Rejection Denied

A/N Thanks for reading. I would appreciate a vote if you enjoy my story.

The journey to the finish line was long and silent.

With Cay by my side, I used the time to heal myself mentally and physically. Mia, who was fully recovered, mourned the loss of Jessie. Nothing could change what happened, so the next best thing is to get her home and take care of her family.

Although I never had one. I always dreamed of having a family as a young girl. I wanted siblings and parents that genuinely loved each other. But as I grew older and persevered through neglect and abuse. I learned to depend on myself.

I adjusted Jessie in my arms. The tree line was thinning out, and I could smell the scent of mint close by. Nix was here, and he didn’t come to get me. He didn’t care to see if I was still alive.

I wonder what the difference is between him and Derrick at this point?

Cay Cleared his throat, breaking the deafening silence. “When I was seventeen. My mother passed away.”

I continued to look forward. “What happened to her?” I asked softly. Leaves crunched beneath my bare feet. A few seconds passed by before I heard a reply.

“We were in the kitchen cooking dinner, discussing my upcoming eighteenth birthday. I wanted a small family gathering. She wanted to throw me a huge party, hoping my chances of finding my mate would be greater.” He sighed heavily.

“Her eyes turned red; it was so sudden. I was a little worried, but it’s happened before. Unexpectedly she fell to the floor, convulsing and gasping for air. At the time, I wasn’t too familiar with the blood link. I had no idea what to do, so I held her and called for help.”

I stopped walking and looked up to Cay as he looked down at me. “She was blood bound to another. That person died, and my mother shared the same fate.” Cay was on the verge of tears. He picked a leaf from my hair, and we watched it fall to the ground.

“I can’t promise to be here for you forever. But I will never willingly leave you either. Please give me a chance to be there for you, Aviry. You don’t need to be alone anymore.”

“I don’t have an answer for that right now. I’ve been on my own for so long. But give me time to think.” Cay kissed my forehead, and we continued to make our way out of the forest.

We entered the large clearing. The sky was a soft orange from the setting sun. Nix and every alpha and champion were gathered near three black SUV’s. Nix turned to face me; first, his shoulders relaxed as the others looked my way.

Silence fell over the group as I slowly walked toward Derrick. The man who’s partly responsible for Jessie’s death.

My eyes were locked on Derrick. I stopped in front of him, still holding onto her body. This is the most pleasant deed I would ever do. Speaking on behalf of someone is something I’ve never done. I took in a deep breath.

“Your champion, Jessie, was brave.” Everyone listened in as I spoke, but I was finished speaking.

“Keep going,” Mia whispered.

I mentally rolled my eyes. “She was the breadwinner of her family. And now they’ll need your help. Treat her family with the highest respect.” That’s it. I don’t know what else to say, and my arms are tired as hell.

I reached forward to pass her on. But Derrick crossed his arms and shook his head.

“If she wanted respect.” He spat the word out. “She would’ve tried harder to win. Instead, the bitch got killed, so she isn’t worth anything to me. Her family can work hard or die off, and then they’ll be reunited with the moon Goddess!”

Everyone gasped, dumbfounded by this wannabe alpha’s words. But I wasn’t, I knew Derrick was a rabid dog, and it was time for him to be put down.

“What the fuck did he just say?!” Mia growled.

“Did you expect this dickhead to care?” I asked.

“I’ll tear him to shreds, Aviry!” Mia snarled in my mind. I’ve never felt such a strong urge to kill emitting from Mia. Her threat was a promise, and I’m not going to stop its fulfillment.

“Derrick, you are being disrespectful. This girl put her—”

“It’s ok, Alpha Kane.” I looked over to Cay and handed Jessie over to him. “Take care of her.” He nodded and walked away from the group.

I’m not familiar with werewolf leadership. But Derrick doesn’t deserve his title anymore.

“I don’t like you, Derrick. And I planned on beating your ass just for that simple fact.” I stripped my bloody shirt off, leaving me in just a sports bra and shorts. “But now I’m GOING to beat your ass because you’re disrespectful as fuck.

I tossed the shirt on the ground and backed away from the asshole. “According to the handbook. I’m not allowed to fight or kill any competitor in human or wolf form. But it does not exclude alphas.”

“Aviry, what are you saying?! You can’t be serious!” Nix came up on my right. “Challenging an alpha means you become an alpha. You could be killed!”

Oh, so now he cares. I shot Nix a look. “Fuck off, Nix. I don’t want his position.” I waved him off. “In fact, Derrick here is going to reassign willingly. Then a proper leader can be assigned.”

