Page 26 of Claiming His Rejected Mate

For now.

And I hate all the ways that, even in his cruelty, Kieran has saved my life.

The estate is quiet in the mornings. I watch the sun creep over the treetops from my window, spilling gold onto the manicured grounds. The light cuts through the mist, casting long shadows that stretch across the lawn. Everything here is pristine, so carefully controlled, like nothing, and no one, can disturb its balance.

Except me.

I lean against the windowsill, my breath fogging the glass as I peer down at the courtyard below. It’s early, but the estate is already alive with movement.

And then I see Kieran in the courtyard.

He’s walking across in long, majestic strides, his tall frame commanding attention without effort. Even from here, I can feel the weight of his presence, the raw power he carries like a second skin. His black hair is slightly disheveled, contrasting with the crisp grey shirt rolled up at the sleeves, exposing forearms marked with faint scars and his pack insignia tattoo. I had not noticed that before. But seeing him this way makes my blood flare with warmth.

Does he have more? I've never seen him naked. We fucked in the woods that one time, but I still don't know the grooves on his abdomen, I still don't know what it feels like to roam all over his body with my tongue. The light sheen of sweat on his neck makes me want to reach in, bury my face there, get lost in his sent, graze my teeth across his skin.

My stomach twists, my wolf whining at the sight of him.

I sit by the window, letting the thin glass barrier separate me from the world outside. In essence, from Kieran, knowing that the intensity of my heat will draw him to me like a moth to flame, and I will be drawn to him like a fish to water.

Yesterday in the hall, even while he was demeaning me, I cursed my body for betraying me. For letting the scent of my slick waft between us, for letting him see the arousal he sparks in me, the things he doesto my body. His breath was warm on my face. His eyes had darkened with desire.

Curse the Goddess.

He’s the last one I should consider getting into bed with.

And yet, I can’t tear my eyes away.

My wolf growls softly, her voice filling my head. Mate.

I clench my fists and press them on the cool wood of the windowsill, letting the sharp edge bite into my palms to jar me out of this delirious attraction I still feel for him.

We need him, she whines.

No. I sure as hell don't need a bully like him. He goes about and does whatever he wants. I don't care that he's my Mate. He didn't care two years ago, and I'm pretty sure he still doesn't care.

He rejected me once. Dismissed me without a second thought, like I was nothing more than a threat to be neutralized. But now, I have to be reminded of everything I thought we could have been, everything I had built my hopes up for. Now trapped in his territory, I cannot escape him anymore. The heat simmering in my veins doesn’t help. It’s a dull ache that sharpens whenever I’m near him, a cruel side effect of proximity and a bond that refuses to break.

Kieran pauses in the courtyard, speaking to Damon, the Beta who dragged me here after Kieran’s interrogation and humiliation. From what I noticed yesterday, he is Kieran's Beta. Another loyal dog who aims to please his Alpha. His posture is as rigid as he nods, his expression serious, before gesturing toward the estate's perimeter.

Whatever they’re discussing, it looks important. I wonder what it’s about, and my instincts are focused on the gear of their warriors, the placement of their guards, the timing of their patrols, and other security protocols. The surveillance tech I have noticed all over the estate makes me curious. I wonder just what kinds of tech Kieran has put in place to protect his pack.

I let my gaze linger on Kieran a moment longer, my chest tightening as the sunlight catches on the sharp angles of his jaw.

Then, I force myself to look away.

I’m still replaying the scene when the door to my isolation room creaks open. I whirl around, my muscles tensing instinctively.

Two men I don’t recognize step inside. Their faces are impassive, their posture rigid.

“Come with us,” one of them says, his voice flat.

I hesitate, my eyes narrowing. “Why?”

“Alpha’s orders,” the other replies, his tone leaving no room for argument.

My stomach churns as I glance at the door. I’ve learned enough about Moonfang’s hierarchy to know that disobeying an Alpha’s command is a quick way to earn a punishment. But that doesn’t mean I trust this sudden change.

Then I remember the phone. If they find it after I've left, there's no telling what will happen. I can't trigger any more accusations and attacks.

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