REJECTED YET CHOSEN

Chapter 10

_Lyla’s POV_

That night, I slept like a baby. I thought that I would feel uncomfortable in a new place, surrounded by luxury I wasn’t used to, sharing a bed with someone I barely knew. But I didn’t. The bed was soft, like sleeping on clouds. The sheets smelled fresh, with a faint scent of lavender. It felt warm and safe.

Aaron lay beside me, but he didn’t bother me. He didn’t snore, and he didn’t move much in his sleep. It was like he knew I needed space. His presence was comforting, not overwhelming. I felt… at peace. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t have to be on guard. I didn’t have to worry about where I would sleep or if I was safe.

When I woke up the next morning, sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow around the room. I blinked a few times, letting my eyes adjust. The room was quiet. Too quiet.

I turned my head slightly—Aaron wasn’t there. His side of the bed was empty, the sheets slightly wrinkled where he had slept. A strange feeling tugged at my chest. Disappointment? No, that couldn’t be it. Why would I feel that way? I shook the thought away and sat up, rubbing my eyes.

I had no idea what time it was. There wasn’t a clock in sight. I stood up, stretching my stiff limbs, and decided to find him.

But as soon as I stepped out of the room, I realized I had a problem.

The hallways.

They all looked the same. Long corridors with polished wooden floors, tall windows with velvet curtains, and doors that seemed to lead nowhere. I turned left, then right, then left again. I tried to remember the path Aaron had taken me through last night, but it was like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.

I sighed, feeling a little frustrated.

After roaming around for what felt like forever, I finally found a staircase. Relief washed over me as I made my way down, gripping the railing as if it would guide me to safety.

When I reached the bottom, I heard soft footsteps. I turned and saw a woman standing near the entrance of a large sitting room. She was tall and graceful, her dark hair neatly pulled back. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, and her posture screamed confidence.

It was Aaron’s mother.

She noticed me and smiled warmly. “Lyla, dear, you’re awake. Have you had breakfast yet?”

I shook my head quickly. “No, not yet.”

She smiled again, her expression kind and welcoming. “Come with me, dear.”

I followed her quietly, my heart beating faster. I wasn’t used to this—being around people like her, people who seemed so put together, so sure of themselves.

She led me to a large dining room. The table was long, made of dark wood, and could probably seat twenty people. A beautiful chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting soft light across the room.

She gestured for me to sit, and I did, feeling small in such a big room.

She called a maid. “Please bring breakfast for Lyla,” she said gently.

The maid nodded and disappeared through a door, probably leading to the kitchen. I sat there, my hands resting on my lap, feeling a little awkward. The room was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat.

Soon, the maid returned, carrying a large tray filled with food. There were scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, toast with butter and jam, a bowl of fresh fruits, pancakes with syrup, and even a glass of fresh orange juice. It was too much for one person.

I stared at the food, wide-eyed.

“Thank you,” I whispered softly to the maid, who gave me a polite nod before leaving.

Aaron’s mother sat across from me, her eyes gentle. “Please, eat. I hope it is to your liking.”

I picked up a fork, still feeling a little out of place. But the moment I took my first bite of the scrambled eggs, I froze. They were delicious. Fluffy, perfectly seasoned, and warm. I took another bite, then another. The toast was crispy, the jam sweet, and the bacon… well, it was the best bacon I had ever had.

I must have looked surprised because Aaron’s mother chuckled softly. “I am glad you like it.”

I swallowed my bite and nodded. “It’s really good.”

She smiled warmly. “We have wonderful cooks here. You’ll get used to it.”

I wasn’t sure I would. This was nothing like the simple meals I was used to. But I didn’t say that.

After a few moments, I gathered the courage to ask, “Where is Aaron?”

She sipped her tea gracefully before answering. “He had to go out for some important work. He’ll be back soon.”

I felt that strange tug in my chest again. I wasn’t sure why. She set her cup down and smiled softly. “So, Lyla, tell me more about yourself. Aaron mentioned that you are from the Moonshadow pack.”

I swallowed. I felt a little nervous. “Yes… I am.” She leaned in slightly, her eyes kind. “Aaron doesn’t talk much about his feelings, but I can tell he is different around you. Happier.”

I blinked. I was surprised. “Really?”

She chuckled. “Oh, yes. He has always been strong and responsible, but he is also guarded. Meeting you… I think it has changed him a little.”

I didn’t know what to say to that.

“He has always been stubborn,” she continued with a small smile. “Even as a child. But he has a good heart. He cares deeply for those he loves, even if he doesn’t always show it with words.”

I listened quietly, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.

“He told me you are strong too,” she added gently. “That you have been through a lot.”

I looked down at my plate, my appetite fading slightly. “I’ve had some hard times, yes.”

She reached across the table, her hand resting gently on mine. “You’re safe here, Lyla. You’re part of our family now.”

Her words hit me harder than I expected.

Family.

It had been a long time since I felt like I belonged anywhere. But here she was, a woman who barely knew me, offering kindness without asking for anything in return.

I nodded, my throat feeling tight. “Thank you.”

She gave my hand a gentle squeeze before pulling back. “You’re welcome, dear.”

We sat in comfortable silence for a while. I picked at my food, my mind racing with thoughts.

After a few minutes, she spoke again, her voice soft. “Aaron may be the Alpha, but he is still learning too. Don’t be afraid to tell him how you feel. He listens more than you think.”

I smiled faintly. “I’ll try.”

She nodded, her eyes filled with warmth. “That’s all you can do.”

I finished my breakfast slowly, savoring the last few bites. When I was done, the maid came to clear the table.

Aaron’s mother stood gracefully. “Come, dear. Let me show you around so you don’t get lost again.”

I laughed softly, standing up to follow her.

Maybe… just maybe… this could feel like home someday.