Rejected by My Fated Alpha

"Lilliana, what are you doing here? The Alpha has been searching high and low for you."

After watching the healer from the neighboring pack leave, Emberlynn approached me with curious eyes, her tone laced with concern. "Isn't today the day you’re supposed to complete the mate marking ceremony? But the Alpha showed up this morning with the Lycan Princess, insisting you should tend to her. I’m not sure what he’s up to, but you should stay alert. A lot of wolves enjoy seeing you lose your composure."

Emberlynn, my closest friend and the Gamma of the Silver Moon Pack, stood by me, her loyalty unwavering.

I wasn’t surprised by Damien’s actions, but I appreciated her warning. "Thanks, Emberlynn."

Perhaps I looked particularly worn out because she stepped closer, her hand resting gently on my shoulder. "Lilliana, maybe you should just take a break. You’ve already shifted back to human form after the pack run. The Alpha can’t deny a healer some rest, can he?"

"Besides, everyone in the pack knows about your ceremony today, yet he pulls this kind of stunt. How dare he come here and flaunt her?"

Emberlynn’s outrage on my behalf made me smile faintly. "Don’t worry, Ember. I’ll handle this. No point in you getting worked up over it."

With that, I headed toward the healing quarters, where I found Damien pacing, his Alpha aura radiating impatience. Even from a distance, I could hear his commanding tone. "Where’s Healer Morgan? I’ve already requested her personally. Can’t you follow simple orders?"

"Do I need to use my Alpha tone to ensure I’m taken seriously? Have you all forgotten who I am?"

He was acting like he was royalty, though he was just an Alpha, albeit one with a commanding presence. Where did he get off behaving like that?

"Healer Morgan."

Raelyn, the young Omega caught in his tirade, spotted me and let out a sigh of relief as she hurried over. "Healer Morgan, the Alpha insists that you attend to the Lycan Princess. I’ve explained it’s not standard procedure, but he won’t back down. What should I do?"

Raelyn’s words were a clear plea for assistance, and Damien bristled at her tone, pointing at her accusingly. "How dare you speak like that? Lilliana is my mate. What’s wrong with asking her to look after my guest? I’m not abusing my authority."

Damien was relentless, his voice carrying the weight of his rank. Raelyn was on the verge of tears, so I quickly stepped in front of her, shielding her from his gaze. "Alpha, there’s no need to involve others in our issues. Besides, Raelyn’s right. I’ve already shifted back and taken time for myself today. Why are you causing a scene? If you needed something, couldn’t you just mind-link me?"

Faced with my calm questions, Damien’s expression faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "I was worried you’d be upset today. I wanted them to inform you."

He continued, his tone sharp as he glared at Raelyn. "She’s so inept. Can’t even relay a message without causing confusion."

Ah, so he knew I might be upset. Even he felt a twinge of guilt.

Despite the turmoil churning inside me, I forced a smile, my voice steady. "Why would I be upset? I understand, Alpha. The Lycan Princess isn’t well. Of course, you couldn’t leave her to complete our ceremony today. I was being foolish before."

I willingly offered to tend to Adelina, and Damien shot me a wary glance. After all, I used to despise her.

Especially since she disrupted every attempt to solidify our mate bond. There was a time I wanted nothing more than to challenge her dominance.

So, my sudden offer seemed to catch Damien off guard, and he became defensive immediately.