Rejection Denied

It’s a little after sunset, and Cay and I just got back to the house. He was summoned by Nixon the second we walked through the door. Before he departed, he kissed my hands and promised to find me during dinner. Mia is still pissed at me, so she’s been ignoring me.

I shrugged and closed the door to my room.

“I can’t believe you missed it.” Jamie placed the pillows from my bed on the couch and continued talking. “Izzy put up a good fight, but Jordan was way better.” She walked over to the bed and looked back at me. “But not as good as you, of course.”

I’m aware that I missed the final round of the event. And I really don’t give a shit about the details. The pack members were talking about it in the halls. Izzy lost; Jordan won. But Jamie is hell-bent on filling me in.

“It started normal, right. Some punches and some kicking, but then…” Jamie snatched the sheet off the bed. “Jordan got a little crazy after a few minutes. First the taunts, and then she scratched at Izzy’s face, leaving a large gash running down her cheek.” She tossed the bedsheets in a basket, along with the pillowcases.

“And just as Alpha Sam called the fight, Jordan pulled a huge chunk of red hair from Izzy’s scalp.” Jamie shook her head. “And let me tell you, Sam wasn’t happy about that. A few alphas had to hold him back from attacking Jordan.” She paused and looked down at the bed. “Uh, oh.”

I narrowed my eyes, “What?

“I umm..well, it seems that I forgot your new sheets.” Jamie held up both hands. “But it’s ok. I’ll go down and get them.” Jamie grabbed the basket and passed by me. “I’ll be back, and then we can finish talking about the fight.” She left the room and ran up and locked the door behind her

CLICK!

I don’t need the damn bed linen. And I don’t want to talk about the damn fight. I turned to walk away from the door until an envelope slid under my door. And retreating footsteps pounded down the hall. I bent down and picked it up, but I hesitated before opening it.

I have a terrible history with these things; they usually contain bills or eviction notices. But what the hell, if Nixon wants to evict me, he’ll have to try harder than…

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE, WHAT YOU ARE, AND NOW WHO YOUR MATE IS. FORFEIT OR ELSE.

What the hell. I read the letter once more before I unlocked the door and snatched it open, “OR ELSE WHAT BITCH!” I shouted down the hall.

“Eeep.” A small voice squeaked.

Standing in front of my door was a shaky little mouse. “Did you write this shit?” I Held the paper in front of me. “If you’re smart, you’ll say no.”

“No.” Kasey quickly replied, shaking her head.

I crumpled the letter in one hand and tossed it on the ground. “Are you saying that to avoid death?”

“No, I…I..” She held her trembling hands up. “I was just about to knock. I promise I just got here.” Kasey bowed her head.

I sniffed the air and looked down the hall. “Fuck, did you see anyone when you came? And stop that shit.” Kasey’s head snapped up, and she shook her head.

“Great, I guess I’ll be hunting down my next victim.” I reached for my door. “Well, Nixon is probably about to blow his whistle to retrieve you so—”

“Wait.” Kasey bit on her bottom lip. “Can we…can we talk.”

“No.” I pulled the door closed but stopped short of the click. I looked through the sliver as Kasey lowered her head and sighed. Where is her backbone? I mean, I know she’s weak, but I feel obligated to help her plant a spinal seed.

I opened the door again and crossed my arms. “Repeat after me. Bitch, I need to talk, and you’re going to listen to me, damn it.”

Kasey looked up at me with wide eyes. “You want me too—”

I raised a brow. “Do I need to repeat myself? Or do you want me to move your mouth like a puppet?”

She cleared her throat. “Lis..listen you. I need to talk.”

I shook my head and sighed, “I don’t like you. But, don’t take that too personally.” I shrugged. “I don’t like a lot of people. But, I’m trying to change myself, and the only way I see us becoming acquaintances is by me being brutally honest with you.”

I bent down to her level, just this once. “By definition, you embody the word sweetheart. But, Kasey, you need to level the fuck up. You’re already weak, and this shy schoolgirl shit is pathetic. Taking orders and following Nixon around like a lost puppy is embarrassing. Letting Jordan talk to you the way she did is cowardly. STOP letting people look past you and your potential. Muscle the hell up and take a stand for yourself.”

Kasey whimpered and bit the inside of her cheek.

I sighed.“Listen, I know I’m a bitch to everyone. I do that to defend myself verbally most of the time. That way, when shit gets physical, I can beat their ass without warning. I’m not saying be like me, but you need to find the courage to use your damn voice."

"Now repeat after me.” I stood straight, “Bitch, I need to talk, and you’re going to listen to me, damn it.”

Kasey rolled her neck, “I need to talk, and you’re going to listen.”

“Hell no. Fuck off, Kasey. Now try again.” I encouraged.

She stood tall and exhaled a breath. “Bitch I need to talk, and you will listen to what I have to say. I’m tired of being quiet all the damn time. I deserve to be heard just like everyone else. Now get your ass in that room and hear what I have to say!”

