the arm that Kinnon put around Lucien's body. He had one hand resting snugly against Lucien's waist. And his son in Lucien's arms.

God.

So lecherous. Touching Lucien like that in public. Acting like they were already a properly married couple.

Lucien too, so shameless. Actually letting himself be touched like that for all eyes to see. Where was his pride as an alpha werewolf? Possibly gone down the drain as soon as Landon left him.

Hmph.

A cold sneer formed on Ronan's lips, but it disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

Ronan downed glasses of wine one after another. He had a high alcohol tolerance so he did not usually care about how much wine he drank. Lillian Woodland on the other side was getting a little worried. Ronan had been drinking wine like his life depended on it. "Ronan, are you alright?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

Ronan turned to her with a smile. "Yes, why? Do you also want to drink some?"

Lillian's lips curled into a smile. "I don't think so. The night is still long."

"Indeed," Ronan agreed. He held a hand up and a waiter quickly arrived with a tray of a bottle of wine and a few glasses. He had wanted to pass Ronan a glass, but Ronan grabbed the bottle instead.

The waiter's jaw dropped open for a split second before he regained his composure and closed his mouth abruptly.

Ronan drank while staring at Lucien. Amazing how he could be so in love with someone so cold.

Lucien...

Lucien, you are so heartless...

How can you smile so happily after breaking my heart?

You have done it twice now. Bravo, Lucien...

"Excuse me, everyone."

The sound of metal clinking against glass was heard, drawing everyone's attention to the person who made the sound.

An elder from the Werewolf Council stood at the staircase while tapping his glass with a silver spoon. Ronan squinted at him. He used to be an elder in the Silent Walkers Pack if Ronan was not mistaken.

"I would like to propose a toast for Alpha Kinnon Youngshaper, who finally decided to take a Luna. Cheers to Alpha Kinnon Youngshaper and his new Luna, Lucien Clearwater! May this union bring prosperity and eternal blessings over both the Night Prowler Pack and the Silent Walkers Pack!"

Everyone but Ronan raised their glasses.

"To Alpha Kinnon Youngshaper and his new Luna, Lucien Clearwater!"

"To the Night Prowler Pack and the Silent Walkers Pack!"

"Congratulations on a blessed union!"

Kinnon beamed with joy. He flashed the elder a charming smile. "Thank you, Elder Rick. It is my luck to be able to attain Lucien's promise of marriage."

He then pulled Lucien closer and pinched his chin between his thumb and index finger. Lucien looked a little surprised. He parted his lips slightly as if wanting to ask Kinnon what it was about, and Kinnon took the chance to press his own lips against Lucien's.

The congratulatory cheers from all the banquet participants drowned out the sound of shattering glass at Ronan Silverback's table. The Alpha had one hand bleeding severely after getting cut by the glass that he was holding. Alone the sight was enough to make witnesses cringe, but Ronan could not care less about his bleeding hand.

He had both hands grabbing the edge of the table when he rose to his feet, preparing to jump over the table and rushed toward Kinnon Youngshaper to punch the hell out of him.

For sullying the lips of his beloved.

For taking what was his.

A*****e.

Ronan. Ronan!

Ronan!!! "Ronan."

.....

It was Lillian Woodland's stern voice and the strong grip on his arm that caused Ronan to regain his sanity. The usually playful and flirty Alpha's daughter shot him a sharp look. "Calm down," she said in all seriousness.

"What?" Ronan asked, frowning at Lillian Woodland. What was this woman talking about? Calm down? How was he supposed to calm down?

Lucien just shared a kiss with another man!

Lillian Woodland did not loosen her grip on Ronan's arm. Her eyes took on a sharp glint as she looked at the man in front of him. He was so obsessed with Lucien that he was about to desecrate the temple with a fight and he wouldn't even regret it. All for a single

man.

