Alle Kapitel von The Alpha’s Obsession with the Rejected Mate: Kapitel 211 – Kapitel 220

KellanThe holding cell swallows me whole–a damp stone box that reeks of nothing but dry blood.I refuse to touch the tray of food they slid through the slot hours ago, some gray slop and stale bread that sits untouched near the door. The water remains untouched too, even as my throat burns.All through the day, my eyes stay fixed on the small, barred window cut high on the wall opposite the heavy iron door.The window faces east, so I watch as the sun claws its way up the sky and paint the narrow slit of the world I can see in harsh gold. Time continues to stretch, every second feeding the fire of revenge and bitterness in my chest.Aeron. The name alone now makes my fist clench until my nails bite into my palms.He has taken every damn thing. Now he dares lock me away like some common traitor while he plays Alpha.I lean against the cold wall, arms folded across my chest as I let the hatred continue to eat me up. It is the only sustenance I desire.The sun continues to climb ever h

Sera"There is nothing to talk to Kellan about," I blurt out, eyes still fixed on Aeron. "That traitor tried to kill you. Why would I waste even a breath on–"A memory instantly slices through my thoughts, cutting my words short.Kellan shouted wild accusations against Aeron as the warriors dragged him away from the Chamber of Archives.Of course I dismissed them immediately. But now, curiosity stirs slowly."It's all your choice, my love," Aeron says simply, rising from the bed and stretching.He rolls his shoulders once, then fixes me with a casual gaze. "No pressure from me. Kellan doesn't deserve to see you afterall."Then he crosses the space between us in two strides and cups my chin gently, his thumb brushing my lower lip. "I'll go have a bathe now. Its almost time for the council meeting."With that, he presses a lingering kiss to my forehead before walking away toward the bathroom, leaving me alone with my reflection and the questions suddenly swirling in my head.I stare at

Kellan I restrict the urge to let out a victory shout with every fiber of my being, clamping my jaw so tight that my teeth grind together. The chains now bite deeply into my wrists, but the pain barely registers. From the look of things, it is clearer than crystal now that Sera is seeing things exactly the way I want her to. Her shoulders slump just a fraction, her hand pressed protectively over that swollen belly, and doubt clouds those beautiful eyes like storm clouds rolling in over the Nightbane lands. This is my chance, I think, my pulse hammering with a savage rhythm. My chance to deliver the final striking blow against Aeron, to rip away the last threads of his hold on her and claim back the woman I love. The air in this dank cell feels electric, charged with the scent of damp stone and the sweet trace of Sera's presence that still stirs something deep in my chest despite everything. I watch her as she stares at the floor, her soft shoes rooted in place like she is trappe

AeronI steal a glance at Sera for the umpteenth time as we walk the long corridor toward the Council Chamber, my fingers still laced with hers. The warmth of her palm presses against mine, familiar and grounding, yet something feels off. Her steps match mine in rhythm, but her usual vibrant energy is missing. Her mood hangs unusually dull around her like a heavy cloak, dimming the fire I have come to love in her eyes. What could be wrong? I reason silently, my wolf stirring with quiet concern beneath my skin. My lips part, the question ready on my tongue—Are you alright, my love?—but I hold back. Perhaps she is having her usual mood swings due to the pregnancy. Oh, that could really be a heck, I reason, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my mouth despite the tension coiling in my chest. It is generally best I try to lighten her mood after the council meeting. For now, I squeeze her hand gently, hoping the gesture speaks what words might not.The packhouse corridors feel ali

Aeron"But Kellan confessed," I continue, "and he was one of us up among this council. That is the only reason I now tilt toward High Elder Marcellus."My voice carry the weight of reluctant mercy as I add, "Death sentence feels too harsh."The words slip from me with measured calm, though my chest tightens with the hidden bargain that binds us. I look around the chamber, my gaze sweeping over the familiar faces etched with years of loyalty and battle. This time, the council does not break out into murmurs. Instead, a heavy, thoughtful silence settles first, thick as the pine-scented mist rolling in from the garden outside. Slowly, the members begin to nod their heads, some voicing quiet agreement. “The Alpha is right,” one warrior mutters, his scarred knuckles relaxing against the table. Others echo the sentiment in low tones, the shift rippling through them like moonlight on still water.I look at Kellan who breathes heavily now, his chest rising and falling in what seems like