Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the King

The sound of the boat's engine cut through the morning mist as I stood on the dock, my hands clasped neatly in front of me. Today was supposed to be a celebration—Xavier's Coming-of-Age ceremony—but my stomach twisted with dread. Two years of careful cultivation were at stake, and I couldn't afford any disruptions.

I smoothed down my simple white lab coat, a stark contrast to the expensive designer clothes Xavier preferred. The boat docked with a gentle bump against the wooden pier, and I straightened my spine, preparing myself for another day of playing the meek, wolfless healer.

"Welcome to Moonflower Island," I said softly as Xavier stepped onto the dock, his tall frame casting a shadow over me. "I've prepared the facilities for your celebration."

Xavier didn't even glance my way. His attention was fixed on Makayla, who emerged from the boat's cabin like a vision in a flowing sundress that highlighted her curves. He wrapped his arm possessively around her waist, pulling her close.

"Finally," he said, his voice carrying across the water. "I was starting to think we'd never arrive."

Behind them, Beta Lucas Grant and six other pack members filed onto the dock, their expressions ranging from bored to curious. Lucas at least had the decency to look uncomfortable as he caught my eye.

"Lead Researcher Reed," he murmured, offering a respectful nod that his Alpha failed to acknowledge. "Sorry about... this." His eyes flickered toward Xavier and Makayla.

"It's quite all right," I replied, maintaining my carefully constructed facade of mild acceptance. "I understand."

Xavier's laugh cut through our exchange. "What's this island supposed to be again? Some kind of botanical experiment?" He turned to Makayla, his voice dropping to an intimate tone. "I told you it would be boring."

"Even wolfless weaklings can tend gardens," he added loudly enough for me to hear, his words designed to sting.

My hands clenched briefly at my sides before I forced them to relax. Three more years, I reminded myself. Just three more years of this charade.

"Actually," I said mildly, "the moonflowers require very specific care. Their properties are quite remarkable."

"Sounds fascinating," Makayla chirped, her voice honey-sweet. "I'd love to see them!"

---

The evening celebration was in full swing in the facility's great hall. I'd arranged everything meticulously—food, drink, music—all designed to keep Xavier distracted while I monitored the moonflowers' nightly bloom cycle.

"Aria," Makayla approached me, her eyes wide with what looked like genuine interest. "Would you show me those famous moonflowers? I've heard so much about them."

Xavier was deep in conversation with his pack members, his back to us as he gestured expansively, no doubt telling some exaggerated story about his latest "victory."

"Of course," I agreed, leading her through the corridors toward the greenhouse complex. "The moonflowers are very delicate. They only bloom under specific conditions."

As we walked, Makayla trailed her fingers along the glass walls, her movements casual but her eyes calculating.

"So these are the famous healing