Rejected by the Alpha, Chosen by the King

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I managed to get up despite the tangible jealousy radiating through me. I walked down the hallway, hoping to intercept my mate in his father's office, Alpha Alec's office.

Everything had been a whirlwind between his birthday and when we took charge of the pack shortly after. We barely had a chance to see each other. I knew that seeing him, feeling his touch, would shake this crazy feeling that took root and flooded me like burning embers. I had felt this before, but it usually wasn't related to jealousy; sometimes it was linked to stress when Ronan was away.

Finally, it clicked where I had heard about Oaklands Valley. Ronan had given a lecture there a month ago, for a pack whose name I didn't remember, or maybe he didn't tell me. I really needed to improve my memory for all these things.

I turned the corner in front of the dark wooden door of his father's office, which would soon be Ronan's. A muffled sound came from the other side of the door, a growl, and then a loud moan, followed by some muffled sounds as if they were covered. I could feel myself blushing.

Alpha Alec and Luna Mary weren't too affectionate, but they were mates, so what I heard was natural. I turned as quietly as I could to give them privacy.

"Ronan, Ronan," the soft moan came again before being replaced by a choked gasp. I froze in place. Every cell in my body felt charged. I swallowed as a cold gleam washed over me. I must have misheard, I thought. I must have misheard. I opened the door a little, just to confirm that nothing was happening. But Ronan stood in front of me, with his back to the door. I knew every inch of his body, the way his muscles contracted and tensed when he was, when he was, buried inside me. Long, golden legs still clinging to the black stiletto heels wrapped around his lower back.

"f**k," he growled.

I knew that meant he was close.

He was close to finishing inside Callista.

I had no idea what to do. Part of me wanted to run and scream, but I couldn't move. Would it be better or worse to catch them in the act? I wanted to hear their explanation, of how they could do this to me. I wanted them to feel guilt to help lessen my anger. I wanted them to feel remorse to calm my betrayal. I wanted an explanation to shake off the shock and pain. Before I could decide, he turned around to pull up his pants and saw me.

They both did.

He froze and said my name, while she gave me a lazy smile.

And I ran.

"Seraphina, damn it, Seraphina!"

He chased me as I closed the door behind us, our bedroom door, and I crawled under the sheets.

"Seraphina!" He slammed the door open as my tears fell. I couldn't think, I couldn't process, I could only feel. And everything I felt was wrong. The bed sank as he sat beside me and placed a hand on my back.

"I-I," he began, "I don't know what to say."

I waited for him to continue, as much as I wanted to scream and shout, I also wanted him to beg for my forgiveness. I needed his explanation to make it right. The heavy warmth of his hand left me completely after a few moments of silence.

"I'll talk to you when you calm down."

He sighed, and I felt the bed move again. Was he going to leave? Was he really going to leave?

The sound of the door closing was my answer. The hole in my chest opened wider, and I couldn't breathe. But he didn't come back. I don't know when I fell asleep, but when I woke up, he was by my side in bed. I felt a wave of relief, but I wasn't sure why. I simply curled up against the back of his broad back and let his strong warmth take me back into the abyss. He got up before me, the dull ache in my chest threatening to open again. But he came back. For me. I jumped into the shower and combed my hair, my light green eyes looking even brighter compared to how bloodshot they were. I grimaced at my reflection; I couldn't hide what had happened.

I followed the sounds of muffled chatter to the breakfast room. I stopped at the door, and my stomach dropped. I pushed past the open door, hoping no one would notice me.

"Seraphina, sweetheart?"

I came to a sudden stop, trying to loosen my clenched fists. Luna Mary and Callista looked relaxed, just the two of them sitting down for breakfast.

"I'm sorry, I can't join you," I forced a smile, hoping it would appear genuine, "I have-"

"Oh, your appointment, yes," Luna Mary smiled at me. "Oh, I actually forgot you had that doctor's appointment."

I nodded and turned away without sparing a glance at Callista; I knew she would be my downfall. Anger surged through me, the audacity of her sitting here after what she did with my partner. I couldn't focus on anything but my rage.

Two large hands enveloped me, momentarily stunning me before their familiar scent surrounded me.

"Come here," he led me to an empty room. I couldn't stop trembling, hot tears welled up in my eyes.

"Why?" I demanded before he could speak. I shook my head, and the tears ran down my face. I didn't wipe them away; I wanted him to see what he had done.

"I, um," he rubbed the back of his neck, rarely at a loss for words. "It shouldn't have happened like that. I shouldn't have done it. I'm so sorry, you don't deserve it." He pinned me in place with his chocolate-colored eyes. My stomach turned despite myself.

"I want her to leave," I demanded.

"Seraphina," he breathed, "I can't."

"You can, she can come to your party, but she's not allowed to stay here," Luna's voice came together, which she had been practicing.

"Alright," he lowered his head before bringing his mouth to mine. His kiss was reserved but hungry, and it drew me towards him. I became breathless, but I was enveloped in the sparks and warmth of the bond between partners. I felt safe in his arms. I couldn't remember the last time he kissed me like that, except for when we were intimate. He pulled away, and I placed a hand on my swollen lips, the lingering effect it had on me made me dizzy.

"Now what?" I breathed.

He ran a hand through his dark hair.

"I'm sorry, I don't even know. All of this, everything that's happening, I guess I don't feel like myself." That wasn't really an explanation, but I wanted to believe him.

"Seraphina, your appointment is about to start."

The doctor's voice came to my mind through the mental link.

"I have to go," I paused, studying him, "We can talk later."

He nodded, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear, and I melted at his touch. "I'm sorry, that wasn't fair to you," he whispered, and I nodded, fighting back tears.

"I forgive you," the words felt wrong coming out. I didn't know if he even asked for my forgiveness, I wanted more subservience but didn't want to lose him. He was the love of my life, the one who was meant for me. What happened with Callista was just a mistake we would overcome. It would make us stronger and our mutual love more intense. I could deal with the pain, there was no alternative.

"Well, Luna," the middle-aged doctor who always seemed bubbly and full of energy sat in front of her desk, "Um, Seraphina, I'm sorry." She smiled at me. I loved the title, it sent pride coursing through me. To help protect the pack I loved, the one I grew up with alongside the man I always loved but never thought I could have.

"It's okay, Dr. Anne," I smiled back, "I'll have to get used to it soon."

"Very soon," she nodded, her eyes shining before she glanced at my charts, studying them. Her eyes widened a bit before the smile returned to her face, "Very soon they'll call you something else."

My eyebrows furrowed.

"What?"