Mated To My Dad’s Best Friend

“I, Micheal Elias Owen, Son of the Alpha of Crescent Moon pack, reject you, Elana Melody White, daughter of Edward Felony White the Gamma of Crescent Moon pack as my mate. You’re a whore and you disgust me.”

That statement kept playing over and over in my head as I lay on the soft green grass with my new lover, Maxwell—the son of the beta of my pack.

I couldn’t stop thinking of the incident that had shattered me to my bones.

It was my wedding day. I was supposed to be getting married to Micheal Owen, the son of the Alpha of my pack.

As the daughter of the Gamma, Micheal and I were meant to be. Although my wolf is weak I won’t be of much help when Micheal becomes the Alpha and I become Luna of the Crescent Moon pack.

But the moon goddess had written us to be. Or so I thought.

Micheal rejected me as his mate on the day we were to get married. Everything was going well even till my coming-of-age party, where he proposed to me.

Till rumors began to spread, that I had affairs with members of other packs. Which was false to the root, I may be useless because of my weak wolf, but I am nothing close to being a cheat.

I was framed. But I guess Micheal was so blinded by the words and deceit of other pack members that he rejected me as his mate the day we were to get married.

His father, the Alpha, had arranged a wife for him almost immediately. And of course, it had to be the one girl who had bad blood with me, Kristen Brownwood, daughter of the Beta, and my new lover's twin sister.

She never liked me, since when we were younger. She used to bully me even. Why she hated or still hates me, I don’t know, and couldn’t care less.

But it’s been months since that incident occurred. And though it hurt me and my wolf tally deeply, we’ve gotten over him now.

And it was quite easy to get over him quickly because Maxwell, son of the Beta of my pack, had come up to me a week after the incident to declare his interest in me.

At first, I only agreed to go out with him because I was desperate and in need of a distraction, but it’s been 3 months now. And over time, I have developed strong feelings for Maxwell.

Even deeper than I had for Micheal.

Now, Maxwell and I lay on the grass of the packed public garden where we just finished our picnic meal—soaking in the warm sun and enjoying our time together.

I was lost in my thoughts when a voice startled me back to reality. “Elana.”

I jerked my head in the direction where the voice came from. It was Maxwell, he was staring at me.

“Yes, my love?” I answered, with a weary smile.

“What are you thinking about?” He asked, a concerned look on his face.

I sat up on the grass, turning my body so I could face him. “Nothing, just spaced out is all,” I said.

“Didn’t seem like nothing, but okay if you say so,” he replied with a shrug. I nodded in response while putting away the plate that was beside him so I could lay on his chest.

His heartbeat was fast and sounded funny. I giggled at the sound.

Maxwell let out a light chuckle. “What’s got you all giggly my princess?” He asked, stroking my silky hair with his long fingers.

“Mmm, nothing. Just the sound of your heartbeat makes me smile,” I said. I love it when he calls me cute nicknames like my princess, my sweet girl, and so on. It made me extremely happy because Micheal never did that.

“Anything could make you happy, and that’s what I love about you, my love,” he said, kissing the top of my head.

I had been contemplating asking, but I think now is the right time to. “Maxwell?” I called him.

“Yes, kitten?” He answered. I sat up so I could see his face clearly because what I was about to ask was of huge importance.

I took a deep breath and spoke. “When are we going to make our relationship public?” I asked the expression on his face slowly transitioning to discomfort.

“I mean yes Salma knows, but that’s not enough. She’s my best friend so of course she’d know. But I want the whole pack to know about us,” I said, reaching out for his palm. He drew his hand away from my reach.

“It’s happening again Elana, he’s going to reject us,” Tally, my wolf, said in my head. She was always negative.

But Maxwell’s body movement only showed signs of coming rejection. “Oh. Okay, it’s alright, I see where this is going. Making a fool of myself twice,” I said, gathering my stuff so I could leave.

I was about to stand up when Maxwell reached for my hand and pulled me down to his level, leaning into me and locking my lips with his.

I wanted to push him away, but I was too caught up in the moment. After a few seconds, he pulled away, looking into my eyes.

“I love you, Elana, and would never do anything to hurt you. It’s just, that I don’t want to make our relationship public just yet. I don’t want anyone interfering or feeding me false information that’ll jeopardize our relationship.” He said, stroking my cheek.

