Page 164 of Rejected and Pregnant By the Alpha King

For the first time in my life, I didn’t think twice about what I wanted.

I leaned in, swiftly closing the gap between us, and placed my lips upon hers.

She did not startle or gasp or even push me away.

Instead, she slid her hands in my hair and kissed me back.

It was over just as soon as it had begun, the echoes of our breath between us dying like fading rumbles of thunder.

“Aiden...” she murmurs my name, and I know exactly what I want.

And for the first time, I think I might actually get it.

The door opening pulls us back to the here and now, and Delilah moves away from me with ease, straightening her dress. I have to bury my smirk. But when I see Nyx and Raine enter, all ease leaves my shoulders.

“You required an audience,” Nyx says as he sits at the head of the table. His beta sits beside him while Raine flanks the other side. The female I saw yesterday with them also takes a seat next to Raine.

I offer Delilah a seat first, pulling out her chair. She takes a seat without question, and I don’t miss the inquisitive look on Raine’s face.

I take my seat, clasping my hands in front of me.

“Yes, I did,” I say, feeling slightly nauseous.

I look to my side, Delilah offering me a gentle smile and a nod.

In her presence, her gaze, the nerves are no more—there is only warmth and courage.

And hope. So much hope.

“I would like to propose an alliance,” I say sternly, turning to fix my gaze on Nyx. Raine’s eyes glisten with tears as Nyx nods.

“I see.”

The air is thick with tension, and all that can be heard is Raine’s gentle sobs and the incessant bouncing of Delilah’s leg against the large chairs.

I settle my hands in my lap, reaching one hand out to settle on Delilah’s knee. I can feel her warmth through my heated palm, and a strange sense of victory fills me as her bouncing stops.

I keep my gaze on Calloway, waiting for him to speak, and finally, when he does, it settles something within me.

“What are your terms?” He asks, and I grin.

Because if there is anything I know about the Southern King, it is that he does not beat around any bush.

If he were not open to an alliance, he would have rejected me outright.

But he didn’t.

And that gives me hope—hope that in the darkness of my mistakes, I can make things right.

I can be the man my child deserves. The alpha king my kingdom deserves.

A man worthy of love and acceptance—if fate will grant me a second chance.

“My terms are rather simple,” I say as Delilah’s hand finds mine on her knee. She squeezes tightly, her warmth providing me a comfort I didn’t know I needed but that I liked all the same.

Perhaps one day, I might even come to love it.

We speak for hours, Nyx and I. Raine and Delilah chime in occasionally, ironing out things to make sure everything is clear in writing—writing that Nyx’s beta has been tasked with.

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