Derrick scoffed, “You are out of line bitch! As if I’ll ever relinquish MY title. It is my birthright to be alpha of my—.”

“Everyone isn’t born to a good leader.” Alpha Sam interjected. “I’m glad to see someone challenging you. Hell, if she didn’t, I would have. You have proven to be a very shitty creature.”

“Exactly, it’s good to be supported.” I looked over to Nix and rolled my eyes. “Ok...so what the hell are we waiting for? Derrick, I, Aviry Mills, challenge you to renounce your title as alpha.” I said, pointing my finger.

“A female cannot challenge me. Especially one that will only be used as a potential luna. The only thing you will ever be is a breeder! You will never be more—” He stated.

“There is no rule against it.” Alpha Kane spoke up, rubbing his chin. “Future Luna or not. It just never happens. But if Aviry wants to challenge your alpha title. You must accept it and set a date and place. Or forfeit and lose your title.”

“FINE!” Derrick shouted. “You want a challenge bitch? Then I choose to do it here and now in wolf form!”

Nix growled. “She just finished competing. Her wolf is still weak from the Bane dose! She’s not ready—”

“I accept.” I interrupted Nix. “Let’s get started. I’m fucking tired, and I’m covered in blood.”

Derrick doesn’t know that I tried to spare him from death. Mia was seething with rage, and it was hard to keep control. My beautiful white wolf will soon be tainted in red blood. The thought excited me.

We separated; the champions and alphas were a reasonable distance away.

Derrick was facing me. I swear he thinks he’s hot shit right now with his bare underdeveloped chest. He threw some dirt on his skin and beat on his chest.

“Ooh, so scary, Tarzan!” I shouted at him. He howled out loud and kicked up more dirt.

Nix was frantic as he paced in front of me. “This is putting the entire competition at risk Aviry. Let me fight for you. Alpha’s aren’t like other wolves. When our inner wolf takes over, it’s hard to control—”

“Is that what you’re concerned about? The fucking competition—”

“That and your life! My dad will kill me if you die. I’m not like Derrick. I actually care about my title!”

“Nix, have some faith.” Cay placed his hands on my shoulder. His gorgeous grey eyes made my heart skip a beat. “The shift won’t hurt this time. Give Mia control now. You won’t have a chance when it begins. He kissed my forehead, “Please stay alive, and remember that I’m here for you.”

It was nice to have someone in my corner. Nix was useless to me. But I want to give Cay a chance, even if we just start as fri—friends.

I nodded and closed my eyes, entering my headspace. Mia was already standing tall and at attention. Her eyes were glowing brightly, and soft white emitted from her fur. She was a magnificent, powerful wolf I have nothing to worry about.

“Mia, are you ready?” I asked, rubbing her massive head.

“Yes. Let’s take this bastard out!” She growled. Scratching to be released. I gave her full control. My canines elongated, and my claws shot out from my hands. She kept her eyes closed as we tried to focus on not shifting until the signal.

“This challenge is between Alpha Derrick King and Aviry Mills. Anyone who interferes will be punished. Anything goes in this fight. As the current leader of this region, I reserve the right to stop the fight if needed.” Alpha Kane was in between both Derrick and me.

“The fight will begin…NOW!”

My eyes shot open, and Mia charged forward and leapt into the air. My body transformed into Mia’s instantly. Her paws were enormous and shook the earth as we landed. Derrick’s eyes widened. He was still trying to shift. His hind legs had formed, and hair sprouted from his body.

It would be fair to wait, but then again, everything is fair game in this challenge.

Mia lunged forward and snapped on to Derricks’s left hind leg with her strong jaws. Her canines pierced right through his skin and scraped against the bone.

SNAP!!

Derrick’s leg snapped like a twig. Blood dribbled down Mia’s throat, and it fed her hunger to kill.

Derrick wailed and shouted out, “ALPHA KANE! CALL THE—”

Mia viciously shook the humanoid figure. His body whipped from side to side like a ragdoll. She slammed him down to the ground. The force caused a small crater to form beneath Derrick.

Mia snarled and snapped her teeth viciously as she circled her prey.

His neck was exposed, and his body was still. Mia readied her body for the final kill—

“STOP!” Alpha Kane shouted as he marched toward Mia.

His voice commanded Mia to bow her head in submission. It felt like her body was being wrapped in chains that burned into her skin. Her body lowered slightly at the new sensation. But Mia’s will was strong, and she fought through the chains of command.

