All Chapters of Rejected by the Beta, Claimed by the King: Chapter 11 - Chapter 15

Elara’s POVThe VIP balcony was safer, but it was lonely.Damon had been pulled away five minutes ago. An Elder from the Western Pack had intercepted us, looking grave, and whispered something about "border treaties." Damon had growled, kissed my forehead, and promised to return in two minutes."Stay here," he had ordered. "Don't move."So I stood by the railing, clutching a glass of sparkling water, watching the sharks circle below."You look like a lost puppy."The voice was smooth, like silk dragged over a knife’s edge.I turned.A woman was standing a few feet away. She was... breathtaking. Tall, with skin the color of mocha and hair falling in perfect, glossy curls. She wore a dress of emerald green velvet that cost more than the entire orphanage I grew up in.She didn't smile. She looked at me with bored, clinical detachment, like a scientist examining a bug."I’m not lost," I said, lifting my chin. "I’m waiting.""For Damon?" She laughed softly. She stepped closer, invading my

Elara's POVThe penthouse was quiet.It was a stark contrast to the chaos of the ballroom. No screaming. No breaking glass. Just the soft hum of the air conditioning and the distant sound of city traffic.Kael helped Damon through the front door. Damon was leaning heavily on his Beta. His skin was pale. The blood on his chest had dried to a dark, flaky crust. He looked exhausted. The shift had taken everything out of him."I called the pack doctor," Kael said, his voice tight with worry. "He’s five minutes out.""Cancel it," Damon grunted. He pushed himself off Kael and stumbled toward the stairs."Alpha, you have open wounds," Kael argued. "That rogue bit you deep.""I heal fast. You know that." Damon didn't stop walking. He gripped the banister. His knuckles were white. "I don't want a doctor. I just want..."He didn't finish the sentence. He looked back at me.I was standing by the door. I still wore the ruined red dress. My hair was a mess. My hands were shaking."I’ll do it," I s

Elara's POVThe suitcase was too big. I pushed it away with my foot. Kael would definitely see a large bag on the security cameras. I needed something smaller. I walked to the closet. I found my old backpack. The zipper was completely broken. The fabric was frayed. It looked like trash next to Damon's clothes. I opened it. I stuffed two thick sweaters inside. I added a pair of faded jeans and warm socks. I did not take the silk dresses. I did not take the cashmere coats. I left the diamond earrings on the nightstand. They sparkled under the lamp. They belonged to a Queen. I was just a runaway servant. I had to travel light.My chest hurt. It felt like a heavy rock was sitting on my ribs. I had to leave a note. If I vanished, Damon would tear the city apart. He would hunt me. He would start his war with Marcus today. I could not let that happen. My mother's bones were on the line. I walked to the desk. I found a heavy gold pen and white paper. My hand shook violently. I dropped the pen