Three Times Rejected

CHAPTER TWO

Why couldn't she simply believe him? His hand suddenly developed a mind of its own, beginning to trace along her right arm in an attempt to soothe her and dispel her uncertainties. When he detected the irregularity in her skin's texture, he wasted no time stepping closer to her side to investigate the source.

A five-inch scar marked her flesh. While injuries and wounds typically healed, certain brutal attacks and incidents left permanent scarring. The Sovereign's eyes darkened once more, and he released such a thunderous growl that the surrounding werewolves retreated a step, keeping their heads lowered in submission.

"What happened? What is this?" Selene asked frantically, equally startled. She traced the scar on her arm with her opposite hand, though she remained uncertain what had provoked such alarm, so she gazed at the ruler in confusion. His black eyes remained fixed there.

He gently pushed her left hand aside and began tracing the scar with his fingertips. Selene struggled against the waves of pleasurable sparks radiating from that area. With his eyes still concentrated there, he asked in a low, murderous tone: "Who inflicted this?"

Selene shrugged dismissively. "It was merely the rebels. Five, perhaps six years ago. It's simply dried, hardened skin, isn't it?"

His dark eyes never departed from the section of her flesh that had once been so severely torn that its appearance never properly healed. He then locked eyes with Selene as he asked with dismay: "How are you managing this?"

"Your Majesty, I'm…"

"Darius."

"Pardon?"

"Don't address me by my title or my complete name. It's simply Darius to you, Selene." He insisted firmly.

She hesitated. "Darius," she began tentatively, clearly unaccustomed to this manner of addressing the ruler. "A scar is commonplace among warriors, even more so among Sentinels. If you examine the bodies of the other Sentinels present today, you'll discover many of them bear scars as well. Some may be more severe than mine. I know several Alphas and a considerable number of Betas who carry such scars from combat alongside their packs. This truly isn't significant."

He absorbed her words, and his eyes softened at how she had set aside her own ordeal to shine a light on other warriors and pack leaders. No one understood that, in that moment, whatever Selene expressed only reinforced their ruler's certainty that no one was more capable of leading beside him as his Queen.

His heart constricted when his gaze returned to the scar on his beautiful mate. As he leaned down, preparing to kiss it, Selene abruptly withdrew her arm while stating: "Perhaps that isn't the most suitable action, considering this setting."

He had completely lost awareness of the people surrounding them. He perceived only her. With those words, reality came crashing back. He smiled, causing the other creatures in the chamber to freeze in astonishment. The Sovereign never smiled. Not ever.

He then declared: "You're correct. I'd like to meet your pack leaders, Selene. Would you introduce us?"

"Certainly." She smiled and gestured for her Alpha and Beta to approach. They advanced toward the ruler and bowed, their heads still directed toward the ground as Selene announced: "These are Alpha Marcus and Beta Sage of the Azure Moon Pack, Your High, Darius." She abruptly chose against addressing Darius by his title when she caught, from her peripheral vision, that he was preparing to object.

"Heads up, leaders of the Azure Moon Pack." Darius spoke with a smile. Once their heads lifted, Darius extended his hand toward Alpha Marcus. "I want to personally express my gratitude for directing the rebel assault in the Northern territories last year. The rebels would have continued causing destruction if not for your pack's leadership and contribution."

The ruler recalled reviewing a report about the successful elimination of one of the most formidable rebel factions the previous year, and had long understood the Azure Moon Pack stood at the forefront of that victory.

It was documented that this pack held the confidence of the other packs and commanded respect for the leadership they demonstrated. Numerous testimonials from other pack warriors expressed gratitude to the Azure Moon Pack, noting they had "acquired valuable knowledge" regarding strategy and combat techniques.

Alpha Marcus and Beta Sage both appeared stunned by the ruler's graciousness. It was hardly secret that one should simply feel grateful to avoid being eliminated. It wasn't typical for the Sovereign to distribute commendations.

Marcus accepted the ruler's hand and shook it once before admitting sheepishly: "As your subjects, we feel more than grateful to contribute to your endeavors, Your Majesty. But my Beta and I cannot claim credit for last year's success. We may represent the largest in size within our pack, but our Sentinel, Sel,"

Marcus gestured in Selene's direction before continuing, "served as the strategist, the premier trainer and warrior, whether on the battlefield last year or within our own pack. I'm her second-in-command regarding training. She was the one who guided us to victory."

Selene was gnawing on her lower lip. When she understood what Marcus intended to reveal, she attempted to halt him through their mental connection, but he didn't acknowledge her plea. Her eyes remained fixed on the ground as she silently prayed for the moment to pass. She couldn't witness it, but Darius's eyes radiated with admiration for her. When he noticed her eyes were locked on the ground, he frowned and asked with concern: "Selene, what's troubling you?"

She shook her head subtly and replied meekly: "Nothing. Simply exhausted."

He nodded with understanding. Most wolves had journeyed extensively to reach the territory, so it was natural they would feel drained upon arrival. He pivoted to address everyone as he announced: "My fellow subjects, I appreciate your making the journey here.

Let this evening mark the beginning of a productive alliance between packs and species. Please help yourselves to food if you haven't done so already. I would like to meet each one of you. Grant me a few moments. I will return shortly to personally thank every pack that has supported me these past several years. Enjoy the evening."

The address left everyone astounded. The ruler had never been this receptive. It was widely known that he despised this annual event. Yet now he wasn't merely welcoming them with open arms, he'd committed to thanking the contributing packs personally!

Disregarding the astonished stares, he turned to Selene and said: "Selene, you need some rest. Allow me to escort you back."

She glanced at her pack leaders in alarm, but Marcus interjected: "We'll manage fine, Sel. Go. You barely got any sleep last night."

Darius's heart constricted again at Marcus's words, though he chose to remain silent. When his hand settled on Selene's slender waist, she inhaled sharply and tensed but made no attempt to push it away. So he maintained his hand there as he guided her out of the chamber.