Rejected by the Alpha’s Heart

Gunnar returned the next morning, his towering frame filling the doorway as he stepped into the Tran Pack’s den. His broad shoulders and muscular build, typical of an Alpha, were a stark reminder of the power he wielded over the pack—and over me. He settled onto the couch, his presence as commanding as ever, yet his face was calm, almost indifferent. He didn’t mention the previous night, and I didn’t ask. Perhaps the silence between us was louder than words, because he shot me a peculiar glance, his dark eyes narrowing slightly.

“The trending topic’s been handled,” he finally said after a long pause, his deep voice carrying the weight of his authority. It was his way of explaining his absence the previous night, as if that justified everything. I pressed my lips together, refusing to respond. My wolf stirred uneasily in the back of my mind, a low growl of frustration that I quickly silenced.

Gunnar frowned, his annoyance evident, but before he could say anything more, Alaiya bounded down the stairs, her small frame a blur of energy. “Daddy!” she squealed, her tiny arms outstretched. Gunnar’s expression softened instantly as he scooped her up, his Alpha aura momentarily replaced by the warmth of a father.

“Today, I’ll pull you out of pack school for a bit, and we can go to the amusement park. How about that?” he said, his voice playful. Alaiya’s face lit up with excitement, but she glanced at me, her big eyes filled with a question she didn’t have to voice.

Gunnar’s frown deepened slightly, his Alpha tone creeping into his words. “Luna, Alaiya deserves a carefree, happy childhood. You shouldn’t always place so many limitations on her.”

I felt my wolf bristle at his tone, but I swallowed my frustration. Seeing Alaiya’s hopeful eyes, my resolve wavered. “Alright,” I said finally, my voice steady despite the tension. “But just for the morning. You still have your afternoon lessons with the pack’s healer.”

“Hooray! Thank you, Mommy!” Alaiya cheered, clapping her hands with delight. Her joy was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile, though the unease in my chest remained.

She wanted me to join them, but I had responsibilities as the Luna that I couldn’t ignore. My duties to the pack demanded my attention, and I had to decline. Alaiya’s face fell for a moment, but she quickly masked her disappointment with a maturity beyond her years. “Okay, but don’t work too hard, Mommy,” she said, her voice sweet and reassuring.

I kissed her little cheek, inhaling the faint scent of her pup-like innocence, and waved her goodbye. As I watched Gunnar carry her out the door, his Alpha aura radiating strength and control, I reminded myself that he was a good father. He had always been attentive and responsible when it came to Alaiya.

It wasn’t the first time he had taken her out for some fun, and I trusted him to keep her safe.

But that trust was shattered that afternoon when the pack’s healer called, her voice tinged with concern. “Luna, Alaiya hasn’t arrived for her lesson.”

My stomach dropped. Frowning, I reached for my phone and dialed Gunnar’s number. It rang for what felt like an eternity before he finally answered. His breathing was heavy, labored.

“Monica,” he said, his voice tight with urgency. “Alaiya’s had an allergic reaction. She’s been vomiting and having diarrhea. We’re at the pack’s healing den now.”

My heart pounded in my chest, my wolf howling in panic. “I’ll be there,” I said, my voice trembling despite my efforts to stay calm. I grabbed my coat and rushed out the door, the weight of my Luna responsibilities momentarily forgotten as my thoughts centered on my pup.

The healing den wasn’t far, but every second felt like an eternity. When I arrived, the scent of antiseptic and herbs filled the air, and I found Gunnar standing by Alaiya’s side, his Alpha aura subdued but still commanding. His broad frame seemed to fill the small room, his presence both a comfort and a reminder of the power he held over our lives.

Alaiya lay on the bed, her little body pale and weak, her eyes half-closed. My heart ached at the sight, and I rushed to her side, taking her small hand in mine. “Mommy’s here,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

Gunnar’s hand rested on my shoulder, his touch firm but reassuring. “The healers are doing everything they can,” he said, his voice low and steady.

I nodded, but the fear in my chest refused to subside. My wolf growled softly, a sound of both protectiveness and helplessness. I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay strong for Alaiya.

But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much, much worse.