Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the King

I got out of bed and ran over to him, bending down to cup his smooth face in my hands, exaggerating my tone:

“I actually gave birth to such a big baby!”

The composure on his little face cracked.

He instinctively leaned back, frowning as he called out, “Mother…”

“What’s your name?”

I smiled, ruffling his hair.

He paused, his eyes glancing at my arms before he answered in a low voice,

“Judson Sullivan.”

“Such a beautiful name!”

“…Since Mother seems fine, I should go to Father for my training.”

He seemed a little flustered by the praise, his cheeks slightly red as he turned his head away. He jumped off the couch, clenched his fists, and started walking toward the door.

I held him back by his head:

“I’ll come with you.”

I hesitated for a moment:

“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen your father since I woke up.”

That man, my so-called mate, who forced me into this bond and turned me into a skeleton!

I wanted to see what kind of monster he was, what made me so determined to resist him even to the point of death.

In my mind, an Alpha King should be like the ones in books—sinister, malicious old men.

Sagging skin, frequent flatulence, and reeking of old age.

With that image in mind, I took a deep breath and took the little boy’s hand, letting him lead the way.

Along the path, I craned my neck, pointing excitedly at the butterflies fluttering over the blooming roses, only to be met with his resigned pursed lips:

“Mother, you’re more childlike than Malani.”

I awkwardly scratched my head.

When we reached the study, we were ushered in. The first thing I noticed was the massive bookshelves, accompanied by the faint scent of cedarwood.

And a strikingly handsome man.

Tall, with a chiseled face, his dark hair tied back with a leather strap, reaching down to his waist. His tailored suit hugged his lean yet muscular frame—slender but imposing.

I was momentarily stunned.

Until the child respectfully called out, “Father.”

The man responded with a soft “Hmm,” putting down the letter in his hand and looking up at me:

“What are you doing here?”

I blinked. “You… you’re the Alpha King?”

So young? So handsome?!!

He raised an eyebrow, not particularly surprised:

“I heard from the healer that you’ve forgotten everything about me?”

His voice wasn’t harsh, just deep, his dark eyes fixed on me, exuding an overwhelming aura of authority.

—It reminded me of the time my brother and I were scolded by the pack elder for drawing caricatures of the trainer, and our father made us kneel in the meeting hall.

I shrunk my shoulders and nodded.

He gave a slight nod and waved for the child to leave.

Once the door closed behind Judson, his demeanor shifted completely.

His gaze turned icy, his voice sharp:

“I don’t care if you’ve truly lost your memory or if this is just another one of your schemes. You can do as you please in the pack, but don’t you dare hurt Judson or Malani. That’s my line.”

“If you try to use them to get what you want again, don’t blame me for not holding back. I’ll skin your cousin alive. Do you understand?”

His words were brutal.

His tone was vicious.

But strangely, I didn’t feel much fear.

It was as if I’d heard it all before, knowing that no matter how angry he got, he was just a paper tiger.

I blinked, thought for a moment, then looked up at him with bright eyes, whispering softly:

“Mate?”

His icy expression froze.

He frowned deeply, scolding:

“Stop with these tricks! I won’t fall for it again!”

He was so harsh.

It felt so unwarranted.

What trick? I just called him “mate,” and suddenly I’m being scolded?

I wanted to get angry, but looking at his face, I couldn’t bring myself to.

Beautiful people, even when they’re angry, are still beautiful.

The furrowed brows didn’t diminish his handsomeness; instead, they added a layer of melancholy to his sharp features. The fire in his eyes made my heart ache.

“Don’t be so mean…”

I fiddled with my fingers, speaking softly:

“I’m just a little hungry, mate. Even if I’ve done something wrong, at least let me die with a full stomach.”

He seemed even angrier, sweeping the inkwell off the table.

He strode over to me, bending down and trapping me in the armchair, his legs pinning me in place. His suit jacket fell open, and the scent of cedarwood filled the air.

His voice was harsh, yet laced with a hint of vulnerability:

“You’re seducing me again!

“What is it this time? Begging for a position for your brother? Or pleading for your cousin’s life?

“In your eyes, am I really that pathetic? That I’d willingly be your dog just because you beckon?”

“I’m telling you, dream on!!!”

I was baffled:

“How am I seducing you?”

I was just hungry, wanting something to eat.

This body was so thin it looked like a skeleton. I thought I looked hideous and just wanted to take care of it. How was that seduction?

His breathing grew heavier, his eyes locked on mine, his gaze reflecting the tiny hairs on the tip of my nose.

After a long moment, he grabbed my chin and kissed me—no, it wasn’t a kiss. He bit me, fiercely, violently, like I was his most hated enemy, sinking his teeth into my lips.