Queen Rebukes Rejected Alpha

My heart pounded against my ribs as I rushed through the sliding doors of the Moonveil Pack's medical center, my precious Lucas burning with fever in my arms. His small body felt too hot against my chest, his usually bright amber eyes—so like his father's—now glazed and half-closed.

"It's okay, baby," I whispered, pressing my lips against his forehead. "Mama's got you."

The medical center buzzed with unusual activity. I'd forgotten about the inter-pack medical conference today, with healers and medical staff from neighboring territories gathered to share knowledge. Under normal circumstances, I would have attended as the Lycan Queen, but Lucas's sudden fever had pushed all royal duties from my mind.

"My Queen," the receptionist stood immediately, concern etched across her face. "Prince Lucas—"

"His fever spiked twenty minutes ago," I explained, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "Please tell Elder Elara we're here."

As she hurried away, I gently rocked Lucas, murmuring soft reassurances. Five years as Alexander's mate had taught me to maintain composure even when terrified. A Queen never shows weakness, especially not in public.

That's when I felt it—a cold, prickling sensation crawling up my spine. My wolf, Diana, suddenly went rigid within me.

*Danger. Threat. Run.*

I froze, my arms instinctively tightening around Lucas. The sensation was familiar—an aura I hadn't felt in five years but would recognize anywhere. Slowly, I turned toward the hallway.

Time seemed to stop as my eyes locked with his. Brandon Walsh stood fifteen feet away, his tall frame blocking half the corridor. He looked almost the same—dark hair, sharp jawline, the arrogant tilt of his chin. But there was something harder about him now, something bitter etched into the lines around his mouth.

Beside him stood Amanda, her hand possessively clutching his arm, her eyes widening as she recognized me. Behind them, several wolves wearing Silverpine Pack insignias stared with open curiosity.

Five years. Five years of healing, of finding true love with Alexander, of building a new life as Lycan Queen. Yet one glimpse of Brandon sent a ghost of old pain whispering through me.

Diana growled low within my mind. *We are stronger now. We are Queen.*

I straightened my spine and lifted my chin, forcing myself to look away as if they were merely strangers. Lucas whimpered softly, drawing my attention back where it belonged.

"Sophia?"

Brandon's voice carried across the space between us, a mix of disbelief and something else—something hungry. I ignored him, focusing on Lucas's flushed face.

Heavy footsteps approached. I didn't need to look up to know Brandon was walking toward us, his aura pushing against mine like an unwelcome touch.

"I said, Sophia. Look at me when I address you."

His Alpha tone slid off me like water off wax. As Alexander's true mate, no Alpha command could touch me anymore—something Brandon clearly didn't understand.

I felt his presence before me now, too close. His scent—pine and smoke—brought back memories I'd buried long ago. Not of love, but of