Rejected

“Was that she-wolf your mate?” My momentary confusion clears quickly as I realize that she must have seen Leah when she approached me.

“Yes, that was Leah.” Her eyes lift to meet mine, but the emotions I can see in them are swirling like a cyclone, making the hues of blue in her eyes shift and swirl.

“I may not know her, but from what I saw, she did you a favor.” I know I shouldn’t laugh, but it tears past my lips before I can even try to stop it.

“I think you are right. She is…a piece of work.” Her lips curl up slightly. She sits back in her chair and lets out a heavy sigh.

“You want to know what the worst part of this whole rejection thing is?” I sit back, wondering what is pushing her to open up right now, at a pack gathering of all places, but I am not going to stop her…I refuse to. If she needs to get it out, then that is what she is going to do.

“What is that?” She blinks back her tears, refusing to set them free.

“I never liked Antony. He was a complete dick and treated me like crap, but all because of the stupid mate bond, I get to suffer in agony because I was rejected by someone I never even wanted to be with. Pretty messed up huh?” My heart aches for her. It would be hard enough to have a broken heart because you are rejected by someone you love, but to have to suffer after being rejected by someone you despise? That is a whole new kind of torture.

“That is pretty messed up.” Running Up That Hill by Placebo comes on and I quickly stand up and offer her my hand. “Dance with me…please?”

“I’m not good at dancing.” Her eyes study me, likely trying to figure out what reason I would have for asking, but honestly…I wouldn’t be able to answer her because I don’t have a reason.

“Ok, but it is your feet’s funeral.”I lead her to the dance floor, take position and begin leading her. It takes less than 30 seconds before I find myself thankful that she is so petite. She manages to step on my feet more times than I can count, but each time, we simply laugh it off and keep going. Another slow song comes on, likely requested by Kyle, who I caught watching us dance. We continue to dance through 2 more songs before heading back to our table.

“That wasn’t so bad now, was it?” I ask in a playful tone. She rolls her eyes and smirks as she responds.

“Try telling me that when you see all the bruises on your feet tonight.” We both laugh, unable to deny that she had been more than accurate about the fact that she can’t dance.

“Hey baby girl, you look like you are enjoying yourself!” Sandy gushes at her, clearly intoxicated and having a good time herself.

“It looks like I am not the only one enjoying myself. I take it I will be the one driving us home?” Sandy begins to shake her head no, but stops and gives a firm nod.

“Good guess.”Sandy kisses Nadia on the forehead then steps back to look her over. “You seem…different.” I look over Nadia, trying to see what her aunt is seeing, but nothing seems different to me.

“We will discuss it when we get home Aunty.” Sandy gives her a firm nod then wanders off.

“She has always been the life of the party.” Nadia smiles and shrugs her shoulders.

“Always the polar opposite of my mom.” Before I can say anything else, Kyle walks over and stops beside me.

“Alpha, your presence is requested. We have an…unexpected guest.” I catch how he glances at Nadia then back to me.

“Please excuse me, Nadia.” I stand up and follow Kyle to my office where I am greeting my none other than my father.

“Hello Son. I think we need to have a talk.” I nod at Kyle, letting him know he can go, then turn back to my father.

“What do you need to talk to me about?” He takes a seat in one of the chairs in front of my desk.

“Your status as alpha. You are a strong alpha son, but without a luna, other packs will view ours as weak. It is no secret that your mate rejected you, which already casts you in a bad light in the eyes of the other packs. You need to find a mate, a chosen mate, and cement your place as the alpha of our pack.” I feel enraged by his claim that I am weak because of my single status and I am fighting to keep my wolf in check.

“Father, I do not need a mate to be strong. If the other packs want to question my ability to lead, let them. I will gladly show them what I am capable of, but I will not take a mate to appease anyone. If the goddess should see fit to give me a second chance mate, then I will be happy to accept her, but I am not just going to settle for a random mate. We are done discussing this. If you would like to stay for the rest of the celebration, feel free, but I am not willing to discuss this issue any further.” I do not give him a chance to respond before leaving the office. I hurry back to the dining hall and my feet freeze in place when I spot Nadia on the dance floor with Jace, a 10 year old pup who has always been a little awkward and tends to get picked on by the others. Jace has his feet on top of hers and she is guiding him, not so gracefully, across the dance floor. They are both oblivious to all the eyes that are on them as they sway, spin and laugh their way around the floor. When the song ends, Jace takes a bow and Nadia curtseys before they part ways. She makes her way back to the table and I slowly head over to join her.

“That was a very nice thing to do.” Her body jerks as my voice surprises her.

“He seemed lonely and I didn’t like that he was being left out. He’s a really sweet boy.” My heart swells with pride, knowing that this gift from the goddess is not only a part of my pack now, but she is so willing to push herself out of her comfort zone just to bring happiness to a young boy. She truly is an amazing woman and I have to agree with Ida. How the hell could that asshole have rejected someone like her? A large part of me wonders what she had been like before he completely shattered her. Was she shy and quiet, or maybe outgoing and playful? I feel my wolf stirring as he becomes angry at the thought of someone hurting her the way we had been hurt. He usually doesn’t react this way, but I think he can sense the way we are connected through our loss. I have never been able to talk to anyone so easily about things, especially about Leah. I was even able to say my brother’s name without crumbling, which hasn’t happened since he died.

‘Perhaps she is a healer.’ My wolf offers his opinion through the chaotic thoughts that are swirling through my head. Maybe he is right. That would explain why I feel so at ease with her and why all of the children take to her the way they do. She eases their fears and makes them feel safe. If it is true, does she know? She has never mentioned to me that she has healing abilities, but maybe she just doesn’t know yet.

“I see it is your turn to get lost in thought.” My head snaps to the side and my eyes lock onto hers, noticing a faint blue glow radiating from them.

“Sorry, my father made a surprise appearance and, as usual, it was a less than pleasant visit.” Her expression softens and it soothes the chaos in my mind.

“I’m sorry. I take it he is difficult to get along with?” I chuckle and nod.

“Only if he doesn’t get his way. It looks like things are dying down here. Do you need help getting Sandy to the car?” She smiles and shakes her head.

“No, your beta drove her home for me after she tried to kiss the floor.” I smile, easily able to picture Sandy tripping and face planting, but that is because it happens at almost every pack gathering.

“I will walk you to the car then.” She arches a brow and sits back slightly.

“I am actually walking back to her house.” I give her a look that probably looks like confusion and irritation, but I am honestly mostly surprised.

“Alone? In an unfamiliar place? In the cold?” She chuckles at my barrage of questions and nods.

“It isn’t as horrifying as it sounds, I promise. I enjoy the cold and what better way to get used to the layout of the town than to walk around?” While her argument makes sense, I don’t feel right letting her walk home alone.

“Please let me walk you home. I would feel better knowing you are safe.” She looks like she is about to argue with me, but nods instead. She follows me to the front door, but I pause when I realize that she is wearing only a pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt. While wolves tend to run more on the warm side, it is going to be cold outside, even for a wolf. I walk over to the coat closet and grab my leather jacket and one of my winter jackets for her. I hold the jacket out to her, but she just stares at me as if it is the most absurd gesture.

“I won’t need it, but thank you.” I put the jacket back, slip mine on and lead her out of the pack house, watching her closely for any signs that the cold air is getting to her, but so far, there is nothing. She cautiously eyes the sky, almost like she is expecting some kind of beast to swoop down and snatch her up.