My Alpha Left Me At The Altar—So I Rejected Him | Read Free Preview
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Chapter 1
Rosalina's POV
The air in the cathedral is thick, smelling of expensive lilies and the stifling heat of too many bodies. I stand at the altar, the lace of my veil feeling like a shroud against my skin. I look out at the crowd, and for a moment, I feel like a specimen under a microscope. The pews are overflowing; guests are packed against the stone walls like sardines in a tin can.
The silence of the room is deceptive. Underneath the organ’s soft hum, the whispers crawl toward me like insects.
"Is the Alpha really not going to show up?"
"Did he finally realize he can have far better prospects than a lowly orphan?"
"Maybe his senses finally returned. It's not too late to call the whole thing off."
Each word is like a needle prick. My fingers tremble against my bouquet, the stems digging into my palms. My heart is fluttering like a frantic bird trapped in my ribs.
I’ve waited five years for this. From college sweethearts to this moment, I know him very well… so well that–
”Pssst. Rose…!”
I turn my head slightly. Tracy, my best friend and maid of honor, is leaning in. She has a standard poker-face on, but her eyes are darting toward the clock on the wall.
"I don't mean to give you more stress," she whispers, her voice urgent. "But maybe it's time to call Jordan and ask where he is."
"I know he'll come," I say, though my voice sounds brittle, even to my own ears.
"Of course," Tracy says, hesitating before she adds further.
"But Rose, it’s an hour past the designated start time. The guests, the journalists, the entire pack—everyone is waiting for their Alpha. I’m not saying you shouldn't trust him, but at least ask for an update. What if he’s stuck in an emergency? What if he’s hurt?"
The word hurt sends a jolt of pure ice through my veins. My mind conjures images of a car wreck, a rogue attack, Jordan lying bleeding somewhere while I stand here worrying about my pride.
"Okay," I breathe, my chest heaving. "Give me my phone."
Tracy slips it into my hand. My fingers are shaking so violently I can barely swipe the screen. In my blind panic, my thumb slips. I don't hit the voice call; I hit the icon for a video call.
I gasp and try to fumble for the red button to cancel it, but before I can, the line clicks open.
The image that fills the screen freezes the blood in my heart.
Jordan is lying against a navy blue velvet headboard, his chest bare and glowing faintly in the dim light of a hotel room. His hair, usually so meticulously styled, is a bird’s nest of tangles. My breath hitches as I see the dark, purplish love bites blooming across his neck like bruises.
His grey eyes are half-lidded, heavy with a lazy, post-coital haze. But the true dagger is the crown of platinum blonde hair resting familiarly on his chest.
I am frozen. The cathedral, the hundreds of people, the cameras—everything vanishes. There is only the glowing rectangle in my hand. A soft, weak yelp escapes my lips, more of a dying sigh than a sound.
"Jo... Jordan..." I whisper, my voice cracking. "What the hell? Where are you?"
He doesn't even startle. He just sighs, an irritated, guttural sound. "I'm busy, Rena. Why do you keep calling?"
I feel like I've been slapped. "What do you mean? Jordan, the mating ceremony... it's today. I’m at the altar. Everyone is here."
"And so what?" he snaps, his tone dripping with a callousness I’ve never heard before. "We can do that some other day. Why do you have to make such a fuss about it? It’s just a five-minute job."
A five-minute job. My life’s dream. Our union as Alpha and Luna. A five-minute job.
Before I can find the breath to scream, the blonde head on his chest stirs. A woman lifts her face, blinking slowly as if waking from a beautiful dream.
"Mmm... Jordy..." she murmurs, her voice a sweet, honeyed trill. "Who is it? Why did you pick up? It was such a sweet sleep... I didn't want to wake up yet."
My world turns to ash. It's not a stranger… it's Minerva, the Beta's daughter whom Jordan’s family has unofficially adopted.
The girl who moved abroad years ago and was staying there until she was summoned by the Alpha— or at least, was supposed to be, according to what I knew till yesterday.
Jordan’s irritation vanishes, replaced by a warm affection.
He looks down at her, stroking her hair tenderly. "I’m sorry, Minnie. I won't disturb you anymore. Go back to sleep, you must be so tired."
I am shaking so hard the phone is a blur. The wrenching pain in my chest feels like my soul is being physically torn out of my body.
Suddenly, the world rushes back in. Tracy grabs my shoulder, shaking me hard. "Rose! Rose, listen to me!"
The whispers in the cathedral have turned into a roar of snickers and gasps. I realize with a sickening jolt that because this ceremony was being broadcast live to the pack and neighboring territories, the audio—and the image—just went out over the speakers.
