Rejection Denied

Taylor (Six)

Bexley’s skills of going unnoticed are like a negative one. He’s so loud. I would think rescuing would require stealth. Orion will catch us soon if he doesn’t quiet down. Each prison that we pass he screaming—

“Get up! I’m here to rescue you!” Bexley shouted once again.

“SHH!” I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath. This will be a disaster if he draws the wrong attention.

“Who..who are you?” The woman whispered. I went to Bex's side and looked into the prison. “Six? What are you doing?”

Fifty-four was a young woman that joined us a few months ago. Her hair was beginning to grow back now. When she first got here, it was blonde with brown mixed in. She’s a pretty girl, fresh out of high school. But she looks much older than eighteen. Orion blamed the makeup.

“Yes, it’s me. Come on we have to—”

“We have to go! Hurry up!” The moron shouted at number fifty-four. “We don’t have time to explain!” Bex bent the bars of the cell.

“Don’t rush her!” I spat back at him. “She’s terrified!”

Bex shouted, “Get her out or leave her be!” And with that, he continued walking down to the other cells to gather the others.

“Fifty-four. We must leave now.”

“I’m afraid six.” She cried out. “If Orion catches us, he’ll sell us off. I can’t leave. I don’t want to be punished. Just leave me here and take the others with you. I promise not to speak. But before you leave, knock me out. That way—”

“Stop.” I crouched down in front of the women. “What’s your name?”

She looked at me like I was crazy. “You know my name. It’s Fifty—”

“No.” I shook my head. “What’s your real name—the one given to you by the people that want you back home with them. The family that is praying for your safe return. Tell me what they named you.” I copied Denver’s words.

“Sam. My name is Sam Brenan.”

I smiled at her. “Well, Sam. The jackass and I aren’t alone in this. Others are waiting for us outside. They are going to get us back home safely.”

Sam looked at me warily. “How do you know that. If we get caught, Orion will punish us.”

“He’s going to punish us regardless if we stay here. This is our opportunity to get the hell out.” I held my hand out. “Listen, you are not alone in this. Take my hand, and let’s go home.”

“For the love of everything!” The loudmouth was by my side again, seething. “Move your asses. We have to go!”

I rolled my eyes, and Sam slowly took my hand in hers. “Ok… let’s go.”

We managed to gather a small group of girls. But not everyone decided to join us out of fear of being punished. No matter how hard I tried to get them to come. They refused and threatened to scream if we didn’t leave them alone. I vowed to go back, and they just held their head down in defeat.

“Ok, where is the door?” Bex asked me impatiently as we lead our group down the hall.

I pointed. “It’s just ahead. Do you think Aviry and Denver made it out yet?”

He shrugged. “Don’t know. They’re strong; I’m sure they did, though. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were already fighting with the others.”

“There’s the door,” I said as we approached the end of the hall. “I looked back to see the struggling females trying to keep up with us. Orion does the bare minimum. Enough to keep them alive but still weak, so they can’t fight back.

“They can’t fight,” I said as we stopped in front of the door.

Bex pulled on the handle. “Then we better get them far away from this place. I have a feeling this fight is going to turn into a war.” He looked back at our group. They were out of breath, clinging to the walls and each other for support. “Stay low and be fast.”

We stepped out into the marsh field. The fence line is a few yards out. And after that, the forest, I don’t know what Orion has out there. But I know we’ll need need to run fast. I don’t know if these girls are up to it. But I will not leave them behind to be killed. Or worse, brought back to Orion.

“Remember, stay low.” Bexley reminded us as we stepped out of the building.

And as instructed. We’ve been slowly making our way to the fence line. We haven’t been caught yet. So I would say we’re doing a great job.

“How do we go about finding the hole in the fence?” I whispered to Bex.

“Shh.”

Did he just…

“It’s just a simple question. There is no one—”

“Shh!” The rudeness with this one is absolute.

