Knotting His Rejected Breeder

SONIA’S POV

When I opened my eyes again, we were pulling into the abandoned house. My body ached from the long drive, but the sight of the weathered building ahead sent a rush of relief through me.

My heart skipped with excitement, and relief because we had made it here without much hassle. The tension that had knotted my shoulders the entire journey began to loosen, replaced by a tentative hope.

"You seem rather ecstatic," Jed laughed, his voice cutting through the quiet hum of the engine as he slowed the car.

"Oh you have no idea. I’m so happy, I could burst," I replied, my words tumbling out in a breathless rush. The smile on my face felt genuine for the first time in days.

"I’m glad you are."

He parked the car, and I hopped out, my eyes scanning the environment.

"The last time you were here, you were just a kid," he said behind me, his footsteps crunching on the gravel as he followed.

I scoffed, and rolled my eyes. "You talk as if you’re that much older than me." The familiar teasing felt good, a small piece of normalcy in the whirlwind of my escape.

"I’m not, but I’m still older." He stuck out his tongue at me, before carrying my bag inside. The strap dug into his shoulder, but he didn’t complain, his stride steady despite the extra weight.

"Hey, wait for me!" I called, running after him. My legs were still stiff from the drive, but the excitement pushed me forward, the cool morning air brushing against my skin.

"Wow," I blurted as soon as we stepped into the house. The interior was surprisingly clean and well-groomed, the wooden floors polished to a soft sheen, the furniture dusted and arranged neatly. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the space in warm tones that made it feel almost welcoming.

You’d never know it was abandoned. The air smelled faintly of fresh linen and wood polish, a testament to the care someone had taken to prepare it.

"For such a short notice, you’d agree they did a fine job in clearing up this space, right?" He suddenly asked me, setting my bag down near the staircase.

"Who are you talking about, Jed? The last time, you mentioned—"

"Come, I’ll show you to your room," he said, interrupting me as he picked up the bag again.

It was like he didn’t want me to ask him any questions at all. His evasion made my brow furrow, a small seed of suspicion planting itself in my mind, but I pushed it aside for now. There would be time for answers later.

I did appreciate his help, but I hated being kept in the dark. The uncertainty gnawed at me, a quiet itch I couldn’t quite scratch.

I had every right to know who else was helping me. If for anything, to thank them for their help. The thought of unknown allies in this dangerous game made my stomach twist with both gratitude and unease.

Regardless of the bitter taste his dismissal left in my mouth, I followed him up the stairs anyway.

This mansion was just one of our fathers numerous properties. The grandeur of the architecture, the high ceilings and ornate railings, spoke of wealth and power I had taken for granted growing up.

Rumor had it that the reason he abandoned this was my mother. The thought of her lingering presence here, of the love that had once filled these halls, made my chest ache with a quiet longing.

It was her favorite place to visit, because of its ambience. The surrounding forest, the peace it offered away from pack politics—I could almost feel her spirit in the gentle breeze that whispered through the open windows.

Every time he came around this place, he was overwhelmed with the memory of my mother. The pain in his eyes whenever her name was mentioned had always been a warning to me, a reminder of how deeply love could wound even the strongest alpha.

A love like that, I wondered if it was anything short of the designs of the moon goddess. The thought brought a small, wistful smile to my lips as I trailed behind Jed.

I entered the room Jed walked into, and smiled. The space was bright and airy, with large windows overlooking the forest. A comfortable bed sat against one wall, fresh linens folded neatly at the foot. A small vase of wildflowers rested on the dresser, their petals still dewy.

"This house is huge. I’d probably get lost in it."

"Make yourself comfortable then. I have to return to Silverpaw before suspicion starts to brew against me."

"Wait, you’re leaving me here, alone?" I screamed in alarm, my voice rising as panic flickered in my chest. The idea of being truly isolated, even for a short time, made my hands tremble slightly at my sides.

But right after, I chide myself in my head. What did I think would happen? The reality of my situation settled in, a quiet acceptance that this was the price of freedom.

Even though he had helped me, he had to also save his head. The risk he had already taken for me was enormous, and I couldn’t ask for more.

"Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I have other surprises waiting for you."

