REJECTED YET CHOSEN

Chapter 6

_Lyla's POV_

“No,” I whispered, my voice a little shaky. “It wasn’t a nightmare.”

The woman sitting beside me gave a soft smile, her blue eyes kind but filled with curiosity. She reached out and gently touched my hand. Her touch was warm and comforting.

“I am glad,” she said softly. “You seemed so restless in your sleep. I was worried.” Then she straightened her posture, her smile widening. “I am Aaron’s mother.”

My breath hitched slightly. Aaron’s mother? I wasn’t prepared for this. I wasn’t even sure how I felt about Aaron yet, and here I was, face-to-face with his mother.

She seemed to notice my surprise and chuckled softly. “I know it’s sudden. But I was so eager to meet you. I am so happy that Aaron has finally found his mate.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’ve been waiting for this day for so long. I can’t wait for you to give me grandkids.”

I felt my cheeks heat up. Grandkids? I couldn’t even process the idea of being Aaron’s mate, let alone having children with him. I shifted uncomfortably, pulling the blanket higher over myself as if it could shield me from the awkwardness.

“I… uh… I don’t really know what to say,” I mumbled, avoiding her gaze.

She laughed gently, not seeming to mind my discomfort. “Oh, don’t worry, dear. I know it’s a lot to take in. But I am just so happy. Aaron deserves someone special, and I can see it in your eyes—you’re the one.”

I forced a small smile, though inside, my heart was racing. I didn’t feel special. I felt like an imposter, someone pretending to belong in a place where I clearly didn’t fit.

She grew serious suddenly, her eyes softening. “What happened to you, dear? Aaron said he found you at an inn among humans. He said he was just returning from a pack meeting when he caught your scent. He knew immediately that you were his mate.”

Her words made my chest tighten. I didn’t know how to answer. Should I tell her the truth? That my mate had rejected me? That I had left my pack because I felt worthless? What if she thought I wasn’t good enough for Aaron? What if she convinced him to reject me too?

I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced a weak smile. “I was on vacation,” I said, trying to sound casual. “I just… wanted to explore the world a little, see how humans live. So, I stayed at the inn for a few days.”

Her eyebrows lifted slightly, as if she didn’t fully believe me, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she nodded politely. “Ah, I see. That’s… interesting.” She paused for a moment, then added, “Aaron’s father will return from his trip in a few days. He went to visit a friend who is ill. When he comes back, we will officially announce you as the future Luna of our pack.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Future Luna? I wasn’t ready for this. I wasn’t sure I ever would be. I wasn’t Luna material—I was just an omega who wanted a place to feel safe, nothing more.

I swallowed hard. “Does Aaron have any siblings?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

She shook her head with a fond smile. “No, he is our only child. That’s why he means the world to us. And now, you do too.”

I didn’t know how to respond. My heart felt heavy with guilt. She was being so kind, but I didn’t feel like I deserved it. I wasn’t the strong, confident Luna she probably imagined. I was just… me. A rejected omega, pretending to be something I wasn’t.

She stood up, smoothing down her clothes. “I’ll let you rest now. You look tired. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call the nurses.”

I nodded quietly. “Thank you for your concern.”

She gave me a warm smile before leaving the room. As soon as the door closed, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding. I sank deeper into the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

What was I doing here?

I felt like a fraud. The future Luna? Me? It sounded like a bad joke. What would the pack think when they found out I was just an omega? That I wasn’t strong or special? That I had been rejected by my first mate?

I closed my eyes, trying to block out the thoughts, but they kept swirling in my mind. I didn’t want to be Luna. I didn’t want the responsibilities, the attention, the expectations. I just wanted a safe place where no one would hurt me. A place where I could heal, quietly, without anyone noticing.

I sighed, pulling the blanket tighter around myself. Maybe I could keep pretending for a little while. Maybe I could just be Aaron’s mate until I figured out what to do next. Until I felt strong enough to stand on my own again.

But deep down, I knew the truth. I couldn’t pretend forever.