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

Part 26

SEBASTIAN 

I was on my way to meet the Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, a meeting that could solidify alliances between our pack and his pack. My mind was focused, intent on the conversation ahead when suddenly, I collided with someone, the impact jolting me from my thoughts.

My breath caught in my throat as I looked down at the woman I had bumped into. Her dark eyes met mine, and in that instant, I felt it—a pull, a connection that reached deep into my soul. My wolf stirred within me, a low growl rumbling in my chest, but not out of excitement. Instead, it was laced with a strange unease, a reluctance that caught me off guard.

The woman quickly bowed her head, her expression a mix of surprise and discomfort. "excuse me." she said. 

She straightened, her gaze lingering on mine for a heartbeat before she turned and hurried away, leaving me standing there, stunned.

For a moment, I couldn't move. The bond that had snapped into place between us, I have finally found my fated mate after many years but I couldn't feel an ounce of joy, I was already mated and happy with Alora and it seems the woman was as reluctant as I was. 

As the day wore on, the encounter gnawed at me, a thorn buried deep in my mind. When night fell, I dressed for the royal ball, the theme an enchanted forest fantasy. The evening was meant to be a celebration. My outfit matched the theme—dark, elegant, with hints of green, much like Alora's gown.

When I saw her, my breath hitched. Alora stood near the entrance of the ballroom, her forest-green gown cascading around her like a waterfall of silk. Her hair, usually wild and untamed, was artfully arranged, soft waves framing her face and cascading over her shoulders. She was breathtaking.

I approached her, unable to stop the smile that tugged at my lips. "You look... absolutely beautiful, Alora."

She blushed, a soft pink coloring her cheeks as she glanced down shyly. "Thank you, Sebastian. You look... well, I suppose we match."

The small, playful grin she gave me warmed my heart, but the shadow of my earlier encounter lingered, darkening the edges of my thoughts. I had told no one about the woman I'd bumped into, the one who was supposed to be my mate. How could I? How could I even begin to process what that meant when my heart belonged entirely to Alora?

As the evening progressed, I found myself more and more distracted. My mind was a storm of questions and fears, all centered around the woman I had met earlier. What if she came back? What if she demanded what was rightfully hers—what if she wanted me? How could I ever leave Alora after promising her the world?

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted when Elias approached us, two women by his side. I forced a smile as he made introductions, but the moment I laid eyes on one of the women, my heart stopped. It was her. The woman from the earlier. 

"Ines," she said, her voice calm and composed as she met my gaze. "Second in command to the chief of the royal warriors." Her companion, Calista, introduced herself with a warm smile, but I barely registered it, my mind racing.

As the four of us exchanged pleasantries, my attention was split. I carefully observed Ines, taking in the suit she wore—tailored, sharp, and wholly different from the gowns the other women wore. It suited her position, I told myself, but I couldn't shake the unease that settled in my gut.

After they left, Alora turned to me, her brow furrowed in concern. "Sebastian, you seemed... off when they came over. Is everything alright?"

I forced a smile, shaking my head. "I'm fine, Alora. Just a little tired, that's all."