Rejected by The Alpha, Claimed by Faith

Chapter 6

Lily’s POV

The next two weeks pass in a blur of arrangements and goodbyes. I finish my current coursework, submit applications for remote learning, and pack up my dorm room. Zara helps me, though she's not happy about my decision.

"You're walking back into a lion's den," she says, shoving my textbooks into a box. "You know that, right?"

"I don't have a choice. It's this or drop out."

"There are other packs, Lily. Other opportunities."

"Not ones that will let me finish my medical degree in six months." I fold another shirt. "Besides, Luna Catherine promised I'd be working directly with Dr. Frost. I can avoid most of the pack drama."

Zara gives me a look that says she doesn't believe that for a second. Neither do I, honestly.

On my last night, Kieran texts me: Found a few scholarship options. Want to meet for coffee?

We meet at the same coffee shop where we first talked. This time, Kieran has a folder full of printed information about alternative medical scholarships and grants.

"Most of these have deadlines in the next few months," he explains, spreading them across the table. "If you apply to all of them, you'll probably get at least one or two. Might not cover everything, but it could give you options beyond the pack job."

I stare at the papers, overwhelmed by his kindness. "Why are you helping me? You barely know me."

Kieran shrugs, but his amber eyes are serious. "Let's just say I know what it's like to be underestimated and undervalued by your pack. I got out, started over. Made my own way. I see that same strength in you, Lily. You deserve people in your corner."

"Thank you," I say quietly. "Really. This means more than you know."

"Hey, what are friends for?" He grins. "Besides, I have a confession. I'm actually going to be in your area for the next few months. My pack is forming an alliance with a few territories near Riverside. I'll be around for negotiations."

My heart does a strange little flip. "So I'll see you again?"

"If you want to." His smile turns softer. "I'd like that. If you're comfortable with it."

I find myself smiling back. "I'd like that too."

We exchange numbers again—his personal cell this time, not just the temporary one he'd been using. As I drive away from campus the next morning, his words echo in my mind: "You deserve people in your corner."

Maybe I do. Maybe I've forgotten that over the years.

The drive to Riverside Pack territory feels different this time. I'm not coming back as the invisible sister or the rejected mate. I'm coming back as Dr. Frost's assistant. As someone with a purpose beyond surviving.

At least, that's what I tell myself.

Luna Catherine meets me at the pack hospital herself, which surprises me. She's dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, her dark silver-streaked hair pulled back in a simple ponytail. She looks more approachable than I've ever seen her.

"Lily, welcome." Her smile is warm and genuine. "Let me show you to your quarters first, then we'll tour the hospital."

She leads me away from the main hospital building to a small cottage tucked into the trees at the edge of the medical complex. It's charming—one bedroom, a tiny kitchen, a bathroom, and a living area with a fireplace.

"This was originally built for visiting medical specialists," Luna Catherine explains. "But it's been empty for months. It's yours for as long as you need it."

"It's perfect," I say honestly. The cottage is far enough from the main pack areas that I won't have to see people constantly, but close enough to the hospital that I can work easily.

"I'm glad you think so." She hands me a key. "Now, there's something we need to discuss before you officially start."

My stomach tightens. "What?"

"Marcus doesn't know you're here. I didn't tell him you were taking the position."

"Won't he find out immediately?"

"The hospital is technically separate from pack administration. He doesn't involve himself in medical staffing decisions." She meets my eyes. "But eventually, yes, he'll find out. I wanted to give you time to settle in first. To establish yourself before dealing with that particular complication."

"Does he..." I swallow hard. "Does he ask about me?"

Luna Catherine's expression turns sad. "Marcus isn't doing well, Lily. The rejection bond affected him more than he expected. He's throwing himself into alpha training, working eighteen-hour days, avoiding everyone. His father is concerned."

I tell myself I don't care. That his pain isn't my problem. But there's a small, traitorous part of me that aches at the thought of him hurting.

"That's not my responsibility," I say firmly.

"No, it's not," Luna Catherine agrees. "But I thought you should know. Now, come on. Let me introduce you to your new workplace."

The pack hospital is state-of-the-art, much larger than I remembered. Three floors, multiple wings, equipment that rivals human hospitals. Dr. Frost's office is on the second floor, overlooking the forest.

"Lily!" Dr. Frost embraces me when we walk in. "I'm so glad you accepted the position. I've been drowning in paperwork and desperately need competent help."

We spend the rest of the day going over my responsibilities. I'll be assisting with patient care, managing medical records, helping with minor procedures, and doing rounds. It's exactly the kind of hands-on experience I need for my degree.

By the time I return to my cottage that evening, I'm exhausted but satisfied. This might actually work.

I'm unpacking boxes when Rose suddenly goes on alert in my mind.

"Someone's coming," she warns.

A knock sounds at my door. I freeze, heart pounding. Through the window, I can see a familiar tall figure.

Marcus.