“Are you serious? If you—”

Bex quickly turned around and covered my mouth. “We can’t risk getting caught. We’ll find the damn hole when it’s time to find the damn hole. Now keep quiet, and stay—”

“YO BITCH BEX!” A familiar voice shouted from across the field.

Both Bexley and I looked over to see Aviry waving her middle fingers in the air. On her right side Denver. Behind her were two men dragging someone behind them. And on her left….no…

The girls behind me shrieked and crouched behind me. I can’t believe it. This escape has failed. These girls are going to be punished now, all because of me.

“What the fuck Aviry.” Bexley whisper shouted. “You’re going to lead Orion right to us.”

“WHAT!? SPEAK UP!” She shouted again. However, she was close enough to speak in a normal tone.

“I said Orion is going to hear you. So shut the fuck up!” Bexley snapped. He stomped over to Aviry, cursing underneath his breath.

Aviry approached Bex, and they paused to argue about voice volume. But Denver and one of the two other men continue without them. Denver smiled at me, but it dropped when she saw my face and the other girls trembling behind me.

“Taylor. I’m so glad to see you and the others.” Denver said as she stopped in front of me. But my eyes were glued to the Blue devil beside her.

POP!

“OUCH!” Caleb shouted.

What the fuck? Denver just popped the backside of his head, and he didn’t retaliate. I looked behind me at the other wide-eyed girls. Their breathing was light, if any at all. One girl was lying in the arms of the other, presumably passed out from the shock of what just happened.

“I told you to apologize when we got here,” Denver snarled at Caleb. And then the most unbelievable thing happened…

Caleb looked up at us. “I’m very sorry for my part in Orions—” POP! Caleb looked over Denver again, rubbing the back of his head. “I apologize for everything. And I promise to aid you all in getting back home safely.”

Did I die already? Because there is no way in hell, this is the same Caleb that drug me away kicking and screaming a few hours ago. Last I checked, he was preparing me to be sold off. But it looks like the same blue-haired bastard.

SLAP!

The girls behind me gasped. After I slapped the son of a bitch. With Denver standing there, I don’t think he’ll strike me back.

“OUCH!” Caleb shouted, rubbing his face. “You know what, just kill me because I’m done being slapped around by women.”

“What was that!?” Aviry shouted from where she was standing. “I heard kill me!”

“I was joking!” Caleb responded quickly. “Can we hurry the hell up? We’ve been standing here too long. Orion may have his people focused on the battle. But he’s focused on getting you and the other spawn back.” He spat.

Denver rolled her eyes. “He has a point. We’re just standing in an open field like idiots. Orion could be looking out his bedroom window for all we know.” She turned and looked toward the forest.

“There is a hole somewhere near the guard towers. Let’s make our way over there now together. And this time, we’ll make a run for it.”

I shook my head. “They can’t keep up. They are too weak to run without falling behind. I promised them we would get them to safety.”

Denver looked past me and at the women behind us. “Ok, then plan B. Aviry!” She shouted for her sister. She was waving her over to join us.

“Come on, Mark. You know how she is,” Bex pleaded with the bald man. He was rubbing the right side of his face. “I tried to get her to go, but she… well, she’s Aviry.” He threw his hands up.

Mark growled and shook his head. “Next time, drag her ass.”

“And lose a fucking arm in the process,” Aviry added in.

“Why are you so fucking annoying, Aviry.” Bex snapped as he crossed his arms. “We are supposed to be sneaking away from here. Your loud ass is going to lead Orion straight to us.”

“Hmm… I didn’t think about that. Why search for Orion when he can come to me.” Aviry opened her mouth, but Bex quickly covered it with his filthy Marsh-covered hands.

“Don’t even think about it.” He growled.

Aviry slapped his hands away. “You can line up right behind Orion if you want, Bex bitch.”

Bex stomped his foot and pulled at his hair. “Can we just get out of here!” he shouted.

“Damn, Bex. Just give Orion our location.” Aviry said, smirking as she walked toward Denver and me.