He was right, it was the same thing that happened with Micheal. False info.

“Babe, I promise you when the time is right, I’ll make it known to everyone including other packs, that you are the one I love,” He said, kissing me on my forehead.

“He’s lying to us, Elana, he does not love us. Didn’t you see the look on his face when you brought up the topic?” Tally said.

“Tally, shut up. Why are you here all of a sudden, don’t you have a thing for disappearing when I need you?” I said, getting no response from her.

I looked into Maxwell's eyes for a bit, then I nodded in agreement to what he had said. “Okay Baby, I trust you.”

“How’s Salma doing?” He asked, putting us back in our previous position with my head on his chest, in an attempt to change the conversation.

“She’s doing okay. Since when did you and her become so close, I’ve been seeing you both together a lot recently,” I mentioned my observation to him.

He shifted slightly beneath me and then spoke. “Oh well, I’ve been hanging around her so much only because of you. Soon enough you’ll know why.”

What does he mean by that? Does he want to propose to me? Is he planning a big surprise? A wide smile grew on my face as I thought of all the possibilities.

I was finally going to get married.

******

“It’s todayyy!!!” Salma chimed, barging into my room with a flyer in her hand.

The flyer which read the most exciting announcement.

The flyers were distributed a week after Maxwell and I’s picnic date. It was distributed to the whole pack.

This indicates that Maxwell Brownwood son of the Beta of Crescent Moon pack, would be announcing his mate and wife to be at the pack’s event hall during the Thanksgiving party tonight.

I knew he was the right one. I knew he planned to propose. And on a big day like this. The moon goddess sure does know how to do her job.

Maxwell is perfect for me.

“Yes Salma, IT’S TODAY!! I’m so excited!” I said we both squealed.

Salma has been my best friend since kindergarten. At some point, rumors were spreading that Salma was only friends with me because of my wealth.

But I didn’t believe any of it, she’s always been there for me. So I still love her.

“Is this the dress you want to wear?” She asked, examining the green-fairy-themed dress that hugged the mannequin in my room.

“Yes it is, isn’t it beautiful?” I asked with a gleaming smile on my face.

I noticed that she was lost in her thoughts, and for some reason, it looked like there was a hint of jealousy on her face.

“Yeahhhh it’s gorgeous. But don’t you think it’s too much? Save it for the wedding instead. This is TOO beautiful,” Salma said, squeezing my shoulders lightly.

I could’ve sworn there was a hint of jealousy in her tone. “She’s jealous of you,” Tally said.

No, she’s not!! I’m only overthinking, she’s probably right. It’s a bit too much.

“Yeah you’re right,” I said, Salma’s face glowed with satisfaction.

“Good. Let’s find something else for you to wear then, you have only a few hours to get ready,” she said, walking over to my closet to pick something else.

“Tally, something is off about Salma,” I told my wolf. But didn’t get a response, she must’ve left.

Salma came back into the room with a pink floral sundress. It was pretty, but wasn’t giving off “newly engaged”.

“Salma, isn’t this a little bit too plain?” I asked, staring blankly at the dress she held.

“No no, it’s perfect!” Salma exclaimed. Without further reluctance, I went ahead with the dress and she did my makeup.

I was done getting ready, and after taking a final look at my appearance, I left for the party.

Salma said she would be running a little late. Made me remember how Dad’s best friend who was supposed to be a huge guest at my wedding couldn’t make it due to business issues.

I’ve never met him before, but Dad talks about him a lot. Honestly very happy he couldn’t make it. Would’ve been an embarrassing first-time meeting.

****

The party was going well. I had a special dance with Maxwell. Micheal watched us with his fists clenched and jaw tensed.

To be honest I was happy with the reactions our dance got.

Now it was finally time for Maxwell’s announcement. He was standing in the middle of the hall, with a glass in his hand.

He was given a spoon which he used to call everyone’s attention.

“Good evening my fellow pack members,” he started. Everywhere was quiet and I felt overly giddy. “I believe you all know why I’m at the center of the hall seeking your attention,” he said, “Today, I will be announcing and making public my mate and wife-to-be.”

