Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the King

The secure communication device Elena had given me buzzed softly against my nightstand at exactly midnight. I glanced toward the door of my bedroom, ensuring Seth was still downstairs in his office—probably reviewing territory maps with Capri, as had become his nightly routine.

I activated the encrypted channel, and Augustine Ford's voice filled the small device, warm and steady despite the late hour.

"Stella." Just my name, but the way he said it carried ten years of longing and unwavering devotion. "I hope you're safe."

My throat tightened. When was the last time someone had asked about my safety? When was the last time I'd felt truly protected?

"Augustine." I kept my voice low, though the walls of the pack house seemed to have ears these days. "I received your message through Elena. You said you had information about Capri?"

"More than information," his voice hardened. "Evidence. Capri Green isn't just a rogue seeking refuge, Stella. She's been working with the Bloodmoon Pack—the same rogues who've been attacking our territories for months. My border patrol intercepted communications between her and their Alpha three days ago."

I sank onto my bed, the weight of his words crushing down on me. "Seth would never believe that."

"I know." Augustine's voice gentled. "That's why I'm offering you and your daughter sanctuary in Moonhaven territory. You don't have to endure this anymore, Stella. You never should have had to."

Tears I'd been holding back for weeks finally spilled over. "Augustine, I can't just—"

"I've loved you for ten years," he interrupted, his voice raw with emotion. "I've watched from a distance as Seth treated you like a political arrangement instead of the incredible woman you are. I've seen him break your spirit piece by piece, and I can't stand by anymore. Not when your daughter is suffering too."

I closed my eyes, remembering the young Alpha who'd courted me so gently before I'd chosen Seth's passionate intensity over Augustine's steady devotion. How different my life might have been.

"The mate bond contract expires in six months," I whispered.

"I know. And when it does, I want to offer you something Seth never did—a choice made from love, not obligation."

After ending the call, I sat in the darkness for a long time, Augustine's words echoing in my mind. When I finally fell asleep, I dreamed of a life where I was cherished instead of tolerated.

The next morning brought a cruel reminder of my reality. I woke early to prepare for our daughter's seventh birthday—a day that should have been filled with joy and celebration. Instead, I found Seth in the kitchen, dressed in his formal Alpha attire.

"Where are you going?" I asked, though my heart already knew the answer.

"The annual Pack Games start today," he said without looking at me. "It's important for pack relations."

"It's our daughter's birthday."

Seth's jaw tightened. "The Games only happen once a year, Stella. She'll have other birthdays."

"And it's our mating ceremony anniversary."

Finally, he met my eyes, and what I saw there was worse than anger—it was indifference. "Ten years," he said flatly. "Ten years of a contract that's served its purpose."

Before I could respond, Capri appeared in the doorway with Connor at her side, both dressed for travel.

"Ready, Seth?" she asked with a bright smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Connor's so excited to see real pack warriors compete."

I watched my mate—the father of my child—nod eagerly as he ushered Capri and her pup toward the door. Not once did he ask about our daughter's birthday plans. Not once did he acknowledge what this day meant to our family.

"Daddy?" Our daughter's small voice came from the stairway. She stood there in her favorite dress—the blue one she'd picked out specially for her birthday—holding the card she'd made for him.

"Be good for your mother," Seth said absently, already focused on Capri. "We'll be back tomorrow."

I watched my daughter's face crumble as the door closed behind them. The card fluttered from her small hands to the floor, forgotten.

That evening, Elena and three loyal pack members joined us for a small birthday celebration. We sang, we ate cake, and we tried to fill the gaping hole left by Seth's absence. But when I tucked my daughter into bed, she whispered the words that shattered my heart completely.

"Mommy, why doesn't Daddy love me anymore?"

I held her as she cried herself to sleep, and in that moment, I made my decision. Augustine was right—I didn't have to endure this anymore. More importantly, my daughter didn't have to endure this anymore.

The next morning, I began planning our escape.