Each chain link broke apart, “HOW DARE YOU!” Mia Growled mentally.

Kane stopped in his tracks and held his hands up.“My Goddess..” He took several steps back and lowered his head. “Please stop. Derrick is still a boy, a foolish naïve alpha. I’ll take full responsibility for his champion’s family.”

“Mia, listen to me. He’s incapacitated. You won.” Cay approached Mia’s side. Nix made his way to the other side. We felt boxed in, and it only enraged Mia.

Derrick groaned behind her. She shot her head back to him and stalked forward. She wanted to finish what she started. There was nothing I could do. Mia has her own demon to feed.

My wolf leered at Derrick’s body. She struck out and latched onto his neck. She clamped down, and blood trickled into her mouth.

“Should I crush his neck and end his life Aviry?” Mia asked me.

“Do what you want, Mia. His life means nothing to me. I would’ve already ended him. You’re angry right now, But I know your soul is as white as your fur. So if you’re ok with the black taint, that comes with his death. Go ahead and finish his existence.”

Mia pondered on a decision, and her grip tightened on Derricks’ neck. She slowly stepped out of the mini crater and sauntered toward Alpha Kade. Derrick’s body drug underneath Mia’s massive frame. She snarled and spat out the disgusting boy in front of Cay, Nixon, and Kade.

I was suddenly pulled into reality. My body felt like playdoh being molded as I changed back. Mia curled into herself, she couldn’t make the kill, and now she felt weak.

“Mia, it’s ok.” I tried to console her. But she kept her back turned.

A brief silence fell over the group as I recovered from the shift.

“NIXON! Explain this to me!” Kane roared. Nixon and Cay both looked at me, Astonished. Izzy ran over and draped a blanket over my shoulders.

“This…this is impossible. Why didn’t you mention your champion being a dire wolf!?” Kane barked.

“How—I didn’t know. I thought they were killed off a long time ago.” Nix whispered. His eyes locked on mine.

“Is this your first time seeing her wolf!?” Kane asked.

“Well…No.” Nix stammered.

“Then how could you not know this!?” Kane shouted at Nix. “A dire wolf is pretty fucking hard to miss Nixon!”

I stood tall and pulled the blanket around my body. “What the hell is a dire wolf? I asked, confused.

“A prize.” Alpha Victor added in from behind me. His bright white teeth were on display. “And Nixon wants you all to himself. Tsk, I can offer you—”

“She’s not a damn trophy Victor. Nixon, why would you let her risk her life? Do you know how valuable she is?” Alpha Jasper inquired.

What the hell are they talking about? Prize? Valuable? And Why the hell are they staring at me like an all you can eat buffet?

“Who are your parents?” Alpha Kane asked. “Judging by your wolfs crescent mark, they must be from a—”

“Screw her pedigree.” Alpha Xavier crouched down in front of me. “We can’t let a dire wolf compete in the competition. I say we declare her Luna and bid her—”

“We will not auction her off.” Alpha Don scoffed. “We will let her choose who to mate with. The other champions can then be used as the remaining—”

“I say we fight for the remaining champions, a luna for everyone. This competition will then be meaningless. The last alpha standing claims the Dire wolf.” Alpha Sam Added to the conversation.

The alpha’s all argued and shouted at each other. Cay and Nix both defended their position of being unaware. They all spoke so fast, and the conversations skipped from one person to another. It was hard to keep up, but I got the gist of it, and it pissed me off.

I walked away from the group, not that they noticed, and searched for a large rock. I picked one up and tossed it in my hand a few times.

SMASH!!

I heaved the rock into the windshield of the first SUV. Glass shattered and fell on the ground.

It was silent as everyone looked at me. I was still in a violent mood, despite Derrick lying unconscious on the ground. I wasn’t finished with him yet. What I'm going to do to him won’t hurt until he wakes up.

“You’re all so FUCKING disgusting.” I spat. “If I weren’t so tired, I’d neuter every single one of you dogs. That way, none of your little entitled future bastards could pollute the air that we breathe.”

I picked up a glass shard and walked over to a still breathing Derrick. He was exposed, and the chill factor in the wind wasn’t aiding his little friend. I bent down.

“But I’ll just settle on one patient today.” I shot my hand forward, grappling on to his tiny jewels. I held my scalpel up in the air and cast my hand down.

These alpha ass wipes need a reminder of who the fuck Aviry Mills is.