I held my hand up. “Better. But save that anger for Jordan or whoever the hell else.” I opened the door to my room and welcomed Kasey in. “Now, what do you want?”

I pushed the pillows of the couch and plopped down. Kasey stood still by the door, fidgeting with her fingers. I Looked over at the clock on the DVD player. I’m starving, but dinner is in fifteen minutes, so I’ll hold off on the snacks. I looked back at a still standing Kasey.

“Are you going to talk, or are you audition to be a statue?” I reached over into a chip bag and pulled a few. Who am I kidding? I need to snack on something.

“No... I just don’t know how to say this.” She tossed a blonde curl over her shoulder. “I guess I’ll start by asking for your help.” Crunch. I waited for her to continue. “I don’t want Nixon to be mad, but I can’t keep this secret any longer.”

I stopped eating and focused on the words Nixon and secret. “And what secret is about to be unleashed, it must be big if you think Nixon will be mad. And what part do I play? You can count me in if it involves his misery.”

Kasey pulled on her curls and slowly paced a small line. “The competition is almost over. And Nixon intends on making me his luna.” Mia and I growled, but I covered it with a cough. “But my heart isn’t with him. I have a mate Aviry, and I miss him so much.”

This time I literally coughed up the chip I choked on. “Mate? You…you have a mate?” My eyes were saucers as I looked over at Kasey.

She nodded. “Yes. Although I’m not marked, I do have one. You see, the day I turned eighteen, I found my mate. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a time to celebrate, though. My dad, Orion, had sold me off to this pack the same day.”

“He told me that I would finally be put to good use here. Back at home, I was always locked in my room unless I was cleaning.” Kasey wiped at her eyes. “But I snuck out to see the stars on my birthday and to set my wolf free. And that’s when I met Bexley.”

I spat the chip out and coughed. “Bex is your mate?”

Kasey nodded. “Yes, he is. And when I told him about my situation, he wanted me to go through with it. Bex had just been demoted for losing a fight. That’s why I stopped you from hurting him the first day we got here. He was already injured, and I couldn’t watch him suffer anymore.”

“Before he left, he told me to give Nixon a chance. And I’ve tried, he’s a good guy, but I don’t have any feelings for him. And it’s not fair to continue lying to him. I need to tell him as soon as possible. I just don’t know how.”

I crumpled up the bag of chips and tossed it on the table. “Easy. Go knock on his door and tell him.” I licked the salt off my finger. “But record it for me.”

Kasey sighed and covered her face with her hands. “I’m not brave like you, Aviry. Can you maybe…”

“Break the news to him?” I stood up from the couch and stretched my arms. “As much as I want to, I can’t. This is between you and Nixon. You need to be brave and stop hiding. I normally wouldn’t do this, but just this once, I’ll be there with you.”

Kasey smiled and looked up at me,” Really?”

“Yes, I’ll be recording.” I walked to Kasey. “Your hands are too shaky.”

KNOCK KNOCK

We both looked over at the door to my room as it pushed open. “Sorry, that took so long. I ran into Martha in the hall, and she went on and on about tomorrow’s chores.” Jamie stepped into the room carrying the bedsheets. “Oh, you have a guest I can come back later—”

“No, we were just leaving.” I walked out of the room and looked back at Kasey. “Are you coming?”

“Wait now?” Kasey slowly walked toward me. “I was thinking, maybe tomorrow. It’s so late, and I know he’s busy with—”

I sighed and crossed my arms. “If you want me to be there, you’ll bring your ass. I have other plans for tonight, and I won’t be late.”

I turned and continued out of the room. With Kasey’s light footsteps behind me, I went straight down the hall to Nixon’s office. It’s funny how this worked out. Nixon is my mate, but he chose Kasey instead. But she already has a mate that she’s loyal to. I approached his office and waved Kasey ahead of me.

“Go ahead and knock. I’ll follow in behind.” I paused in front of his office as Kasey raised her fist to knock on the heavy wooden door. She looked back at me, and I nodded for her to continue.

Knock Knock Knock

We waited for a second. But there was no answer.

“Do it again.” I pointed at the door. “But put some anger in it this time.”

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

We waited again. “I don’t think he’s—”

BOOM!

I kicked open the door and walked into Nixon’s office. “Did you not hear the knock?” The desk in front of me was vacant. I looked around the room, but Nixon wasn’t present.

Kasey whispered. “He’s not here.”

“Well, no shit.” I huffed and walked over to the bar to pour myself a drink. “Go write him a note. Let him know that you need to see him ASAP.”

I ran a cup of whiskey and tossed it down. I glanced at the clock above the fireplace three minutes until dinner. After setting the glass down, I walked over to the fireplace mantle.

Kacey went over to the desk and uncapped a pen. She scribbled down on a piece of paper and folded it in half. “I’m finished. Maybe we should go before he gets back. He doesn’t like when—”

“Tsk, I don’t give a damn.” I picked up a picture frame from the mantel and examined it.