I know Salma said she would be running late. But this is too late, she’s going to miss my special moment.

“Without further delay,” he said, walking towards me. Words can not explain the excitement bubbling in me. I watched as he approached me, with a wide smile on my face.

But my smile faded when Maxwell walked right past me like I was invisible. I turned my head to follow his movements behind me.

That’s when I saw her, Salma. My heart immediately sank to my stomach. Not only was he approaching her, but she was wearing my dress.

Salma was wearing the green dress she had prevented me from putting on. Everything was going too fast, my heart beating at the speed of light.

I watched in horror as Maxwell got on one knee in front of Salma. “This can not happen, not under my watch Elana. What is going on?” Tally asked. But I was too speechless to respond.

I knew my life was over, when the question I dreaded the most, escaped Maxwell's lips. “Salma Grey, Omega of Crescent Moon pack. Will you be my mate?”

“Salma Grey, Omega of Crescent Moon pack. Will you be my mate?” Maxwell asked Salma, bent on one knee.

Salma’s face gleamed with awful joy. I just stood speechless, still trying to process the whole thing.

“Yes, I will,” Salma replied and he slipped the ring on her finger, got up, and hugged her tightly.

“I love you Elana, and would never do anything to hurt you.” — wasn’t it the same Maxwell kneeling before Salma that had said this not too long ago?

No, no this can’t be happening.

After digesting the sight in front of me, I walked over to where they were.

“Salma, why are you in the dress you advised I should save for my wedding? Why are you getting proposed to by my boyfriend?” I asked her, my expression seeking to understand what had just happened.

She remained silent, her eyes fixed on the ground. I was about to speak again when Maxwell took the honors.

“Salma is the one I love, we only used you.” I searched his face for any form of humor, but I couldn’t find any.

“Maxwell, you said you love me. You told me you were going to make our relationship public today—everything you promised me, Maxwell, what’s happening?” I asked him, my hands dangling hopelessly by my sides.

“Why does this always happen to us Elana, we’ll never be good enough,” Tally said. I wasn’t in the mood to pay any attention to Tally’s negativity.

“Elana I do not love you, and will never love you. You’re a reject, nobody wants a reject. And one who is as weak as you are. You are useless to me,” Maxwell said, staring me straight in the eyes.

I’m still not ready to accept this. This is nonsense, Maxwell was supposed to be my breakthrough. The one who would put my enemies to shame.

But he’s one of them. “You can’t say that to me, I’m your girlfriend. You love me,” I said, my body trembling and almost losing balance.

The hall was dead silent. Looked as though this was a rehearsed play.

“Elana I do not love you, in fact—- I, Maxwell Brownwood, son of the Beta of Crescent Moon pack, reject you Elana Melody White, daughter of the Gamma of Crescent Moon pack as my mate,” He said. That statement which I dreaded the most.

Giving me PTSD from just some months ago.

“I, Micheal Elias Owen, Son of the Alpha of Crescent Moon pack, reject you Elana Melody White, daughter of Edward Felony White the Gamma of Crescent Moon pack as my mate. You’re a whore and you disgust me.”

“Elana we have been rejected twice, we are worthless and useless. We must leave this place immediately,” Tally suggested, and for the first time, I agree with her.

“I am so done with this pack, and I am done with mating,” I said, my voice quivering due to how heavily I was crying.

Maxwell was about to speak when my father rose from his sitting position and approached us.

“I thank the moon goddess, your mother isn’t alive to witness this humiliation you have brought upon our family,” My father said, and then spat on me, pushing me on his way out of the hall.

At this point, I couldn’t help but break down, weeping foolishly in the presence of every single pack member.

My brother came up to me, shook his head disappointedly, and left the hall with my father. I’m useless now, I’m tired. I can’t take this anymore. “I Elana “We’ll be okay,” Tally reassured me for the first time.

It was done. I accepted the rejection and immediately headed for the exit of the hall.

But of course, I won’t leave just like that. I turned around and approached Salma, gripping tightly on one of the ruffles on the dress and yanking it hard.

It came off and ruined half of the dress. At least now I won’t be the only one embarrassed. I left the hall and headed back home. I shall leave Crescent Moon pack tonight.

