Chapter 9 At 9 PM . Calista finished her workday . Exhausted , she dragged herself back to her apartment , washed up , and collapsed into bed . Her silenced phone lay untouched beside her . She never checked it before falling asleep . The next morning , Calista was woken by her phone's sound . Still half - asleep , she picked it up and saw it wasn't her alarm but a calendar reminder - tomorrow was the former Alpha's birthday , Maximus's father . In previous years , she would wake up early to buy groceries , then spend the entire day carefully preparing dishes for the birthday dinner . But this year was different . She wasn't going to do that anymore . After dismissing the reminder , she put down her phone and went back to sleep . Today was Friday . Calista got off work at 2 PM . In the past , she'd only remembered today was Maximus's father's birthday , forgetting it was also her own father's birthday . But tonight , she would return to her parents ' home and cook a feast for her own family tomorrow . As for Maximus's text , it had long been buried under a flood of notifications . At six in the evening , Calista arrived right on time at Shadowvale Pack - Vance Manor , just in time for dinner . Walking into the hall , she saw her whole family there . Poppy Vance was absorbed in a puzzle when a figure appeared in the doorway , startling her . When she squinted and suddenly recognized her long - absent aunt , she bolted across the room and wrapped her arms around Calista's legs , puzzle pieces scattering everywhere . " Aunt Calista , you're back ! " Calista crouched down and hugged Poppy tight , planting a kiss on her cheek . Words caught in her throat as she fought back tears , her eyes stinging . Poppy threw her arms around Calista's neck and gave her a loud kiss on the cheek , then shouted toward the kitchen , " Daddy ! Mommy ! Aunt Calista's home ! " Jasper Vance and Lucy emerged from the kitchen at the sound . When Jasper saw Calista , his eyes lit up briefly before the joy faded and his expression darkened . Lucy noticed his stern look and gently nudged him with her elbow , then turned to Calista with a warm smile . " Just in time . Dinner's about to be served . " Poppy tugged on Calista's sleeve and pulled her toward Lucy . 11:25 Rejected by the Alpha , I Became the Pack's Queen 25.8 % Chapter 9 " Mommy , Aunt Calista's favorite is salami . You said we'd save it for when she visits . Can we have some now ? " Lucy chuckled softly and tapped Poppy's nose . " Such a greedy girl . Alright , we'll have some today . " Poppy squealed with delight , clapping her little hands . Jasper avoided Calista's gaze , turning his disapproving look toward Poppy instead . " Don't waste your affection on those who don't appreciate it , " he grumbled under his breath . Calista's family had always loved her . But she'd thrown herself completely into serving the Gray family , never receiving so much as a thank you . They took her devotion for granted while her real family suffered . Honestly , she was too ashamed to show her face here tonight . But she knew the love from her family was always there . Her brother and father might act tough , but they cared deeply . Her mother never stopped waiting for her . Her sister - in - law was always kind and understanding . And her niece was so adorable . It was time to hold tight to the people who truly loved her . . Maximus was in a meeting when his phone suddenly vibrated . Thinking it was Calista , he was about to decline the call , but then saw the caller ID showed Willow Creek Preschool . Worried something had happened to Maisie , he immediately paused the meeting and stepped outside to answer . " Hello , is this Maisie's parent ? " A woman's voice came through the phone . " Family Fun Day started thirty minutes ago . We've been waiting for you . I know these events may not seem like a big deal to busy parents , but right now your daughter is the only child sitting alone in the corner . " ( 0 ) ail Doinated by the Alpha I Became the Pack's Queen 000 ( 0 ) Chapter 10 Chapter 10