REJECTED YET CHOSEN

Chapter 21

_Lyla's POV_

As soon as I stepped outside, the cool night air wrapped around me. It was a stark contrast to the warmth of Adeline’s cottage. I hadn’t even realized how much time had passed—it was already dark. The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silver glow over everything. My eyes flickered to the car, and that’s when I saw him.

Aaron was standing near the car, his sharp eyes instantly locking onto mine. His expression was unreadable but the tension in his shoulders, the way his hands clenched slightly at his sides, told me he had been waiting for me. Waiting for answers.

The moment I approached, he moved closer. “What happened in there?” His voice was steady, but I could sense the urgency beneath it.

I exhaled slowly. I was still trying to process everything. “Adeline confirmed it,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I am the Lunar Wolf.”

Aaron’s gaze flickered with something unreadable—relief, surprise, maybe even pride. “Are you sure?”

I nodded. “She performed a ritual. The Moon Goddess revealed her mark on me.”

His hands were on me before I could say anything else, warm and grounding as he gently grasped my arms. “Let me see.”

I hesitated only for a moment before rolling up my sleeve, revealing the shimmering crescent moon on my skin. The silver glow had faded slightly but it was still there. It was undeniable proof of what I was. Aaron stared at it for a long moment before exhaling. His fingers brushed over the mark, sending a shiver down my spine.

“This changes everything,” he murmured, his thumb grazing my wrist before he let go. “Did she tell you what it means?”

I held up the ancient book Adeline had given me. “She said this has the history of the Lunar Wolves. I need to read it to understand what this all means.”

Aaron took the book from me. He flipped through the worn pages. He studied it for a moment before handing it back. “You don’t need to worry about anything,” he said softly. “I will protect you. Always.”

His words sent warmth through my chest. There was such certainty in his voice, such unwavering devotion. Before I could respond, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. The warmth of his lips lingered, and for a brief moment, all the fear and uncertainty melted away.

“Come on,” he said gently. “Let’s go home.”

I followed him to the car. My mind was still spinning. As soon as I settled into the passenger seat, Aaron reached over and buckled my seatbelt for me. His fingers brushed against my shoulder, lingering just a second too long. My heart skipped a beat at the closeness.

The drive home was quiet for a few minutes. The soft hum of the engine filled the silence as I stared out the window. The reality of everything was starting to settle in. I wasn’t just an omega anymore. I was something rare, something powerful. And that meant danger was inevitable.

Aaron must have sensed my unease because he reached over and took my hand. His fingers were warm and reassuring. “Hey,” he said softly. “Talk to me. What is going on in that pretty head of yours?”

I glanced at him, biting my lip. “I am just… overwhelmed. Everything has changed so quickly. Yesterday, I was just an omega. Now, I am—”

“Extraordinary,” he finished for me. “You always have been, Lyla. You just didn’t know it.”

I looked down at our joined hands. “But what if I can’t handle this? What if I mess everything up?”

Aaron squeezed my hand. “You won’t. And even if you do stumble, you won’t be alone. I’ll be right beside you. Always.”

Something in his tone made my chest ache. He wasn’t just saying it to make me feel better. He meant it. Every single word.

I sighed, leaning back against the seat. “You make it sound so easy.”

“It is easy,” he said with a grin. “Because you’re not facing this alone. And because I am ridiculously strong and capable.”

I laughed despite myself. “And so humble.”

“Oh, absolutely. My best quality, if you ask me.”

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t stop smiling. Aaron had a way of making even the heaviest moments feel lighter. His confidence, his warmth—it was like a shield against the darkness creeping at the edges of my mind.

We drove in comfortable silence for a while, his hand still holding mine. It felt natural, like it belonged there. Aaron had always been strong, commanding, the kind of Alpha who carried the weight of his people without hesitation. But with me, he was different. Softer. Protective in a way that felt deeply personal.

As we neared the pack house, he glanced at me again, his thumb tracing circles against my skin. “We’re home,” he said softly.

I nodded. I suddenly felt exhausted. The weight of everything was catching up to me.

Aaron parked the car, and before I could open my door, he was already there, helping me out. He didn’t let go of my hand as we walked inside, leading me straight to our room. It was warm, familiar. Safe.

As soon as we stepped inside, Aaron pulled me into his arms, his chin resting against my head. “You’re exhausted,” he murmured.

I hummed in agreement, my body already relaxing against his. He guided me to the bed, pulling back the covers before tugging me down with him. His warmth immediately enveloped me as he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close.

I curled into him and rested my head against his chest. His heartbeat was steady, soothing.

“Get some rest, my love,” he whispered and pressed a kiss to my hair. “You’re safe with me.”

I sighed, my eyes fluttering shut. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone.

I had Aaron.

And that was all I needed.