The Rejected Mate and the Rogue King: Mated in Shadow of Myself

By Lance Lunar

Tana's world is shattered on her wedding day. Betrayed by her mate Philip and replaced by her scheming sister Veronica as Luna, Tana is cast out and forced to wander as a Rogue. But fate has other plans for the forsaken she-wolf.

She stumbled upon the alpha of the HellGuard pack, Jackson, who had feelings for her since their youth but couldn't recognize her with her new transformation caused by the potion she took. In a twist of destiny, they unite in a strategic alliance, their fake marriage a facade that ignites a flame of true passion.

Yet, shadows linger and betrayals fester. Tana must navigate a treacherous path of familial strife, pack rivalries, and supernatural warfare. With her sister's malice, her mother's tragic demise, and Philip's foolish reign, Tana's resolve is tested at every turn.

Will she be able to get her revenge on the alpha of the middle forest for the unforgettable pain he caused while trying to survive outside her pack? Will Jackson find out that she is the woman he had loved for years?

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Mar 21, 2024

Book preview

CHAPTER 41 The War

Jackson's POV

My blood boiled hot like lava through my veins as I tried to compose myself. I knew this was a plan, and someone must've linked the information that we're getting married for them to track us here with such ease.

I knew Peter wasn't lurking around somewhere this open, especially a place that only a few visited. It was well planned and whoever did this was smart and good at it. I heard Caroline hissed when I tightened my grip on her hand. I was oblivious to the fact that I had been squeezing her hand while being blinded by anger.

He raised his brows at my statement, then he retorted before giving a signal to the guard to attack. I pulled Caroline behind me to protect her, even though I knew she didn't need any protection. She was good at defending herself, but I already made a promise to her, and I couldn't watch her get just as well.

The first vampire that rushed towards us had his neck twisted to the other side. He fell to the ground, dead. I had no weapons on me, and I could only use my hands to fight them off.

That was no problem since this wasn't my first time. I had oiled several with just my bare hands and this wouldn't be the last as I already made a mental note to protect Caroline no matter what.

The rest took a step back, all stunned and frightened by the sudden incident that just occurred in front them. They swallowed deeply, and their eyes turned to look at their leader, whose face remained stoic. I knew he wouldn't mind if all his men died today, besides they were lots of them, and we were currently outnumbered.

Another was pushed towards me, and he looked startled and scared, as if he wasn't expecting the sudden turn of event. After receiving a deadly glare from his fellow member, he was forced to attack but just like the other one, he had his neck turned to an impossible way.

They grimaced, watching the gruesome scene of their members dying. Funny enough that they had some more to my guard. This was just the tip of the iceberg for them, and I was already planning the fastest and easiest way to kill the next person tossed to my side.

I heard someone tsk in disapproval and I found the leader, Peter, taking a few steps towards me.

That's a brutal way of killing my men, don't you think? It isn't their fault that they're taking orders from me. You should be more understanding towards them, and why do you always have to show your nature? He turned to look at Caroline again. I had the strong urge to rip his eyes out but refrained myself because this is your wedding day. I believe you don't wish to get your bride before your marriage, right?" He said in a mocking tone, but I could feel the threat from his words as more of his men surrounded Caroline.

She looked confused as she kept glancing around confused and fearful.

I had a feeling that something bad was about to happen and that was why I tried to convince Liam to stay back and stay on guard, although he was displeased because he wanted to be there on this special day, but he knew he had to trust his instincts.

His intuition was never wrong before so he rather sticks to it this time, but he guessed it wasn't a warning for the pack but for them instead. There was a zero possibility of Liam or anyone coming here to aid us because I had strictly warned him to stay put in the pack house to save it and not let unnecessary distractions make him regret it.

He had agreed and even promised not to come here, regardless of what was happening. I looked at Caroline just the same time she turned to look at me. Our eyes met, but she nodded her head at me.

A vampire that had been standing beside me and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike finally made a move. But I had already predicted his movement and fought him off with ease and took the dagger he held.

With the weapon, I had a slim shot of escaping but what about Caroline? I called and she turned to me. I tossed the dagger, and she caught it easily in the air as she smiled at me. However, I could see the viable fear in her eyes.

I wanted to reassure that everything was okay, but nothing was okay, and she could see for herself that we were stranded and unless someone came in to intervene, we would be trapped here with this vampire.

Peter gritted his teeth before he signaled for the vampires to attack Caroline instead, but she didn't take any time to start fighting off the vampires. She was fast; she swung the daggers gracefully, hitting them without giving them the time to comprehend or rest.

The remaining guards attempted to join the fight but got a warning glare from Peter. Pepper realized that his men were dying slowly and he was at the losing end. He raised his hand and I thought he wanted to signal them to stop, but instead he gave them a sign to kill her.

They had been fighting to get her and not kill her, and that was why killing them was so much easier. I was still distracted with what was going on, and I failed to realize the threat beside me.

I groaned when a vampire stabbed me at the side. He pulled out the dagger and I placed my hand on the bleeding part. The vampire growled and just then others took the opportunity to attack. I tried to fight them off despite the pain.

My eyes shifted to Caroline and I heard her gasp when a vampire struck and his dagger got her in her arms. She tried to fight off the vampire, but more came, and before she could comprehend what was happening, they were already hitting her.

I had to do something, but I could barely handle my situation. The guards were already getting slaughtered. We were outnumbered and there was no way out for us as they kept attacking without stopping. It was impossible to defeat this vampire.

