Regretted Rejection : Wrath of the Moon

Bella was driving down in a car, a smile on her lips. She was looking forward to the new challenge that Maya had thrown in front of her. Running a company as a CEO required her to step out of her comfort zone and take charge. She steadfastly ignored the fact that she would also be guiding a child on how to handle the company. After all, people tend to ignore complicated blocks and focus only on the pleasing parts in their life. However, Bella was soon reminded of another complicated block when she reached Council Headquarters.

As soon as she stepped through the main doors of the Council Headquarters, she came face to face with Ryder. Bella stopped walking and her face paled slightly before she recovered composure and started walking inside, completely ignoring the man.

Ryder instead stood as if frozen when he saw her. The laptop in his hand slipped to the floor. “Bella... What is she doing here?" he thought to himself. He saw her pause slightly and then start walking again. He expected her to start pestering him again. As soon as that thought entered his head, a grimace settled on his face. He decided to ignore her as soon as she approached him. He watched her walk towards him and steeled himself.

However, Bella didn’t stop by him and walked past him without throwing him another glance. Her hair streaming behind her, she walked away from him. The natural fragrance of her body surrounded Ryder and caused him to stiffen again. Ryder glanced at her back as she walked away. 'Is this for real? After pestering me every time we met, she decided to ignore me now? Is this the mate bond that she had claimed to have with me? Hmph. Since she is staying away from me, that's good.’ Ryder thought to himself and walked away with a nonchalant expression. However even unknown to him, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes before it disappeared.

Bella walked past a corner and then finally slowed her steps. She sighed at her behaviour. It had hurt her when she saw a grimace on his face. She felt that he didn't even want her in front of him whereas she hurt every time his memory rose in her mind. This mate bond hurt her and for the thousandth time she wished that she was a normal vampire instead of the freak she was.

Her mood and her face down, she quietly made way to Maya's cabin. Pausing in front of the door, she composed herself and knocked, before entering the room

"Hey Maya, I am.... Dylan.. you?" Bella halted her words as she saw Dylan instead of Maya.

"Hello Bella." Dylan greeted her with a smile and extended his hand.

Bella shook her head and grasped the hand shaking it twice. "Hello Dylan. I was expecting to meet Maya here." Bella said in a questioning tone.

"Ah yes.. she is out with her family. She will be back soon though. In the meantime, make yourself at home here.” Dylan replied to her.

"You want me to stay in the Council Headquarters?" Bella asked surprised.

"Yes. Well, I haven't made any accommodation for you yet. Maya will make those when she gets back." Dylan replied calmly.

Bella didn't want to stay in Council Headquarters as she was not here in an official Council capacity and also mainly as Ryder was here. "Oh.. then I guess.. I will be fine here.” Bella murmured softly. Unfortunately nothing could be done at the moment and she had to adjust according to the situation

"Come, you can stay in Maya's room." Dylan said encouragingly.

"When will she be back?" Bella asked curiously.

"Tomorrow. She has gone for a trip with her nephew and her mate. Apparently it's a school assignment thing... One cannot let it be boring.” Dylan replied, offering unnecessary information. "Her mate... How is that going on?" Bella questioned. She knew all about Maya's story, after all she was a hacker and she had to stay updated on news.

Dylan sighed but didn't reply. Bella too quit her line of questions after realising she was being too nosy. Embarrassed she rubbed the back of her neck and followed Dylan to Maya's room.

Dylan had settled Bella and was in his office working on a file when his door banged open.

"Why is she here? Is there a new case? I thought I was supposed to handle the online cases, is there a need to call her specially when I am here?" Ryder barged in and threw questions one after the other.

Dylan glanced at him once and then dropped his head back to the file, putting all of his attention there.

“Bang’ a noise sounded as Ryder hit the desk to get Dylan's attention.

"Answer me." Ryder demanded.

"I will answer you as soon as you are done throwing a tantrum.” Dylan replied calmly.

"l am not throwing a tantrum.” Ryder said, "I am just not pleased by her presence here. She irritates me."

"What you are doing is exactly called throwing a tantrum. Ryder, you are a Team Leader now. You will have to learn to deal with your displeasure yourself. There will be many times over the years of your tenure as a Team Leader where you will have to deal with people who you don't want to meet. You will be the face of the Council when you meet them. Is this the kind of representative you want to be?" Dylan asked tersely and continued admonishing him, "I know for a fact that Bella didn't exchange a single word with you since she came in. Do you think she is happy to face you? Definitely not but she can be an adult about it, so why not you?"

Ryders face turned red in sheer embarrassment. "I apologize for coming off aggressive. I just wanted to know if there is any online case that requires her presence here." he said in a normal tone.

"Refusing to call Bella by her name is still childish Ryder.” Dylan sighed but decided to give a reply to his question.

"Bella is called in for a special task that has nothing to do with you. Don't worry she won't be working in close quarters with you.” Dylan assured him.

"Okay... Have a good day then." Ryder said as he hurried out of the room with a red face.