The Alpha's Rejected Luna

Kiara pov I shook in anticipation as I waited for Alpha Bryant to arrive after making his food. He was supposed to come home today from a business trip. It would be the first time seeing me, and I was scared out of my wits, thanks to rumors surrounding his name. I had no idea what to expect. I had heard tales from around the pack about Alpha Bryant, and neither of the tales were inspiring. He was a ruthless man with principles so strong that he bordered on self-righteousness. I had heard that he'd cut off a man's hands because he'd beat up his wife and that he'd even thrown a woman in a dungeon for cheating on her husband. He was not a man anyone could look into his eyes, and I was scared that I would soon be working for him. That is if he liked me. His father had been the one to interview me, but he'd said that Bryant would be making the final decision on whether to keep me as his maid or not and knowing Bryant and how many maids he'd fired in the last two months, it was highly unlikely, but I still prayed to the moon goddess for him to. I needed the money. It was literally nine times the length of my former job, and it would go a long way in helping my mother get the treatment she needed. “How is it coming along?” Lucy, the head maid's voice, startled me, and I spilled the hot water I had been pouring inside the teacup all over my hands. I screamed and let go of the kettle, and it fell to the ground, spilling all over the place. I felt like dying then and there. It was my first day, and I was already messing up the entire place. There was no way in hell Alpha Bryant was going to take me seriously. I was pretty sure he was going to behead me. “s**t!” I cursed. “I'm so sorry; please forgive me; I'll clean it up.” Lucy stared at me with disgust in her eyes. “You will not last a day. Alpha is for sure going to throw you out,” Her words felt like a slap. I couldn't afford that. I just couldn't. I needed the money the packhouse was offering. I quickly picked up the kettle, glad it wasn't made of glass, and placed it back on the kitchen counter. I found a rack of rags, plucked it, and swiftly cleaned the spilled water on the floor. I could feel Lucy's irritation and hatred, but I paid her no mind. I was used to people hating me anyway. She wouldn't be the first nor the last. “The Alpha will be here any minute now. I hope you can get his tea ready before then.” My stomach immediately twisted into knots. I'll be serving the Alpha. I couldn't mess this up. Quickly, I arranged the meal I had made him on the dining table and then I put some water on the stove and then sighed in relief. The sound of car tires crunching gravel sent a jolt through my body. My heart raced as I wiped my clammy palms on my apron. He’s here. The air seemed to thicken with tension, and my nerves felt like they were about to snap. “Kiara,” Lucy barked, her tone sharp and commanding. "Fix your posture. Stop fidgeting like a wet cat or you'll be fired!” I swallowed hard and straightened my back, clasping my trembling hands in front of me. The dining room was silent except for the faint ticking of the ornate clock on the wall. Seconds felt like hours as the front door opened, and heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway. Alpha Bryant stepped into the dining area, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. He was taller than I expected, his broad shoulders filling the doorway. His dark hair was neatly combed, his jaw sharp and clean-shaven. But it was his eyes that truly froze me in place. They were piercing and cold, a shade of gray that seemed to see straight through me. The air around him felt charged, like a thunderstorm waiting to break. My heart rate suddenly increased, and a strong, pleasant, and intoxicating smell took over me- his scent specifically. Lucy stepped forward and bowed her head. “Welcome back, Alpha Bryant. Your meal has been prepared as requested.” His gaze flicked towards her briefly before settling on me. The weight of it was suffocating. “And who is this?” His voice was deep and commanding, with an edge that made my knees weak. I felt completely weak around him, like I was melting and drawn to him. “This is Kiara,” Lucy said, her tone clipped. “She’s new. She prepared your meal tonight.” Bryant's eyes narrowed, and I felt as though I might crumble under the scrutiny. I quickly lowered my gaze, focusing on the floor as I mumbled, “It’s an honor to serve you, Alpha,” I said, ignoring as my heart pounded within my chest. Something was wrong with me, but I couldn't tell what it was. This wasn't just anxiety, it was a reaction. Even my wolf was growling. He didn’t respond immediately, and the silence stretched on until I thought I might faint. Then he moved past me, his footsteps echoing as he approached the dining table. I exhaled shakily, feeling the pressure ease slightly. “Tea,” he said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Y-yes, Alpha,” I stammered, hurrying to the stove. The kettle was just beginning to whistle, and I hastily poured the hot water into a teacup. My hands trembled and so did my entire body. As I turned to bring it to him, my foot caught on the edge of the rug, and I stumbled forward. Time seemed to slow as the teacup tipped, spilling its steaming contents onto his shirt and chest. A gasp escaped my lips as horror flooded through me. “Oh no! I’m so sorry, Alpha!” I blurted, panicking. Bryant stiffened, his jaw tightening as he slowly rose from his seat. His once-pristine white shirt now had a damp, tea-stained patch. I instinctively took a step back, my heart pounding in terror. Lucy rushed forward, her face pale. “Kiara! What have you done?” “I-I didn’t mean to!” I stammered, my voice trembling. “I’m so sorry, Alpha Bryant! Please, forgive me!” Bryant raised a hand but stopped as he growled out something. Something that terrifies me. Something that I felt right through my heart. “Mate!” My eyes widened.