The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 45

45 /135

**Chapter 14**

**Skyla’s POV**

With tears glistening in my eyes, I bid farewell to my family, my heart heavy yet buoyed by the thought that soon, I would reunite with them at my coronation. The reality of my situation was still surreal—I was to be the Queen of all werewolves, a title that felt both exhilarating and daunting.

As we crossed the threshold into the grand palace, the air was thick with applause and heartfelt congratulations, a chorus celebrating the King for finally discovering his mate. The sound reverberated through the ornate halls, but beneath the jubilant surface, I sensed an undercurrent of discontent. Some of the she-wolves cast us cold, piercing glares, and I caught the venomous whisper of one, “Who is this black bitch with the King?” The words slithered through the air, sharp and unwelcome.

Before I could even process the hostility, Julian’s hand shot out, gripping the throat of the offending she-wolf with a ferocity that startled me. His eyes, usually a calm ocean blue, ignited with a golden glow, revealing Rig—the wolf within him—asserting dominance.

“How dare you disrespect your Queen like that!” he growled, his voice a low rumble filled with barely contained rage. “I’ll snap your filthy neck, skank!” The primal fury radiating from him was palpable, and I felt a mix of fear and admiration.

In a moment of urgency, I placed my hand gently on Julian’s back, a silent plea for him to regain control. Instantly, his expression softened as his golden eyes faded back to their familiar blue, the warmth of his gaze meeting mine—the very eyes that had captured my heart.

“Hello, my handsome son and beautiful daughter-in-law!” The former Queen, Isadora, swept us into her embrace, her warmth enveloping us like a cozy blanket. Her husband, Lucian, the former King, joined in, his presence reassuring.