Longing For My Rejected Luna: Book 2 Paranormal Werewolf Romance

By Erika002

"I, Erika Blackwood, stand before you, Alexander Robertson, with a heavy heart. I hereby reject you as my mate. The bond we once shared has grown fragile, and my soul yearns for a different path. May you find solace in the love of another, and may we both find the happiness we seek."
Alexander didn't say a word and looked at me.
But he refused to accept.
***********
Erika Blackwood is the next Alpha in line of the Ironclaw Pack. She hides her identity and gets mated to the Alpha of the Moonforest Pack, Alexander Robertson.
Three years passed, but Alexander is still unwilling to let go of his childhood sweetheart.
Erika is mistreated and eventually framed by the same childhood sweetheart.
Now she leaves with that humiliation, and goes back to her pack, swearing vengeance on those who hurt her.
They all waited for her to return and beg, but what happens when they realize that the famous Ironclaw Pack that was going to help in the rogue war, was ruled by a woman named, Erika Blackwood.
Now her Ex mates want her back. Other Alphas want this woman..
But will she accept any of them?
Or will she stay independent forever?...

This is book 2 of the series

• Language: English
• Publisher: BestNovel
• Release date: May 16, 2024

Book preview

Chapter 75 A desperate Alpha

*****Erika's POV*****

Alpha. My Lady. She bowed to us.

I tried to observe her expression but there was nothing to see. How are you?

I’m fine, Alpha.

Kat looked at her. What are you doing all by yourself here?

Nothing. Just watching the ceremony from here. She pointed towards the entrance Kat and I had been about to go sneak a peek from. There were no maids in the ceremony, they were all busy trying to keep the mansion running clean, it was just the guards that were in there and not all of them.

They had been ordered to be there for security and protection, to ensure nothing went wrong with the ceremony.

Ah, so you want to be a part of the celebration? I asked her, a smile forming on my face.

For some reason, I really liked Melisse and like I had stated earlier, she was not my personal maid but these days, I preferred having her around more and handling whatever it was I wanted done.

Maybe it was because she was smart and all. I really liked people who were smart, Melisse was one of those people. Despite the fact she was a maid, she was still very intelligent and it drew me closer to her.

She smiled coyly. I would not mind but there’s no other maid in there, moreover, I know the rules so I’m quite contented watching from here.

I looked at Kat, she returned the look. I would have loved to take her to my room and help her look good but Paula and Gage were in there, I would not want to disturb them.

I..

Alpha Blackwood.

Even before I turned to see the face, I already knew the owner of the voice. I would recognize it anywhere and any time. My ex-mate and husband, Alpha Alexander. What else did he want? Was he ready to listen to my own terms and conditions?

I wanted to smile, I was tempted to but I withheld myself from smiling. I did not want him to see me smile. Kat gave me a subtle nudge to turn around, I looked away and intentionally ignored his presence behind me for what seemed like forever but was actually few seconds to be exact.

You can go away now, Melisse. We’ll talk later. I smiled at her.

She beamed and bowed politely. Thank you, Alpha. She turned to Kat. My Lady. Then she walked out of our presence.

I heard her greetings to Alpha Alexander, and her fading footsteps. With a slow, deliberate turn, I faced him. Yes, Alpha Robertson?

Can we talk? He stood staring at my face.

Have you thought about the terms and conditions? I refused to acknowledge how handsome he had looked to me and how handsome he still was.

I require your presence alone, please. He was a desperate man and he looked like a desperate man.

I do not have the time to waste, Alpha Robertson. As you can see, today is my coronation and I am supposed to be there with my people celebrating the beginning of my reign. I was intentionally throwing my position and reputation in his face. It might look and sound petty, I did not care. I was ready to go every shade and kind of petty there was.

I know but you’re not there. Moreover, you’ve changed your dress, which shows you’re no longer going back there. So, please, let us talk.

I turned to Kat, she looked at me and shrugged. I would advise you do not waste my time, as an Alpha, you definitely know how much time is precious to us. Understood? I quirked a serious brow.

He gave a small nod. Understood.

Let’s go. I nudged Kat.

Uhmm…

I frowned, looking at him. What is it, Alpha Robertson?

He looked from me to Kat, then to me. I stood watching him. What was wrong with him? Why was he behaving as though he could suddenly not talk?

In private. He finally said.

In private? What’s wrong? You know Kat, she’s not a stranger. I knew this was an official meeting but since it was him, I did not want to be alone with him.

I did not want to have to be found seating with just him. For some reason, I wanted a support. The presence of some other person other than the two of us would help me. Maybe I still harbored feelings for him or maybe I did not, I was yet to find out.

