Share

Chapter 18

Author: Michy Gaza
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-08 00:40:57

“I’ll be strong,” I said, more to myself than to him.

Kane’s gaze softened for a moment, a flicker of something almost like respect passing over his face. “And that’s what I need.” he said.

We shared a long, silent look, a new kind of understanding settling between us.

As we returned to the main hall, I felt a pair of eyes on me, Aiden’s.

He was standing with Zara, her hand linked possessively through his arm, but his gaze was locked on me, a flicker of something dark and simmering in his eyes.

Jealousy?

Regret?

A mixture of emotions I couldn’t place, but they burned into me like a brand.

Kane noticed Aiden’s stare and didn’t hesitate to place a hand on the small of my back, guiding me forward with a touch that was both possessive and protective.

I felt a thrill of defiance rise within me, my chin lifting slightly as I met Aiden’s gaze.

He had made his choice. He had rejected me, chosen Zara, turned his back on whatever bond we once shared. And yet, here he was, watching me wit
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 19

    Kane struck again, and I barely managed to evade his hit, countering with a low sweep of my leg that knocked him off balance.I felt a surge of triumph at the sight of his surprised expression, but it was fleeting as he quickly regained his footing, his eyes narrowing with renewed focus.“Impressive,” he remarked, his voice low and gruff, a hint of respect lacing his words. “But you need to dig deeper, Layla.”Just as I prepared to charge at him again, a loud crash echoed from the edge of the training yard, causing us both to turn.A group of warriors had stumbled into the clearing, a rogue pack trailing closely behind them, eyes gleaming with malice.Panic surged through the crowd, the tension in the air thickening as we all recognized the threat that had come too close for comfort.Rogues were notorious for their aggression and lawlessness, and I felt my heart race as the realization sank in.“Protect the pack!” Kane barked, shifting seamlessly into his wolf form, a massive beast wi

    Last Updated : 2024-11-08
  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 20

    The days following the battle were filled with a strange mixture of camaraderie and tension.I had taken a stand, and while it had earned me a measure of respect, it had also shifted the dynamics between Kane, Aiden, and myself in ways I was still grappling to understand.I found myself spending more time with Kane.He was an exceptional leader, and his determination to protect the pack was infectious.I also often caught myself glancing at Aiden during meetings, his eyes clouded with conflicting emotions as he navigated his role as Alpha while still grappling with the fallout from our past.I could see the weight of his choices pressing down on him, and a part of me felt sympathy for the position he found himself in, caught between duty to his pack and the bond that still lingered for me.One afternoon, as I practiced in the training yard, I felt a familiar gaze on me. I turned to find Aiden standing at the edge of the clearing, watching me with an intensity that made my heart race.

    Last Updated : 2024-11-08
  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 21

    I looked at him, really looked at him, and saw not just the Alpha King, but a man who believed in me, who saw me for who I truly was.Just then, the sound of laughter broke through our moment, and I turned to see a group of pack members approaching, their energy infectious.I smiled, feeling the weight of the world shift slightly off my shoulders.As the group joined us, the atmosphere lightened, laughter and banter filling the air.Kane slipped seamlessly into the role of leader, engaging with the warriors and offering words of encouragement, while I found myself caught up in their enthusiasm.The days turned into weeks, and I settled into my new routine.Kane was relentless in training sessions, pushing me to my limits, but I welcomed the challenge.But amidst the rigorous training, I couldn’t shake the underlying tension between Kane and Aiden.While Aiden had accepted me as a servant for Kane, I could sense the lingering jealousy that flickered in his eyes whenever he caught Kane

    Last Updated : 2024-11-09
  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 22

    Aiden’s rejection of her was fresh in her memory, but now, seeing his possessiveness, his desire to reclaim what he had discarded, she felt a pang of anger rise within her.How dare he act as though he had any claim over her?Steeling herself, she stepped between them, her voice firm. “Aiden, I appreciate your concern, but I’m here to learn. The Alpha King has been a good teacher, and I value his help.”Aiden looked taken aback, a flicker of hurt flashing in his eyes. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words, his anger replaced by something far more vulnerable. But just as quickly, he composed himself, his face hardening as he shot Kane one last withering glance.“Fine,” he muttered, his tone clipped. “Just… be careful, Layla. Not everyone’s intentions are as clear as they seem.” With that, he turned on his heel and strode away, leaving her and Kane in the lingering silence.Layla released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, feeling the weight of Aiden’s words settle o

