REJECTED YET CHOSEN

Chapter 49

_Dorian's POV_

I forced my lips into a polite smile, though my insides churned with unease. Lyla sat before me, her posture graceful, her expression unreadable. She looked every bit the Luna of the Blood Moon Pack, her fingers laced with Aaron’s as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

But it wasn’t.

I knew it wasn’t.

Shadow paced within me, his growl barely contained. Something’s wrong, he said again, his voice edged with frustration. She is not acting like she was our mate. She should recognize us. She should feel something.

I didn’t respond to him. Instead, I turned my attention back to Lyla, forcing my voice to stay casual.

“You must enjoy life here,” I said, watching her closely. “The Blood Moon Pack is strong. Aaron leads well.”

Lyla nodded and offered me a small smile. “Yes. The pack has been very welcoming. Aaron is an incredible leader. He takes care of his people.”

Something sharp twisted in my chest at the way she said his name. Like she truly meant it. Like she truly believed it.

“And your role as Luna?” I pressed, keeping my tone light. “How do you find it?”

Her smile widened slightly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s an honor. I look forward to serving the pack alongside Aaron. We have been preparing for the future together.”

My jaw clenched. Preparing for the future.

Preparing for their future.

I wasn’t sure what I had expected when I saw her again. Maybe shock, maybe anger, maybe pain. But not this. Not cold indifference. Not an effortless performance of a woman who didn’t remember me at all.

Still, I wasn’t ready to believe it was real.

I leaned forward slightly, my gaze searching hers. “Lyla,” I said softly, hoping—praying—for some flicker of recognition.

Nothing.

She met my gaze without hesitation, without a hint of unease.

I swallowed against the growing weight in my chest. “Do you know who I am?”

She tilted her head slightly, then let out a soft, polite laugh. “No, I don’t believe we have met before.”

Shadow snarled inside me. My fingers dug into the armrest of my chair as I struggled to remain composed.

Lyla had just looked me in the eye and told me she didn’t know me.

That was impossible.

Aaron’s lips curved into a smirk as he tightened his hold on her hand. “Lyla and I have been quite busy with wedding preparations,” he said smoothly. “There’s much to be done before the ceremony. If you’ve completed your business here, perhaps it’s time you return to your pack, Alpha Dorian.”

A clear dismissal.

Aaron wanted me gone.

And I should have left. I had secured the trade agreement, and there was no logical reason for me to linger. But logic didn’t matter right now.

Lyla was here.

And something was very, very wrong.

I couldn’t leave. Not yet.

I needed a reason to stay—something solid, something Aaron couldn’t argue against. If I pushed too hard, he would see right through me. But if I played it right, he would have no choice but to let me remain here.

I exhaled slowly, schooling my expression into something neutral. “You’re right,” I said, nodding. “You and Lyla must be very busy.” I let my gaze flicker between them before shifting back to Aaron. “But before I leave, there’s one matter that requires my attention.”

Aaron narrowed his eyes slightly. “And what would that be?”

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms as if settling into a more comfortable position. “The security arrangements for our trade routes,” I said smoothly. “We both know rogue attacks have been increasing. If we’re going to proceed with our alliance, we need to ensure safe passage between our territories.”

Aaron arched a brow. “We’ve already agreed to patrol rotations along the borders.”

“Yes, but that’s not enough.” I kept my voice firm. “We need to go over the logistics in detail. The routes, the specific weak points, the communication between our warriors. If we don’t plan this thoroughly, the alliance will mean nothing.”

Aaron’s jaw tightened. He knew I was right.

If we wanted the trade agreement to work, we had to make sure our warriors were prepared for any threats. He couldn’t argue against that without looking reckless.

“I’ll need at least a day to go over the details,” I added casually. “Unless, of course, you don’t think it’s important.”

Aaron’s eyes darkened slightly. He wasn’t stupid. He knew I was looking for an excuse to stay. But he also couldn’t outright deny my request without appearing careless in front of his warriors.

There was a long silence.

Then, finally, he exhaled sharply and gave a curt nod. “Fine. You may stay the night. But we’ll discuss everything first thing in the morning.”

I inclined my head, feigning indifference. “That sounds reasonable.”

Aaron turned to Jason, his Beta. “Make sure Alpha Dorian has accommodations prepared.”

Jason gave a nod before stepping out of the room.

Aaron’s eyes returned to me, sharp and warning. “I trust you’ll respect my pack’s hospitality.”

“Of course.” I met his gaze evenly, refusing to let him intimidate me. “I wouldn’t dream of doing otherwise.”

Aaron let out a short, humorless chuckle before standing. “Then we’re done here.”

I rose to my feet as well, watching as he turned to Lyla. He touched her lower back, guiding her toward the door with that same possessive ease. She moved with him naturally, without hesitation.

And I hated it.

Shadow snarled. That should be us. That should be our place.

But it wasn’t.

Not anymore.

Lyla didn’t even glance back as she walked out of the room.

The moment the door shut behind them, I released a slow breath, my hands curling into fists.

I had done what I needed to do. I had found a reason to stay.

Now, I had to figure out what the hell was going on.

Because I knew one thing for certain—Lyla hadn’t just moved on.

Something wasn’t right.

And I wasn’t leaving until I found out the truth.