Rejection Denied

Nixon

My mind is like a coin being tossed in the air.

On one side, there’s Kasey, a lovely, beautiful young woman. She listens and does whatever I tell her to do. The only fault that she has is being too obedient. Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent time with her and learned that she only speaks when she’s spoken to. When I’m not around her, she stays in her bedroom until I call for her.

Also on my mind is Aviry, a strong, gorgeous she-wolf. She sure as hell won’t listen to anyone. Nor will she take direction from any other person. She’s a troublemaker and doesn’t give a damn about the consequences. And that’s a problem for me. How can I accept a luna who makes her own decisions and defies me?

As far as a romantic connection, there is nothing between Kasey and me. Can I blame the mate bond? Yes, because I can’t get Aviry out of my mind. I want to let her go, but my heart won’t allow it.

When she flat out rejected me, it pained my heart. So, I denied her rejection. It was an asshole move, yes. But, if I continue to push her away, and stay with Kasey, maybe I’ll find a way to fight through the pain.

Ugh, these two women are taking up a lot of my time.

Here I am in my office late at night. The first event is over, and the second one will start tomorrow. Everyone is calling it a night, but I have some work to catch up on. I need to email Kasey’s former alpha about payment and training details first.

Alpha Orion Jones,

Good evening. I hope all is well in your pack. I am contacting you to go over the payment regarding Kasey. Also, we discussed training for your warriors, so we can work out those details as well. I am currently occupied with hosting an event, so the training will have to wait until after.

Nixon Lancaster

I sent the email and went to close out the screen, but saw I had one incoming message. I clicked to forward it to Tanner but stopped when I saw who it was from.

Denver Smith, the leader of the hunters we are allied with. We don’t communicate unless there is trouble, so I opened the email.

Nixon Lancaster,

I’m contacting you for support. I know you are not obligated to lend a hand in our affairs. But we require your…unique talents. As you may be aware, there have been multiple cases of missing women across the state recently. The reports are growing, and now local law enforcement has asked for my assistance. I know you don't need cash, so I will grant you two favors in return. Please contact me with your reply soon.

Kind regards,

Denver Smith

I am well informed of the missing women. But it really doesn’t concern my pack or me. But a decision like this needs to be discussed with my other leaders. Although we have a treaty with the hunters, it can still flip if either pisses off the other.

“Tanner, Joel, Cay, Bailey. My office now.” I mind linked my team.

“But I’m sleeping,” Joel whined. “Can’t it wait until the morning?”

Bailey linked in, “Yeah, man. I have some company right now, and I don’t think she’ll—”

“GET YOU ASSES HERE NOW!” I shouted. I hate using my alpha command on my friends, but those two require an extra push to uphold their duties.

The door to my office opened. Cay walked in, followed by Tanner, who was rubbing his eyes. They both took a seat in front of my desk as I got up and to pour us some whiskey.

Joel walked in a few moments later. Followed by Bailey, who was only wearing a robe. They both fell back on the couch.

“What’s up, Nix?” Tanner asked.

“The hunters need our help with the missing women. They have offered us two favors in return.” I said, passing out the glasses.

“Well, I say, fuck no,” Tanner said, crossing his arms. “Humans are not our responsibility. Let them solve their own problems. The last thing we need is human drama.”

“Says the guy who drugged and kidnapped a fucking human. I’m sure our little monster needed help that night. So, why shouldn’t we help them.” Joel said. “Hell dude, you may be the one taking the others—”

“Fuck you, Joel. I already explained myself.” Tanner scoffed, taking a sip of his drink. “Aviry is different. We needed someone like her, and I was—”

Joel clapped his hands. “We already know you ran out of time. You still—”

“HEY!!” I shouted, slamming my glass down. “That shit is over with. Now back to the fucking point. Bailey, these would be your trackers. Are they ready?”

“My trackers are ready. Anything you decide I will put into action.” Bailey tossed his drink back.

“And Cay, what’s your opinion.” I looked at my brother, who hasn’t touched his drink yet.

“We aren’t obligated to help the hunters in rescue missions.” He lifted the glass to his lips. “But this must be important if they offered not one, but two favors. We all know they never like to owe anyone, especially werewolves.”

We all grunted in agreement. A favor from a hunter is like a golden ticket to Willy’s Factory. They are rare and highly valuable.

“So, I say we help. With our agreement, and two favors. I can only see this as a plus for us.” Cay concluded.

