Rejected And Claimed By The Alpha

Kennedy’s Pov

Days passed as Alina continued her treatment, but there was still no sign of her voice returning. Communication was difficult, though I was grateful she could at least write.

I watched her every day.

She slept. Woke. Ate little. Drifted through the hours like she wasn’t fully present. And all I could do was sit beside her, hoping my presence would help, even a little.

She was my mate.

But it didn’t feel like it to her.

And that… was driving me insane.

I wanted her attention. I wanted to know what she was thinking. What she had gone through. Who had hurt her so badly.

So I could kill them.

But she told me nothing.

And the mate bond only made it worse. It pulled at me constantly, strong and demanding, yet she seemed untouched by it.

It made me wonder…

Did she even accept me?

***

I sat in the infirmary with Jerry, watching him prepare another set of herbs for her.

“So, what do you plan to do?” he asked. “Are you going to keep her here? What if she has people looking for her?”

I frowned at him. “What do you mean? She’s my mate. She stays with me.”

My wolf growled in agreement.

Jerry stared at me, surprised, then sighed.

“I never thought I’d see you like this,” he said with a small laugh. “Possessive. It’s new.”

Then his expression turned serious.

“But have you asked what she wants?”

I didn’t respond.

“Does she even have a choice?” he continued. “Or have you already decided everything for her?”

My jaw tightened.

“Why would she leave?” I said coldly. “I can give her everything. She belongs here.”

Jerry’s expression shifted, something between disbelief and concern.

“She’s not an object, Ken,” he said firmly. “That girl is broken. What she needs is safety, not control.”

I exhaled sharply. “Then what do you suggest?”

“Talk to her,” he said simply. “Make her feel seen. Make her feel safe. Right now, she doesn’t trust anything… or anyone.”

His words lingered.

Had I made her feel unsafe?

Was that why she stayed so distant?

“Damn it,” I muttered.

It hadn’t even been two weeks, and she was already consuming my thoughts.

“Fine,” I said finally. “I’ll talk to her. But she’s not leaving. If she has family, I’ll bring them here. But she stays.”

With that, I took the medicine and left.

I knocked lightly on her door.

No answer.

I pushed it open and stepped inside.

She was asleep.

Curled up on the bed, knees drawn close to her chest, like she was trying to make herself small. Her hair spread across the pillow, partially covering her face.

I frowned.

That position couldn’t be comfortable then Jerry’s words echoed in my mind.

She lacks security.

My expression darkened.

She felt unsafe here?

In my home?

I walked closer and sat beside her quietly.

Up close, she looked even more fragile. Small. Breakable.

My chest tightened.

I reached out, brushing my fingers lightly over her face. Her skin was soft, warm. Her lashes are long, resting gently against her cheeks.

My gaze dropped to her lips.

A sudden rush of heat moved through me.

My wolf stirred, restless.

I wanted her.

The thought came fast and strong.

To claim her. To mark her. To make her mine in every way possible.

The desire was sharp, overwhelming.

I clenched my jaw. This wasn’t the time.

Not like this.

Not when she looked like she might break from a single touch.

I forced myself to pull back—

But she moved.

Her eyes opened slowly.

And I froze.

My hand was still at her neck.

Our eyes met.

For a moment, neither of us moved.

Her gaze was soft, slightly dazed from sleep.

Something in my chest shifted.

“She’ll be the death of me,” I muttered under my breath.

She blinked, then raised her hand, gesturing softly.

Is something wrong?

Everything was wrong.

I wanted her in ways I couldn’t explain.

Ways she wouldn’t understand.

Ways that would probably scare her.

“How are you?” I asked instead, lowering myself slightly so I could meet her gaze. “Did you sleep well?”

She nodded faintly, then gestured again.

I’m fine. You wanted to see me?

I hesitated.

This wasn’t easy but I had to say it.

“Alina…” My voice came out rougher than I expected.

I held her gaze.

“You know we’re mates, right?”

Her eyes widened in surprise.

Then confusion followed.

I sighed softly. “I thought so.”

A faint blush rose to her cheeks.

I continued, more carefully this time.

“I want to be there for you,” I said. “I want to understand you. Your pain. Your thoughts.”

My voice softened.

“I want to protect you. Take care of you. As my mate.”

I paused, searching her face.

“Will you let me?”