REJECTED YET CHOSEN

Chapter 48

_Dorian's POV_

Aaron studied me from across the desk, his sharp eyes scrutinizing every word I had said. I had just laid out my proposal—the trade route that would benefit both our packs. His silence stretched between us. The air was thick with tension.

Then, he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers.

“But why would you offer this to us?” he asked. His voice was smooth yet laced with suspicion. “Your pack has never shown interest in forming alliances before. What is your true reason?”

I had expected this question. I knew Aaron wouldn’t accept my offer without digging deeper.

I met his gaze evenly. “It’s true that our packs have remained distant from one another. But times are changing, Alpha Aaron. My pack controls the northern routes, which have access to human markets. We have connections that your pack doesn’t.”

I paused for effect before continuing. “Trade with humans is risky, but it can be profitable if handled correctly. Your pack has resources—metals, furs, and rare herbs that are highly valued outside our world. With our established contacts, we can ensure safe trade while keeping rogue dealings in check. In return, we gain access to the specialized weapons and defensive materials your pack produces. It’s an exchange of strengths.”

Aaron tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. “And why now?”

I shrugged. “Because war is always a possibility. Having strong alliances in place ensures survival. And as much as we may pretend otherwise, even Alphas need allies.”

Aaron was silent for a long moment. Then, he exhaled, nodding slowly. “Fine. I accept your proposition.”

Relief flooded through me, though I didn’t show it. Securing this agreement was never my true goal—but it had served its purpose.

We continued discussing logistics for a while longer. I kept my tone confident and my reasoning logical, ensuring that Aaron had no reason to doubt my intentions. He listened carefully, his eyes sharp and calculating.

But I couldn’t ignore the burning question that sat at the back of my mind. I had come here for a reason greater than politics.

I leaned back in my chair, casually shifting the topic. “Your pack is strong,” I said, glancing around the office. “And well-run. It’s clear you have a solid foundation. A strong Alpha must have an equally strong Luna to rule beside him.”

Aaron’s expression didn’t change, but something flickered in his eyes. “A Luna is more than just a title,” he said. “She is the heart of the pack.”

I nodded thoughtfully. “I assume you have already found your mate?”

Aaron didn’t hesitate. “Yes. I have.”

My fingers curled slightly against the armrest of my chair. “Then I would be honored to meet her.”

Aaron studied me for a moment before turning to Jason. “Bring the Luna.”

Jason nodded and left the room.

My heart pounded. I forced myself to remain calm, to keep my expression neutral, but Shadow was restless inside me. My wolf paced, his instincts screaming that something wasn’t right.

And then—she walked in.

Lyla.

My breath caught in my throat.

She had changed.

Her hair, which she had always worn in soft braids or tied back, now cascaded in loose waves over her shoulders, making her look even more radiant. Her skin glowed under the dim lighting, and her lips were fuller, her features more striking than I remembered. She looked… stronger. More confident.

Shadow let out a low whimper, overwhelmed with emotion.

Mate.

Mine.

I clenched my fists to keep myself steady.

But what stunned me the most wasn’t just how beautiful she looked.

It was her expression.

There was no shock in her eyes. No hesitation. No recognition.

She looked at me as if I were a stranger.

Something cold twisted in my chest.

I stood slowly, my mouth parting to say something—anything—but before I could, Aaron stood and walked toward her.

He reached for her hand.

She let him take it.

Something inside me snapped.

Aaron guided her to the chair beside him, keeping his grip firm yet gentle. He turned back to me, his lips curving into a smirk that sent a slow, burning fury through my veins.

“This is my mate,” he said smoothly. “Lyla. The future Luna of the Blood Moon Pack.”

I barely heard the words.

I couldn’t look away from her.

Lyla sat with perfect poise, her expression calm and composed. There wasn’t the slightest flicker of familiarity in her gaze as she met mine.

She doesn’t remember me.

The realization sent a wave of disbelief through me.

How could she have forgotten?

We had been true mates. Our bond had been real, unbreakable. I had hurt her, yes—I had chosen Camilla, and I had let Lyla suffer because of my weakness. But even after everything, she shouldn’t have forgotten me. That wasn’t possible.

Unless…

She was pretending.

I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to remain steady. “It’s an honor to meet you, Luna Lyla.”

She smiled politely. “Likewise, Alpha Dorian.”

My blood turned to ice.

Her voice. The way she spoke to me.

It wasn’t her.

It sounded like her, but…

It was as if I were speaking to someone else entirely.

Shadow growled low in my head. Something’s wrong.

I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her.

I searched for something—anything—that would confirm that this was just an act. That she was lying to protect herself.

But I found nothing.

Her eyes held no warmth. No hidden meaning.

Just quiet, unwavering indifference.

Aaron squeezed her hand slightly before turning back to me. “You wished to meet my Luna. Now you have.”

The words felt like a punch to the gut.

I forced a small smile, nodding stiffly. “Yes. Thank you for the introduction.”

Lyla’s lips curled into a small, unreadable smile.

I didn’t know if she was pretending…

Or if I had truly lost her forever.

And that terrified me more than anything.