"Like?"

"You’ll find out," he said with a note of finality, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I gave up trying to convince him to stay with me, because there was just no point in doing that. The decision was made, and I had to face it.

I had to start figuring shit out on my own, starting right now. The thought was daunting, but it also sparked a quiet strength in me, a determination to build a life for my child away from the shadows of Silverpaw.

When I lifted my head, he paused at the door.

He turned around swiftly, and sauntered purposely towards me. His expression was softer now, the usual teasing gone from his eyes.

"What is it?" I asked, hoping he had changed his mind, and was going to stay with me. The vulnerability in my voice surprised even me.

But much to my surprise, he pulled me in for a dear hug. His arms wrapped around me tightly, bringing a lump to my throat.

"What’s this for?" I asked, my voice muffled against his shoulder.

"I’m just proud of how far you’ve come. You’ve done really well, Sonia. You have two servants at your beck and call. Use them. There’s a phone somewhere in your room too. If you ever need help, I’m one call away, okay?"

"Okay."

He pulled away, and I held on to him before he could leave. The fear of being truly alone made me cling a moment longer, my fingers gripping his shirt.

"And you?" I asked.

"Me?"

"Yes you. You still have your mate’s situation to deal with. How are you going to navigate that in the midst of someone like your father?"

"Don’t worry about me, Sonia. I can take care of myself. Besides, I’m not the one who is going to be alpha. I doubt father would be that disappointed when he eventually found out the truth."

"I wish I was as brave as you are," I said, meaning every word of it. The quiet courage he carried, the way he stood up for what he believed in, was something I admired deeply.

"You are far braver."

He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead, before turning around. The touch lingered, warm and reassuring, as he walked to the door.

I went to the bed, and sat down. I closed my eyes, not moving until the sound of his car faded away. The silence that followed was profound, the house settling around me like an old friend.

My life had truly just begun, and I needed to set myself straight.

I immediately set to work by unpacking. I knew if I left the decision for too long, I would end up doing something I regret. The rhythm of folding clothes, arranging them neatly in the closet, helped steady my racing thoughts.

Humming, I removed my clothes from my luggage, and transferred it to the closet. The familiar fabrics felt like old friends, each piece a small piece of the life I was leaving behind.

I was so lost in my work, I didn’t hear the door open.

But I felt the second the air changed. A familiar scent filled the room, warm and comforting, making my heart skip a beat.

My eyes instantly shot up to see the beautiful eyes of her, staring at me.

"Ivy!" I gasped, the cloth I was holding in my hand falling to the ground. The shock rooted me in place for a moment, my breath catching in my throat.

"The one and only," she laughed, and walked to me with her arms wide open. Her smile was bright, her eyes shining with the same warmth I remembered.

I hugged her like I had missed her for a thousand centuries. The familiar feel of her arms around me, the scent of her hair, brought tears to my eyes. The truth was that I missed her a lot. I missed her a whole lot. The months apart had been harder than I had let myself admit.

"My precious," she said, pulling me behind so she could take a proper look at me. "How did you even grow more beautiful?"

My face turned crimson, as I giggled. "I can’t believe you’re here, Ivy. How are you here, right now?" The questions tumbled out, my hands still gripping her arms as if afraid she might disappear.

"Well, my idiot brother told me you said you wanted nothing to ever do with me again. I had to hear it from the horse’s mouth myself, to believe it. So did you?" She asked, her eyes searching mine with a mix of hurt and hope.

I racked my brain, trying to understand what she was talking about. The confusion must have shown on my face because she waited patiently, her hands still holding mine.

"Who is your brother? And when exactly did I tell this brother of yours that I wanted nothing to do with you?"

"Oh, I forgot I never told you," she said, and bit her lips.

"Tell me what?"

"You might want to sit down for this one," she said, and holding me by the shoulder, gently pushed me to the bed.

I dropped on it, and she sat right beside me.

"Okay, I think it’s time you know the truth," she led with.

"And the truth is?" I asked, slightly impatient as I leaned closer, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Ramon is my brother," she confessed, and I found myself completely lost. The words hung in the air between us, heavy and shocking, as the world seemed to tilt on its axis for a moment.