The Beta's Rejected Daughter (Fiona) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Fiona’s POV

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I was standing beside the driver’s door of my new car when the shift in the air brushed against my skin and the pure Alpha scent swept through the showroom so suddenly that my inner wolf lifted her head.

The alpha prince was the last person I expected to see here, and I never imagined meeting him so soon after leaving the Beta family. He stepped through the doors as if the air belonged to him–tall, breathtaking, dressed in a black jacket that fit like a second skin, every line of his jaw carved with sharp elegance.

His presence seemed to drain the oxygen from the rooms, everyone straightened instinctively in respect.

Except me because I was too stunned, not because he arrived, but because he was looking at me with unmistakable interest. I had expected him to focus on Lydia.

She was the known Beta daughter, the one Mother swore was already chosen as his future mate. But he didn’t even acknowledge her. His hazel eyes locked on mine, steady and unreadable, and then he did the unexpected.

He walked up to me…

Asked my name…

Introduced himself….

And told me to call him “Daren,” not Prince Daren.

He even said he liked how his name sounded when I said it, and he said all that with a smile.

“Fiona, I would love you to attend the newly opened Academy.”

Those words made my heart flip. He was inviting me personally, like I was important.

“Your

posture. Your aura,” he continued. “You stand like someone who belongs at the Academy.”

I raised a brow and his lips curved slightly, just for a second, forming a real smile. Small but real. I didn’t know what to do with the sudden jolt that shot through my chest from seeing him let out that charming smile.

He reached into his coat, pulled out a black–and–gold card, and held it out to me.

“For you.”

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I stared. “What is this?”

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“Immediate admission to the Royal Lycan Academy. A direct entry card.”

I saw his men exchange glances, their eyes narrowing in confusion as he stepped closer and placed the card in my hand. I could feel the warmth radiating from him, his aura brushing against mine like static.

From the corner of my eye, I had caught Lydia’s expression twisting with rage before she stormed out with Lance following while everyone else stared in disbelief.

“Why are you this nice to me?” I asked as his fingers brushed mine when he placed the card in my palm. My wolf pushed forward at the contact, curious.

He blinked slowly, as if pulling himself out of a trance. “I don’t know. Let’s say I felt like it, and I’m following my heart.”

My heartbeat stumbled, but I forced myself to frown and lifted my chin. “Why would your heart favor a commoner like me? You didn’t even acknowledge Beta Lydia, who I thought was your mate.”

He scoffed. “My father says we’re betrothed because she’s the Beta daughter, but I don’t accept

that.”

“But it’s obvious she is obsessed with you and hurt,” I said with a laugh. “Well, how do you see me for the first time and suddenly want me at the Academy without any screening or process? Am I any special?”

“Yes,” he replied without hesitation. Raina gasped beside me.

“How?” I pushed.

His jaw tightened slightly as he studied me again. “I don’t know yet. I have no idea, but I want you there.”

Heat crept along my neck, and Raina squeaked like she might faint from excitement.

“And also,” Daren added, lowering his voice, “I’d like to know more about you.”

My breath hitched. “I’m not interesting. There’s nothing special to know about me.”

His brow lifted, his gaze piercing. “I disagree.”

He inclined his head in a respectful nod and walked away with that effortless princely stride that made everyone stare.

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But at the exit, he paused.

“And Fiona…” He glanced over his shoulder. “If you decide to come, I’ll be there to welcome you.”

My heart stopped for a beat.

Raina clutched my arm. “Fiona. Fiona. FIONA. The prince just–he literally–did he flirt with you? Do princes flirt? I can’t breathe.”

Kieran groaned, rubbing his forehead. “First the Lycan King, now the Alpha prince? Are you collecting monarchs‘ hearts with your beauty? Because this is getting out of hand.”

We all laughed as I stared at the card. “This wasn’t supposed to happen. He’s meant to be Lydia’s fiancé,” I muttered.

“Only that you are the true heiress and she’s just an imposter,” Raina whispered. “Maybe Daren can already see through the veil that you are the real Beta daughter even without your scent or identity.”

A smirk spread across my face. “Then it’s time for revenge. I’ll take everything she loves.”

I remembered the expression on Lydia’s face when Daren approached me–devastation, fury, and something darker brewing beneath. I know she would have a plan, a wicked plot against me, but for the first time, I didn’t feel afraid. I was ready for her.

“Let’s go home,” I said with a smile.

Lydia had always wished me dead. She would have succeeded too, if the Moon Goddess hadn’t given me a second chance with that vision.

This time, I would make her regret not killing me when she had the chance.

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