Aviry nodded toward Denver. “Your summons will cost you in the future.”

Denver rolled her eyes. “Listen, we need another plan. Running this distance is going to take a lot of time. Let’s shift and run the distance with others on our back.”

“No.” The blonde male said. “That’s too risky.”

“Gail’s right.” The bald guy agreed. “If you two-shift, it’s telling Orion where we are. Supposing he doesn’t know already. But just in case he doesn’t, your wolf scent will be stronger. He’ll sniff you our from a mile away.”

“Then what, Mark?” Denver asked. “We can’t expect them to run and then run faster once we’re in the woods.”

“Bexley and I will shift,” Mark said, slapping Bex's shoulder a little too hard. “We’ll run the women and Tanner over. Gail can keep up just fine on his own. Right old man?”

“I’m not old yet, geezer.” Gail scoffed. “And yes, I can keep up just fine. I don’t know what Orion did to me, but I feel good as hell.”

“Then it’s decided. We’ll get you over the fence and get you all to safety. Let’s go, Bexley.”

Bex nodded, and both men fell to their knees. Mark was the first to shift entirely into an all-black wolf with a white streak running down his back. Bex was next. His wolf was a dark brown; oddly enough, the wolf had both eyes when Bex only had one.

“Ok, girls, let’s go!” Denver instructed.

We were able to get four girls on each wolf. Leaving just me and the unconscious man Tanner.

“I can keep up,” I said. That was a lie, though. I’m just as weak as these other women. But if I fall behind and get captured, I’ll be the distraction for the others to get out. “Sam, scooch over. Maybe we can get Tanner on instead of me.”

“No,” Denver stated from behind me. “I’ll carry my mate.”

“Your what!?” Gail exclaimed. And poor Tanner, if could see Gail’s face, he’d be terrified. “You are too young for a damn, mate Denver. I won’t allow it.”

Denver rolled her eyes. “Caleb will carry you. And don’t argue with me about it. I know he’s done wrong, but he had a choice between death and helping us, and he chose the latter.” She shoved Caleb forward.

Caleb groaned and held his hand out. Reluctantly I took it, and he pulled me into his arms, bent down, and carried me bridal style. “If I trip, it’s not my problem.”

“Ok, let’s go, everyone. And remember, be fast.”

And like that were off. Mark and Bex were fast even with the women on their backs, holding on for dear life. Denver carried her mate, and beside her, Gail was trying to keep pace. Wait…where’s….

Thump thump thump thump.

The thundering footsteps from behind us caught my attention. Aviry was rushing towards us. Did we leave her behind? And what’s going on with her eyes? They’re glowing… I watched as she passed by Caleb. And damn, was she fast. I turned my head and watched as she passed by Denver and Gail.

Aviry was fast, really damn fast. She passed by Bex and is right on Marks’s tail. Scratch that she’s ahead of everyone. Even with a late start. Were almost at the fence. If she continues this pace, she’ll crash through the…

“AVIRY!” I shouted. “The fence is—”

But that didn’t stop her. Her speed increased somehow. A few more steps, and she’ll—WOAH! She jumped the damn fence! That thing is at least fifteen feet, and the barbed wire on top adds to it.

“Fucking show off,” Caleb grumbled

“Wait, is that normal? Can all wolves jump like that?”

Called huffed. “The special ones can. And Denver and Aviry are both “Special.” They’re faster and stronger than the average wolf. That’s why Orion wants them back so bad. With their genes, he can breed any entire army of dire wolves. One that he controls. If you think he’s a monster now, you got another thing coming.”

As we approached the fence. Bex and Mark slowed down. Aviry was standing on the other side with a giant grin on her face. Those eyes were freaking me out. “Why are her eyes glowing?” I asked Caleb.

“Her wolf is in control,” Caleb replied. “It’s another trait Dire wolves have. They don’t have to shift to be powerful.”

