Rejected by My Alpha Mate: A Fated Mates Wolf Shifter Paranormal Romance

By Debbie Maxwell

Destiny has a way of breaking you before it builds you back up.

On the night of my shifting ceremony, I thought I'd finally belong. Instead, I was left humiliated.

I didn't shift, and my pack branded me an outcast. My parents turned their backs on me. My pack bullied me, tore me down, and called

• Language: English
• Publisher: Indy Pub
• Release date: Jan 14, 2025
• ISBN: 9798348406066

Book preview

One

Chapter 1

Ivy

Tonight is the night, I whispered to myself, looking at the mirror in my room. My reflection was the same as it had always been, yet something felt different. I didn’t feel any pain, any strange signs like I’d heard about. It was quiet in my mind, like any other day.

I could hear my mom’s footsteps approaching before she knocked and came in. She looked radiant, beaming with pride.

Are you ready, Ivy? Her voice was soft, but I could hear the excitement beneath.

As ready as I’ll ever be, I guess, I tried to laugh, but it sounded strange. Are you sure it’ll happen tonight? I mean, I feel nothing. No aches, no warning signs. Nothing.

She chuckled and took my hand, squeezing it lightly. Your dad was the same way. He didn’t feel a thing until the moment it happened. Trust me, Ivy, it’ll come when it’s time.

But… what if I’m different? I keep hearing how painful it’s supposed to be. How am I supposed to know when it’s real?

Mom’s eyes softened, and she reached up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. Different doesn’t mean it won’t happen. You are unique, Ivy. Maybe the pain isn’t your path.

Dad’s voice boomed from the hallway, breaking the moment. Ivy! Come on, or we’ll be late! He poked his head around the door, grinning widely.

Dad! I laughed, rolling my eyes. I’m coming!

He looked at me with a mix of pride and excitement. It’s not every day my little girl becomes a wolf. Tonight, you’re going to amaze everyone.

I took a deep breath, feeling a flutter of nerves. Hopefully. I really want this to go right."

You don’t have to worry, Ivy. Tonight is about you and your wolf. Mom squeezed my shoulder before letting me go.

As we walked down the hallway together, my parents flanked me like guards, both beaming. So, Ivy, any thoughts on what color your wolf will be? Dad asked, his eyes twinkling.

I don’t know. Kind of hope for silver, maybe a bit of white. I glanced at Mom, grinning. Like you.

Mom laughed, shaking her head. You’re one of a kind. No matter what color, your wolf will be beautiful.

I felt a rush of warmth at her words. I just don’t want to let anyone down. Everyone has been so supportive, and… what if it doesn’t happen?

Dad’s laugh echoed down the hall. Not possible! You’re Ivy White! The Dark Spring Pack’s pride and joy! They’re waiting for you, Ivy, cheering you on already. You just have to believe.

I bit my lip. But everyone makes it sound like this big, mystical thing, and I feel… normal. Shouldn’t I feel something?

Mom looked at me, a gentle smile on her lips. Sometimes, the most special moments come quietly. Just let it happen when it’s ready.

* * *

We stepped outside into the night air. The moon was full, casting a soft glow across the pack house. The hall beyond was buzzing with pack members, all gathered in anticipation. Whispers spread as they saw us coming, eyes filled with warmth and excitement.

Look, there she is!

Our Ivy!

I could feel my cheeks heating. It was surreal, having everyone here watching and waiting just for me. Dad’s hand rested on my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

You’re ready, he murmured.

Mom leaned down, her voice low. Just remember, whatever happens tonight, we’re here. This is your moment, Ivy.

I glanced out over the crowd, taking in their smiles and encouraging nods. But even as they looked at me with pride, doubt gnawed at the back of my mind. What if nothing happened?

Two

Chapter 2

Ivy

The hall filled up tonight. Everyone seated, calm and quiet, yet buzzing with energy. My classmates, already settled, waved and grinned at me, giving brief nods of encouragement from across the room. They’d all shifted already, each one going through this rite of passage with the strength and grace our pack was known for. Now, it was my turn.

Alpha Johnson stood tall at the front, his expression firm but proud. He raised his hand, and the entire room went silent.

Welcome, friends, family, and honored guests, he began, his deep voice filling the room. Tonight, we gather for Ivy White’s shifting ceremony. He looked at me with a nod, and I tried to return it, though my heart was pounding.

I took a deep breath, glancing around as Alpha Johnson continued speaking. Several neighboring packs had gathered for the event. I noticed their alphas and lunas, some with their children, all watching. Among them, one boy stood out. He wore a dark green shirt that fit snugly against his shoulders and jeans that looked well-worn but clean. His hair was dark, almost black, and his eyes—clear blue—met mine across the room. I felt a jolt, but my mind quickly snapped back.

This isn’t the time, Ivy, I reminded myself. Tonight is about the shift.

As soon as Alpha finished introducing the guests, he raised his hand again. Let’s move to the garden for Ivy’s first shift.

* * *

Everyone rose, and we began walking outside. My parents were beside me, and I could feel the pride radiating from them as they led me toward the extensive garden at the back of the pack house. The garden was beautiful, lined with flowers and a circle of trees. In the center, a wolf-skin rug lay waiting. My heart raced as we approached it.

Alpha Johnson gestured to the rug and called out, Tonight, we witness Ivy White’s first shift. Let’s welcome her!

