THE ALPHA'S REJECTED MATE ( I have a baby for him)

Part 2

Life after rejection and ex-communication from the pack was a whirlwind of change. To honor my father's death as the Beta and the Alpha regent, Aziel gave me the cabin and had me move my things there. He didn't revoke my Packship but it more felt as if I were a rogue, a lone wolf.

I found a job as a chef at a popular restaurant on the north side, renowned for its exquisite cuisine and exclusive clientele owned by the Luna of Osvaldo Pack, Cara's boyfriend pack.

The kitchen became my sanctuary, a place where I could lose myself in the rhythm of chopping, sautéing, and plating. It was hard work, but I took pride in every dish I created.

My colleagues were friendly, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of belonging. The head chef, a stern but fair woman named Marisol, took me under her wing. She taught me the intricacies of the restaurant's signature dishes and encouraged my creativity. It wasn't long before I found my stride, and my contributions were well-received.

One busy evening, as I was perfecting a sauce, Marisol burst into the kitchen, her expression a mix of excitement and urgency. "We have special guests tonight," she announced. "Aziel, the new Alpha, and a lady, maybe his mate."

My heart skipped a beat. Aziel. The name sent a shiver down my spine. It had been two months since I saw Aziel and I had tried to put him behind me. The idea of seeing him again, especially with another lady made my stomach churn.

"Alora," Marisol's voice broke through my thoughts. "I need you to prepare the main course for them. They've requested our best chef."

I nodded, swallowing my anxiety. "Of course."

I threw myself into the task, focusing on the food with meticulous care. The lamb was roasted to perfection, the vegetables seasoned just right, and the sauce was a blend of rich, deep flavors. As I plated the dish, I couldn't help but wonder how Aziel would react if he knew I made his meal.

The waiter took the dishes out, and I tried to push thoughts of Aziel to the back of my mind. I returned to my station, immersing myself in the next order.

But my reprieve was short-lived. Marisol returned, her face flushed with excitement.

"They want to meet the chef," she said.

My heart sank. "They do?"

"Yes, go out there and take a bow. You've earned it."

I wiped my hands on my apron, took a deep breath, and stepped out into the dining area. My eyes were immediately drawn to the corner table where Aziel and his companion sat. He looked as imposingly handsome as ever and sitting in front of him was Constance?

"Alora?" Aziel's voice was a mixture of surprise and anger.

"Hello, Alpha Aziel," I said, keeping my voice steady.

Constance's smile widened, though there was a glint of something in her eyes. "Oh, Alora, I didn't know you worked here, what a wonderful surprise."

Of course she knew I worked her since she made my everyday business her business and intentionally brought Aziel here to rub it in my face.

"Yes," Aziel said curtly. "We didn't know you worked here."

Constance's gaze flickered between us, her smirk widened as she knew the choking tension that was in the air.

"Well, what a small world. Alora, Aziel and I are newly mated." She announced it with a triumphant lilt, as if she had won a prize.

I felt a stab of pain, but I forced a smile. "Congratulations. As a token of our appreciation for your visit and in honor of your new bond, the restaurant would like to offer you complimentary fairy cakes. It's a tradition here."

I clapped my hands and a waitress brought the package. Constance clapped her hands in delight.

"How lovely!" she exclaimed. "Thank you, Alora."

I nodded, my throat tight. "Enjoy your evening."

I hurried to the kitchen as I felt a panic attack arising, my emotions a tangled mess. Seeing Aziel with Constance, hearing her announce their mating, it was all too much.

...............................................................................................................................................

Later that night, after the restaurant had closed and the last of the staff had left, I entered my car and made my way back to the cabin that slowly became a home.

When I parked my car at the side of the cabin, I saw a figure standing by the door. My heart sank. Aziel.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice wavering in fear. I was filled with dread and I felt Lyra, stirring uncontrollably.

He stepped forward, his expression unreadable in the dim light. "We need to talk."

"There's nothing to talk about," I said, trying to push past him.

He caught my arm, his grip firm but not painful. "Yes, there is. I don't want you working at that restaurant anymore."

I stared at him, incredulous. "Excuse me?"

"Constance and I are making it our restaurant." he said, his tone hard. "I don't want to see you there. You killed Cara!"

I shook my head, anger flaring. "You don't get to dictate where I work, Aziel. This job means everything to me. It's my chance to start over, to build something for myself. And I didn't kill Cara, we had an accident which anybody can have. I also suffered, I was in coma for six months and no one came to see me, not even my own brothers."

"You dragged her to her death, she died while you are alive!"

The anger in me was more than the fear of him. "Believe whatever you want, Cara wanted to see her boyfriend and I followed her to keep the promise I made to you to always protect her which I failed in."

"You are such a liar Alora, Cara never had a boyfriend, if she did, she would have told me. Cara was innocent."

"That's what you think but Cara was my best friend, she told me things she would never tell her big brother because he would become all Alpha on her and stop her from doing the things she wants."

"I'll make your life miserable if you stay," he threatened, his eyes flashing with a dangerous light. I knew his wolf was already on the surface.

I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze head-on. "Do your worst, Aziel. I'm not quitting."

We stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. Finally, he let go of my arm, his expression one of frustrated resignation.

"This isn't over, Alora," he warned before turning and disappearing into the night.

I watched him go, my heart pounding with fear.

"We would fight Alora" Lyra tried to assure me. But i knew, Aziel was still my Alpha until he revokes my packship and he could force me into submission if he wanted to with his Alpha tone.