We slowed down Aviry looked at her hand as her claws fully extended. She swung her hand back and slashed at the fence. The entire group passed through. And we were off again running through the forest. It’s too good to be true. I can’t believe I’m finally free from that hell. I’m so happy that I’m free.

Caleb set me down on the ground and stretched out his arms.

“Umm…thanks,” I told him. He just rolled his eyes and walked toward a giant tree.

We are a good few miles away from Orion's territory, according to Caleb. Luckily we didn’t run into anything on the way. Caleb said all mercenaries and rogues were pulled into the fight. The other alphas brought more than a few men with them.

A hand landed on my shoulder. “You want me to teach him some manners?” I jumped back. Aviry and those glowing eyes were staring down at me. Although I didn’t feel threatened, I was afraid for my life with her attention directed toward me.

Even without her being in her wolf form. I know she’s deadly. And I don’t want to get on her bad side, but Caleb, on the other hand…No.” I shook my head. “He’s just tired from the run. He’s out of breath.”

“Are you lying?” She said with narrowed eyes. “I don’t like liars.” She whispered, but I swear it was as if she put a dagger to my throat.

I gulped, and my heart began to race. “No..no., I just-“

“Haha.” She laughed. “Calm the fuck down, Talyor your free now.”

I am free, aren’t I?

I spent years imprisoned by Orion. And now I’m free. I can see my family again. But will they recognize me? I was taken from my home at such a young age. I haven’t been around humans in years. Will I be able to go back to that? I don’t know, but I have to try. I can’t continue being afraid; now is the time to live my life the way I want.

Rustle

Aviry and I both looked toward the bushes behind us. “Did you hear that?” I asked as I shrank into myself. I knew it was too good to be true. Orion let us run just to drag us back.

“Mhmm,” Aviry said as she crouched down. “Someone’s watching us.” She whispered.

I blinked, and she was gone. “AHHHH!” A voice shouted out.

“What’s going on!?” Denver shouted.

The two men whose names I learned were Mark and Gail, ran up behind her alert and ready to attack.

“I...I don’t know.” I looked toward the bushes.

“AHHHH! Help me!” That same voice cried out.

The three ran over to the bushes. The sounds of growls and snarls rang out into the air. The girls crowded around the light of the campfire. Bexley was guarding them. At the same time, Caleb laid against the tree, pretending to be asleep.

We all sat waiting for a few minutes. Finally, the bushes parted, and my heart stopped. But it was Denver who emerged, dragging someone new behind her. She walked past Caleb and slammed her foot down on his hand.

“OUCH!” He shouted out, cradling his hand to his chest.

“Thanks for the helping hand!” Denver snapped. “And you..” She tossed the stranger down on the ground near the fire. “Gail spared your ass last time. Did you not learn your lesson? Nothing good can come from being a rouge Rain!”

The young man coward and hid his face on his knees. “I…I was just looking for someone. I promise…”

“So why the hell were you spying through the bushes?” Denver asked as she crossed her arms.

“That…that other..” He sighed shakily. “That other woman looked like you. So I wanted to say hi. But then she attacked me.”

“Damn right I did,” Aviry growled. She came from behind the bushes along with Mark, Gail, and another stranger.

Everyone walked over to Denver. The other stranger helped Rain to his feet. “I’m sorry for the trouble. My name is Thunder, and it seems two of you know my dumbass nephew Rain.” He slapped the back on Rain’s head.

“What are you doing here?” Denver asked. “Are you a rogue too? Are you here to fight with Orion?”

Thunder shook his head. “No, I’m not a rogue. I have a temporary pack and was out here looking for this aspiring rogue. The alpha will never accept us if we can’t behave, Rain.”

“Well, I don’t want to be a damn Omega for the rest of my life.” Rain sighed. “I’d rather roam the world as a rogue and travel anywhere I want.”

“For the last time, we can’t do that.” Thunder snapped. “We have to stay hidden, and you know good and damn well why..”

“Why?” Denver asked.

Thunder scratched the back of his head and sighed. “It’s a secret. Now, if you’d please just let us go. We aren’t a part of this fight.”

