Chapter 27 They'd been so close , yet neither had acknowledged Calista - not even the little girl had called out to her mother . " She must have been deeply unhappy . " Elias realized . Hurt enough that even someone as patient as Calista would ask for a divorce . If she had reached that point , it could only mean she had given up all hope . Calista steadied her emotions , soothing the wounded wolf within her , then forced out a faint smile . " None of that matters now . I respect their choices . " Watching her tears fall , Elias felt a sharp pang in his chest . There was nothing he could do but comfort her and wipe away her tears . After Maisie rushed onto the stage , Maximus didn't immediately follow . Instead , his gaze shifted to the side - just in time to see Elias wiping tears from Calista's cheek . They stood so close together that from Maximus's angle , they looked practically pressed against each other . By then , Vespera had already changed out of her gown . She took Maisie's hand and walked toward Maximus . " Maximus , " she called softly . Maximus snapped back to attention , his expression instantly softening . " Dinner together ? " Vespera suggested . " Of course . " Maximus smiled in response . Maisie tugged on Maximus's arm . " Daddy , I want barbecue . " Vespera booped her nose playfully . " Little foodie , " she teased . Outside the concert hall , the cool air brought Calista back to her senses - this time , Maximus and Maisie had left her first . She had nothing to apologize for . Seeing Calista regain her composure , Elias spoke up . " Want to grab dinner ? " Calista thought for a moment , then nodded . " Why not ? " She was hungry . Besides , she didn't want to turn Elias down again . At the restaurant , Elias opened the door for Calista . The moment she stepped inside , she froze - at the center table sat six people , including Maximus , Maisie , and Vespera . The barbecue restaurant was thick with overlapping scents , and with Maximus and Maisie facing away from the entrance , they had no idea Calista had walked in . Vespera sat right beside Maximus , her full attention on him , completely oblivious to anyone else . Across from Maximus sat two men and one woman . Calista recognized the two men , but the woman was a stranger - though her scent made it obvious she was also a shifter . In wealthy circles , men often brought different women to different events , even married men . 11.29 Rejected by the Alpha , I Became the Pack's Queen 83.9 % Chapter 27 Among werewolf elites , things were slightly better - most males only brought their mates to public functions . Like Maximus , who always had Vespera by his side . So whether at pack meetings or business events , everyone knew Vespera , but very few knew that Maximus's true mate was Calista . Elias followed her inside . Seeing Calista standing frozen in place , he immediately asked , " What's wrong ? " But before he could finish , he spotted Maximus and the others nearby . He grabbed Calista's arm . " Let's grab something to eat somewhere else . " Calista didn't move . Instead , she held onto Elias , her tone calm . " It's fine . Let's eat here . " It wasn't her who'd screwed things up . She wasn't about to hide from anyone . Elias studied Calista for a moment , then smiled . " Alright . " Calista chose a table near the entrance , keeping some distance from Maximus . The two groups sat back - to - back , so neither could see the other . Elias handed the menu to Calista , letting her order . She didn't make a fuss about it and simply ordered two dishes she liked . Soon , the food arrived . Calista had just taken her first bite when she heard Maisie's excited voice nearby . " Uncle Justin , you know what ? Miss Vespera is super talented . She played the piano beautifully . I've never heard anything like it . " Justin chuckled softly at Maisie's words . He leaned across the table , meeting her eyes directly . " Listen , Maisie, " he said , " your Miss Vespera is the real deal . She just finished her master's and is heading for her doctoral degree . Plus , she's got a powerful Alpha father and comes from serious money . " On top of that , she's got a pile of piano awards and certificates . Oh , and she does some modeling and acting on the side . She doesn't just do things well - she can do an amazing job at anything she tries . Seriously . " Justin was clearly impressed . Maisie , hearing his words , beamed with pride as she turned toward Vespera . " Miss Vespera , " she said earnestly , " you're incredible . Really , really amazing . " Vespera gently patted her head , her voice warm and affectionate . " You'll do amazing things too , sweetheart . Because you also have a wonderful Alpha father . " Maisie glanced at Maximus , her pride swelling even more . Her father was the pack's leader , the most powerful Alpha in the American South , and Miss Vespera was beloved by everyone . Flynn sat across from them , looking as calm as ever no matter what happened - gossip wasn't his style . Just then , Flynn suddenly spoke up . " I think I see someone I know . " He still wasn't entirely sure , but Flynn had the nagging feeling the woman by the entrance looked familiar . It took him a moment to place her - he'd seen her before when visiting Maisie . She was Maximus's mate . At the same time , Maximus , Maisie , and Vespera had all turned to look at Calista's back . 11:29 Rejected by the Alpha . I Became the Pack's Queen 84.9 % Chapter 28