    Last Updated : 2024-11-09
  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 23

    One evening, Aiden decided he couldn’t hold back any longer. He sought her out after training, finding her in the forest, where she often went to clear her mind.The shadows of dusk cloaked the trees, casting an ethereal glow on the clearing.“Layla,” he called, his voice softer than she’d ever heard it.She turned, surprised by the vulnerability in his expression. “Aiden, what is it?”“I... need to talk to you,” he said, his voice cracking slightly. He took a step closer, his gaze intense. “About us.”Layla’s face hardened, and she took a small step back, her posture guarded. “There is no ‘us,’ Aiden. Not anymore.”He clenched his fists, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “I was wrong to push you away,” he said, his voice thick with regret. “I see that now. I thought... I thought it was the right thing, for the pack. For Zara. But I can’t... I can’t ignore what I feel for you, Layla. I made a mistake.”Layla’s expression softened slightly, but she shook her head, pain flickeri

    Last Updated : 2024-11-09
  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 24

    Zara watched the drama unfolding between Aiden, Layla, and Kane with a mixture of fury and smug satisfaction.She had always known Aiden’s feelings for Layla had never truly vanished, and seeing the jealousy unravel him only confirmed her suspicions. But what she hadn’t counted on was how much Kane would seem to care for Layla as well.Watching her fated mate, the Alpha King, hover around Layla with such intensity stung in ways Zara couldn’t articulate.Kane’s arrival was supposed to be her moment, a triumphant reunion with the mate she’d rejected in favor of a future with Aiden.She’d expected Kane to be grateful for her sacrifice, to still feel bound to her by the mate bond. Instead, he’d turned to Layla with a level of devotion that made Zara’s blood boil.Later that night, Zara found herself in her chambers, pacing restlessly as her mind whirled with plans.Layla’s presence had become a threat, her very existence a reminder of everything Zara had lost, everything she’d sacrificed.

    Last Updated : 2024-11-09
  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 25

    Layla’s mind raced.She had to find a way to escape, to warn Kane of Zara’s intentions. She couldn’t let Zara win, not when everything was on the line.With every ounce of her strength, she began loosening the ropes, feeling for any weakness in the binding. But Zara’s men had been thorough, and each pull only dug the rough ropes deeper into her wrists.As if sensing her struggle, Zara’s lips curled into a smirk. “You’ll never break free, Layla. Not this time.”With one final, lingering look, Zara turned away, her figure disappearing into the shadows.Layla’s heart pounded as she was left alone, surrounded by the silent forest. She closed her eyes, taking deep breaths to calm herself, to clear her mind.She couldn’t panic now. She had to stay focused, to find a way out of this nightmare.Moments passed, and the distant sounds of the forest surrounded her, rustling leaves, the faint hoot of an owl, and the murmur of a distant stream.Alone and vulnerable, Layla felt the fear creeping in

    Last Updated : 2024-11-10
  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 26

    The dawn light filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the ground as Layla and Kane approached the packhouse.Layla leaned into Kane’s side, drawing strength from his presence, but her mind was still clouded with the remnants of fear and uncertainty.As they entered the packhouse, the familiar sounds of the pack bustling about met their ears, laughter, conversations, and the clatter of dishes in the kitchen. Yet, beneath the surface of all that, Layla sensed the unease that had gripped the pack since her disappearance.Whispers followed them as they walked through the main hall, eyes filled with concern and curiosity.Aiden was the first to intercept them, his expression a mixture of relief and anger. “Layla!” he exclaimed, rushing toward her, but he stopped short when he noticed Kane at her side.The tension in the air shifted instantly, an electric charge that crackled between them.“Are you okay?” Aiden’s voice was urgent, but his gaze flickered to Kane, the underly

