Rejected By My Mate, Chosen By Fate
Chapter 36

Special Chapter: Kayden’s POV

I felt tense, my knuckles turning white as I held on to the chair I was sitting with all my might. I almost couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Evelyn had accused Alpha Turner of poisoning Richard’s drink. Somehow, I was confident she would try to stop my mating ceremony and I’m happy she’s giving it some effort but this accusation was totally way off.

I wanted to believe it was false, that she was just making things up so that the mating wouldn’t take place but something deep down told me she was telling the truth and urged me to believe her.

I shook my head a bit, trying to dispel the heavy feeling that was beginning to way in my heart.

“Silence.” Richard demanded and everywhere went quiet once more. The noise that had taken over the banquet hall dying down instantly.

“Poisoned? This mute girl is standing here and accusing me of trying to poison you and you’re letting her? I’ve never felt so insulted in my life. I never would have come here if I knew I would be accused of such a vile thing. You can’t possibly believe her. I’m the Alpha of the Prime Wood Pack and your brother is taking my daughter as his mate today so why would I do such a thing while knowing that it would cause so much pandemonium and ruin my daughter’s mating ceremony? Do you really think I would want to poison you, Alpha Richard?” I heard Alpha Turner questioned hotly and I sighed, willing myself to step in and at least defend her but still not finding the courage to. I was having mixed feelings about everything.

Why would Alpha Turner even want to poison my brother when he knew very well that this was a public event so he wouldn’t be able to go scot free? And aside from that, I’m taking his daughter as my mate today so why would he do something like that knowing very well that it could ruin his daughter’s happiness?

And if that wasn’t even a factor, what about the fact that Richard had been doing everything to please him and Margallo thus far, even going as far as requesting me to give up my wishes and desires and spend the rest of my life with a woman I couldn’t even stand for thirty minutes?

Weighing the odds, I reasoned that it was impossible for the wine to actually be poisoned. Alpha Turner had brought the wine himself and served Richard a glass, claiming it was a special type of wine since it had been vinified from the grapes from his own vineyard.

He said he only drank it on special occasions and thus, on the occasion of his daughter’s mating, he was going to share a toast with Richard. Thinking about this, I knew the wine couldn’t actually be poisoned because if it was and anything happened to Richard, everyone would instantly know he was responsible and I for one, would make sure he got the punishment he deserved.

The thought of the possibility of the wine actually being poisoned made me feel tense and Neko, my wolf, pressured me to speak out my thoughts but I hushed him.

Accusing Alpha Turner without any proof would be an insult to him but Neko’s last words to me leave me on edge.

“You’re being a coward Kayden. I can’t believe that you’re sitting on your hands and not doing anything despite knowing that there’s actually a possibility that the wine might be poisoned.

Alpha Turner has not done anything special that would make him free of suspicion and even if you don’t consider that, think about Evelyn. What reason could she possibly have to tell such a big lie despite knowing that there would be consequences? She has never lied to us once so what reason would she have to lie about this?” Neko attacked and I sighed, somehow not having the strength to take offense.

“Neko, please be silent. I know that we have no reason to doubt Evelyn but I also have no reason to doubt Alpha Turner at all. I’m sure this is probably all just a misunderstanding on her side.

I’ve finally decided to give up my happiness for the good of the pack and this feels like the worst day of my life so please don’t make it worse by plaguing me with unnecessary worry.

Accusing Alpha Turner without reason could cause problems and I really want to avoid that.” I say and take a deep breath, rubbing my temple tiredly. The fact that this event is even taking place is really weighing on me.

I can’t tell if that’s really the reason but one thing’s for sure, I’ve not been feeling like myself all morning. I’ve had this constant negative feeling and Richard managed to talk my mind out of it, attributing it to just the anxiety that prospective males have on the day they’re finally going to mate.

“I’ll be silent for now but when my words prove to be true, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Only you can be blamed for whatever happens from here on out because you had the ability to stop it but you chose to stay back and keep quiet.” Neko said and laid low, resting.

Though he had finally stopped pestering me, his words became more of a disturbance than he ever actually was. Richard’s voice thankfully managed to pull my mind out of my frightening string of thoughts.

“No Alpha Turner, of course not. I would never think such of you. I sincerely apologise for Evelyn’s behavior, please forgive her and do not feel offended. Forgive her for the sake of the relationship that is about to be formed between our families and our packs.”

It was beginning to feel like Richard was begging for the relationship to be formed and I wondered why. If anyone was supposed to do the cajoling, it was Margallo and her father. After all, I’m the one who had every reason to reject her but didn’t.

“No daddy, I won’t allow this. I won’t allow some low life girl to get away with insulting my dear father. How could she accuse you of such a thing? Alpha Richard, with all due respect, I cannot become part of a family that doesn’t respect me or my father. Asking for forgiveness for her mistake just isn’t enough, you have to prove to us that you have complete faith in us or else, I’m sorry but this mating ceremony can’t take place otherwise.” Margallo said, and what followed next was predictable, tears.

