The Alpha King’s Rejected Luna

Chapter 3: The Alpha's Claim

The air in the restaurant felt thick, almost suffocating, as Alexander Blackwood sat across from me. Every instinct in my body screamed danger — and desire.

I gripped the edge of the table to steady myself. My wolf was pacing inside me, whining and clawing to get closer to him. It had been years since she reacted this strongly to anyone.

"Let's get straight to business," he said, his deep voice sending vibrations through my chest. He leaned forward slightly, his gray eyes never leaving mine. "Your designs are impressive, Miss Voss. Bold. Unique. Exactly what Blackwood Enterprises is looking for."

"Thank you, Mr. Blackwood," I replied, keeping my tone professional. "We're excited about the potential partnership."

He smiled — a slow, predatory smile that made my heart race. "Call me Alexander."

Up close, he was even more intimidating. His suit was perfectly tailored, accentuating his broad shoulders and powerful build. Everything about him screamed Alpha — dominance, control, raw strength.

And his scent. Goddess, his scent was driving me insane. It wrapped around me like a claim, marking me even though he didn't know it yet.

We discussed numbers, projections, creative control. I held my own, negotiating terms confidently. I'd worked too hard to let some mate bond ruin my career.

But he was watching me too closely. Studying me. Like he was trying to figure out a puzzle.

"You smell familiar," he said suddenly, his voice low.

My blood ran cold.

I forced a laugh. "I wear a custom perfume. Very exclusive."

He didn't buy it. His eyes narrowed, and he inhaled deeply. A low growl rumbled in his chest — so quiet only I could hear it.

"Mate," he whispered, almost to himself.

My fork slipped from my hand and clattered against the plate.

He knew.

"How is this possible?" he demanded, leaning closer. His hand shot across the table and grabbed my wrist — not hard, but firm. Electricity sparked where our skin touched.

I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. "Let go," I hissed.

"Not until you explain why my mate is sitting here pretending she doesn't feel this too."

I met his gaze, letting my own power rise for the first time in years. My eyes flashed gold briefly — my wolf showing through.

His widened in shock.

"You're supposed to be dead," he breathed. "Elara Thompson. The rejected Luna who vanished five years ago."

I yanked my hand free and stood up. "You have me confused with someone else."

I turned to leave, but his next words stopped me cold.

"Run if you want, little wolf. But you're mine now. And I always claim what's mine."

My heart pounded as I walked out of the restaurant, his promise echoing in my ears.

The Alpha King had found me.

And he wasn't letting go.