    Last Updated : 2024-11-10

Latest chapter

  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 137

    The journey to Kane’s territory was both somber and filled with anticipation.Ace, his excitement rekindled, chatted endlessly with Aria about what he expected life to be like in his new home.Waiting just beyond the gates was Kane, his imposing figure standing tall amidst the bustle of his pack.When the car came to a stop, he approached, his golden eyes lighting up as he saw Ace step out, holding Aria’s hand.Kane crouched down, arms wide open, and Ace hesitated only for a moment before running into them. “Alpha Kane!” Ace exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement. “I’m here!”Kane held him tightly, his voice warm and filled with emotion. “You’re finally home, my boy. And you don’t have to call me Alpha Kane anymore. Just call me Dad.”Ace grinned widely. “Okay, Dad.”Aria stood to the side, her heart swelling as she watched the exchange.Kane turned to her, his gaze softening. “Thank you, Aria,” he said, his voice low but fervent. “Thank you for bringing him here. For trusting

  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 136

    The next day, the warm light of the setting sun filtered through the window as Aria sat on the edge of Ace’s bed.The young boy was surrounded by his favorite toys and drawings, his curious eyes fixed on his mother as she gently stroked his hair.“Ace,” she began softly, her tone laced with both excitement and nervousness. “There’s something very important I need to tell you.”Ace tilted his head, his small face lighting up with intrigue. “Is it about why everyone’s been acting so serious lately?”Aria smiled, amused at his perceptiveness. “It is, sweetheart. It’s something about who you are, about our family.”Ace sat up straighter, his gaze unwavering. “What is it, Mama?”Taking a deep breath, Aria reached for Ace’s hands, holding them gently in her own. “Ace, do you remember when I told you that your papa, Alpha Rylan, saved us and gave us a home?”Ace nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Papa is the best!”Aria’s heart swelled with love, but she pushed forward. “He is, and he’ll always

  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 135

    The transformation on Kane’s face was immediate and overwhelming. His eyes widened, a brilliant light of joy and disbelief breaking through the storm of emotions he had been carrying.His lips parted in a smile so genuine it made Aria’s heart ache.“My son,” he repeated, this time louder, his voice filled with awe and reverence. “Ace is my son.”He laughed, a sound so rare and unguarded that it echoed warmly in the room.Kane stepped forward and, without hesitation, wrapped Aria in a tight embrace, his arms encircling her protectively.“I have a son,” he murmured into her hair. “Layla, you’ve given me something I never thought I’d have, a family.”Aria let herself sink into his embrace for a moment, her emotions a whirlwind. But as much as she wanted to hold on to the warmth of his joy, she knew this wasn’t the end of their journey.Pulling back slightly, she looked up at him, her expression serious. “Kane, this doesn’t change everything. Ace is your son, but he’s also Rylan’s son in

  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 134

    As the packhouse bustled with activity, the air buzzed with anticipation.Wolves cleaned and redecorated Layla’s old room under Kane’s watchful eye, ensuring every detail was perfect.The scent of fresh flowers filled the space, mingling with the faint traces of her lingering presence that had never truly faded.Kane stood in the doorway, his gaze sweeping over the room.It was exactly as it had been years ago, untouched and waiting.The bed was neatly made with soft, warm furs, the curtains pulled back to let in the moonlight.On the nightstand, a delicate vase held a single white rose, its petals pristine and pure.“She’ll be here,” Kane murmured to himself, his voice barely audible. “She’ll see this and know she has a home waiting for her.”But even as he spoke, a shadow of doubt crept into his mind.He had seen the way Rylan looked at Aria, the way he had fought to keep her and Ace by his side.Kane clenched his fists, his resolve hardening.He would not let Rylan win. Layla, Aria

