Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the King

Brody approached, his commanding Alpha presence filling the space as he wrapped a strong arm around my shoulders. His muscles, honed from years of pack leadership, tensed slightly as he spoke. "Luna Laylah, thank you."

Hudson nestled in my arms, his tiny body a comforting weight. I remained silent, my gaze steady.

He pulled me closer, his deep voice softening. "About Delta Dallas Alexander, let me explain..."

I cut him off with a calm that surprised even me. "There's nothing you need to explain to me, Alpha."

His eyes widened briefly, but I continued, "I've figured it out. You're not entirely wrong. I should learn from my mother, Luna Naomi. Look at how gracefully she handles everything now."

Brody and I had chosen each other, defying expectations.

My father, Alpha Royce, had wanted me to mate with someone from a powerful pack—a strategic alliance to strengthen our pack's position.

But those potential mates were already indulging in their status, frequenting exclusive clubs and bars before even solidifying their own ranks. Back then, with my confidence and the grace expected of a Luna, how could I settle for someone so unfaithful?

So, against my father's wishes, I chose an outsider—Brody.

Brody was not only striking in appearance but was one of the few heirs who didn't squander his time. His reputation was impeccable, and after completing his training, he dedicated himself to leading his pack with his father.

He carried himself with the poise of a born leader, and though his pack's wealth didn't rival my father's, they were far from destitute. Naturally, their fortune was modest compared to the empire Alpha Royce had built.

It took persistence to win him over, but I succeeded.

Initially, my father didn't approve of our union, but after observing Brody's leadership and integrity, he relented and even opened up some pack alliances to Brody's family.

After meeting Brody a few times, my mother, Luna Naomi, remarked, "At the very least, he's intelligent. He knows exactly what he wants and how to achieve it. Dealing with someone so astute is less taxing and more efficient."

At the time, I thought my mother was praising Brody. Only now do I realize that men like Brody share similarities with my father.

Alpha Royce was a self-made Alpha, who spent decades building his pack's influence. Like many Alphas, he strayed once his power solidified.

When I was ten, he began having affairs, and it quickly spiraled out of control. But my mother never dissolved their bond.

I used to think my mother was too timid, letting women down everywhere.

It wasn’t until I discovered Brody’s inappropriate relationship with a pack member that I understood. When I confronted my mother, insisting on breaking our bond, she stopped me. I lashed out, "Do you think I'm like you? A coward who stays silent when betrayed, making women appear weak."

She was angry and wanted to strike me but held back, considering my five-month pregnancy. When I calmed down, she simply said, "Breaking the bond isn’t the answer. True courage is making life better despite the challenges."

But I had always been committed to maintaining our mate bond.

Brody never had to worry about anything. I ensured his needs were met, frequently visiting his parents with the kids while he was busy with pack duties. Even during my pregnancy with the twins, when my belly grew unbearably heavy, robbing me of sleep and appetite, I kept the pack's domestic affairs running smoothly. I made sure he never had to concern himself with them.

And how did Brody repay me?

Not only did he cheat with a pack member, but he also flirted with female associates from other packs.

During that time, we argued and fought. I smashed objects around our home, shredded our bonding photos, and even ended up in the hospital twice from stress, threatening to terminate my pregnancy.

Brody's parents, Alpha Alessandro and Luna Dani, were both anxious and furious, even striking Brody in the hospital.

After being struck, Brody felt ashamed and lost his patience with me. Holding down my flailing arms, he said, "Laylah, listen to me carefully."