The Rejected daughter chosen by the Alpha (Maya and Atila) novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15

49

Initiery

MAYA

The heat rising from the asphalt seeped through the soles of my sandals every time my foot met the ground. The walk to his house felt so much longer than it had earlier with Miss Langford-maybe because now I could feel every inch of the massive man trailing behind me His Shadow strew hest over my back, heavy and consuming. like it could swallow me whole

Every few steps. I had to draw a steady breath, keep my eyes forand, and pray I wouldn’t trip-pray I wouldn’t turn around again.

Because every time I stole a glance, he was there.

Watching, Impenetrable. Focused. As the expected me to bolt into the woods at any second.

The silence between us had already thickened when he finally spoke.

“That dress looks really good on you.”

Air lodged in any throat like I’d forgotten how to breathe.

Thanks

Nothing else. The quiet settled back between us, stubborn and dense,

Until he broke it again

“You could at least act a little more grateful.

My step faltered but I kept walking.

“I didn’t ask you to drag me out of my house and bring me with you.

“So you really wanted to stay there with your mother and sisters?

I looked down at my feet. The street was dim. the lampposts casting long stretching shadows.

“No I whispered Then I lifted my chin. “Actually, I was already planning to leave.”

So you had someone to rely on A friend, maybe?”

Not really no I didn’t have anyone.”

Saying it out loud stung more than I expected. I barely went anywhere. Only out to buy small things when my mother sem me Not nearly enough time to make friends. Sol gathered a breath and said, “I was saving money to move out and try to find a job in another town,

He stayed quiet too long. The street felt even more silent for it.

So your parents at least gave you money?” he asked

A small, humorless laugh slipped out.

“No. I collected cans and sold them at the scrapyard on my way home My mother never knew. I was going to run away as soon as I had enough”

My fingers tightened in the fabric of my dress

14

III

10 16 Mon, Mar 9 st

Chapter 15

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“That’s why I don’t want to stay in your house for long I’ve already spent too much of my life trapped I don’t want to end up in another cage

His breath shifted behind me heavier The air thickened, as if my words had hit him in a way I hadn’t meant to

Before he had time to pity me-because that, I would not tolera rushed out

“What about you? What’s it like having friends?”

He took a moment. He seemed far away for a second before he ally answered:

“It’s nice. One munte you’re laughing with them and the next you’re thinking about killing them.”

A small smile escaped me

He lengthened his stride until he was beside me, hands sliding to his pockets. He somehow looked even larger walking like that effortless, like he could carry four adults on lus back without breaking pace.

“It must be nice having people like that around,” I murmured.

“You know what’s even better?”

What?

He glanced down the street as if choosing his words, then looked straight at me.

“Having a partner by your side.”

The air abandoned my lungs, Literally. My throat closed, refusing to cooperate. I tore my gaze away.

Silence filled the space again, until I asked, thoughtful, hesitant:

“So… that thing about me being your luna… you were serious? You weren’t lying?”

His gaze dipped to my mouth, then returned to my eyes-steady unyielding.

Why would I lie about something like that?”

I swallowed hard.

“How do you even know? I mean you just looked at me and… you were sure?“

He looked away, almost exasperated.

“I’m guessing your parents never explained that either.

My head lowered before I could stop it. He hit right on target.

“Fime, I’ll explain

His voice dropped, calmner now, almost understanding.

“For us… recognition hits hard. Instinctive, Almost physical”

He made a short gesture with his hand.

“But for you women, it’s usually subtler A warmth in the chest. stlessness. A shift in your scent. Irritation without reason. Heightened sensitivity..”

2/4

O

TO:16 Mon, Mar 9 M

Chapter 13

I wanted to disappear Because yes. I had been feeling all of the since the moment I met him

3.49%4

But you don’t get the immediate snap we do when we find our mate. Your bond comes softer. Especially before your first

heat

My face erupted in flames

Heat.

My mind shot far, then snapped right back.

Iremembered Margot locked in her room, crying and snarling the same time, my mother chaining her so she wouldn’t hurt anyone. My stomach twisted.

“Has one of your sisters gone through it already?” he asked.

“Yes. Margot. It was really hard for her.”

“Yeah… the first years are intense

He drew a deep breath

“Later you learn to manage it, and it gets a bit less aggressive.”

“That’s good

My voice came out thin as paper, and I turned my head, pretending to study a random tree on the sidewalk.

Silence settled again. This time, almost comfortable. Almost.

Then he asked-completely casually, as if discussing the weathe

“Have you had your first heat yet?”

My foot scraped the pavement.

I nearly tripped.

My entire body ignited.

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