Blood And Silver:Rise of the Alpha’s Rejected Mate

Chapter 370 I paced back and forth in my room, my mind swirling with thoughts I couldn't shake. Why does he look atlike that? Earlier today, in the Luna's office, when I was discussing the perfume, he had that slook in his eyes. Trajan... What is it about him that sets him apart from every other man I've encountered? I sighed and sank onto my bed, my gaze drifting to the mirror. My reflection stared back-a woman in her late forties, wearing a short, strappy nightdress that clung to her figure. Despite my age, I still looked as though two decades hadn't touched me.

The beautiful Joclyn. The woman cursed by her own beauty. Every man who looked atwantedfor one thing, and I hated it.

From a young age, men had seenas nothing more than a tool for their pleasure. I'd escaped countless attempts at molestation, each incident solidifying my distrust and disdain for them. When I was offered the chance to becan Elder at just twenty-two, I accepted it eagerly..

Being an Elder meant freedom-no man could disrespect me, and while they might lust after me, none dared approach. Elders Chapter 334 were required to remain unmarried, childless, and wholly dedicated to the pack. It was a life of solitude, but it was safe.

I ran my fingers through my silver-blonde hair, which shimmered in the dim light of my room. How could I, a she-wolf who had never known the touch of a man, now find myself yearning? Yearning for a man ten years younger than me.

I swallowed hard, running a hand over my neck as I threw my head back. Trajan. The way he looks at me- different, not like those who sawas an object. There was something deeper in his gaze.

"Get a grip, Joclyn," I growled at myself, collapsing onto the bed. My knees bent, and my hands traveled over my thighs, my mind betrayingwith thoughts I tried to suppress.

Trajan...

I squeezed my eyes shut, clenching the sheets as my thoughts spiraled. The urge to close the distance between us, to feel his touch, was unbearable.

Knock, knock.

My eyes flew open, my body freezing in place. Who could that be at this hour? It was past seven in the evening.

I quickly adjusted my dress, pulling it down, though its transparency left little to the imagination. My room was dimly lit, and I assumed it was one of the maids bringing dinner.

Sitting at my vanity, I began tying my hair back into a ponytail. "Cin," I called.

The door creaked open, and through the mirror, I saw a figure enter with a tray in hand.

"Just leave it on the table," I said absentmindedly, humming softly to myself.

A moment later, I stood to turn around-and bumped into a solid chest. I stumbled back in shock, but strong hands caughtbefore I could fall.

I gasped, my eyes shutting instinctively as my heart raced.

"Joclyn?" My breath hitched at the sound of his voice. Slowly, I opened my eyes, and as the moonlight filtered through the window, I saw him.

"Tra... Trajan?" I whispered, staring up at him. My hands had instinctively wrapped around his neck, and his arms were firmly around my waist, steadying me.

His gaze traveled down my body, and I followed his eyes. My dress had ridden up, revealing far more than I'd intended. My cheeks burned as his eyes lingered, his jaw tightening.

Trajan's gaze snapped back to mine, and guilt flashed across his face. He releasedimmediately, stepping back as if he'd committed a grave sin.

"I'm so... so sorry," he stammered, his words tumbling out as he turned away.

I sank onto the bed, still stunned, unable to process what had just happened.

He glanced back at me, hesitated, and then approached again. My dress had bunched up, exposing my legs. With a nervous expression, he gently pulled it down, coveringup.

"I'll leave now," he muttered, turning toward the door.

"Trajan," I called, finding my voice. "Don't leave." He paused, his shoulders stiffening. Turning back to me, hist eyes met mine, though they briefly dipped to my dress before he shook his head.

"Why have you come?" I asked softly, stepping closer to him.

He hesitated, then picked up something he had placed on the table. As he handed it to me, I realized it wasn't a tray-it was a portrait.

I gasped, holding it up to the moonlight. It was a beautifully drawn image ofpicking flowers in the garden, every detail captured with care.

"Did you make this?” I asked in awe.

Trajan didn't respond. Instead, he walked further into my room, stopping near mnear the wardrobe where my robe hung. Taking it, he returned toand draped it over my shoulders. "You should wear this," he said, his voice low. "I can't... I can't concentrate with you dressed like that.” I stared at him, stunned by his thoughtfulness. I don't want you to concentrate, Trajan. I want you to lose control.

Shaking off the intrusive thought, I chastised myself silently. Get a grip, Joclyn. This is not who you are.

Trajan helpedinto the robe, buttoning it carefully before stepping back.

"I made the portrait for you," he said finally. "I planned to leave it at the to leave it at the door like usually do, but... you askedto cin." I swallowed hard, guilt washing over me. I had mistaken him for a servant.

"Thank you, Trajan,” I said quietly, clutching the portrait to my chest.

He nodded, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he seemed to debate something, but then he stepped back toward the door.

"Goodnight, Joclyn," he said, his voice soft yet firm.

I stood frozen as he left, the door clicking shut behind him. My gaze drifted back to the portrait in my hands; my heart pounding in my chest. Trajan... why do you makefeel this way?