*******

It was 3 am, and I was just about reaching the pack closest to mine. I had left right after I was done packing up my things.

I took a few clothes in a small bag, my toiletries, and a few survival items. And now here I stood, at the entrance of Silver Moon pack territory.

My father had been here a lot and always had stories to tell about his visits here.

I was let in, because I lied that I had goods to deliver, and showed them the top of my bag which was covered with boxes of perfumes.

When I got in, I had no clue where I should go. Tally had left after the incident in the hall. So I was on my own.

The territory looked rather modern and classy. And some places were still open for business.

So my best offer was the 24hrs bar, whose lighting could be seen from miles away. I decided to rest a bit there and maybe get something to eat.

“Hello, what would you like to order?” The bartender asked if she was busy cleaning the desk while I took a seat.

“Umm, I’ll start with water thanks,” I replied, looking around and taking in the features of the bar.

“Okay. I’ll get that for you right n— YOU,” she said, finally acknowledging my presence and appearance.

I was confused as to why she was staring at me like that.

“Me?” I asked. Just then, her co-worker came to our corner and looked at me too. He looked at the woman and she nodded.

I sat there confused. “Can I get my water please?” I asked, a bit uncomfortable.

“Sorry, we don’t attend to rejected mates. And especially a double reject,” he said, sizing me up with his eyes.

My mouth was gaped wide open. Did I just get disrespected by commoners in another pack? “Excuse me??” I said, offended by their statement.

“We all know you are Elana of Crescent Moon pack and a double reject. And I said we do not attend to rejected mates. Bar policy” he said, cleaning out a glass with a cloth and not even sparing me a glance.

The woman just stood, arms crossed, sizing me up.

I was about to leave when someone spoke from behind me. “And who made that policy?” The voice asked, making my body hair stand.

The workers, startled by the presence, quickly stood behind the counter with their arms behind their backs.

“Welcome sir,” they said, not looking up.

“I asked a question. Who made that policy?” He asked again, setting his elbows on the counter beside me.

I used the opportunity to take a look at the man who made them tremble.

My heart immediately sank to my stomach. This man was gorgeous and majestic. His scent was strong and tempting. His jaw was lime sharp enough to shred meat.

His eyes are dark and intimidating. And his height was the most intimidating of all his features. A very good-looking middle-aged man.

No Elana! This is inappropriate. You do not know this man. I mentally face-palmed myself. “No one sir. We were just messing with the lady,” the male bartender spoke. Still not looking up from the floor.

The man leaned back on his elbows, pushing himself to stand up straight. Revealing his scary height.

“I see. Give the woman whatever she wants. The bill will be multiplied and deducted from your pay. You do not make policies in my bar,” he said, turning around to leave.

“Sir please, we’re sorry. It’ll never repeat itself-“ The woman began to beg but was cut off by the irritated man.

“Shut up this instant,” he said looking over his shoulders and at them.

“Sir she does not belong in our pack. She is a homeless rejected commoner from Crescent Moon pack,” the guy said.

The man turned around slowly and looked at me. “That true?” He asked.

It wasn’t completely true, I am not a homeless commoner. But I chose to go along with their claim.

I nodded hesitantly. “My punishment still stands. Take her order or I’ll take it for her and make sure to order the whole menu. Any complaint and you’ll be no more” he said, adjusting his tuxedo.

The workers accepted their fate and brought me the menu. “As for you. You begin work tomorrow,” he said to me, heading towards the stairs leading to the first floor.

“Excuse me??” I asked. What does he mean to resume work tomorrow? Resume work where and as what?

“Did I stutter? I said you resume work tomorrow,” he repeated. “You’re homeless no?” He asked, and I nodded hesitantly.

“Get your uniform from one of them,” he said, reaching the stairs. His steps were fast and smart.

“I don’t want to work,” I finally said. Who does he think he is, talking to me like this?

“Then leave my territory,” he said, pausing in his tracks so he could look at me.

I sat still. There’s nowhere else I could go, but this is too much disrespect.

“That’s what I thought. You’ll be having 12-hour shifts with 1-hour breaks,” he said, climbing up the stairs. Not even waiting for my response.

At Least now I can add the pay and get an apartment. I am not going back to Crescent Moon pack.