“Well, then it is settled. I will reply to Denver. Bailey, have your trackers ready to go as soon as we get word back. Tanner and Joel, you will assist and report back. I want eyes on my people and the hunters. I also want a few warriors who can train some guest that we will have soon from—”

Knock Knock Knock

“Alpha Nixon, Derrick has requested a mandatory alpha meeting.” One of my attendants called through the door.

“Well, that doesn’t concern me. So, I’m off to bed. ” Both Joel and bailey jumped up from the sofa and left my office.

Tanner stood from his chair and stretched. “I’m going to go check on Aviry—”

“No, you’re not.” Cay sternly stated. He shot up from his chair and faced Tanner and me.“You have a new mission to prepare for. We can’t risk messing it up so go get—”

“What’s your problem, man. First, you don’t want me to train her, and now—”

“Aviry isn’t your problem anymore.” Cay stalked over to Tanner. “You already caused her enough problems. Just stay away from her; that is an order.”

Tanner scoffed. “You’re not my alpha. If Nixon tells me to stay away, then I will.” They both looked at me. “Well, Nixon. Am I allowed to socialize with her or not? Cay here seems to want her all to himself.”

We can’t risk the mate situation getting out, so we can’t restrict Aviry from seeing other guys. But Cay is very protective over our, mainly his, mate. I’m lucky that he agreed to let her compete.

“Tanner, you can talk to Aviry when you’re not busy. For now, I need you to be ready to go. Cay will check on Aviry.” I placed my hands on his shoulders. “Go get some rest, dude. I’m sure she’ll curse you to have nightmares if you disturb her.”

Tanner nodded and walked out of the office.

I turned back to Cay. “Cay you need—”

“Do you not smell the lust he has for Aviry!? She is my mate. If you don’t want her go and mark Kasey!” He stated, storming out of my office.

What is he talking about? Tanner lusting over Aviry? There’s no way in hell—”

“Alpha Nix, the other alphas are waiting.” An attendant called from the hallway.

“What the hell is so important? It’s the middle of the night.” I left my office and walked to the meeting next door.

All seven alphas were gathered around the table. I walked in and joined. “What the fuck is going on, Derrick?” I asked as I sat down.

“I want to discuss tomorrow’s event. I—”

“Well, brief me in the morning. I’m tired as shit, and my arm is still healing from that damn dagger.” Alpha Victor rose from his chair.

“You may want to listen to what I have to say. It’s vital information.” Derrick smiled wickedly.

“You see, the next skills test is agility. And I have some…special guest that I know and hired. They will be assisting us with the event..”

“What guest? You didn't inform me of this before!?” I stood from my chair. Anyone who comes into my pack needs a background check. It’s a safety precaution I take very seriously

“Relax, Nixon; they know not to harm your pack, members. They will—”

“NIXON!” Cay burst into the doors. He was panting and sweating. “Aviry I... I...”

“WHAT DID SHE DO!?” I shouted, running over to Cay.

Cay was panting, and pacing pulling at his hair. “I can’t find her. I can’t smell her. I think—”

“Oh, don’t worry about your champion; She’s safe.” Derrick stood from his chair, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “In fact, all of our champions are safe. For now, that is.”

Loud growls erupted from every single alpha. There was a murderous tension in the air, and it was all directed toward Derrick.

“What the fuck do you mean!” Alpha Kane shouted. He kicked his chair back. “If you don’t explain—”

“Part one of the agility event is now complete. The individuals I hired are very good at their jobs. They infiltrated this place easily and left without a trace. If I were you, Nixon, I would tighten up on security.”

Derrick pushed in his chair and walked toward the door. “Now, our champions will have to complete the second part.”

SMASH!!

I threw my chair at the wall. The wood splintered and scattered on the floor. Who the hell was able to sneak into my territory? I have nightly guards on patrol.

“WHERE ARE THEY!?” Cay shouted, grabbing and lifting derrick by his shirt. “IF YOU HARM HER—”

“I’M NOT THE ONE WHO HAS THEM!” Derrick’s eyes went dark as he shoved Cay away.

“THEN, WHO DOES!” We all shouted in unison.

Alpha Derrick swung the door open and pushed his hair away from his eyes. “I will take you to them in the morning!” He slammed the door behind him, leaving us dumbfounded.

Cay ran out of the room, followed by Sam and Jaspar. I’m sure they’re going to beat Derrick to a pulp until they get answers. They’re not waiting until the morning. Our champions, our future lunas, could be in danger.

Aviry was gone. My mate has been taken, and my heart is hammering in my chest. If anything happens to her, I won’t survive.

I need my MATE.