And that was probably what I did not want to find out just yet. I wanted to just keep it professional with him. With everything he had done to me during the three years of our marriage, it was not going to be easy to just find any common ground with him.

But I was willing to make him pay. For that, I was willing to go the extra mile to make Alexander Robertson pay for how he had humiliated me, cheated on me, disrespected our mate bond and insulted me.

I do not deny knowing Kat, but I just want to see you alone. His tone was pleading.

I’m sorry but you can not see me alone. It’s either you see Kat and myself or you leave my pack. I made to leave his presence.

Don’t leave Eri… Alpha Blackwood. Let’s just talk.

Kat looked at me, I could understand the words in her eyes. She wanted me to go with him. Go.

If you’ll excuse me, Alpha. Let me see her a bit. I pulled Kat out of his earshot.

What are you trying to say, Kat?

You already know. Kat said.

Yes, I already know but what I don’t understand is the why. I could not believe she was telling me to go with him.

I just feel pity for him. She shrugged.

You? Feel pity for him? Have you forgotten what he did to me, Kat? My struggle to keep my voice from trembling was difficult. I did not want to remember.

Remembering brought me pain.

Chapter 76 Kat Conviction

*****Erika’s POV*****

Yes, I know Rika. I know how much you have been hurt but he’s here. And I’m sure just as you are that he has been waiting. Even after you left him there, he has been waiting. Have mercy, Rika. She was feeling pity for him? What had happened to Kat? I might had expected this from Paula but Kat? And I could actually see the pity written all over face.

He only came because he needs Iron Claw’s help. He needs my power and my guards. I did not want to allow myself fall trap that he was actually deserving of pity.

Alex did not deserve my pity, he did not deserve my sympathy. I was not even supposed to allow him entrance talk more of audience. As soon as I had seen him, I should had thrown him out of my pack, but I had not. Still, he would not get help easy from me. Any help I rendered to him would come at a price.

That may be, Rika. But you need to at least, go see him alone. Hear what he has to say. Kat advised.

I have no problem listening to what he has to say but you and I will go. That’s the only way, if he really wants my help.

Kat stared at me for a while.

Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I moved away a bit. What? Why are you looking at me that way?

Do you still like him? Kat raised a brow at me.

I stiffened, a scowl appearing on my face. What do you mean by that?

I mean, why are you scared to be with him in a room? Just the two of you.

Who told you I’m scared? The scowl deepened. I really did not like where Kat was leading this discussion. How did we end up here? Why would she even think that?

Then why are you against being with him in a room? She was looking at me expectantly.

I am not.. I paused when I realized I was raising my voice. I narrowed my annoyed gaze at her.

She merely shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. You’re not what?

I’m not against being with him in the room but I do not want to. I told you what he had done. I was beginning to grow upset. What the hell was wrong was Kat? Why was she even bringing up topics like this?

She was pretending as though she had not been aware when he had done everything he had done to me. The times I’d cried, they knew about it. The pains, the humiliation and every other circumstance I’d gone through in his household, Kat and Paula had been aware of everything.

Why was she pretending as though she had no knowledge of it? Why was she doing as though I had not called her whenever he would make me cry?

I know everything that had happened between you two when you were still with him but you’re bigger than whatever payback you’re going for.

What are you saying, Katherina? I had both my hands fisted by my sides.

See, I understand you Rika. I would be lying if I said I didn’t, and as your best friend, I support whatever you plan to do to him, frankly, he deserves it, but why don’t you go see him. It’s not like he would try something funny with you in your own mansion. This is your territory, Rika, not his.

She stepped forward to take my fisted hands, she uncurled them and squeezed encouragingly.

You are the Alpha of Iron Claw not the mate and wife of the Alpha of Moon Forest. You answer to no one except yourself. He does not have any reign or superiority over you anymore. You’re a leader, show him you’re one. Go into that meeting room with him and show him he no longer means anything to you. She advised.

I sighed. She had a point, I should not let him decide for me. Whatever he might had done to me, it was only honorable of me to go see him, but that did not stop me from getting back at him if I wanted to.

Alright, I would go see him. I agreed.

She pulled me into a hug. Be careful, Alpha.

I hit her playfully. What’s with the formality?

She chuckled. I am a member of this pack, I should not forget who my Alpha is.

How would you forget who I am? I eyed her playfully.

I would keep seeing you as a friend, the girl I grew up with, not the leader of my pack.

I always want you to see me that way. To you and Paula, I am your best friend. Call me Alpha next time and pay dearly for it, got it? I wagged a threatening finger at her.

She laughed. Yes ma’am.

I hit her again. Hey.

Ouch. Stop hitting me. She whined. Now shoo. Go meet the man of your dreams.