"Cut the call!" Tracy hisses. "Or put me on with that bastard!"
"No... Tracy, you don't understand..." I stammer, my mind fracturing.
Tracy looks at me, her eyes full of a pity that hurts worse than the insults. She snatches the phone from my hand and ends the call. "Rose, there is nothing left to understand. He left you at the altar for her. And the whole world just saw it."
The insults are no longer whispers. They are shouts.
"Was that the Beta’s daughter? Even the back of her head is prettier than this 'bride'."
"Who’s even calling her a bride? What’s a bride without a groom?"
"Look at her standing there... pathetic."
Ronan, Jordan’s Beta, rushes toward the altar, his face pale. "Luna, please. Don't misunderstand. Let me go look for the Alpha. It's a mistake... a misunderstanding..."
"There is nothing to misunderstand, Ronan," I say. My voice is suddenly calm. The panic has reached its peak and shattered into a cold, hard diamond of clarity. "Everything is crystal clear."
"Luna, actually, Miss. Minerva has just returned–”
I hear a guest nearby whispering loudly to another. "I saw the screen on the projector before she turned. That's the Royal Oak Hotel suite. I recognize that navy headboard."
The Royal Oak.
The humiliation is a physical weight, but it fuels the fire in my marrow. I turn to the sea of faces, the journalists with their flashing cameras, the pack members who always looked down on me.
"Everyone," I say, my voice carrying through the cathedral. "Thank you for showing up. But as you have seen for yourselves, this wedding is called off."
"Luna, you can't make an announcement without the Alpha's approval—"
I turn on him, and the icy glare I give him makes him take a step back. I turn and begin to walk down the aisle, my white train trailing behind me like a dead weight.
Tracy catches my arm, her eyes wide. "Wait! Rose, where are you going?"
I look at her, my gaze numb. "I'm going to the Royal Oak."
Chapter 2
Rosalina's POV
The cold air outside the cathedral hits me like a slap, but it doesn't wake me up from my daze.
It's only when people’s stares burn into me that I realise my custom-made silk wedding gown is swishing against the pavement, the lace hem dragging through the dirt and grime.
But I don’t have enough senses left to feel the shame of the spectacle I've become.
"Rose! Rosalina, stop!"
Tracy’s voice screams from behind, and I quickly thrust my hand out. A yellow cab screeches to a halt.
"Royal Oak Hotel," I rasp as I climb into the back. "Fast."
The driver looks at me through the rearview mirror. "Runaway bride?"
I stare out the window, ignoring his amusement.
I march into the lobby, and the receptionist blinks, looking puzzled by the sight of a full bridal ensemble in the middle of a Tuesday afternoon.
"I want to know which room Mr. Jordan Harrington has booked," I say, using his human surname.
The hotel is located just outside the pack limits, within the neutral ground of human luxury.
The receptionist pauses. "And you are...?"
I raise my hand, the diamond engagement ring catching the light. "I’m his fiancée."
Her face softens into a professional smile. "Of course, ma'am. Just a moment."
"Mr. Harrington has reserved the top floor lobby for a private party, as well as the Presidential Suite. Would you like me to arrange for someone to escort you up?"
The words private party feel like a blade to my heart. He was throwing a party, while I was standing at the altar, counting the seconds of my own humiliation.
"No need," I say, my smile brittle. "I'll find my way."
I'm shaking on the entire elevator ride to the 50th floor, and the doors open onto a scene that stops my heart.
A beautiful festoon arches overhead. Banners hang from the ceiling, gold letters sparkling under soft lights: WELCOME HOME, MINNIE!
My heartbeat is echoing louder than the upbeat music blasting from the speakers. His priority was a "Welcome Home" party for someone who's been gone for years. All this time, he couldn't even bother to send a text to the woman waiting to bind her soul to his.
I didn't expect him to go against his heart's wishes and marry me under compulsion. But he didn't even give me the decency of a cancellation!
I linger on the balcony, hidden by a large floral arrangement. I can hear the voices of our friends— or rather, Jordan's close circle.
I thought they respected me, but the conversations I overhear leave me reeling.
"They really are the perfect couple, aren't they?"
“I always knew Rosalina was just a pathetic placeholder–”
“Don't insult Minnie like that! The placeholder is not even half as good as the original."
"She’s really an embarrassment. The only reason she clung to Jordan this long is because of some magic spell she cast on his grandfather.”
“Who knows! Maybe she’s doing 'favors' for the old man to keep her spot. You know what I mean…”
I want to throw up; it's absolutely disgusting and vile…
But the man who is supposed to defend me against these remarks, is busy cutting a three-tier celebration cake with his so-called sister. He reaches for the knife, his hand wrapping over hers. Together, they push it through the layers of fondant and cream.
