All Chapters of Rejected Not Forsaken: The Alpha King's Beloved: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

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

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.

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

The evening was quiet, the kind of night that concealed dark intentions beneath its tranquil veneer.In the shadows of the pack's territory, Zara moved quickly, her mind a whirlwind of plans and tactics.She could sense Aiden’s anger toward Layla had begun to smolder, but it wasn’t enough, not yet. If she was going to eradicate Layla's influence once and for all, she needed to destroy every source of support Layla might cling to.Tonight, Zara had decided to execute the final piece of her plan, Layla’s family.In a secluded clearing on the edge of the pack’s territory, Zara met with the rogue she’d enlisted weeks before, a shadowy figure who had proven loyal in exchange for her influence and protection.He listened intently, his eyes glinting with a twisted excitement as she outlined her instructions.“Her family,” Zara murmured, her tone cold and unfeeling. “I don’t care how you do it, just make sure there’s nothing left but ashes. And be careful. If anyone suspects you, the entire p

The next few days were a torment of silent endurance for Layla.Zara seemed to relish her newfound power, exploiting every opportunity to demean and belittle her.She assigned Layla the most demeaning tasks, cleaning the pack’s lower quarters, organizing old supply closets, and scrubbing the kitchens long after everyone had eaten.Layla was forced to work from dawn until well into the night, her hands raw and her body aching. Still, she bore it all with a quiet strength, refusing to let Zara see her suffer or break. Not forgeting to serve the Alpha King too.Zara’s treatment didn’t go unnoticed by the other pack members, who exchanged wary glances each time Layla was berated. Some tried to offer her sympathy, but Zara’s influence held them back, leaving Layla isolated.Every task Zara assigned was undercut with a thinly veiled taunt, a reminder of her “place” in the pack.One evening, after hours spent scrubbing the main hall floors until they gleamed, Layla finished just in time for