Rejected by the Alpha Mate

The third night without sleep left my eyes burning, but I couldn't stop. Not when I was so close to finishing. My art studio—now barely recognizable as a storage room filled with pack documents—was littered with papers, color swatches, and traditional ceremony diagrams I'd spent weeks researching from ancient pack archives.

"Just a few more details," I whispered to my wolf, Aria, who had grown so quiet over the years I sometimes wondered if she was still there.

The summer solstice celebration itinerary needed to be perfect. Not just for the pack, but for Harry and Emma. For us.

I traced my finger over the hand-drawn map of the sacred clearing, where generations of Silver Moon wolves had celebrated the longest day of the year. "Family bonfire here," I murmured, adding a small notation. "And the traditional howling ceremony at midnight."

My other hand cradled a cup of cold tea, my fifth today. The caffeine was the only thing keeping me upright as dawn threatened to break outside my window.

"The Alpha family will lead the blessing of the waters," I wrote, remembering how Harry's parents had criticized me last year for "modernizing" the ritual. This time, I'd included every traditional element, down to the precise herbs for the ceremonial smoke.

But the real purpose of all this work wasn't just to avoid Eleanor's disapproving glances. It was the letter tucked beneath my sketches—my formal request for time off from Luna duties during the celebration.

"Just three days," I'd written in my most diplomatic Luna tone. "To strengthen the Alpha family bond and provide Emma with quality family time during this sacred period."

I'd rehearsed the conversation with Harry a dozen times. How I'd explain that Emma was struggling with her studies, that Harry had been distant since the border dispute with the Eastern Pack. How we needed this time together to remind ourselves we were more than just Alpha, Luna, and heir.

"She'll appreciate it," Aria whispered faintly, so soft I almost missed it. "Our daughter needs her mother."

I smiled, tracing the outline of Emma's favorite wildflowers around the margin of the page. "And I need my daughter. And my mate."

By sunrise, I'd finished. Every detail meticulously planned, every tradition honored, every possible criticism anticipated. I gathered the papers with trembling hands, organizing them into a leather portfolio embossed with the Silver Moon crest.

"I'll take these to Harry now," I told Aria as I changed from my paint-stained clothes to my formal Luna attire. "Before the morning council meeting."

---

Harry's office door was open when I arrived, voices drifting out. I hesitated, portfolio clutched to my chest.

"Alpha," I heard Sol's honey-sweet voice say, "the Beta family is prepared for the summer gathering. Marcus wanted to confirm the security arrangements."

"Excellent timing," Harry's deep voice replied. "I've just received the perfect itinerary for the celebration."

My heart swelled. He'd already seen my work? Was he impressed?

I stepped into the doorway, but froze when I saw Sol leaning over Harry's desk, her perfectly manicured hand resting on his arm.

"Amira," Harry acknowledged without looking up. "You're early."

"Alpha," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. "I've brought the celebration itinerary as requested."

"Oh, about that," Harry said, sliding a familiar leather portfolio across the desk—my portfolio—to Sol. "I've decided Sol will be handling the celebration planning this year. Her traditional approach will better honor our pack's heritage."

The room tilted slightly. "But... I spent three nights preparing that."

"And I appreciate your effort," Harry said dismissively. "But Sol has experience with traditional ceremonies, and we need someone who can dedicate full attention to this. Your request for time off is unrealistic given pack responsibilities."

Sol's smile didn't reach her eyes as she flipped through my work. "What lovely illustrations, Amira. Don't worry, I'll incorporate your... creative touches."

---

I was in the pack kitchen when I first heard it—whispers flowing through the mind-link like poison.

"Did you see Sol's celebration plans? So much better than last year's."

"The sacred circle arrangement is perfect for pack hierarchy."

"Alpha says Sol has a natural talent for traditional ceremonies."

My hands froze over the lunch I was preparing for Emma. Sol's celebration plans? Those were my plans, my research, my sleepless nights.

I found them in Harry's office later that afternoon. Sol stood beside Emma, both laughing as they looked at something on Harry's computer.

"You shouldn't have done that," I said, my voice shaking.

Harry looked up, his golden eyes narrowing. "Done what?"

"Given my work to Sol. Without even discussing it with me."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Mom, it's just a pack event. Stop being so dramatic."

"It's not just an event," I insisted, feeling Aria stir within me. "I worked for days on those plans, and I requested time with our family—"

"Enough, Amira," Harry commanded, his Alpha tone vibrating through my bones.

The familiar pressure crushed against my chest, silencing my protest before it could form. But this time, something else stirred beneath the pressure—a faint growl from deep within.

For the first time in years, I felt Aria rising.