  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 133

    “You remember,” Rylan said, his voice low but steady, addressing Aria directly.She nodded, her hand instinctively tightening on Kane’s shoulder. “I remember everything,” she said softly. “About Aiden. About Kane. About... about all of it.”Rylan’s jaw tightened imperceptibly, but he nodded. “And what does that mean for us? For Ace?”Her heart clenched at the mention of Ace. “It doesn’t change that he’s our son,” she said, her voice firm but gentle. “Rylan, you’ve been an incredible father to him. That doesn’t change because of who Kane is.”Kane stiffened slightly, his grip on Aria’s waist loosening.He glanced at her, his brow furrowing. “What are you saying, Aria?” he asked, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.She took a deep breath, stepping back from both men to create some space. “I need time,” she said, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. “I’ve just regained a part of myself I thought I’d lost forever. I need to figure out who I am, who I am now

  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 132

    Aria made her way back to the pack’s territory.Her steps were unsteady, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.The memories were sharp and vivid, each one striking her like a lightning bolt. Every moment she had lived as Layla now coalesced with her present life as Aria, forming a mosaic of pain, betrayal, love, and resilience.She clutched her arms around herself, her breath hitching with each step.The towering gates of the pack’s territory came into view, and she quickened her pace. Every instinct urged her forward, every fiber of her being telling her that she needed to be here, now.As she approached the gates, she spotted a familiar figure. Kane stood by his car, one hand gripping the door, the other running through his dark hair.His powerful frame was tense, his golden eyes scanning the horizon as if he were waiting for something, or someone.Aria froze for a moment, her heart hammering in her chest.The sight of him brought a rush of emotions, the man who had once been her mate,

  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 131

    Aria rose from the fallen log, her body still tense from the emotional confrontation she had endured.The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting silvery patterns on the forest floor.As she turned to leave the clearing, her foot caught on a piece of uneven wood hidden beneath the underbrush.She stumbled forward, landing on her hands and knees with a sharp gasp.The impact jarred her, but it was the sudden rush of images flooding her mind that stole her breath away.She was 18 again, walking through the town pack when she encountered Aiden, the then Alpha in the grand town hall.Her heart pounded with anticipation as she approached Aiden, the one who had made her feel the mate bond.He was her mate, she could feel it in her bones. Tonight, on her birthday, he would claim her, and their future together would begin.But his eyes, once warm and inviting, were cold.“I can’t,” he said, his voice low but firm. “I don’t want you, Layla.”Her heart shattered. “What do you mean?” she w

  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 130

    The forest, once alive with danger had settled into an uneasy stillness. Celeste and Amelia, subdued, were escorted back to Rylan’s territory by his warriors.The Alphas, Kane and Rylan, stood a short distance apart, their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills.Aria sat on a fallen log, holding Ace close.The boy clung to her, his face buried in her neck as she stroked his hair soothingly.Her heart still raced from the events of the day, but the warmth of her son’s embrace grounded her.Kane approached cautiously, his usually commanding presence softened by concern. “Aria,” he said, his voice low and measured.She looked up, meeting his gaze.“Thank you for finding Ace,” she said, her tone polite but distant.Kane knelt in front of her, his eyes searching hers. “You don’t have to thank me. I’d do anything for you and Ace, you know that.”Rylan’s voice cut through the moment like a blade. “And yet you put them in danger with Amelia.”Kane stood, turning to face Rylan. “Don’t preten

  • Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved   Chapter 129

    Even though Ace had been found and safely returned, Aria could not shake the feeling of unease clawing at her heart.Something about the entire ordeal felt unresolved, as if a larger danger still loomed.While Rylan and Kane coordinated with their packs, Aria quietly slipped away, her instincts pulling her deeper into the forest.The forest was eerily silent, the faint rustle of leaves the only sound accompanying her hurried steps.Her thoughts swirled with fear and anger, not just at Celeste and Amelia for their cruelty, but at herself for not being able to protect her son.She clenched her fists, frustration boiling within her.As she pushed forward, fragments of a memory flickered in her mind: a clearing bathed in moonlight, the scent of lilies, a soft voice calling her name, Layla.“Who am I?” she whispered, her voice trembling.Something within her stirred, an ancient strength she couldn’t yet name. She pushed on, determined to find the truth, no matter the cost.As Aria ventured

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status