Aviry stepped up and stood in front of Thunder. “I like secrets.” She smiled. “Please share with the group, or I’ll force it out.”

Rain scoffed. “You know, lady, if you haven’t been told already. You’re a real bitch.”

Caleb burst out laughing. Bexley’s wolf howled out. Aviry targeted Rain like a heat-seeking missile, she launched forward, But Mark held her back. POP! Thunder smacked the backside of Rain’s head again.

“Now if she kills you. You’re on your own.”

“You can just bring me back with the blood bond,” Rain sighed

The entire forest went silent. Thunder and Rain both looked at each other with wide eyes. Rain gulped down. “I’m sorry. It just slipped out.”

Thunder groaned and covered his face with his large palm. “Rain, your such a fucking idiot.”

“You’re a blood wolf?” Mark asked quietly.

Gail looked confused as he looked between Mark and the newcomers. Denver was listening intently, and Aviry was giving Rain the death glare. I’d watch my back and my front if I was that kid.

“Yes..” Thunder sighed.

Mark walked over to Thunder. “But. I thought they all died during the Dire Wolf War.”

“A lot of us did along with the dire wolves. Only the children survived, and that’s only because one of the enemy wolves found us and helped us escape.”

Mark gasped and rubbed his bald head. “There were blood wolves in that group? I thought I just saving the dire children.”

Thunder looked at Mark with wide eyes. “Are you saying that you helped us that day?”

Mark nodded his Thunder squinted his eyes. “I mean, I can see it, but you had hair back then. Wait…did you perhaps rescue our teacher? She’s the one that hid us she promised to come back, but she never did. Her name was Hailey.”

Mark whimpered and covered his mouth. “My mate was your teacher?”

“Our teacher was your mate?” Thunder said. “Are you both still together? Can you tell me where I can find her? She wasn’t just my teacher. She was my eldest sister.” Thunder pleaded.

Mark shut his eyes tight and shook his head. “My love…Hailey…your sister was killed a while back.” Mark looked back at Thunder. “She never mentioned having a brother—”

“And a younger sister.” Thunder sighed. “She probably didn’t tell you in order to protect us.”

Mark walked over to Thunder and placed his hand on his shoulder. “I loved your sister with all my heart. We have a son his name is Cay, he looks just like her, and he’s just as kind as she was.”

Thunder looked at Mark with a small smile. “So I have two nephews now.” He looked back at Rain. “You have a cousin to annoy now.” He chuckled.

“What happened to your other sister?” Denver asked

“Denver!” Gail shouted. “That’s none of your business.”

“No, it’s ok.” Thunder sighed. “Rains mother was my older sister. Together we escaped with the other children. We were rogues some times. Other times we joined a pack until it was destroyed. When Galena turned eighteen, she found her mate. But he was killed by a rogue. She found out she was pregnant. And when she gave birth…” Thunder’s words faltered as he tried to control his tears.

“She umm…She died during childbirth….” He breathed shakily as he rubbed at his eyes. “And I wasn’t there in time to bring her back.” Thunder fell on his knees, wailing. Rain and Denver ran over, soothing his back.

“I beat myself up about that every damn day. I’m a blood wolf. I have the gift to bring someone back from death. And the one person that loved me and raised me, I failed her just because I want to go out and have a night to myself.”

“Thunder, I’ve told you to stop this shit.” Rain sighed. “Shit happens. I didn’t get to meet my mom. But I know she’s proud of you. Hell, you could’ve abandoned me at some human hospital and lived your life. But you put up with my shenanigans.”

Thunder looked over to Rain. “Yeah…I did.” He sniffed.

Denver looked up. “Where’s Aviry?”

Everyone looked around. “I’ll go find her.” Mark sighed heavily.

Denver stood up. “I’ll come to.”

“No.” Mark shook his head. “Stay here and come up with a plan. We’ve been here long enough. It’s time we get this shit over with.”