I sighed, wondering how in the world I was actually going to live with someone like her.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see Evelyn shaking her head frantically and almost pleadingly. It felt like she was begging everyone to believe her and it was more shocking to notice that she had tears in her eyes. A small pain instantly struck my heart when I saw her like this. The jolt to my heart instantly makes the fact clear that goddess Selene did make a mistake this time, Evelyn is my true mate. She’s my soulmate and I’ll be bound to her for life no matter what.

“Yes, I totally agree with Margo, you should honour our toast by drinking the wine. If you do that, you’ll prove to me that you have complete trust in me and this relationship that’s about to be formed.” Alpha Turner said and I made to stand up so I could protest in Evelyn’s favour but Margallo stopped me by grabbing a hold of my hand and keeping me protectively on my seat.

“Don’t.” She said monotonously. “What?” I questioned, not understanding what she meant at first.

“Don’t interfere. This is a matter between Alphas so let them resolve it. This lowlife girl accused my father of something so heinous and she’ll be lucky if she gets away with just life in prison.” Margallo said and a sudden bitterness rushed through my throat, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

“Of course, Alpha Turner. I trust you completely and thus, I’ll honour our toast.” Richard said with a smile and brought the glass to his lips but my sister in-law, Elsie stopped him this time, earning me a sigh of relief.

“Richard, wait a bit, at least try to listen to what Evelyn has to say. She would never lie about something like this or play games with us. If she thinks the wine is poisoned then she must have a reason, I’m sure.” Elsie said, frantically.

“Elsie please calm down, worrying will only worsen your health. I’m sure the wine isn’t poisoned and Evelyn must have just misunderstood. A new relationship is about to be formed today so it’ll be better if we can at least establish some trust. Alpha Turner is on our side.” Alpha Richard tried to convince Elsie who still seemed pensive, and for good reason as well.

“Yes Luna Elsie, I’m completely appalled that you’re choosing to believe this obviously misled girl over me. Listen to the Alpha and disregard her words so we can quickly have this toast and go straight to Margallo’s mating ceremony. When the two youngsters are enjoying their first night together, then we can get back to this little wolf and decide the best punishment for her.” Alpha Turner said and I growled under my breath. How dare he speak about Evelyn in that way? And in that tone of voice? If he tries anything, I swear I’ll teach him a good lesson even if he becomes my father in-law.

“Very well, let’s get back to things. By drinking to seal this new bond between our families.” Richard said and in an instant, Evelyn took everyone by surprise with her next action.

As quick as she could manage, she reached for Richard and did the unexpected, stopping him from drinking the glass of wine and snatching the glass towards her lips and gulping down as much as she could.

A sigh of relief washed over me when she smiled, probably enjoying the taste of the wine but my joy was short lived when the glass fell down, breaking into pieces and spilling the rest of the wine on the floor. Evelyn’s hand came to her chest as her face contorted in a mask of pain.

What followed were gasps from the crowd and murmuring.

“Evelyn!!!” Elsie and Ana called in fright while I swooped into action. Rushing out of the formal banquet table to where she stood. Arriving just in time to catch her as she lost her balance, falling limp against my arms.

“Evelyn? Evelyn, can you hear me? Evelyn!!” I called, my heart in my throat as I held her tightly to myself, my eyes never leaving her face. Richard, Elsie and Ana rushed to where I squatted with Evelyn in my arms.

Her eyes were barely open and her breathing seemed to have slowed down considerably. I could still feel her heart beating frantically against her chest, her mouth opened a bit, seeming as if she was about to say something but instead of words, something else came out.

She vomited b***d! Dark red b***d that unleashed cold chills over all of us.

Elsie had already begun sobbing but at the sight of Evelyn’s condition, she looked away. Richard took her in his embrace, trying to calm her down. She sobbed into his chest, not being able to bear the scene. Ana was crying as well, her heart must be shattered to see her daughter in this state.

My heart was ragging in my chest as I grabbed hold of Evelyn’s right hand and began rubbing on it relentlessly, my fears increasing as I felt her pulse quickly begin disappearing and her heart rate slowing down.

“What are you all waiting for? Someone call a doctor, quick!” I hollered like a madman as tears clouded my vision. I couldn’t lose her, not today, not ever.

“Evelyn please don’t close your eyes, keep your eyes open for me, please.” I pleaded, tears cascading down my cheeks.

I didn’t care about what anyone else would think of my actions. I’m going to save the love of my life no matter what.

The edge of her lips curled in a small content smile as her eyes finally closed and total dread washed over me.

“Where’s the doctor?” Richard yelled and a woman finally came forward.

“Where the hell have you been? Can’t you see what’s going on? Attend to her immediately and make sure nothing happens to her.” Richard instructed raggedly and the doctor nodded frantically, obviously afraid due to how angry Richard was.

“I need to get my kit, meanwhile please take her to a room.” The doctor instructed and I didn’t waste time in carrying out her instructions.

I took Evelyn in my arms, bridal style and rushed towards the next available room with a bed. Her body was starting to feel cooler as her pulse continued to weaken but thankfully, her heartbeat was still present. It was weak but I could still feel it and it was the only thing that gave me strength in such a devastating time.

Nothing could happen to her, nothing could happen to my Evelyn. I would never allow it. I would give up my life if I had to but nothing could happen to her. I love her too much.