My heart pounded against my chest with an increased acceleration. All eyes turned towards me, making me develop clammy hands.
"You know each other?" Father asked.
We answered in unison, with me saying no, while he said yes.
"We met after the wedding." The man said.
My heart jumped to my mouth, fearing if he’d mention the ugly incident at the tavern. I looked at him with pleading eyes, begging him not to mention it. I was sure he only hated me and wanted to use this opportunity to spite me.
"We met at the market." He blurted out.
I heaved a sigh of relief as my anxiety died down.
"I see. Triton knows my daughter." Reynolds chuckled. "Maria, why don’t you return and join us at the table."
"I’d rather not. I feel tired." I said in a shaky voice.
"Come on dear," Mother urged me.
I took a few steps forward until I got to the table and settled in my seat. The maid brought in another meal for me. I stared at the plate, wishing for the ground to swallow me. Nervousness was an understatement to what I was feeling.
Fortunately for me, Triton didn’t bring up any topic about me. He only discussed pack politics with my father and the other men at the table. I fixed my gaze on my plate, fearing that if I lift my face, he may shift the topic to me.
I noticed that he stole glances at me and stared at me for long periods, even while talking with my father. I wondered why he was doing that. Was there something awful on my face? I stared at my reflection in the steel bowl and it looked normal.
"You and my daughter should consider meeting again." Reynolds suggested. I shot my father a hard glare. Even though he had expressed sympathy and regret when I recovered, I knew he was still a hardened man, engaged in pack politics and would still try to marry off his daughter for alliance.
I gritted my teeth and stared at him. For a moment, I had thought he had changed, but here he was, trying to hook me with an alpha from a neighbouring pack.
"That’s not necessary," I chuckled nervously.
"I’m interested in it." Triton said with a smile. "If only the lady is willing, we could meet privately right now."
A deep sense of horror sank into me. He had played with words and now the whole table stared at me, obviously waiting for my reply.
"You should go with him." My mother urged.
"You should." Reynolds added.
As if that wasn’t enough, Triton stood up from his seat, stretching his hand towards me. "Shall we,"
I stared at his outstretched hand and felt my insides twist. I couldn’t possibly say no, not with everyone watching. This could be a good chance to reject him in private.
"Of course." I muttered, placing my palm in his. He smiled and led me out of the dining hall.
We walked towards the garden where we were out of sight of everyone.
I wanted to accept his rejection, but found it hard to form the right words. Before I could say anything, he hugged me tightly, sending me into a bewildered state.
"I thought I’d never find you," He smiled as we disentangled from the embrace. "My mate," he muttered in a soft voice.
"What? You rejected me." I snapped, unable to understand his sudden show of affection.
"I know and that was a mistake." He ran his hand through his shinny hair. "I combed through the entire pack looking for you. Where were you? What happened?" He asked, holding my hand.
I slipped my hand away from his and folded it across my chest. His voice was charming, and his looks too. The way he effortlessly made me fall for his apology drew me to him.
"You don’t hate me?" I asked in a low tone.
"I don’t. It’s just that I wasn’t ready to have a mate yet." He sighed and held my hand once again. "Forgive me Maria and let’s start afresh."
He looked into my eyes, hoping for a positive answer. I stared into his grey eyes, hoping that I could see if he was speaking the truth. Did he really want me back? Or was this another plan to break me?
"Please. Give me a second chance." He begged.
I opened my mouth to say something, but the words refused to form. I was torn between his apology and my abilities which I wanted badly. Here he was in front of me and I could accept his rejection and part ways.
"Please," He begged one more time.
I looked away from his eyes which seemed to be urging me to accept his apology. I had never experienced love and a man was offering it to me.
"I promise that if you give me a second chance, I will make things work." He continued pleading, holding my hand even tighter. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by NovєlFіre.net
I pulled my hand away from his and looked towards the ground.
"Repeat the words you said to me when you rejected me?"
"What? That isn’t necessary." He said, looking surprised.
He hesitated for a while, then cleared his throat. "I reject you as my mate."
"And I, Maria of Veilwood pack, accept your rejection."
His eyes widened and he clutched his chest. "Why would you do that?" He stammered as he spoke in a laboured manner.
My head began to spin from the impact of the rejection. I moved around in circles, grabbing my chest with both hands. The pain surged through my entire body, leaving me no moment to catch my breath.
The surroundings around me began to blur. I heard Triton saying something incomprehensible. I barely had time to analyze his words. My knees grew weak, and I collapsed to the ground.
The last thing I felt were bulky hands holding me.