Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the King

Reed's dismissive words hung in the air between us like poison. I stood there, watching him return to his paperwork as if I were nothing more than an interruption in his important Alpha duties.

"You think I'm bluffing?" My voice came out steadier than I felt, each word carefully measured.

He didn't even look up. "I think you're desperate. Nine years, Estrella. Nine years of you clinging to a bond that barely exists, begging for scraps of attention like a pathetic omega." His pen scratched against the paper with deliberate indifference. "Face reality—you have nowhere else to go. No pack would take a failed Luna, especially one who can't even complete a mate bond."

The cruelty in his voice hit me like a physical blow, but something strange happened. Instead of the usual crushing pain, I felt... clarity. Like fog lifting from my mind after years of confusion.

"You're right," I said softly, and his pen finally stilled. "I have been pathetic. I've been so desperate for your love that I forgot who I really am."

Reed's head lifted, his dark eyes narrowing with suspicion at my calm tone. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I smiled, and it felt like the first genuine expression I'd worn in years. "It means you're about to find out exactly what you're losing, Reed Bennett."

His laugh was harsh and mocking. "Empty threats don't suit you, Estrella. We both know you're nothing without me. You're weak, you're broken, and you're mine whether you like it or not."

I turned toward the door, my hand resting on the handle. "We'll see about that."

"Where do you think you're going?" His Alpha command crashed over me, but for the first time in nine years, I didn't flinch.

"To remember who I used to be."

***

That night, I sat alone in our bedroom—though it had never really felt like 'ours.' Reed was with Dior again, no doubt celebrating his upcoming announcement. The Luna ceremonial necklace probably still hung around her throat like a trophy.

I closed my eyes and reached deep within myself, past the years of suppression and submission, searching for the connection I'd buried so long ago. The mind-link that came with my birthright.

*Father?*

Silence stretched for long moments, and I wondered if I'd lost the ability entirely. Then, like sunrise breaking through storm clouds, his familiar presence filled my mind.

*Estrella.* His mental voice carried surprise, relief, and something that might have been pride. *My daughter. I was beginning to wonder if you'd forgotten how to reach me.*

Tears I'd been holding back for hours finally spilled over. *I need to come home, Father. I need to remember who I am.*

*Tell me everything.*

So I did. Nine years of pain, sacrifice, and humiliation poured out through our bond. I told him about Reed's coldness, Dior's manipulations, the fertility rituals, the public announcement planned for the Summit. With each word, I felt something awakening inside me—my wolf Selene, who had been dormant for so long I'd almost forgotten her voice.

*You've endured enough,* my father said when I finished. *The trial is over, Estrella. You've proven your strength in ways I never imagined. It's time to reclaim what's yours.*

*What about the pack? Reed's territory?* Even now, part of me worried about abandoning what we'd built.

*Built with Silvermoon resources and warriors,* he reminded me gently. *Resources that can be withdrawn. The question is—are you ready to show Reed Bennett exactly who he's been taking for granted?*

For the first time in years, Selene stirred within me, her silver eyes gleaming with anticipation. *We're ready,* she whispered, her voice stronger than it had been since our first shift.

*Then prepare yourself, my daughter. Tomorrow's Summit will be... educational.*

***

The annual Pack Alliance Summit buzzed with the energy of dozens of Alphas and their entourages. The grand hall of the Riverside Convention Center had been transformed into a showcase of pack power and politics. Reed stood near the main stage, Dior glued to his side like the parasite she was, both of them basking in the attention.

I kept to the shadows, wearing a simple black dress that Reed had chosen—something appropriately submissive for his 'weak Luna.' The other Alphas barely glanced my way, which had always been the point.

Until Alpha Mitchell arrived.

Tall, broad-shouldered, and radiating the kind of old-fashioned dominance that made my skin crawl, Mitchell surveyed the room like he owned it. His gaze landed on me, and his lips curved in a predatory smile.

"Well, well," he drawled, approaching with deliberate slowness. "Reed Bennett's famous Luna. Though from what I hear, that title might be... temporary?"

Conversations around us quieted. Other Alphas turned to watch, sensing drama.

"Alpha Mitchell." I kept my voice neutral, but Selene bristled beneath my skin.

"Such a pretty little thing," he continued, circling me like prey. "But tell me, dear, what exactly do you bring to your pack? Besides decoration, of course."

Heat flooded my cheeks, but before I could respond, Mitchell's voice boomed across the hall. "Reed! Your Luna looks thirsty. Perhaps she could fetch drinks for the real Alphas? I'm sure she's good at... serving."

Laughter rippled through the crowd—cruel, dismissive laughter that cut through me like claws. Reed stood frozen, his jaw tight, but he made no move to defend me. Dior's hand tightened possessively on his arm, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"Go on," Mitchell commanded, his Alpha tone pressing down on me. "Fetch drinks like a good little omega."

Every eye in the room was on me. Waiting. Judging. Expecting me to submit, to scurry away with my tail between my legs like I always had.

Instead, I smiled.

"Of course, Alpha Mitchell," I said sweetly. "Right after I make a quick phone call."

Confusion flickered across his face, but I was already reaching for my phone, my fingers steady as I dialed a number I knew by heart.

"Father?" I said loud enough for the entire hall to hear. "It's time to bring our warriors home."