Rejected the Alpha, Now I'm the Most Beloved Luna

The Bloodmoon Pack's hospital was a total mess. Healers kept shuffling in and out of Benjamin's room, doing everything they could just to stabilize him for a bit longer. Benjamin lay unconscious, blood all over the sheets and floor.

Joel paced back and forth, anxiety written all over his face. He didn't stop until he spotted Richard hurrying over. Only then did he finally let out a breath of relief. Grabbing his son's shoulders, he asked urgently, "Richard, did you find that mysterious healer?"

Before Richard could answer, Perry suddenly stepped forward. She scanned Benjamin quickly and seriously, then turned and barked out, "Everyone out! Except Alpha Richard and Healer Miles!"

Nobody in the room recognized her. She'd walked in behind the Alpha, didn't look like a healer, and now she was giving orders like she owned the place. Everyone froze, stunned.

Richard's face darkened. "You heard her. Everyone else, leave."

Alpha's command overruled all doubts. The others lowered their heads respectfully and left in a hurry. Joel glanced at Perry with concern. "Richard, is she Perry Lake?"

He knew of Perry, but she wasn't Richard's mate-at least not officially. He had no idea why Richard brought her.

"Yeah, that's her." Richard hesitated for a breath as her name almost crossed his lips-there was warmth there-but he quickly steadied his tone. "She's also the mystery healer we've been looking for."

"What?" Joel looked completely shocked.

"I know it's hard to believe," Richard said quickly, already stepping into the room, "but trust me-it's her."

Inside, Perry had already placed her hand gently on Benjamin's head, eyes closed, sensing something. Richard stared at her, momentarily dazed. Her lashes trembled as she focused, lips pressed tightly together like she was under serious pressure.

"How is he?" Richard asked softly.

Perry didn't look up. "I'll give him my blood. It's the only way."

Richard froze. That was the last thing he expected. He hesitated, clearly uneasy. He didn't want her to get hurt, or worse, overdo it. "Is that really necessary? There's no other way?"

"This is my gift," she said gently, but she meant every word. "My mentor figured it out-my blood's unique. It can neutralize certain poisons, including whatever's in Benjamin."

Richard frowned, clearly not happy with how casually she said it. He knew it couldn't be just a few drops-there was definitely going to be a price, and he hated that she was willing to pay it.

Perry didn't back down. She met his eyes, steady and stubborn. His stare burned with frustration, but she held firm.

"Miss Lake, maybe you should think this through," Miles spoke up from the side, clearly uncomfortable. These two hadn't even looked at him once. "This isn't exactly a safe call."

Of course Perry understood that. But saving Benjamin meant more to her than playing it safe. She gave a small nod. "I get it. I know my limits. If it's just Benjamin, I'll be okay."

She looked over at Richard, her expression firm as she made her decision clear. Richard let out a long breath but gave in, choosing to go with what she wanted. Turning away, he tried to swallow the ache in his chest and let Perry do what she came for.

Miles came back quickly with the blood-drawing equipment. Richard waited outside, restless, watching Perry work on Benjamin. His eyes couldn't help but linger on the way she focused completely, her face calm and precise. "She's really something else."

He couldn't lie to himself-he wanted her. Details that slipped past him before suddenly made more sense; her figure reminded him of the she-wolf from that night, and her long, soft hair... he could almost feel its touch against his skin.

Richard narrowed his eyes, his mind racing. Belen had told him that night, it was Mara. But after actually meeting Mara, something hadn't quite clicked. Still, he'd told himself he'd mate with her-if he had to.

Caught up in these thoughts, he didn't even notice when Perry stepped out. She looked pale, enough to make his chest tighten with concern. But he held back, keeping his tone neutral as he asked, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," Perry replied with a tired smile. "Just need... a little rest."

She swayed slightly, and before either of them realized, he was holding her up by the waist. She froze for a second, then slowly relaxed in his arms. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she leaned into him, clearly running out of energy.

Looking down at her face as she drifted off, Richard made a quiet decision and carried her to his place. The wolves who saw him walk by with an unknown female in his arms stared, jaws damn near dropping. Their Alpha, being soft with a female? That was new.

"I can't help worrying about her," he muttered once he'd laid her down on his bed, heart pounding a little too hard. "She looks so fragile... like she actually needs someone."

