The Return Of The Luna

04 A Surprised Response

Aspen.

Knowing Aiden would come for me soon, I decided to shower. I waited for the maid to bring me the usual ugly clothes, and when she did, I thanked her and headed to the bathroom. I scrubbed the sand and blood from my skin and hair, cleaning myself thoroughly before tying my hair back.

In my past life, I always looked shabby, and maybe that's why my efforts were in vain. This time, I was determined to look stunning. I was a beautiful woman, and I was going to be unapologetic about it.

I sat by the window, waiting for the alpha to arrive. I knew he would be here soon, so I prepared myself. This time, I planned on flipping the narrative, turning the tables on him.

Finally, the knock came, and I stood up from my chair.

"It's open," I said, and Aiden walked in. He was a handsome man with dark hair, grey eyes, tanned skin, a pronounced jawline, and soft eyes. Standing at six feet five inches, he was imposing and attractive. In my past life, I was mesmerized by his looks, but not anymore. Now, I was numb to anything related to him.

He cleared his throat and looked at me with gentle, affectionate eyes, but I wasn't fooled like before.

"Aspen, you know why I am here," he said, and I remained silent.

"Kindly follow me to my office," he continued, and I nodded, waiting for him to lead the way.

As I entered his office, I saw Luna Dahlia there, just like in the past. I greeted her politely, knowing she would make an issue of it. I hated the b***h.

"I am the werewolf princess and the only heir to the werewolf throne, so you will address me as Your Highness, not Luna," she said calmly, and I bowed to her respectfully.

"Take it easy on the girl, Dahlia," Aiden said.

"I am already taking it easy, allowing you to keep your fated around," she growled, exactly as she had before.

Alpha Aiden chuckled a bit and looked at me.

"What do you have to say for yourself? Why were Lycans after you? What happened out there?" Aiden demanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

"Lycans came after us, and my mother said they were rogues. Before that, we lived in a cottage in the woods of Brent," I explained, keeping my answer brief. That was all he was going to get out of me. I wasn't about to share the long, painful story of my mother's exile and our hardships. I wouldn't give anyone the ammunition to plot against me as they had in the past, claiming my mother was exiled because she couldn't be trusted and that I was just like her. These people didn't know her, yet they were quick to judge both of us.

"Well, as long as you keep the rules, you are welcome here. I won't turn you away, so you have nothing to worry about. Ingrid will provide you with clothes and assign your chores, which you are to perform diligently. You will receive a weekly allowance for your work. We do not believe in slavery here, so we pay all our workers. Do you understand?" he said, repeating the exact words he had used in the past. I nodded, fighting a yawn.

"Is there anything else you want to tell me before I discuss the real reason I brought you here?" he asked. I had so much to say, but I knew why he had summoned me. He wanted to make it clear that we could never be together, not now, not ever. He brought me here to warn me against having any ideas about him. He intended to reject me in the presence of his Luna, then take me outside to announce it in front of everyone for good measure, as per Dahlia's request.

"Yes, I do, Alpha," I said calmly, meeting his gaze steadily. He motioned for me to continue, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.

"I, Aspen Brooks, reject you, Alpha Aiden Quinn, as my fated mate," I declared, feeling a searing pain shoot through my heart. The words were heavy, and as they left my lips, I saw Aiden's face twist in shock. But the pain he felt seemed to override his surprise. He clutched his chest and staggered back, collapsing into the chair behind his desk.

I stood my ground, my body trembling as I felt the bond between us begin to sever. The pain was excruciating, like a part of my soul was being ripped away, but I held on, waiting for him to accept the rejection. I hoped the break would be complete this time around.

Aiden looked utterly bewildered, his expression a mix of confusion and shock. He clearly hadn't seen this coming. Sweat beaded on my forehead, and the pain in my chest was almost unbearable, but amidst the agony, a small flame of satisfaction burned. I had done it. I had taken the first step in reclaiming my life. I was proud of myself for having the strength to reject him.

I stood there, waiting for him to speak, to accept the rejection and make the severance final. But he remained silent, too stunned to respond. His grey eyes were wide, staring at me as if trying to comprehend what had just happened. The room was thick with tension, the silence almost palpable. I waited, each second stretching into an eternity, hoping that he would find his voice and let me go.