I arrived at the house Luca and I shared, hesitating at the door. It hit me then that I barely had a place in this home—or in Luca's life. Everything seemed to revolve around Samantha. He was always on the phone with her, and I felt like an outsider in my own relationship. The hurt was still fresh; I had invested everything into us.
When I first felt the mating bond with Luca, the alpha of the Moonwhisper pack, I thought I was the luckiest girl alive. He was not only handsome but also strong and admirable. Most girls were obsessed with him, and when we discovered we were mates, Luca showered me with love and affection. He literally swept me off my feet.
Back then, I was completely head over heels for him. When he suggested we move in together, I agreed without a second thought. Everything he said felt right to me, probably because I held him in such high regard due to his status as an alpha.
Now, I realize I was a fool for him. He took advantage of my submissiveness and love. Just because he’s the alpha of a pack doesn’t mean he’s the right one for me. I deserve so much more than this.
After changing into a dry outfit and drying my hair, I tried to shake off the chill. My eyes fell on a discreetly placed box in the corner of the bed. Curiosity got the better of me, and I walked over to investigate. Inside, I found a set of lacy lingerie, accompanied by a note with Luca's handwriting that made my blood boil: "To my beautiful Samantha, can't wait to see you in these.”
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to destroy the box and its contents. Below the note, I noticed a car key. It hit me that Luca had intended these for Samantha. Anger and hurt coursed through me, realizing how “generous” he had been behind my back.
I placed the box back, resolving to focus on myself. The rain had left me chilled, so I made my way to the kitchen to brew a cup of coffee.
Just as I was about to take the first sip, Luca barged in, his voice raised and face contorted in a scowl. "What was the meaning of what you did earlier?" he demanded.
I wasn't ready to respond, so I brought the cup closer to my lips. But he snatched it from my hands, slamming it down on the table and spilling coffee everywhere.
“Damn it! I'm talking to you” he yelled.
"I'm done having anything to do with a shameless man," I declared, meeting his gaze.
He looked stunned, unable to process what I had just said. It seemed he never expected me to dare speak to him like that. But this time, I was dead serious.
"How dare you, Noella?" he howled. "How dare you speak to me like that?!"
"Don't forget, I pulled you from that gutter," he sneered. "If it weren't for the mating bond, do you really think you'd have anything to do with me?"
My heart sank at his words. Maybe, deep down, I still clung to the hope that things could improve. That’s why I had chosen to sit down with a cup of coffee instead of packing my bags and walking away.
I opened my mouth to respond, but his phone rang, shattering the tense silence. He glanced at the screen, then looked back at me before answering. "Oh, I'm on my way to get you. Don't worry," he said, rushing out the door.
I wasn't even slightly curious about where he was headed. The rain continued to pour outside, and my legs felt like jelly. This was, without a doubt, the worst birthday ever. I stared at the coffee, now completely uninterested in it.
Almost immediately, Luca walked into the house, Samantha nestled in his arms. Her eyes struggled to stay open, and I felt my own widen in shock as I watched him hold her, concern etched on his face.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice soft. She slowly shook her head.
Luca headed upstairs, and I found myself following, my fists clenched in anger.
I searched the rooms, my heart racing, and finally found them in the bedroom Luca and I shared. I stood in the doorway, my voice trembling with rage.
"What is the meaning of this?" I demanded, incredulous.
"Oh, Noella, it's all your fault. Shouldn't you know by now that Samantha has pneumonia? We tried to catch up with you in the rain, and she got drenched," Luca replied. I felt all my strength drain away as I looked at Samantha, comfortably lying on the bed.
"Let's say it's my fault," I said, struggling to keep my composure. "But why this room?" That was the only thing I needed to understand at that moment.
"You are the most selfish and insensitive creature I know," Luca continued. "Now it's the room that matters? Someone is sick in front of you, and you're talking about a mere room? That's the problem I have with you - you're always overthinking the wrong things. You came back and made yourself a cup of coffee; can't you do the same for Samantha?"
Luca kept talking, but I tuned him out, a smile creeping onto my face as I shook my head. Thank the goddess we hadn't been mated yet. Now I was seeing things clearly; I had endured more than enough.
"Are you even listening to me? Get a cup of coffee for Samantha," Luca said, his voice rising in frustration. I looked at him, my expression calm.
"You should have rejected me," I replied, my voice steady. "But now I will take the initiative. I won’t have a scum as a mate. I, Noella Marcel, reject you this moment, Luca Fernando, as my mate."
I walked past him, gathering my few belongings as I went. Glancing out the window, I noticed the rain had finally subsided. Just as I was about to leave, Luca grasped my hand.
"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Luca..." Samantha let out a sharp cry, and in an instant, Luca rushed to her side. I seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed.
As I stepped out of the house, tears filled my eyes, and my heart ached. Maybe this was for the best, I thought. I wasn't sure where I was headed, but one thing was clear: I wouldn't waste another moment with Luca.