I gave her a stink eye, she laughed and held both hands in surrender. Sorry. Then she blew me a kiss and walked out.

I was left on my own. I took a deep breath and went back to where I had left him standing. Surprisingly, he was still there. Had he been standing there all these while?

I cleared my throat, he was watching me take bold steps toward him. Yes, my steps were bold, I would not allow him envision me scared or uncertain of myself, and I certainly was not frayed with nerves.

This way, Alpha. I led him towards the meeting room where I had hosted him before. A lot of thoughts running through my mind.

Why did Alex want to see me in private? Was he trying to talk to me about our past? I sure was not ready to hear anything about that. The deal was to help him win a war which would only happen if he agreed to my terms and conditions.

We entered the room and this time, I decided to take the throne. I needed the boost of confidence and also to remind him of his position in my pack.

Please, have a seat. I offered him a seat. He took one. Your time starts now, Alpha.

I miss you.

Chapter 77 The Condition

*****Alex’s POV*****

I had not intended to blurt those words to her, they had just come out. I did not know what had prompted me to say it. Maybe it was seeing her again. Watching her move as gracefully and confident as she used to. Though she was confident and graceful in her movement, there was this gentleness that could not be overlooked.

It was there. In her every step, her poises and stances. I had missed the way she talked and that face of hers. I had no idea what I had been missing until now. I might had sworn to fight her for what she did to Seren, but that had barely registered in my mind as soon as I saw her.

I found myself staring at her, waiting for her reaction. I was waiting for her response. She had changed, I could see it, I needed no soothsayer to tell me that.

There was this powerful aura that she exhibited and the authority that oozed off of her in great waves. I could only stare at her in respect and awe. It had barely been three weeks but I could see the changes. Everything that had changed in her and around her.

Is this some sort of joke, Alpha Robertson? She crooked a displeased brow.

I’m sorry, it’s not joke. I quickly apologized. I was at her mercy. Without her, there would barely be anything left of my pack. When I had said I missed her, I had not been lying but I really need her regardless.

The chances of her accepting me back was zilch, the way we had separated was not cordial, there had been this coldness already existing between us. And after the incident with Seren, it had gone from worse to worst.

Is this why you called me? Is this why you asked to see me privately? She questioned, her eyes were hardened.

No, it’s not. Believe, it was not my intention to say that. I tried to defend myself.

Then why did you? Her expression was stoic and unsmiling. She seemed to be really pissed.

I don’t know, it just came out. I’m really sorry.

I do not think I can help you if you continue to play un-serious. I am busy, I have a pack to run. She pointed out bluntly.

Fear took hold a bit, I could not afford losing her help. Iron Claw was the only hope I had when I came here. I could not afford for leave here without the agreement of her helping me.

Noir was determined to ruin my pack and I would not let it happen, hence, I needed to be careful with my words henceforth. Feelings aside, I needed to do what I had come to do in the first place.

I’m truly sorry, forgive my manners. I would endeavor to girdle my tongue as we go on. Please, let’s ignore what I had just said like it never happened. I pleaded.

I had no choice but to plead, that was the only way out for me. I could not afford to annoy her, she was my lifesaver at this point. Her pack was the only pack that could destroy Thunderpaw.

Her hard gaze was unrelenting. I think we should make some things clear here, Alpha Robertson. You and I have nothing personal in common, whatever that used to exist was long gone. It has ended and has been dissolved before the public.

She adjusted herself on her Alpha seat, before continuing. You came to me for help, you are in my territory. In my pack. In my mansion. You need to watch what you say to me. I have a legacy to uphold, as I’m sure you do too.

I’m…

I’m not done. She cut me off bluntly.

I nodded, encouraging her to go on. I was beginning to feel embarrassed, like she was doing all of this for show. She was ostentatiously putting on a boastful demeanor, she wanted me to see what she had become and what she now had in her possession.

It made me wonder how had I not known the person I had married. How had she managed to keep her identity hidden from me? How had she even stayed three years in my abode, under my guidance and not known she was the daughter of the most wealthiest Alpha? Who would had thought that quiet, gentle Erika was the heiress apparent of such prestigious and strong pack.

Had Paula known and kept it from me? Obviously she had known else she would not have lied…or according to how Gage had put it, lied by omission. She had simply not said it, just said she was going to see a friend who needed her.

That friend had turned out to be Erika, my ex-mate and ex-wife. Now I was at her mercy, and this was a very serious matter.

As I was saying, we both have a legacy to uphold. You came to ask for help and I am yet to give a stand on that, which of course, you’re delaying. Or have you made up your mind, Alpha? She stared pointedly at me.

How can I delay? I came for help and I am ready for the help. I told her.

