Rejected to Claimed

The Inter-Pack Alliance Gathering glittered with wealth and power. Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic light across the grand ballroom as Alphas, Betas, and their Lunas mingled in their finest attire. I tugged at the hem of my simple blue dress, feeling painfully aware of how it differed from the designer gowns surrounding me.

"Just breathe, Destiny," I whispered to myself, adjusting the thin straps of my dress for the third time. "You're here to represent your father's interests, nothing more."

My fingers instinctively found the small moonstone pendant hidden beneath my dress. The cool stone against my skin was my only comfort in this sea of wolves who outranked me. As an Omega—the lowest rank in pack hierarchy—I was used to invisibility. But tonight, I needed to be visible enough to fulfill my father's hopes for a potential alliance.

"You look lovely," said a passing server, offering me a glass of champagne. "Are you enjoying the gathering?"

"Thank you," I replied softly, taking the glass but not drinking. "It's... overwhelming."

That was an understatement. The opulence of the Royal Lycan Pack's grand hall made my head spin. Marble columns stretched toward vaulted ceilings adorned with murals depicting the first Lycan King's conquests. Every detail screamed power and ancient lineage—everything my fallen family once had.

I moved through the crowd slowly, trying to remember the faces my father had shown me in preparation. Potential allies who might strengthen our weakened pack's position. But most eyes slid past me as if I were merely furniture.

Until a voice cut through the ambient chatter like a knife.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in."

My blood froze. That voice—high-pitched with artificial sweetness—was unmistakable. I turned slowly, my fingers tightening around my glass.

Vivienne Chapman stood before me in a crimson gown that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. Her golden hair was piled artfully on her head, diamonds glittering at her ears and throat. But it was her smile that made my stomach clench—all teeth and no warmth.

"Destiny Smith," she said, her voice carrying deliberately loud enough for nearby guests to hear. "How quaint to see an Omega at such a prestigious gathering."

I forced my face to remain neutral. "Miss Chapman. It's been a while."

"Has it?" She tilted her head, eyes gleaming with malice. "I thought you might have disappeared entirely after your... unfortunate incident with Grant."

The mention of his name sent a jolt through me. I hadn't seen Grant Reynolds since he'd rejected me as his mate five years ago. The memory still stung—his cold eyes as he told me no true Alpha could mate someone who embarrassed him in front of his entire pack.

"Vivienne," I said quietly, "I'm here on my father's behalf."

"Of course you are." She circled me slowly, like a predator. "Though I wonder what business an Omega could possibly have at an Alpha gathering."

Several nearby pack members turned to watch our exchange. I could feel their curious gazes, some pitying, others amused by the spectacle.

"I'm simply here to observe," I replied, fighting to keep my voice steady.

"Observe?" Vivienne laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "Is that what we're calling it now?"

She moved closer, her perfume overwhelming my senses. "Tell me, Destiny, do you still have that awful habit of touching things that don't belong to you?"

Before I could respond, she gasped dramatically and pointed to a decorative silver artifact on a nearby display table. "Security! This Omega was just standing right next to our precious Moon Goddess artifact!"

Two guards immediately appeared at my sides. My heart hammered against my ribs as heads turned throughout the ballroom.

"I didn't touch anything," I protested, but my voice sounded weak even to my own ears.

"Oh really?" Vivienne's eyes narrowed. "Then why did I see you lingering here? We all know your history with fake artifacts."

A tall figure pushed through the gathering crowd. My breath caught in my throat as Grant Reynolds stepped forward, his Alpha aura radiating power and authority.

"What's going on here?" he demanded, his eyes finding mine for the first time in five years.

My wolf stirred within me, recognizing him instantly despite our broken bond. I fought the urge to bare my neck in submission.

"Nothing, Alpha Reynolds," I managed. "Just a misunderstanding."

But Vivienne wasn't finished. "Your old friend was about to steal another pack's treasures, just like she tried to steal your family's legacy with her wild claims about that chalice."

Grant's expression hardened as he looked between us. "Is this true? History repeating itself?"

Whispers rippled through the crowd. I felt dozens of eyes on me, judging, remembering the scandal that had led to my rejection.

"My history with fake artifacts," I said slowly, meeting his gaze, "is that I can recognize them when others can't."