THE ALPHA'S REJECTED MATE ( I have a baby for him)

Part 18

ALORA

The packhouse was a hive of activity, the buzz of excitement and nerves filling every corner as everyone prepared for the journey to the Westside. I tried to focus on packing our bags, but my hands trembled slightly, betraying my anxiety. Sebastian noticed and wrapped his arms around me from behind.

"Alora, everything's going to be fine," he murmured into my ear, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. "If Aziel or Constance tries anything, I'll kick their asses. You know I will."

I couldn't help but smile at his confidence. "Thank you, Sebastian. I just can't help but worry."

He kissed the mark on my neck, the one he had bitten to seal our mating bond. "You're strong, Alora. We'll get through this together. I will keep you and Rome safe. I love you Ora."

We finished packing and joined the rest of the pack as we loaded into the convoy of cars. The journey to the Westside was long, about eleven hours, and I settled in the backseat with Rome. As we hit the road, I watched Rome play with his toys, his little fingers moving in a way that reminded me so much of Aziel.

Rome's tan skin, the green depths of his eyes, the color of his hair—all mirrored Aziel. Even the way he played with his fingers when he was bored was identical. I couldn't help but imagine how much he would resemble Aziel as he grew older, especially when he reached puberty. The thought both warmed and pained my heart. How long was I going to keep Aziel away from his son?

As we got closer to the Westside, my anxiety began to rise. My breathing quickened, and I clutched Rome tighter. Sebastian, who was driving, glanced at me through the rearview mirror. "Are you okay, Alora?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm not. I'm scared and I don't know what else to think."

He sighed, his eyes filled with concern. "Everything is going to be okay, I promise. Just breathe."

I tried breathing slowly through my mouth and bounced Rome on my laps. I kissed the top of his head and hugged him even tighter to my chest. 

We finally reached the Westside and drove towards the Royal estate. The grandeur of the estate was intimidating, with its towering walls and meticulously maintained grounds. We alighted with our luggage and checked in at the front desk.

"Welcome to the Estate Pack Atlas. Here is the map of the estate if you want to take a tour and a pack leaders will be addressed at the Royal hall. All directions are on the map and I hope you enjoy your stay and good luck on the recruitment."

A bellboy helped us take our luggage into our room and I placed Rome on the rug with his toys and immediately crashed on the couch. 

"Alora, you need to breathe. You're shaking."

I looked down at my hands and held them together. "I can't help it," I whispered, my voice trembling. "What if Aziel recognizes me? What if Constance does something? I'll never forgive myself if anything happens to Rome."

"Then I'll handle it," Sebastian said firmly. "You are not alone in this. We're a team. I am your mate now and it is my duty to keep my mate and my son safe."

An hour later, we made our way to the Royal hall. The hall was large and filled with pack leaders from all over the region. My heart pounded in my chest as I held onto Sebastian's arm, trying to draw strength from his presence. Aziel and Constance could be anywhere, I could hear the scorns and laughter from Constance and the berating from Aziel in my head. I held Sebastian's arm ever tighter as I felt my head spinning. Sebastian began rubbing soothing circles on my back and purring for only me to hear. I could also feel my wolf anxious, my anxiety definitely got to her.

As the announcements began, I tried to focus, but my mind was racing. Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the din of the crowd— Constance, complaining to someone nearby. I turned instinctively towards the sound, and my eyes met Aziel's.

We both froze, time seeming to stand still. His eyes widened in shock, and I felt my heart skip a beat. The recognition in his gaze was undeniable, and the flood of emotions that hit me was overwhelming.

Aziel's face was a mask of conflicting emotions—surprise, confusion, and something else I couldn't quite identify. My breath caught in my throat, and I tightened my grip on Sebastian's arm.

"Alora," he whispered, his voice strained with concern. "What's wrong?"

"It's him," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "Aziel."

Sebastian's eyes darted to where I was looking, and his expression darkened. "Stay close to me," he instructed, his voice low and protective.

The announcements continued, but I couldn't focus. My entire being was fixated on the fact that Aziel was just across the room. I could feel his eyes drilling holes at my back. I would turn back and our eyes would meet and each meeting, his eyes flashed anger. Constance was still speaking, oblivious to the happenings, her voice grating on my nerves, but I couldn't stop stealing glances at him and he couldn't stop looking at the closeness between Sebastian and I.

He rejected me but all I could see in his eyes were jealousy, anger and relief?

Finally, the meeting ended, and we were free to leave. I felt like I could barely breathe. I turned to look again but this time Constance looked at me also and looked really surprised. 

"Yes bitch, we are still alive and healthy." Lyra jeered. 

I became alarmed when Aziel and Constance began walking towards us.

"Sebastian, oh moon shit Seb, they are coming our way." 

Sebastian threw the nastiest glance at them coming towards us.

"Are we heading for Lunch now?"Elias cut our view.

"Alora's Ex mate is heading our way with his mate." 

Elias' head snapped towards them even closer to us and growled. 

"I'm going to take care of them."

"No Elias, let them come, say what they want to and we will leave." 

Elias nodded and straightened as we all waited for their confrontation.