Page 10 of Alpha's Rejected Warrior
This weakness, this self-pity, it’s beneath me.I hail from one of Clarion’s ancient noble bloodlines and serve as the Alpha’s second-in-command, which is still an extraordinary position for a female. My worth isn’t measured by who wants me as a mate, or doesn’t.
I’ve got bigger issues to deal with.Today’s idiotic errand has delayed security preparations for the summit.
I knock on the oak door, pausing to gather myself before facing them.
Thea’s voice drifts through the door. “Come in.”
As I walk in, the scent hits me first. Xander’s familiar pine and leather mingles with Thea’s sweet wildflower aroma. The combination used to make my stomach twist with jealousy. Now it’s just...there. A fact of life, like the changing of seasons.
Thea sits cross-legged on the massive bed, surrounded by photos from the box we brought back from the Outer Lands. The one-eyed stuffed bear sits in her lap, and she clutches a small set of photos in her hands.
Her belly has grown noticeably in recent weeks, a perfect round curve beneath her flowing dress. She lifts her gaze, and a smile lights up her face.
“Rhiannon! Thank you so much for getting my things.” She holds up a faded photograph. “I thought I’d never see these again.”
Lingering by the door feels safer than committing to the room. “Just following orders, Luna.”
“Please, come in.” She motions me to draw closer.
Every instinct screams at me to refuse, but I push myself forward. The room has transformed from when I shared it with Xander. His dark furniture remains, but now Thea’s touches are everywhere.
Flowing gauze curtains in a pale shade of blue have replaced the heavy crimson drapes he used to have. Heady-scented flowers bloom in crystal vases where my polished weapons once stood. Poetry books crowd the nightstand, their dog-eared pages and soft leather covers in stark contrast to the rough oak beneath. I used to keep my war history books in the same place.
Everything in this room is a reminder of what I’ll never have with him.
“Good evening, Luna. I’m looking for Xan— Alpha Xander. Is he available?”
“He’s just getting dressed,” she says. “And you don’t have to be so formal in private. I’m just Thea. You know that.”
“Yes, Lu— Thea. If you’re comfortable with that.”
“I am.” She rubs her swollen belly, lost in the photos. “I’m still not used to this whole Luna business, I guess. I don’t know that I’ll ever get used to it.”
Because it was never meant for you. It should have been me. I swallow the words in my mind before they can escape.
“You will. You’re a wonderful Luna.” I’m not lying.
She nods with appreciation.
“This is my cat Ernie’s paw print.” She holds up the ceramic paw print. “He was an orange tabby.” She presents the bear next. “And my mother gave me this to me before I can remember. I want the baby to have it.”
I nod stiffly, unsure what response she wants from me. She isn’t scheming or posturing, just being genuinely, irritatingly good. Her kindness is almost worse than cruelty. Hatred, I know how to fight. This? I don’t.
“I know this must be strange for you.”
My head snaps up. “I don’t know what you mean, Luna.”
“Everything that’s happened with me and Xander,” her eyes are too sympathetic, too kind, “I understand if it’s uncomfortable.”
“It’s fine,” I lie. “I’m here to serve you and our Alpha.”
“I admire your loyalty and strength, Rhiannon.” She places her hand over her heart. “I hope someday we might be friends. Real friends.”
Her sincerity lands wrong in my chest. How am I supposed to resent someone this earnest?
The door leading to their bedroom opens, and Xander appears. He looks good tonight. He’s wearing a loose-fitting dark shirt and black pants. His dark hair is hanging loose over his shoulders. I catch a shift in his silver-blue eyes. There’s surprise in them at first, then that specific softness he reserves for her alone.
“My love,” he says, walking over to her and kissing her on the forehead. “Did they find what you were looking for?”
