Rejected By Beta But Mated To The Lycan King

The car's gentle hum filled the quiet as we drove back home, and I glanced down at Aria. She was holding her new backpack and school uniform tightly in her arms, like they were her most prized possessions. She had a small smile on her lips, and before I knew it, her head rested on my shoulder, her breathing soft and steady. She had fallen asleep, exhausted from the day.

I couldn't help but smile a little. She looked so peaceful, so innocent, like the weight of the world had been lifted off her shoulders for just a moment. But I knew the truth. I could see it in the way she carried herself, how tired and weak she always seemed. Aria pushed herself hard, probably more than she should. All for her family. Her loyalty and determination were something I admired deeply. It was exactly what I needed in a mate.

"She's perfect," my wolf growled softly in my mind, his voice low and possessive.

"Yes, she is," I replied quietly, feeling my wolf stir. "But she's fragile, and we need to be careful with her."

"Careful?" my wolf scoffed. "She is our mate. She is meant to be with us. You can feel it, can't you? The bond pulling us closer to her?"

I could. The bond was growing stronger every moment I spent with her, and my wolf's need to claim her was becoming harder to control. But Aria didn't know the full weight of our connection yet. She didn't know what it meant to be mated to a Lycan King, especially one who had waited this long for his mate. 

"We can't rush her," I said firmly. "She's been through a lot. We have to give her time."

My wolf growled in frustration, but he understood. He wanted to protect her just as much as I did. "Fine, but don't wait too long. Other males will see her, and they won't hesitate to take what's ours."

"They won't get the chance," I promised. "She's mine, and I'll make sure everyone knows it."

I glanced down at Aria again, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. She didn't stir, still lost in her dreams. My chest tightened at the sight of her, so vulnerable and trusting. She didn't realize how much power she held over me. 

The car pulled up in front of her house, and I sighed. I had important business to handle back at the Pack, but I didn't want to leave her. Gently, I nudged her shoulder, trying to wake her without startling her.

"Aria," I whispered, my voice soft. "We're here."

She groaned a little, shifting in her seat but not fully waking up. I smiled at how adorable she looked when she was sleepy. 

"Come on, little one," I coaxed, brushing her cheek lightly with my fingers. "Time to wake up."

Her eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep, and she blinked up at me, confused for a moment before realizing where she was. She sat up quickly, clutching her backpack.

"Oh… I'm sorry," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "I didn't mean to fall asleep."

"It's alright," I reassured her, smiling gently. "You've had a long day."

She looked down at her uniform and backpack, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you for everything, Magnus," she said softly. "I never thought I'd get a chance to go back to school."

"You deserve it," I told her. "And much more."

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with gratitude, and for a moment, I felt the pull between us intensify. I wanted to reach out and pull her closer, to feel her warmth against me again. But I held back.

"I have some things to take care of with the Pack," I said after a moment. "But I'll come by later to check on you."

She nodded, though I could see a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. "Alright," she said, her voice quiet.

I leaned in slightly, brushing my lips softly against her forehead. "Take care of yourself, Aria," I whispered. "I'll be back soon."

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down, fidgeting with the strap of her backpack. "I will," she promised.

I opened the door for her, watching as she stepped out of the car and walked toward the house. Before she entered, she turned back to give me one last smile. My heart ached as I watched her go. There was something about her—something so pure and innocent—that made me want to protect her with everything I had. 

As soon as she disappeared inside, I leaned back in my seat, letting out a deep breath. 

"You're falling for her," my wolf said, his voice smug. 

"I already have," I admitted. There was no point in denying it anymore.

"Then mark her. Make her ours."

"Soon," I replied, though the thought of claiming her was more tempting than ever. But I wouldn't rush her. I couldn't. 

The car started up again, and we drove away from the house. My mind was already turning toward the Pack business waiting for me, but a part of me still lingered on Aria. She was changing everything—turning my life upside down in ways I hadn't expected.

And I wasn't sure if I'd ever want it to go back to the way it was before her.