Rejected the Alpha, Now I'm the Most Beloved Luna

Richard's POV

After wrapping up the negotiations, I headed back to the Crown Regent Hotel. Instead of going to my usual suite for Bloodmoon alphas, I came here.

As I was about to step into the elevator, I noticed Perry at the main entrance. She looked like she was having a rough day, head down, not really paying attention until she got close to the elevator-and then she finally saw me.

She stopped in her tracks, clearly startled, and hesitated like she wasn't sure if stepping in with me would be a mistake. Which, let's face it, was kind of amusing. Here was the same girl who'd once told me straight up she didn't want to be my mate, and now suddenly she's all tense and fidgety like she's scared to offend me.

I found it oddly entertaining. So I held the elevator door open and gave her a slight smile. "Come on in."

Perry's mouth parted like she was about to say something, her striking blue eyes flickering as she hesitated a beat. Eventually, she seemed to pull herself together, took a quiet breath, and stepped inside, slipping into a far corner like she wanted to be anywhere but near me.

She was wearing a beautiful dress-really suited her. Her hair was done neatly, totally unlike the last time I saw her. She looked polished, like white silk-made me wonder if she'd deliberately looked messy when she met me before.

The elevator was silent aside from our breathing and heartbeats. She leaned back against the wall, gaze fixed straight ahead, doing everything she could to avoid looking at me. I turned to her, curious. "So... do you actually have a mate?"

Perry flinched slightly, then slowly turned her head to meet my eyes. She frowned like she was trying to figure out what I was getting at, then forced an awkward smile. "Alpha Scott, I'm not sure what you mean. Is it so strange for me to have a mate?"

"No, not strange," I said, eyes locked on her. "But I think you said that just to stop cooperation between Ashen and us. Because that partnership would've made your clan stronger again. So, you lied."

I didn't need to think too hard to see through her. Her lies were that obvious. As expected, she froze up, staring at me as her face turned red-not out of embarrassment, though.

She took a deep breath, trying to act composed as she crossed her arms. But I could tell she was anxious. "Well, you said you were into another she-wolf-your fated mate. I just didn't want to get in your way."

"Heh." I let out a light chuckle. I didn't bother tearing apart her excuse any further. I just looked away, eyes flicking up to the elevator display. We were almost at the top. But I knew Perry wasn't staying on my floor. "You coming with me?"

"What?" she blurted, clearly flustered. She glanced at the numbers climbing above the door, her flush deepening. Then she looked down, visibly frustrated. "No-sorry. I forgot to press my floor. But I'm not going with you."

After that, she shrank back into the corner, keeping her eyes firmly away from mine.

I picked up on it immediately-her heartbeat had spiked, even more than when she first stepped in. I was about to keep talking, but something else caught my attention-a soft, sweet aroma. It was faint-barely there-but I'd been focusing on her, so I noticed.

She still looked jittery, probably lost in her thoughts. That scent, it was definitely from her. And weirdly, it reminded me of... that night. The one stuck in my head. Francis had told me she'd always been with the Ashen Pack. Maybe it was just her perfume.

But then came that rush of heat in my chest, the craving I'd buried. My mind instantly flashed to that steamy night-the way that girl's voice trembled under me, how sweet and creamy her scent was. And yeah... her voice, it did remind me of Perry's.

I frowned, but the elevator had already arrived. With a sigh, I glanced back at Perry and stepped out distractedly. Just before the doors closed, I caught a glimpse of her shoulders relaxing, like she was relieved I didn't try to stop her.

Gotta admit, she was... interesting.

Even after I left the Crown Regent Hotel the next day, I couldn't stop thinking about how tense and uneasy she'd looked.

After that awkward elevator ride, I ended up having a vivid dream - yeah, the steamy kind. It was that night I was drugged, only this time, the room lights were on and Perry's face appeared-soft, flushed, biting her lip. Way too tempting.

I had her straddling me, grinding into her most sensitive spot. Her moans hit my ears loud and clear while I bit her earlobe, then her neck. And just as she came, I released inside her.

Then I snapped awake, breathing heavy. Damn. That dream stirred something way too strong inside me. If Perry was really the she-wolf from that night... I'd never let her go. But it was just a dream.

That she-wolf is still missing - and Perry is not her.

That's when Francis called. I saw his name flash on the screen and remembered I'd asked him to talk with Byron. Byron later told me the Ashen Pack had put everything on the table.

He said I could take their offer, help them out, and they'd owe us big time. Long-term? It's a solid move.

"Alpha Richard," Francis sounded exhausted when I picked up. "The Ashen Pack can't fend off the rogues anymore. Will you help us?"

I cleared my throat, already knowing my answer. "No. Not happening."

"What?" Francis sounded stunned.

"I'll have Byron send you some tips. Bloodmoon's seen plenty of rogue fights. If you're serious, Byron can assign one of our deltas to give your people some training."

He went quiet for a bit, then said in a shaky voice, "Are you saying you won't help at all?"

"Exactly." I didn't hesitate - it was what I intended to say.

Silence lingered on his end. I just waited.

Then he blurted out, "Is this because of Perry? She didn't accept you as her mate! She must've offended you!"

I didn't feel like explaining anything. I've always let people figure me out on their own. And this idiot? Not worth my time. So I kept quiet - which he clearly misunderstood.

"Alpha Richard, Perry's just naïve, I'll make her apologize to you, alright?"

I wasn't going to entertain his begging. After meeting Perry, I'd had Byron look into their situation. Now I knew their father-daughter relationship was... strained.

So I responded coldly, "Mr. Lake, a bit late to start treating Perry like your daughter, don't you think?"

"Uh..." Francis stammered. "Alpha Richard, Perry's not as distant as you think. She's my firstborn, I love her, and you know what strength the Ashen Pack once had! We can offer-"

"My mind's made up." I cut him off calmly and ended the call.

I got up, threw on some clothes, and stared at myself in the mirror - a tall alpha with too much on his mind.

Perry.

Maybe Francis lied. Maybe she's not even with the Ashen Pack anymore. Honestly, I wouldn't blame her.

There's just something about her I can't shake. I keep getting pulled toward her, whether I want to or not.