REJECTED YET CHOSEN

Chapter 52

_Dorian's POV_

The morning sun filtered through the window, casting golden rays across the room. I blinked against the light, my mind already racing.

Lyla.

Her voice from last night still echoed in my head. The way she had laughed, the softness in her tone when she spoke to Aaron—it didn’t make sense. It wasn’t her. Shadow growled low in my mind. He was restless and uneasy.

We had to get her out of here.

I threw off the covers and sat up, running a hand through my hair. Across the room, Marcus was still asleep, his arm draped over his face to block out the light. I grabbed a pillow and tossed it at him.

"Wake up," I said, my voice sharp with urgency.

Marcus groaned and cracked one eye open. "What the hell, Alpha Dorian?"

"I need to see Lyla."

He sighed and sat up, rubbing his temples. "Can I at least freshen up first? And maybe eat something before we throw ourselves into another mess?"

I clenched my jaw but nodded. He was right—we had to be smart about this. Rushing in without a plan wouldn’t help anyone.

Marcus swung his legs over the side of the bed. "Alright, give me ten minutes."

I didn’t reply. Instead, I stood and grabbed my jacket, heading straight for the door. The moment I stepped outside, I froze.

Jason was standing in the corridor.

His arms were crossed over his chest, his stance casual—but his sharp gaze told me he had been waiting. Had he been standing here all night? Keeping watch?

A prickling discomfort crawled up my spine.

Jason’s lips curled into a smirk. "Alpha Dorian, have you slept well?"

I forced a polite smile. "I did. Thank you for your concern."

Jason tilted his head slightly, studying me. "Good. Alpha Aaron wanted me to make sure you’re comfortable. If you’d like, I can show you where the dining room is. You can join the others for breakfast." He paused. "Or if you prefer, I can have a maid bring your meal here."

He was giving me a choice, but I could see through his words. If I stayed in my room, I wouldn’t see Lyla.

I squared my shoulders. "I’ll eat with the others."

Jason nodded, though something flickered in his eyes—like he had expected my answer. "Very well. Follow me."

The dining hall was large and filled with pack members. Long tables stretched across the room, covered in an assortment of food—steaming platters of eggs, fresh fruit, stacks of pancakes, and meats cooked to perfection. The scent of rich coffee and warm bread filled the air.

My gaze swept over the crowd. And then I saw her.

Lyla sat at the far right, next to Aaron.

She was smiling, laughing at something he had said. The sight sent a sharp pain through my chest. She looked happy. Too happy. As if nothing was wrong. As if she wasn’t trapped.

Shadow howled in my mind. That's not real. She’s in danger. We need to take her far away from him. He is controlling her.

Aaron turned his head then, and our eyes met. His expression didn’t change, but something in his gaze darkened. He leaned slightly toward a pack member sitting beside him and murmured something. The man immediately stood and moved away.

Then Aaron gestured to the empty chair beside him.

“Please, Alpha Dorian,” he said smoothly. “Join us.”

I hesitated. I didn’t want to sit next to him. But if I refused, it would look suspicious.

So I forced a smile and sat down.

Marcus ended up at the other end of the table, his face darkening when he saw the seating arrangement. I barely glanced at him. My focus was on Aaron.

He leaned back in his chair, his expression casual, but there was something calculating in his eyes. “I hope the food is to your liking. We only serve the best to our guests.”

I picked up a cup of coffee and took a slow sip before replying. “Generous of you.”

Aaron smirked. He was cearly aware of my reluctance. “Let’s talk business.”

I nodded, forcing myself to concentrate. If I didn’t go through with this discussion properly, Aaron would have every reason to dismiss me.

“The security arrangements,” I started. “We need to go over the patrol rotations in detail.”

Aaron exhaled, setting his fork down. “I thought we already covered that.”

“We covered the general idea,” I said smoothly. “But the specifics matter. If we’re truly forming an alliance, then we need our warriors to operate as a single unit when necessary. That means coordinated training, synchronized patrol schedules, and open communication lines between our packs.”

Aaron’s jaw tightened slightly. “And how do you propose we manage that?”

“I have a few ideas,” I said, leaning forward. “First, we need a secure communication system. Messengers aren’t fast enough. We should implement a direct link between our Beta warriors. Encrypted phone lines or a designated messenger system that operates under strict orders.”

Aaron nodded slowly, considering. “And the patrol routes?”

I took a bite of food, stalling for a moment before replying. “We need to map out the weak points along our borders. Some areas are too exposed. I suggest we station additional warriors at high-risk points, especially near rogue-infested territories.”

Aaron tapped his fingers against the table. “That will require more manpower.”

“I’m willing to send some of my own warriors to assist,” I said. “Temporarily.”

Aaron studied me, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. He knew I was pushing for a reason to keep a presence near his territory. But he couldn’t refuse without making himself look uncooperative.

Finally, he gave a short nod. “Fine. We’ll work out the specifics when I visit your pack. I’ll bring the necessary documents in a few days.”

I exhaled slowly. It was done. The deal was official.

And now, Aaron wanted me gone.

He turned to Jason. “See that our guests are escorted out after breakfast.”

Just like that. He was done with me.

My pulse quickened. I had to talk to Lyla. I had to find a way—

Then an idea struck me.

I reached for my glass of juice, pretending to adjust my chair as I stood up—then I “accidentally” knocked it over.

The cold liquid spilled down my shirt.

“Oh, Moon Goddess,” I muttered, grabbing a napkin.

Aaron’s eyes flickered with suspicion. He knew.

Still, he tilted his head, amusement creeping into his expression. “Clumsy this morning, aren’t you?”

I forced a sheepish smile. “It happens.”

Aaron waved to one of the servants. “Fetch Alpha Dorian a fresh shirt.”

Damn it.

If I went to change, I would be escorted the entire way. But before I could refuse, Lyla suddenly stood up.

“I can take him,” she said, smiling softly. “I know where the extra clothes are kept.”

Aaron stiffened.

For the first time, something unreadable passed over his face.

Was he going to deny her?

I held my breath.

Then, after a long pause, Aaron exhaled and smiled. “Of course, my love. Be quick.”

I clenched my jaw.

Love.

He called her that so easily. And she didn’t flinch.

Lyla turned to me, her expression unreadable. “Come on, Alpha Dorian.”

I followed her out of the dining hall, my heart pounding.

This was my chance.

I just had to hope Aaron hadn’t set a trap.