REJECTED YET CHOSEN

Chapter 47

_Dorian's POV_

I stormed into the packhouse, my mind racing.

Lyla was in danger.

The dream replayed in my head—the beast, the blood, the way her terrified eyes had searched for help. My wolf, Shadow, paced inside me. He was restless and eager to move. I had made my decision. I would find her.

Marcus, my Beta, stood by the fireplace in my office, sipping a glass of whiskey. He looked up as I entered, his brows knitting together.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he said.

I ignored his remark. “We’re going to the Blood Moon Pack.”

Marcus’s eyes widened slightly, but he didn’t react immediately. He set his glass down, crossing his arms. “And why the hell would we do that?”

I grabbed a map from my desk, rolling it open. “I need to speak with Alpha Aaron. We’ll be bringing some of our guards and warriors with us.”

Marcus frowned. “We don’t have any business with them. And they don’t like meddling in other packs’ affairs. They’re reserved, Dorian. They won’t welcome us properly.”

“I know,” I said. “And I have heard rumors about Aaron. People say he’s ruthless and unforgiving.”

Marcus gave me a pointed look. “Then why are we going there?”

I clenched my jaw. “Because I have something important to discuss with him.”

Marcus studied me for a long moment. “You’re not telling me everything.”

I didn’t answer.

Marcus sighed, shaking his head. “Fine. But how do you plan to get him to agree to meet with us? The Blood Moon Pack is self-sufficient. They don’t need allies.”

He was right. Aaron’s pack lacked nothing—resources, warriors, land. They had no reason to accept an alliance.

But I needed an excuse to meet him.

I thought for a moment, then spoke. “I’ll offer him something rare. Something that even a powerful Alpha like him would want.”

Marcus raised a brow. “Which is?”

I smirked. “A trade route through our northern borders. Our lands connect to the human world in ways his don’t. He may have wealth, but we have connections. If he wants to expand his influence, he’ll consider it.”

Marcus exhaled and rubbed his temples. “So you’re going to bait him with power?”

I nodded. “It’s the only way he’ll let us in.”

Marcus sighed. “Alright. But we should bring gifts, too. If we’re trying to make a deal, we need to make it look convincing.”

“I was already planning on it,” I said.

I had no interest in an alliance. I didn’t care about trade routes.

I was going there for one reason.

To find Lyla.

________

We left at dawn.

The road was long, winding through dense forests and steep hills. My wolf was restless the entire way, his instincts screaming at me to move faster. But I forced myself to stay calm. Barging into Blood Moon territory without reason would be a death wish.

After several hours, we reached the pack’s borders.

A high stone wall surrounded the entire territory, stretching as far as the eye could see. Tall, fortified watchtowers lined the perimeter. Their guards stood alert with sharp eyes and weapons ready.

I let out a low whistle. “They take security seriously.”

Marcus nodded. “It’s nearly impossible for an intruder to get through.”

As we approached the entrance, a group of guards stepped forward, blocking our path. One of them, a large man with a scar across his cheek, scrutinized us.

“State your business,” he demanded.

I straightened my posture. “I am Alpha Dorian of the Moonshadow Pack. I have come to speak with your Alpha regarding an alliance.”

The guard narrowed his eyes.

“I’ll need to confirm that,” he said before pulling out his phone.

He spoke in hushed tones, occasionally nodding before finally ending the call. He turned back to me. There was an unreadable expression on his face.

“The Alpha has agreed to meet with you.”

He motioned for the others to open the massive iron gates.

I exchanged a look with Marcus before we rode through.

________

The Blood Moon Pack was impressive.

Their packhouse loomed ahead, larger than I expected—grander, even, than our own. Its walls were made of dark stone, lined with banners bearing their insignia. The surrounding buildings were well-maintained, with warriors patrolling the grounds in disciplined formations.

We parked near the entrance, and as soon as we stepped out, a man approached us.

He had sharp black eyes and dark hair. His presence exuded authority.

“I am Jason, Alpha Aaron’s Beta,” he introduced himself. “Allow me to guide you to his office.”

I nodded and followed him through the packhouse.

The interior was just as grand as the exterior. The floors were polished marble, reflecting the golden chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. The walls were adorned with paintings of past Alphas, their eyes watching over us. The entire place screamed power and legacy.

Jason led us through a long hallway before stopping at a large wooden door. He knocked twice.

From inside, a deep voice spoke. “Come in.”

Jason opened the door and stepped aside.

I walked in.

Alpha Aaron sat behind a massive desk. As soon as he saw me, his lips curved into a welcoming smile.

I was taken aback.

I had expected a cruel and cold-hearted leader. The kind of man the rumors spoke of.

But the man before me looked… calm. Collected.

“Welcome to the Blood Moon Pack, Alpha Dorian,” Aaron said smoothly. “What brings you here today?”

I studied him carefully.

There was something familiar about him.

His face. His presence.

I had never met him before.

And yet, I felt like I had seen him somewhere.

Aaron gestured toward a chair. “Please, take a seat.”

I hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward.

As I lowered myself into the chair, my mind raced with thoughts.

This meeting was just a cover.

I wasn’t here for an alliance.

I was here for Lyla.

And I would find her—no matter what it took.