Their friends cheer.
He pops a bottle of champagne and hands her the first glass, fingers brushing against each other. She smiles up at him, and he looks at her like she is the moon of his night sky.
She's wearing a knot-style baby pink dress, so pale it’s almost white. I want to laugh at the irony— here I am, standing in a white bridal gown and still finding myself on the outskirts of his life.
They look like a real couple, so much like the dream I thought I was living.
Suddenly, the music changes and the bright overheads dim until the room is almost pitch dark, lit only by soft blue floor lights. A waiter almost barges into me, and I instinctively whirl behind a white screen, pressing myself against it to stay hidden.
I realize, too late, that I am standing inches away from the edge of the dance floor.
Jordan drags Minerva into the center and twirls her twice before they begin to sway, their bodies pressed together, foreheads almost touching.
The music is loud, but because I am right behind the screen, their voices carry directly.
"You got a call earlier…” Minerva murmurs. "Was it your girlfriend?"
"She’s nobody important.”
Jordan says as he nudges her with his cheek, and I feel tears dripping down my cheeks again.
"Come on, Jordy! Weren't you going to claim her today, with the Moon Goddess as your witness?"
"She is nothing in front of you, Minnie…”
He whispers, pulling her closer until there is no space left between them. "You are my only passion, if only you accept the true feelings in your heart.”
“Jordy, you know I can't–”
The music comes to an end, and the crowd erupts into cheers, cutting their conversation short.
The lights snap back to full brightness, blinding me for a second. The hoots and whistles die down instantly as they see the slim, slender figure in a white silk gown, red hair pinned into a twisted bun, standing like a ghost at the feast.
Everything from my clothes, my jewellery, and hairstyle is still in perfect condition, like I had prepared. It's just my heart and soul that is in tatters.
Jordan freezes, his hand still on Minerva’s waist. She rushes toward me, her arms wide open.
"Sister-in-law! I didn't expect to see you here! How are you? I've heard so much about you!"
I sidestep her with a coldness that surprises even me. "So have I.”
Jordan acts like I haven't just avoided her hug, rather pushed her to the ground. He lunges forward, cramping into my space. "How did you find me here? Why are you following me?"
"Why? Am I not allowed to attend your celebration?"
Minerva interrupts nervously, wringing her hands. "It's not like that! Of course you're welcome. I just… I wanted to surprise him by coming for the wedding, but he surprised me instead by picking me up at the airport and throwing a get-together with our friends. That's all. Please, we'll be very happy if you join us—"
"No need to go so far to accommodate her, Minnie," Jordan cuts in, glaring at me. "And you absolutely don't need to explain yourself. Those who have filth in their mind see filth everywhere."
I smirk. "So then, you admit you are filthy?”
Jordan’s face turns a deep shade of red. He lunges forward and grabs my wrist, his grip forceful enough to bruise.
"Rosalina, behave yourself! Why did you come here in this ridiculous dress? Just for drama? I told you, it’s a five-minute job. We can complete the mating ceremony whenever we want. Stop making a fuss."
I look down at his hand on my wrist, then up into the grey eyes of the man I thought I loved.
”Good! I’m here to tell you that we're never having that ceremony. I don't want your five minutes of charity."
"What are you talking about!? We agreed to postpone—"
"We never agreed," I interrupt, ripping my arm out of his grasp. "You just announced you weren't coming, and humiliated me in front of the world. You just told her I was 'nobody important,' right? So, I’m breaking off this forced engagement."
Chapter 3
Rosalina's POV
Jordan’s eyes darken, a storm brewing in the grey depths that used to make my heart flutter.. He takes a step toward me, his presence looming and suffocating.
"Say that again," he commands, his voice dropping to a dangerous rattle. "Why are you putting Minnie on the spot like this? Why are you dragging her name through the mud to cover up your own insecurities?"
I let out a sharp scoff. "I never once mentioned her name, Jordan. I am talking about you. I am talking about the man who left his bride at the altar to stay in a hotel suite instead."
I tilt my head, "But if you’re feeling so defensive over your precious puppy, then by all means—marry her! Here."
I reach for my left hand. I pull at the diamond ring on my finger, and toss it at his feet. It hits the floor with a hollow clink and rolls toward his polished shoes.
"Consider it my wedding gift to the two of you.”
The silence that follows is broken by a loud laugh from the back of the room. One of Jordan’s friends sneers, leaning against the bar. "Finally! Good riddance. She’s finally doing what Jordan couldn't do because he’s too loyal to his grandfather. The shadow is finally leaving our lives."
