Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the King

The next two tests came in quick succession, each more devastating than the last. I was losing—not just the wager, but my place in the pack, my identity as Luna, and most painfully, my connection to Ryan. With each failure, I felt Lily retreat further within me, my wolf growing quieter as the humiliation mounted.

Test three had been at a pack dinner where both Chloe and I needed Ryan's support during a heated debate about territory rights. He'd chosen her side without hesitation, leaving me to defend myself against challenges from senior pack members. The memory still burned.

But it was the fourth test that truly broke something inside me.

The Silver Creek Pack had invited us to their territory for a diplomatic gathering—an important alliance opportunity that required the presence of both Alpha and Luna. I spent hours preparing, selecting a formal gown that accommodated my eight-month belly while still projecting the dignity of my position.

"You look beautiful," Ryan said as we prepared to leave, his words automatic, his eyes never quite meeting mine.

I wanted to believe him. Needed to believe him. "Thank you," I whispered, resting my hand on my stomach as our son kicked vigorously. "He's excited for the trip."

Ryan's hand briefly touched my belly, but there was something distant in his expression—as if he were looking through me rather than at me.

When we arrived at Silver Creek territory, I wasn't surprised to see Chloe already there, somehow having secured an invitation. She wore a blood-red dress that clung to her body, her hair arranged in an elaborate style that emphasized her sharp features.

"Alpha Ryan," she greeted with a bow that managed to be both respectful and seductive. "Luna Madison." My title sounded like an insult on her lips.

The gathering proceeded with formal introductions and discussions of territory boundaries. I stood by Ryan's side, performing my duties as Luna despite the whispers that followed us—rumors about the rogue she-wolf who seemed unusually close to our Alpha.

It happened during the feast. Beta Marcus, loyal to a fault, approached our table with concern etched on his face.

"Alpha," he said quietly, "the rogue's presence is causing talk. It undermines Luna Madison's position."

Ryan's reaction was immediate and shocking. He stood abruptly, his Alpha aura flaring with such intensity that several nearby wolves lowered their heads instinctively.

"You will not question who I choose to include in our diplomatic party," he growled, his voice carrying the unmistakable edge of an Alpha command.

Marcus's eyes widened in surprise. "I meant no disrespect, Alpha. I'm concerned for Luna Madison's—"

"Luna Madison doesn't need your concern," Ryan cut him off, his hand possessively touching Chloe's shoulder.

The entire hall had gone silent. I sat frozen, one hand protectively covering my belly, as my mate publicly chose another woman over me—over his Beta's legitimate concerns for my welfare and status.

Chloe's triumphant smile made my stomach turn.

Outside the feast hall, I caught glimpses of unfamiliar wolves lurking at the edges of the Silver Creek territory—rogues, drawn by Chloe's presence. Their eyes followed me with predatory interest, sensing my weakening Luna aura. Without Ryan's protection, I was becoming vulnerable.

Test four, failed. Catastrophically.

Two days later came the fifth test—the one that nearly destroyed me completely.

I was visiting our pack's infirmary, bringing healing herbs from my personal garden to the pack healer. My pregnancy had been making me increasingly tired, and a sharp pain had been coming and going all morning.

"Luna, you should rest," the healer advised, noting my pallor.

I was about to respond when the infirmary doors burst open. Three rogue wolves stormed in, their eyes wild, their intentions clear. They'd come for me—for the weakening Luna and her unborn heir.

Pain ripped through my abdomen as fear triggered something primal within me. I collapsed against the examination table, a warm wetness spreading down my legs.

"Help!" the healer screamed, positioning herself between me and the intruders.

Ryan appeared in the doorway, his Alpha power radiating through the room. Chloe was right behind him, her expression a mixture of fear and calculation.

In that moment, as blood pooled beneath me and rogues advanced, I reached for our mate bond with desperate intensity. *Ryan, please. Our baby.*

His eyes met mine for a split second—then he turned, scooped Chloe into his arms, and carried her to safety first.

I lay bleeding on the cold floor, watching my mate choose another woman over his pregnant Luna and unborn heir.

Test five, failed.

In the days that followed, as I recovered in my chambers, the whispers grew louder. Servants averted their eyes when I passed. Pack members who once greeted me warmly now kept their distance.

"Her Luna aura is fading," I overheard one warrior tell another. "Can she even protect the heir?"

"The Alpha's attention is elsewhere," came the reply. "Perhaps there's a reason."

Chloe had launched her final assault—not just on our wager, but on my very place in the pack. And as I felt my son kick within me, I realized with growing horror that I was losing everything, one test at a time.