He sat by her side, watching her, soaking in every little expression. That strange pull toward her only grew stronger. An urge to kiss her welled up inside him-so he did. A quick, almost sneaky kiss on her cheek. It felt right.

For a second, he thought he caught that sweetness in the air again. He blinked, shook his head, and quickly left the room, stepping out into the cold to cool off. He took in a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down.

Perry stirred something in him-strong, consuming desire. It wasn't normal; he didn't react to others like this. He was a powerful Alpha, unmated by choice, never willing to let feelings cloud his judgment.

But with Perry... Rich had to admit it-he'd fallen for her. Hard. The feeling mirrored that intense rush they'd always said came with finding your true mate. Maybe he really needed to figure out what was going on with Mara Morgan.

He didn't go back inside until Perry woke up. When he did, she was sitting on the bed, a bit shy but smiling up at him. "Sorry about earlier. I feel way better now."

"It's okay," Richard said softly. "You scared the hell out of me, passing out like that."

He even threw in a wink-something totally out of character for him. If Byron had seen it, he'd probably choke on his drink. Perry, though, cracked up laughing. Her impression of Richard shifted. She'd thought he was this cold, serious Alpha-but there was more to him. A charming side she hadn't expected. And it made her heart skip a beat.

"By the way, where am I?" she finally asked, noticing just how soft the bed was. And that scent... definitely an Alpha's place. Her smile faltered a bit, the realization creeping in.

"Ahem," Richard tugged at his collar and cleared his throat, his voice laced with teasing. "You're in my house, you know."

"What?" Perry blinked, half-convinced she'd misheard him or he was joking.

But Richard looked dead serious. "Exactly what you're thinking. I brought you back to my place. Perry-can I call you that? Or should I stick with Miss Lake?"

"No, I mean-yes, Perry's fine," she stammered, clearly flustered. "Sorry, I didn't realize this was your home."

"Right. You thought only a luna could sleep in my bed or something?"

He leaned forward, resting both hands on the mattress. His fingers were so close to hers that he could have held her hand with just the slightest move.

Perry's face turned a faint shade of pink. She bit her lip and didn't reply. Sliding off the bed quickly, she avoided his hand-which he suddenly reached out and caught. Her cheeks flushed even deeper as she struggled to pull away.

"Thanks for looking after me," she said, trying hard to stay calm. "But I really have to go. Benjamin still needs treatment."

That was true, yes, but more than that, it was the only excuse she could think of right now. She had no idea how to deal with Richard. She had feelings for him-no doubt about that-but they scared her. And honestly, she still had to figure out who that alpha from that night was.

Richard got to his feet and pulled her into his arms. Perry froze. She didn't fight back. He cupped her face, locking his eyes with hers. "Tell me how you feel. I can't hide it anymore-I want you."

"No..." She tried to protest, but before the word fully left her lips, Richard kissed her hard. His cool lips pressed firmly against hers, tongue slipping past as he deepened the kiss. Her eyes softened, hazy with emotion, and she made no move to resist.

The passion in his kiss was overwhelming. Her body melted under his touch, instinctively leaning into it. A part of her had been waiting for this, so for once, she let herself go. Just for a moment.

His hands circled her waist, trailing slowly up her back, feeling her tremble under his fingers. When she whimpered softly, eyes pleading and glassy, it made something primal stir in him.

"Mark her. Claim her," a voice in Richard's head whispered fiercely. "Make Perry Lake yours. Once you do, she won't leave. She's your mate."

He held back. Barely. Instead, he kissed her more deeply, tongues tangled, pressing in harder. Tears welled up in Perry's eyes as her face flushed redder. Richard, caught in the moment, slid his hand toward her waist, seeking more.

But just as his fingers brushed her skin, she snapped out of it. The heat in her cheeks faded, and she shoved him away suddenly. Richard hadn't expected it, didn't resist.

He stared at her, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Why?"

"I can't... I really have to go," she said, voice shaking. "This isn't right."

She dropped her gaze and wiped at the tears in her eyes. Her lips were still tingling from his kiss, her heart racing so fast it felt like it might burst.

Richard just stood there, eyes full of emotion. Then finally, he let out a long breath and gave a small nod. "Okay. Go."

They stepped out of the alpha's home together, walking in silence back to the hospital. Perry could feel his gaze on her the whole way, and it stirred a storm in her chest. One thought kept echoing in her mind: "He's changed his mind... he actually loves me now."