I Rejected My Alpha and the Lycan King Claimed Me

The ladies' lounge was a sanctuary of marble and soft lighting, a place where pack females could retreat from the testosterone-heavy atmosphere of the Summit. I stood at the sink, splashing cold water on my face to calm the storm raging inside me.

The door swung open with deliberate force. Catalina's reflection appeared in the mirror behind me, her lips curved in a predatory smile. She moved with the confidence of someone who believed they'd already won.

"Zaniyah," she purred, leaning against the counter beside me. "You look... tired."

I dried my hands slowly, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me rattled. "Is there something you need, Catalina?"

She touched the Luna's Amulet hanging around her neck—my amulet—her fingers caressing the silver crescent moon with possessive familiarity. The sight of it against her throat made Luna snarl within me.

"Just checking on you," she said, her voice dripping with false concern. "These events can be so draining. Especially when you're... struggling with certain responsibilities."

I met her gaze in the mirror. "What responsibilities might those be?"

Her smile widened, revealing teeth too sharp for comfort. "Oh, you know. The ones that require fresh, fertile blood." She adjusted the amulet, making sure I couldn't miss it. "The pack needs an heir, doesn't it? Dominick's been so patient, but even he has his limits."

My heart hammered against my ribs, but I kept my expression neutral. "And you think you're the solution?"

"I'm what he needs now." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "He's already planning to annul your mating bond. Something about barrenness being grounds for rejection? I'm sure you understand."

Luna thrashed within me, demanding retribution. *Kill her. Take back what's ours.*

"Is that what he told you?" I asked, my voice steady despite the rage building inside me. "That he's rejecting me for barrenness?"

"Among other things." She examined her reflection, adjusting her hair with practiced vanity. "He says you're too focused on your little drawings to be a proper Luna."

I smiled then, a cold expression that made her confidence falter slightly. "You should be careful with that amulet, Catalina. It's been in my family for generations. It might not take kindly to... unauthorized wearers."

She touched it again, her fingers trembling slightly. "Dominick gave it to me. Said it suited me better."

"Did he?" I stepped closer, letting my Luna aura flare just enough to make her eyes widen. "Enjoy it while you can."

---

The main assembly hall buzzed with anticipation as Alphas and their entourages filed in. The massive screen behind the stage displayed the Summit's logo—a wolf's head surrounded by a crescent moon.

I took my seat in the front row, watching Dominick pace backstage, straightening his tie for the tenth time. He caught my eye and winked, completely oblivious to what was coming.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the moderator announced, "please welcome Alpha Dominick Rice of the Silver Crescent Pack, who will present his revolutionary Moonlight Stronghold concept."

Applause filled the hall as Dominick strode onto the stage, his Alpha aura carefully cultivated to project confidence. He gestured grandly to the screen behind him.

"Honored Alphas and Elders," he began, his voice carrying through the hall. "For years, our packs have faced threats from rogues and rival territories. Today, I present a solution that will change how we protect our kind."

He clicked a remote, and the screen illuminated with my designs—the intricate fortifications I'd spent years perfecting. My life's work displayed for all to see, with his name attached.

"I spent nights drafting these fortifications," he continued, pointing to the detailed schematics. "Every angle, every defensive position, designed to maximize our wolves' natural strengths."

Murmurs of approval rippled through the audience. Elder Helena Cross nodded appreciatively from her seat in the front row.

"The Moonlight Stronghold represents the future of pack protection," Dominick said, his confidence growing with each positive reaction. "And with your funding, we can begin construction immediately."

He reached for the digital stylus that would sign the funding request—a ceremonial gesture that would officially submit the project to the Lycan Council.

That's when I stood up.

"That is a lie, Alpha Rice."

My voice cut through the hall like a blade. Gasps erupted around me as every head turned in my direction.

Dominick froze, the stylus suspended in mid-air. His face cycled through shock, disbelief, and finally settled on forced amusement.

"My Luna is unwell," he announced to the room, his Alpha tone vibrating with command. "She's been working too hard on my behalf. Perhaps she needs to—"

"I'm perfectly well," I interrupted, my voice steady and clear. "And I'm here to tell you that those designs were not created by Alpha Dominick Rice."

The room fell silent. Even the Elders leaned forward in their seats.

Zaniyah," Dominick's Alpha tone intensified, his eyes flashing with warning. "Sit down. Now."

I remained standing, my gaze never leaving his. For the first time in our relationship, I felt stronger than him.

"No," I said simply.