Why would I delay when it was I who needed her? I did not leave my pack to this place only to ruin the opportunity.

Are you ready for the terms and conditions? She inquired.

Terms and conditions. Those words sounded like a death trap, I had been praying for this not to come up but it had still come up. Saying yes was not the problem, but what was the terms and conditions she wanted? Was it something I could do? What if it was a condition I could not meet?

Is there no other way around this? I stared beseechingly.

I’m afraid there isn’t. Her response was crisp and cool.

Willing nerves away, I decided to give it a try. What are these terms and conditions?

It’s just one condition.

Oh. Name it.

If I save your pack and help you win this war, I’ll get seventy percent of your pack’s mineral resources and yearly income.

Chapter 78 Alpha Noir Hart Visits

*****Erika's POV*****

If it isn’t Iron Claw’s newest Alpha.

I turned towards the familiar voice and ran into his arms. Noir Hart, my male best friend from childhood. Responsibility and duty had separated us for years but that did not mean we had stopped been best friends.

Noir, you crazy fellow. I hugged him, laughter and joy filling my heart.

Ouch. You hurt my heart, Riri. He was the only one who called me Riri.

You came! I squealed. I was so happy to see him. Noir Hart of Thunderpaw pack. The second strongest pack in Fangoria, and from what I had heard, he was a ruthless Alpha.

Well, every Alpha had to be ruthless and brutal, it was the only way to retain leadership else one would be thrown off their Alpha throne before they could blink.

Of course, I came. Why would I want to miss my best girl’s coronation? That would be an unforgivable sin. He laughed.

I smiled. Noir Hart was a tall, handsome guy, though his attractiveness was more dark. His black hair was the exact same shade of his eyes. But I think he had the most brilliant smile ever.

He had come to my coronation, and that was the sweetest thing ever. I knew how much it took for him to make that sacrifice especially as an Alpha who had his own pack to rule. I found it endearing that he made out time to come see me.

After my discussion with Alex, he had looked so dumbfounded that he had not been able to say anything else. I knew the condition I had given to him was crazy and no one would agree to it but he was a desperate man and while I had dismissed him since he was not giving me an answer, I knew he would be back.

He would return and then, I would begin the game with him in full. I would help him, I already knew that but I was not going to let him know just yet. I had seen the anger on his face but I was unbothered, he had done worse to me.

After he and Gage had left, Paula, Kat and I had hardly had time to discuss when I was being called into the ballroom. The Elders wanted to see me briefly before they went, they had gone now.

I’d had to change into another befitting dress and had just finished with them when I heard Noir’s voice. I would recognize that baritone anywhere, any day. It was no news that Noir and I used to crush on each other, but we had never really acted on it.

Maybe we might have if duty had not called him at such a young age. Kat who had been discussing with some girls she knew from the pack spotted him and rushed over smiling hugely. Noir saw her and beamed too. We had all been together before Noir left and could not come as frequently as he used to until he stopped coming finally.

If it isn’t Noir of Thunderpaw. Kat hugged him.

He lifted her knowing how much she disliked it. She hit him, struggling to be put down. Remind me never to come say hello whenever he comes around again, Rika. She directed to me.

I merely laughed. Noir had always loved lifting Kat that way, I had never really understood why he would want to keep doing things Kat did not want him to. I guess he just loved annoying her, he was always looking for things she hated, then he would end up doing it.

Kat used to fight him all the time when we were kids, until she stopped after noticing that the more she fought him, the more he annoyed her.

You can’t do that, Meow. He laughed.

Kat narrowed her eyes at him. I could not help the laughter, that was Noir for us. He had once said Kat’s name was similar to the feline — cat. And ever since, called her Meow to make his point.

And you’re laughing. She glared at me accusingly.

I’m sorry but it’s just too funny. I could not stop the laughter, it just kept coming.

Even Noir was deep into it, the hall went silent to stare at us. I sobered up when I noticed it and cleared my throat, my first day of being Alpha and I was laughing like a loon before the people I was supposed to be ruling.

Paula was not in the hall with us, that crazy girl. She claimed after the time spent with her mate, she was too tired to come out. So she was inside, resting. Kat and I had teased her about having too much of Gage. She had shamelessly replied that the love making had been intense and wild, and had even gone on three rounds with him.

I would not say I was maliciously jealous of her, no I wasn’t. In fact, I was happy for her but I could not help thinking I had a mate who was that affectionate and crazy about me as Gage was about Paula.

But that time had come and gone, the agreement was if I failed to keep the marriage, I would return to be the Alpha without a mate for eternity. It was a loft price but I had agreed and now it was time to pay it.

I shook my head away from that thought, it was time to stop dwelling on the past and focus on the present and the future. I had my friends and