Rejected by the Gamma Loved by the Alpha

chapter 9

Christians perspective ~

When I saw Layla her scent told me everything. No longer the delicious strawberries and champagne I had come to crave. It was tainted with Mike's disgusting odor. Not to mention her appearance, battered and covered in bruises all healing at a different rate, my heart broke seeing her in pain.

I knew what Mike had done. The fact he's still breathing is proof of my feelings for Layla. Her scent will return to normal as soon as she heals, I can't wait, I miss her scent and so does my wolf. I'm so worried about Layla's mental state she's gone through nothing but pain, I can only hope that I can ease even a fraction of it.

Although, Layla begged me not to take action, it was difficult, but I had to respect her wishes, I wasn't in a position to make decisions for the pack yet and until I became Alpha there wasn't a whole lot I could do, but beat the hell out of him. If I wanted him legally punished I would have to tell my father, something Layla asked me not to do. It took all the strength I could muster not to kill Mike. Even though I would make his life a living hell every chance I had.

She explained wanting to move on and to put it behind her. Stating, it will just make the pack hate her more. But it's hard for me to move on when I have to see the bastard every other day, I can't imagine how Layla feels. But this is how I see it, If the pack feels that way about a rapist and continues to support him, then f**k the pack.

As soon as I'm Alpha, I'm banishing his ass. This transition period takes a lot of time and is killing me, I feel so powerless. Not to mention she asked me to keep his actions between us. Which makes it harder,I won't have a rapist living in this f*****g pack, no matter what his rank is.

There are a few other disturbing things that caught my attention as well. So much so that I thought it was important I talked to my father, there's no way that he knows this has been going on.

I approached my father's office, the weight of my concerns heavy on my mind. As I lightly knocked on the door, I called out, "Dad?" Upon entering, I found him buried under a mountain of paperwork, likely related to the upcoming transition of retiring pack members, a responsibility I would soon inherit. "Yes, son, come in and take a seat. What's on your mind?" he inquired, weariness evident in the lines of his face as he rested his forehead in his hand.

Summoning my courage, I broached the delicate topic. "Well," I began, carefully choosing my words, "are you aware that the soon-to-be gamma has been bullying pack members, particularly those of the opposite s*x, and has committed some reprehensible acts? Additionally, our beta, Jacob, seems to be neglecting his duties as a father, or worse, turning a blind eye to the mistreatment of his daughter. It's something you should look into, Dad."

To my surprise, my father's response was calm and measured. "Actually, I am aware, son. I've learned that you took matters into your own hands and even administered physical punishment to the gamma without my knowledge."

"As for Layla Rhodes, there have been concerning rumors circulating. Antonia brought it to my attention that Layla allegedly seduced her soon to be chosen mate, and may even be spreading false rumors. Such baseless gossip has no place in our pack. Regarding Jacob, as you well know, we typically allow wolves, especially those in higher positions, to handle discipline within their own families. We generally refrain from intervening in such matters.

In that moment, I could no longer stay silent. It seemed apparent that he had been aware of these troubling issues all along. I felt compelled to share more with him than I had initially intended.

"First of all,DAD, why the hell does Layla live in a cramped closet? How long has the s**t been going on? And how long have you known about it?"I questioned, the anger evident in my voice.

"Jacob is a retiring Beta he's very well off. He has his own place, but after talking to his son Taylor, I realized it's just so Marie can belittle her. Wolves are inherently protective of their pups, and as a beta, Jacob's sense of guardianship should be even stronger. Dad, Layla is being neglected and physically abused by her father's mate, not to mention she doesn't have any clothes, she very rarely eats, and lives in constant fear. No one should have to live like that, we are supposed to protect our pack members." I stared, waiting for him to say something but was met with silence.

My father rose with evident anger, emitting a low growl intended to intimidate me into submission with his Alpha aura. However, I had news for him: I was no longer the weaker party in this confrontation. I had grown stronger, and there was no way I would submit to someone who allowed such chaos to persist in our pack.

"Why do you care about this insignificant girl?" my father questioned. I contemplated revealing to him that she was assaulted, but couldn't betray Layla like that.

"If you are so worried about this girl, move her into the pack house; where we can keep a better eye on her. I don't want to hear anything else on this matter. If you act out in such a way or disrespect me again, I will not pass down the Alpha title to you. You have no right to disrespect me. I am your Alpha and your father, and I deserve respect. I will not tolerate your tone or your anger," my father said firmly.

I knew it was best to just walk away, so with a nod I walked out the door.

However, the perplexing dynamics within the pack left me bewildered. It seemed to me that there were numerous troubling issues at play, and my father was obviously aware of this, his complicity made him no better than the rest.

I probably should have been pissed, but the thought of her moving in with me made me extremely happy, because I noticed as I comforted Layla, a surprising sensation coursed through me, igniting tiny sparks that danced from my fingers to my face, down through my legs, and settling in my toes, sending my heart racing and exciting my wolf.

It felt like the mate bond, I mused, but my wolf held back from proclaiming her as my mate, likely a lingering effect of her past traumas. She was still on the path to healing, and the time for such a connection hadn't yet arrived.

Reflecting on our first encounter, I realized that her scent had captivated me from the start, drawing me inexorably toward her. And when our eyes met for the first time, I knew deep down that I would go to any lengths and become anyone or anything she needed.

Layla had always possessed a natural, breathtaking beauty, and in my eyes, she had always been the most exquisite wolf in the pack. Once I saw past all the lies and rumors about her and the fact that she didn't have nice things.

I realized that doesn't have anything to do with what makes someone beautiful.

No matter the clothes she wore, or the pain she endured, those other wolves had nothing on her.

Layla was humble, kind, and smart. She didn't know how special she was. She's the epitome of strength and that's what it takes to be a wonderful Luna.

I used to daydream about mating and marking her.

Now I dream of making her my Luna and buying her everything she's ever wanted.

I will do whatever it takes to make her happy and put a smile on her face, she would never shed another tear. I thought to myself but didn't realize my wolf was listening.

"Tell her!" My wolf chimed in.

"I would, but you haven't said she was our mate yet. So I'm thinking that her wolf has to heal first. She's incredibly weak and she hasn't had much time to heal."

"So, I will not tell her, I will let her heal and when she's healed, she'll feel it."

When Her brother bought her an outfit for her birthday, she had done her hair and makeup.

Even though I always thought she was beautiful naturally, my d**k still grew hard the morning I saw her. Which left me feeling a bit guilty now, after what happened.

As I watched her face light up when she read my card. I had to run home to take a cold shower, thoughts of tasting her and ravishing that amazing body had me so turned on I couldn't approach her.

It's different with Layla I don't just want to f**k her. I want her to be the first person I see when I wake up, and go to bed.

I want her to be the mother of my pups working together to make this pack a better place to live.

Considering she's been through hell she'll make the most perfect Luna because she can relate to all ranks of wolves in different stages of life. I know I'm going to have to work with her but she's worth it.

I'm so grateful to the Goddess for Layla, now hopefully I can give her everything she's ever wanted and heal her broken heart. And try not to kill Mike in the process.