Some distance away, Kinnon and Lucien broke apart. The intensity of the kiss was enough to make the hearts of the younger werewolves skip a beat. Lucien lightly shoved at Kinnon's chest while looking away. Embarrassment colored his cheeks pink and enhanced his handsome features. Onlookers could not help but swallow hard. It was no wonder that Kinnon Youngshaper was so adamant about making Lucien Clearwater his Luna.

Ronan's father, Dane Silverback, leaned with his back against a pillar in a corner of the room. He was watching the scenes unfold with a great deal of interest. His gaze shifted from Kinnon and Lucien to Ronan and Lillian. Certainly, he had not made a wrong choice when he decided that Lillian Woodland was the right woman for his son. She might look superficial at times, but Dane knew that there was more to Lillian than what met the eyes.

Dane Silverback suddenly had a great idea.

"Attention, everyone," he spoke up.

Dane Silverback had been a renowned Alpha his whole life. Even after retiring, his presence was enough to command the attention of the whole room. All eyes were immediately drawn to him. Silence settled in the room while everyone waited for Dane to speak as if he were the messenger of the Moon Goddess herself.

Dane Silverback raised his glass of wine in the direction of Ronan's and Lillian's table.

"What a joyous occasion for the Night Prowler Pack and the Silent Walkers Pack indeed. I too would like to share another joyous occasion in the name of Infinite Eclipse Pack and Ironclad Claws Pack.

My son Ronan has also decided to settle down properly, and his chosen Luna is none other than the lovely Lillian Woodland."

Both Ronan and Lillian were surprised. They froze on the spot while everyone turned to face them and started clapping animatedly.

"What wonderful news!"

"Alpha Ronan and Miss Lillian Woodland are finally going to tie the knot!"

"Congratulations, Mr. Dane Silverback. Congratulations, Mr. Conrad Woodland!"

Mr. Conrad Woodland, the currently reigning Alpha of the Ironclad Claws Pack was also baffled. Since when did those two become an official couple, let alone give each other their hands in the promise of marriage?

Unless he had somehow grown senile in the past weeks and forgotten about a few things, did Lillian herself not tell him just a few weeks ago that Ronan was still chasing after Lucien's shadow?

It was not after the surrounding werewolves started to line up to shake his hands that he broke into a nervous grin and thanked all those who came with best wishes for the couple.

Ronan narrowed his eyes at his father, who raised the glass in his direction.

Lillian thought that the whole thing was a very bad idea. It was clear to her that the Night Prowler Pack and the Infinite Eclipse Pack were rivals, but did it mean that they even had to compete in terms of marriages? Lillian was racking her head for solutions. How to properly do damage control without causing both packs to lose face? And her father looked so happy, too... Goddess.

Was there any easy way out of this outrageous lie?

Unexpectedly, Ronan put his arm around Lillian and smoothly pulled her toward his chest. And then, he lowered his head and sampled the sweetness of Lillian's lips. The latter was so shocked that she had her eyes open the whole time during the kiss. Ronan Silverback seemed to be determined to win even in a kissing competition. His practiced tongue pried Lillian's teeth open skillfully and plundered the inside of the woman's oral cavity with the prowess of a true playboy.

Those who did not know that Ronan Silverback had never even held hands with Lillian on his own accord would think that these two had done more than just kiss.

The crowd was roaring with cheers. This year's Moon Banquet had blessed four packs altogether with two very harmonious unions. The werewolf society truly could not ask for more.

A few meters away, Kinnon and Lucien watched Ronan kissing Lillian with uninhibited passion.

Kinnon clapped together with the other werewolves. Lucien had one hand looping around Kinnon's arm while the other was holding the sleeping Ralph up.

For once, he was glad that both of his hands were occupied.

For once, he was glad that he did not have to clap.

Ronan broke the kiss after a long while. He smiled while caressing the dumbfounded Lillian's cheeks while the latter snapped after fresh air to fill her lungs.

The ladies in the room had to fan the heat out of their cheeks. All of them would love to take Lucien's or Lillian's place for the night.