"Don't hold your breath," another whispers loudly. "It's all an act. She’s a gold digger through and through. There’s no way she’s breaking this off.”
“He’s the Alpha, and she’s worked way too hard to claw her way into this position. She'll be begging for his forgiveness by tonight."
Minerva rushes forward, her eyes swimming with tears. She reaches for my hand, but I pull back.
"Rosalina, please! Don't misunderstand us."
Her voice cracks. "He is just like a brother to me! We grew up in the same house. We are just close, that’s all. But trust me, I would never come between you!"
Brother!
I have heard that pathetic excuse countless times, yet I have never known a brother who would skip the sacred mating ceremony just to pick up his "sister" from the airport and spend time in a hotel suite with her.
A cold, razor-sharp smile tugs at my lips. "Really, Minerva? Then you are truly lucky to have such a devoted lover. He worships the ground you walk on. He’d let his whole pack witness his treason just to make sure you had a nice welcome."
I gasp mockingly, pressing a hand to my chest. "Oh, did I spill the truth? I am so sorry. I didn't mean lover. I meant brother."
A vein throbs violently at Jordan’s temple. The air in the room begins to vibrate with his Alpha aura, a heavy pressure meant to force me to my knees.
"Enough!" he roars. "Rosalina, apologize to Minerva. Now. We all know you’re just creating drama. You have no intention of following through with this tantrum."
I look at him, realising that somewhere along the lines, the love I felt for him is replaced by a vast, echoing emptiness.
I straighten my spine, standing tall. He thinks this is a tantrum?
I raise my eyes toward the ceiling, speaking loud and clear. "I swear on the Moon Goddess that I, Rosalina Alfred, reject you, Alpha Jordan Harrington, as my mate!"
Gasps ripple through the crowd. Jordan's face goes slack. A rejection is rare; a public one is social suicide.
"And if I ever go back on my soul's oath, then may both of us be struck by lightning for disrespecting our goddess. We are done, Alpha Jordan."
I turn on my heel, my white train whipping around me, and walk out of the room without looking back.
Minerva’s POV
The silence Rosalina leaves behind is thick and suffocating, but it doesn't last. One of the guys lets out an uneasy, bubbling laugh.
"Well, she’s definitely got a flair for the dramatic, hasn't she?"
"Don't let it get to you, Jordan! Just buy her a shiny new trinket tomorrow. Once she realizes she's lost her meal ticket, she'll be back on her knees.”
“Robert is right! She’ll even do the penance and beg the Moon Goddess to take that rejection back. We all know how sellable her soul is."
Jordan’s face is a mask of frigid fury.
"Enough!"
He snaps, his voice echoing. He turns to me, his gaze softening just a fraction, though his jaw remains tight. "Minnie, I’m sorry. You shouldn't have had to deal with that on your first day back. She’s out of line."
I feel a tightening in my chest. Since when does Jordan care if I’m bothered by her? While I was away, did that orphan actually start to take up space in his mind? I can't have that.
I press my lips together, looking at him with wide, concerned eyes before a playful idea strikes me.
"Oh, lighten up, Jordy!" I chirp.
I reach out and poke him right in the waist, tickling the spot I know he can't stand.
He flinches, the dark cloud over his face flickering. It takes me back instantly. When we were kids, he was always so serious, buried in his books and pack history, obsessed with being the perfect Alpha-in-waiting.
I was the opposite.
I spent my afternoons trailing after his mother, the Luna. She always brushed my hair and told me I was the most beautiful girl in the pack.
"You'll surely be the next Luna, Minerva…”
I believed her, of course— after all, I have spent my life as the Luna's shadow, learning how to rule.
Back then, Jordan would get so angry when I skipped my homework to try on his mother's jewelry. He would scold me with that same brooding look he has now, and I’d just tickle him until he laughed.
It worked every single time.
"Don't be so grumpy," I tease, smiling up at him. "You’re scaring everyone, and this is my party, remember?"
The tension in his brows finally eases. He catches my hand, his thumb brushing my knuckles. "I'm not angry with you, Minnie. I’d never take my temper out on you because of her stupidity. She’s just being irrational."
"I know," I whisper, dropping my gaze and letting a soft blush creep onto my cheeks. "I feel the same way about you, Jordan. Nothing she says could change that."
The group immediately catches the look between us and erupts into cheers and whistles. "See? That’s more like it!" someone yells.
The heavy, suffocating atmosphere Rosalina left behind vanishes as if it were never there. The music cranks back up, the champagne flows, and I settle back into my rightful place by his side.
The placeholder is gone, and the real bride has finally come home.
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