Still, I attempted to reach Caroline when the vampire swung her direction, she was still distracted attempting to fight off the others.

Caroline, I called as I back hugged, and the dagger slit through the skin of my back. Her eyes widened in utter shock.

What are you doing? She whispered while another vampire made another cut on my back. I slowly let go of her and turned to fight off the vampires. She groaned when fell to the ground.

My eyes widened as I glanced down to look at her, and there she knelt. I realized the blood on the down part of her dress. She must've been cut on her limbs.

Pushing off the vampire, I rushed towards her and lifted her up. We both groaned when we got stabbed in the stomach. We fell to our knees together, unable to withstand the sharp pain. She looked down at my stomach, and the concern in her eyes was what he noticed.

You're bleeding. You can't be stabbed twice. Was it because of me, she whispered.

Looking around, I sighed. There was just no way to escape this. I wish I can get you out of here. You can't die here, I said, and she shook her head.

And if there is, I wouldn't even wish to leave you here. I would rather die here with you. I choose to die here with you because I don't know what I can do without you, she whispered with emotions swirling that beautiful eyes of hers.

I love you, I murmured, and she nodded her head. We might be surrounded and might even get killed, but I knew for sure that death wouldn't be that painful as long as I was with the woman I love.

She slowly leaned down. How about we finish the wedding ceremony? I want to spend the rest of my life with. In sickness and in health, she whispered as Peter signaled his men again. She continued to say her vows and I said mine after she was done.

I moved towards her as well, and just then our lips were locked in a kiss. She sighed when I kissed her immediately. If this was the end, then I had no regret.

CHAPTER 42 A Battle For Survival

Caroline's POV

I clutched his dress and fought hard to stay sane and not lose myself in the kiss, as it felt soothing and passionate at the same time. His hand went to my nape as he deepened the kiss even more, and it felt like the world slowed down for a moment and all I could feel was the taste of him and the warmth of his body. I was so lost in the kiss that I forgot to breathe, but he pulled back, and our lips parted before he looked at me with his eyes filled with emotions.

I stared deep into his eyes, and he rested his forehead against mine as he tried to catch our breath. This might be the end, but I couldn't care at all. As long as I was with him, then I wouldn't mind being in his arms like this even in the next life. He was the only one who had brought meaning to the cruel, meaningless world that I found myself in.

He had managed to break the walls I built around my heart and filled my insides with so much joy that I couldn't contain it as it spread to every part of my body. I heard a sound coming from close by that broke my reverie and I turned to look at the source only to find a vampire already raising a dagger to stab Jackson, and he wasn't the only one attacking us. We were utterly alone, and the future right now felt blank.

Just when the dagger was about to hit him on the back, the vampire halted and his face suddenly distorted as he looked pained and scared. What could've been the cause?

He fell on his knees and so did everyone around us. The others that were watching praised, and their eyes darted around. I also looked around curiously, and I noticed something moving inside the forest, and it was fast approaching.

Before long, a war broke out and the vampires retreated, but the war became intense the minute they attacked back just to save themselves. Jackson stood up and lifted me up as well with him. We glanced around and found Liam killing a vampire and there was someone fighting with him. Who was that?

I narrowed my gaze to look at him closely, but Liam suddenly rushed towards Jackson. Are you okay? We need to get you both out of here. We can't fight them all off on our own, so it would be better if we find a way to escape. Help will come, but we need to get you both to a safe place first. Can you walk? He asked worriedly.

Can you walk? Jackson asked me instead, and I shook my head while trying to withstand the pain on my limbs. Everywhere was in pain, and I doubted the possibility of escaping here while limping.

Maybe you should go and get the reinforcement. I can stay here, I doubt we would go far with me tagging along. I'm still in pain and I can't go far like this, I tried to explain, but Jackson was quick to shake his disapproval. we're leaving here together, so don't think I'll leave you here. He said sternly and turned to look at Liam. Get the reinforcement and fight of the vampires and don't let Peter yet away. We need to get him, he ordered.

Liam shook his head. I'll do that, but first you both need to get out of here, he said, still adamant to stay there even for a second.

We can't leave because she's hurt. We'll need to fight and escape. That's the only way out of here. However, I want you to get Peter to stop the war rapidly, he tried to explain.

I'll join you to make the fight easier, Jackson said, and my eyes snapped towards him. There was no way he intended to fight while injured. Did he have a death wish?

Fight? You can't do that. You're already hurt, so you should find a place to hide while we try to settle everything out here, Liam was quick to object to the plan.

I second that. You're badly injured and there's no way you'd survive it in this state, I added, and he turned to look at me with a frown.

He shook his head. I don't intend to leave the fight for you alone to carry on, and besides this isn't my first time fighting while being injured. I've dealt with more than this before so I do know how to protect myself, but I can't let them escape, he said, turning to look at me before shifting his gaze to look at Liam again. You know I've been through more, so don't think I'll let you fight these vampires alone. I am injured and not handicapped, I said almost angrily, but he was more frustrated than angry.

I know you can help, and you want to, but I'm not alone. I didn't come alone because I knew how serious it was, so I brought Marcus with me. His from the Moon-- he was still speaking when Jackson cut him off.

I know how he is and where he is from, but don't you think it's quite suspicious why Marcus would want to help us, he said and Liam nodded in agreement.

"I also know that it was a bad idea since we don't know whose side he is