All Chapters of Rejected by My Mate, Claimed by the Brooding Alpha CEO: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Sage’s POVI woke up at dawn, my stomach in knots that had nothing to do with morning sickness.Today was the day. The Luna ceremony.Kael was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed, staring out at the city.“You should be sleeping,” I said.“Couldn’t.” He turned to look at me. “How are you feeling?”“Terrified. Nauseous. Ready to run away and never come back.”“Normal, then.” He smiled slightly. “Eleanor will be here at eight. She’s bringing a team to help you get ready.”“A team?”“Hair, makeup, the dress. Apparently becoming Luna requires professional intervention.” He moved closer, kissing my forehead. “You’re going to be beautiful.”“I’m going to throw up.”“Do that first, then be beautiful.” He stood, pulling me up with him. “Come on. Breakfast. You need to eat.”In the kitchen, he’d already prepared ginger tea, toast, and fruit-safe foods that wouldn’t upset my stomach.“You’re taking care of me again,” I observed.“Always.” He sat across from me. “Sage, I need to tell

I woke to sunlight and the smell of coffee. For a moment, I forgot everything-the ceremony, my parents, all of it.Then I saw Kael standing by the window, phone pressed to his ear, his expression dark.“I don’t care what the media wants,” he said coldly. “No one speaks to Sage without going through me first… I’m aware of the interest. That’s why the answer is no… Fine. Release a standard statement. “The Thorne family is grateful for the well wishes and requests privacy during this time. That’s it.”He ended the call and turned to find me awake.“Morning. How’d you sleep?”“Like the dead. What’s wrong?”“The story broke. Someone leaked the DNA results. He showed me his phone-the screen filled with headlines:“MISSING MOONHAVEN HEIR FOUND ALIVE – Now Luna of Thorne Pack”“Billionaire Heiress Was Living in Poverty, Working as Waitress”“Sage Moonhaven: From Foster Care to Fortune”My stomach sank. “How did they find out so fast?”“Someone in one of the labs, or someone who had access t

I spent Monday night jumping at every sound.Despite the security team stationed outside, despite Kael holding me, despite everything, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching.Tuesday morning brought news.“Damien Moonhaven flew into the country four days ago,” Silas reported over video call. He looked like he hadn’t slept. “Private jet from Paris, landed at a regional airport outside the city. Paid cash for everything. He’s trying to stay off the radar.”“Where is he now?” Alexander demanded. He and Catherine had stayed at the Grand Hotel but arrived at our penthouse before dawn.“We’re tracking him. He’s using burner phones, changing locations frequently. But we have eyes on three properties he’s visited.” Silas pulled up surveillance photos. “A warehouse downtown, a luxury apartment under a shell company name, and a law office.”“What law office?” Kael asked.“Martin Cross’s old firm. Different name now, but same location.” Silas zoomed in on a photo of Damien ente

Thursday morning brought an unexpected visitor.I was eating breakfast-Kael ’s stress-baking had produced blueberry scones this time-when Margaret called.“You have a visitor in the lobby. She won’t give her name, but she says she’s the one who called you last night.” Margaret’s voice was cautious.“Security’s with her. Should I send her up?”I looked at Kael . He was already on his phone, alerting Marcus and Silas.“Send her up.” I said. “But keep security close.”Five minutes later, a woman stepped off the elevator. She was in her fifties, elegant in a tailored gray suit, with silver streaks in her dark hair and sharp intelligent eyes.She looked familiar, but I couldn’t place why.“Sage Moonhaven,” she said, studying me. “You look like your mother. But you have your father’s presence.”“Who are you?”‘Dr. Evelyn Cross. I was the Moonhaven pack’s head healer when you were born.” She moved into the living room without invitation, eyeing Kael warily “Alpha Wolfe. I’ve heard much abo

Sage’s POVThe gunshots were getting closer.Kael shoved me toward the bedroom. “Closet Now There’s a panic room behind the back wall.”“I’m not hiding while you-”“You’re pregnant with my child. You’re hiding. His eyes flashed gold. “That’s not a request.” More gunshots. Closer. The guards were fighting, but whoever was attacking had come prepared.I ran to the closet. Kael followed, pressing a hidden panel. The back wall slid open, revealing a small reinforced room-maybe eight by eight feet, with a phone, first aid kit, and what looked like weapons.‘Get in. Lock it from inside. Don’t open it for anyone except me or Marcus.” He kissed me hard and fast. “‘I love you.”“Kael-“Go!” He pushed me inside and the door slid shut.I heard the lock engage. Then nothing but my own panicked breathing and the distant sounds of combat.The panic room had a security monitor. I could see multiple camera feeds-the hallway, the living room, the elevator bank.Three men in tactical gear were f