A cheer erupted from the crowd, and I felt my face heating. Mom leaned close, her hand on my shoulder. You’ve got this, Ivy. We’re all here with you.

Dad gave me a reassuring nod. Just breathe, sweetheart. Let it come naturally.

I nodded, feeling a wave of warmth from their support. I stepped forward and lowered myself onto the rug, crossing my legs and wrapping my arms around myself. The garden was silent now, all eyes on me, each person waiting.

Minutes passed, and I tried to focus on the energy around me, willing my wolf to come forward. I closed my eyes, listening to the quiet murmurs from the crowd.

She’s ready, someone whispered, and I felt a rush of pride.

An hour passed, and I opened my eyes. The crowd was still there, but whispers start turning into murmurs. My heart skipped. Why hasn’t anything happened?

Another minute, then another.

Then I heard it—a voice from the crowd. Sharp, cutting. She isn’t shifting. Why isn’t she shifting?

Another voice chimed in, doubtful. Is she really one of us?

The whispers turned louder, each one sinking into me, heavy and cold.

Maybe she’s just… human, someone muttered.

A pit opened in my stomach, twisting as the voices grew sharper.

Outcast! a voice yelled.

Forbidden! another sneered.

I felt something wet hit my cheek. Spit. I flinched, shrinking into myself as more whispers turned into jeers. I looked around, desperately searching for a familiar face, for someone to help, but their expressions were cold, distant.

She’s not one of us.

She doesn’t belong here.

No, this can’t be happening, I thought, swallowing the lump in my throat. I’m Ivy White. I’m supposed to be the pride of the Dark Spring Pack. But… why won’t my wolf come?

The weight of their words crushed down on me, and I closed my eyes, tears slipping down my cheeks. I was alone. The pride and joy of the Dark Spring Pack reduced to nothing, abandoned in the center of the crowd.

What’s wrong with me? I thought, my mind spiraling. Everyone shifts at sixteen. Where’s my wolf? Am I really… just human?

Three

Chapter 3

Ivy

I stumbled through the hall, each step heavy, my legs like lead. Everything was spinning, a dull ache pulsing inside me. My head hung low, and the whispers and sneers from earlier still echoed. Outcast, Forbidden, Human.

When I reached my room, I saw a small white slip of paper lying on the floor just outside the door. I bent down, my fingers trembling as I picked it up. The words hit like a punch to the gut.

You aren’t allowed to enter. Move to the basement where you belong.

I staggered back, my breath catching in my throat. My room—my space—taken away. I felt my knees buckle, and before I knew it, I was on the floor, hugging myself as the tears came in waves.

I don’t know how long I sat there, curled up in a tight ball, wishing everything would just disappear. But finally, somehow, I found enough strength to stand. I wiped my face and turned towards the basement door, the cold, unwelcoming door.

The basement smelled musty as I stepped down the stairs, dust rising with each step. The walls felt close, the air heavy. I shivered, hugging myself tighter.

Once I got down, I headed straight for the washroom. At least the water was clean. I turned on the faucet and splashed water over my face, trying to wash away the pain, the shame, the feeling of being banished. But the ache wouldn’t leave.

I took a deep breath, looked in the mirror. My face was pale, eyes red and swollen. My hands shook as I patted my face dry.

Come on, Ivy, I whispered to myself. Just… just get through this.

I walked out of the washroom and made my way to the bedroom. It was bare, everything coated in a thin layer of dust. I looked around, feeling lost, feeling hollow. I reached for the wardrobe, hoping maybe some of my things were moved here.

My designer clothes—all gone. Instead, there were a few pieces, old and worn, torn in places. I felt my throat tighten as I pulled out a pair of jeans that looked like they’d been used and discarded years ago.

I slipped them on, trying to ignore the scratchiness of the fabric. I pulled a thin, faded shirt over my head, the fabric rough against my skin. So this is what I’m left with.

I dusted off the bed, watching the tiny clouds of dust rise and settle again. I sank down onto the mattress, feeling every spring, every creak. I pulled my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms around them.

My stomach growled, a sharp twist of hunger cutting through me. I hadn’t eaten since the ceremony. I got up, slowly making my way to the kitchen, hoping I’d find something. But when I tried the door, it wouldn’t budge. Locked.

I moved to the fridge, pressing my fingers against the cool metal handle. Locked too.

I sighed, my heart sinking, but then I spotted a small bag of chips on the counter. Stale, half-empty, crumbs scattered around it. I grabbed it, stuffing a handful into my mouth, swallowing the dryness. There was a half-empty bottle of water next to it. I took a long sip, feeling the lukewarm liquid soothe my throat.

When the chips were gone, I tossed the empty bag into the trash and walked back to the room, the ache in my stomach barely dulled.

I glanced around, spotting my old school books on the shelf. Not my new ones—the ones I’d been excited to use. Just the old ones, worn and scribbled in. I picked them up, stacking them on my desk.

School… tomorrow. The thought felt strange, almost laughable. I was supposed to go to school, see my friends, act like nothing had changed? I sank down on the bed, the springs groaning beneath me.

I laid there, the night pressing in around me, thoughts swirling, tears drying on my face.

Four

Chapter 4

Ivy

I woke up gasping, my heart pounding like it might break through my chest. I could feel the sweat running down my face, my body shivering. That dream… it was too real.

I remembered the darkness, the way I was running through the woods, feeling completely alone.