Xander's Rejected Luna

Sidelined

Xander's POV

The guard’s words about rogues and Lucas’s scouts lingered in my mind, a storm brewing at the edges of my thoughts, but Jasmine’s faint groan pulled me back to her. I froze, leaning over her, watching her eyelids flutter like fragile moth wings. Her breath hitched, and I held mine, willing her to wake, to show me those fierce brown eyes again. But she didn’t stir further, her body still limp under the furs, the bruise on her cheek a stark accusation against my failure to protect her. My fists clenched, knuckles whitening, as I fought the urge to tear through the palace and deal with Brenda right then. Damien, my demon side, roared for blood, while Volt paced, demanding justice for our mate. I needed answers, and I needed them now.

I straightened, turning to the guard still hovering by the door. “Tell Lias to handle the border situation for now. I want Brenda in my quarters, immediately.” My voice came out like gravel, sharp and unyielding. The guard nodded, his boots clicking as he hurried out, and I paced the room, my boots thudding against the stone floor. The fire in the hearth cast flickering shadows, mirroring the chaos in my chest. Jasmine was my mate, the one I’d thought impossible, and now she lay here, broken by someone under my own roof. Brenda had crossed a line, and I’d make damn sure she understood the consequences.

The door creaked open minutes later, and Brenda sauntered in, her auburn hair loose and swaying, her green eyes glinting with a confidence that set my teeth on edge. She wore a fitted tunic that hugged her curves, clearly chosen to draw attention, and her lips curved into a smile that felt like a challenge. Before I could speak, she rushed forward, throwing her arms around my neck, her body pressing against mine. “Welcome back, baby,” she purred, and then her lips were on mine, bold and uninvited, tasting of mint and ambition.

Shock hit me first, then rage. I grabbed her shoulders, shoving her back with enough force to make her stumble, her heels scraping the floor. “What the hell is your problem?” I snarled, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, as if I could erase her touch. My voice shook with barely contained fury, Damien clawing at my control, ready to rip her apart. “You slapped my Luna? And who the hell told you to do that?” I gestured to my lips, my chest heaving. “You’re my beta’s sister, Brenda. Nothing more. Don’t you dare push yourself on me like that.”

Her smile faltered, but she recovered quickly, tossing her hair and crossing her arms, her posture defiant. “Your Luna?” she scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “That pathetic girl? She’s nothing, Xander. A reject who stumbled into our kingdom and tripped over her own feet. I was doing us all a favor, teaching her her place.”

I stepped closer, towering over her, letting my eyes flash red just enough to make her flinch. “Her place is at my side,” I said, each word deliberate, cutting. “She’s my mate, Brenda, chosen by the bond. You laid hands on her, and now she’s unconscious because of your jealousy. Pray she wakes soon, because if she doesn’t, your head will be on a platter, and I’ll serve it up myself.”

Brenda’s eyes widened, a flicker of fear breaking through her bravado, but she lifted her chin, refusing to back down completely. “You’re making a mistake, Xander. She’s weak, a liability. I’ve been here, loyal to you, to your kingdom. I’m the one who deserves—”

“Get out!” I roared, pointing to the door, my voice echoing off the walls. My claws extended involuntarily, scraping the air, and she took a step back, her lips parting in shock. I didn’t care about her excuses, her delusions of grandeur. She’d hurt Jasmine, and that was unforgivable. “Don’t make me say it again.”

She hesitated, her hands clenching into fists, then spun on her heel, her hair whipping as she stormed out. The door slammed behind her, and I exhaled, my shoulders sagging as the adrenaline ebbed. I turned back to Jasmine, my anger cooling into a heavy ache as I looked at her still form. Her chest rose and fell steadily now, a small relief, but the bruise on her cheek seemed darker, a silent rebuke. I sank onto the bed beside her, taking her hand, her fingers delicate and cold in mine. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, my thumb tracing circles over her knuckles. “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

My thoughts churned, replaying Brenda’s audacity, her kiss a calculated move to stake a claim she had no right to. I’d known she was ambitious, always hovering too close, but this was a new low. Her father was a respected beta, and her brother one of my trusted warriors, but that wouldn’t shield her from consequences. I couldn’t banish her outright not yet, not without risking a rift with her family’s allies but she’d be sidelined, watched, until I could deal with her properly. Jasmine’s safety came first, and I’d burn my own kingdom down before letting anyone hurt her again.

I leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her soft skin. She looked peaceful, despite the bruise, and I wondered what she’d think when she woke. Would she blame me for bringing her into this mess? Doubt gnawed at me, a rare feeling for a king who’d faced down armies without flinching. I’d spent years believing my hybrid blood—demon and wolf—doomed me to solitude, that no mate could handle the darkness I carried. But Jasmine, with her quiet strength and fierce spirit, had changed that. I just needed her to see it, to believe she was worthy of this bond.

Footsteps approached, and I tensed, my hand tightening around hers. Lias entered, his face grim, his sword still at his hip from the border patrol. “Brenda’s sulking in the council hall,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. “She’s telling anyone who’ll listen that you’re bewitched by a weakling. I’ve got guards keeping an eye on her, but we’ve got bigger problems. Lucas’s scouts were spotted with rogues, moving closer. Looks like they’re planning something.”

I nodded, my jaw tight. Lucas again. The bastard who’d rejected her, sent rogues to kill her, and now dared to encroach on my territory. “Let him come,” I said, my voice low, dangerous. “He’ll learn what happens when you cross me.”

Lias raised an eyebrow, a hint of his usual humor breaking through. “You sure about this, boss? You’re juggling a lot—Brenda, Lucas, and her.” He nodded toward Jasmine, his expression softening. “She’s tough, but she’s fragile right now. You can’t fight everyone at once.”

“I don’t have a choice,” I said, standing but keeping Jasmine’s hand in mine. “She’s my mate, Lias. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.” My voice cracked slightly, and I cursed myself for it, but Lias just nodded, understanding in his eyes.

Before he could respond, a sharp rap on the door made us both turn. A young guard burst in, his face pale, sweat beading on his brow. “My king, it’s Brenda, she’s gone to the barracks, rallying her father’s men. Says you’re unfit to rule if you choose that girl over the pack.”