REJECTED MATE TURNED ALPHA

The pack members gathered outside the square, there was tension in the air, my heart pounded in my chest matching the echoing howls that surrounded us. A knot tightened in my stomach as everyone's gaze fell on Magnus. The accused stood at the center. His black hair fell over his face, covering most of his features, his gray eyes that always glistened now looked dull by the weight of accusation.

Magnus was accused of treason against the Alpha, the very leader we were bound to obey. Such crimes were unforgivable. I stood in uncertainty observing silently what judgment would be passed. My heart ached for him. I knew he was innocent, but my words held no strength as I couldn't prove his innocence. 

The judgment came, Alpha Lucas, a commanding figure with an aura of authority, stepped forward. I braced myself for the sentence that would seal Magnus' destiny. The Alpha, his voice a low growl, declared

 "Magnus Kade, accused of treason against the Alpha, by the sacred laws of our kind, you are hereby sentenced to exile." 

The growls of the pack grew louder, and Magnus' jaw clenched. You could see the pain of betrayal in his eyes but he didn't say a word. My father the Beta turned to me, his gaze indicating it was time to carry out his commands, and my heart shattered into pieces. I and Magnus had a strong connection and now I was forced to sever it. 

I stepped forward, meeting Magnus' gaze. I could see the shock in his eyes, and in a desperate mind-link attempt, he pleaded with me, 

"What are you doing Audrey?" I could feel the fear in his tone, but I had to carry out my father's commands,

 "I'm sorry Magnus, but I have to do this" I responded through the link.

 "No baby listen.." I quickly closed the link, not wanting to hear him anymore, because it would be too difficult to go on with the task. I struggled to compose myself and pushed the words out in a voice I couldn't recognize. 

"I, Audrey Smith, daughter of the Beta of the Brown Pack, reject you, Magnus Kade, as my mate".

 Each word I spoke felt like a betrayal and as the last words left my lips, there was a collective howl in the air from the pack members. I felt like my heartbeat had stopped, the pain was excruciating and I could only imagine what Magnus was going through. His face was soaked with tears.

 'I'm sorry, please don't hate me' I whispered to myself, meeting his eyes one last time before turning away.

Three years later

The morning sun filtered into my room through the windows, causing me to squint. I woke up stretching my arms. A sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach as I woke up. It grew worse when I noticed the hurried footsteps and hushed conversation of the pack members echoing through the pack house. I hurriedly threw clothes on and rushed downstairs, my eyes searching for my father among the busy pack members. 

When I spotted him, his usual calm face was now etched with worry, 

"Dad, what's going on?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, but you could detect the urgency in it. He sighed heavily.

 "Audrey, a message was sent to the Alpha last night. Magnus had challenged him to a fight. The entire pack is on edge, and we don't know when he'll arrive." 

My heart skipped a beat 

"Magnus?"