The photo featured a younger Nixon and two people hanging on his shoulders. A male who resembled both Nixon and the female beside him. The female mirrored the older woman behind her. And standing beside that woman was the spitting image of Nixon. But this guy looks, I don’t know, less stuck up than Nix bitch.

“That is Nixon’s family. He told me all about them. His brother and sister were twins, and he loved them so much. His mother was a fabulous Luna and an amazing cook. And his father was the strongest wisest alpha, and he aspires to be just like him.” Kasey sighed, “What happened to them is tragic.”

“I heard all about it. But bad shit happens all the time.” I set the photo down.

You know he’s constantly beating himself up about that day.” Kasey added.

I shrugged, “I would do the same thing if I were him.” I walked away from the fireplace. “But I’m not him.”

Kasey latched onto my shoulder.“I feel so sorry for you, Aviry. And I wish I could’ve been there to take the hate you were given.” I growled and pulled away from her. “You are such a heartless woman, for someone so strong and brave.”

“Yeah? Well, it beats being cowardly and weak like you.” I snapped. “You don’t know my heart bitch, so stop talking before I leave your tongue on Nix’s desk.”

Kasey stepped to my face, “You offered me some advice earlier, so let me return the favor.” She pointed her finger at me, “I envy you, Aviry, for many qualities that you possess. But you are a complete bitch, and that is not a compliment. I don’t know who the hell hurt you but let me apologize for all the hurt you experienced.”

“Ha! Look who is standing on two legs.” I bent over and laughed. “Oh, that’s so typical. An apology doesn’t mean shit to me, Kasey. It's a little too late for that.”

Kasey fell on her knees. “Then…then beat the shit out of me, Aviry. That’s how you release your anger, right? Give it all to me. I’m used to it.”

I stopped laughing and narrowed my eyes at the pitiful girl in front of me. “Get up.”

“No. Not until all of that hate and anger you harbor gets released. Use me to cleanse yourself of the negativity.” Kasey went down on her hands.

“GET UP!” I pulled her up by her hair. “Hurting you will not solve anything. Apologizing won’t erase the past, and the only thing I will cleanse myself of is you.” I released her and turned to walk away. But Kasey clung to my leg.

I pulled her along with me as I crossed the office. “You will not push me away. I may not know your exact pain, but I will cure it. Your heart may be deflated, but I will pump it back to life. Let me help you before I go.”

“Let me go!” I continued dragging her across the floor. “I don’t need your help with anything in my life.”

“But Nixon is your mate Aviry. I can help fix that.” I paused and looked back at her, confused.

“What did you say!?” I snatched my foot away from her grip. “What did he tell you!?”

“You guys are fighting, and you need each other. The man talks about you all the time. I know he’s been an ass to you. But please give him a chance. Too many people have left him, and I don’t want to leave him alone.”

“Then stay with him! Toss your mate to the side, and take mine instead! I do not want a selfish, arrogant alpha ass by my side for the rest of my life. Nixon does not care for me, and he doesn’t want to understand me. So I will give out the same damn energy.”

"But he can change Aviry." Kasey pleaded. "Give him a chance to prove himself."

I growled and lowered myself to see eye to eye with Kasey. “I do not want to hurt you, but I swear to fuck if you continue with this intervention, I.WILL.END.YOU.” Kasey held her head down in defeat.

I stood straight and turned back to the door. “The sad part about this entire conversation is that you knew he had a mate, and you continued to play with his heart. You couldn’t even tell him about your mate, but you call me heartless. You don’t know me, but as I said before, I am trying to change. So I will give Nixon a chance to fix this shit.”

Kasey’s head shot up. “You..you will? Will, you do it before I leave.”

I looked over my shoulder. “Tsk, just tell Nixon the truth, and then leave him to lick his wounds. He has people here to get him through it. You need to focus on yourself and on your future.” I walked to the door and pulled it open. “You have your own problems to fix, so go find your mate, Kasey.”

I closed the door behind me and walked down the hall back to my room. I just want to go to sleep, after all that shit. I’m sure Cay will understand. And I know sometime soon, Nixon and I will need to have a conversation.

I was serious about changing, so everyone has a clean slate with me. Well, everyone except Jordan. She’s the competition I want to fight the most and tomorrow is our big day.

“Aviry,” Mia called out to me. “I’m proud of you.”

I paused in the hallway. “Mia, I’m sorry about blocking you out. It won’t happen again.”

“Ok, Aviry. I forgive you.” Mia sighed. “Now, what are we going to do about that letter?”

I continued walking, “Find the bastard and then ask them what the hell or else meant.”

“Aviry.” A voice sang in my ear. “Time to get up.”

I swatted at the sound and dug my head into my pillow. “Go away.” I moaned.

“Well, I guess you’ll be late for the fight.”

My eyes shot open, and I looked over at the sunlight streaming through my window. On my nightstand, the clock on my nightstand read twelve-thirty. I looked to my right and covered my eyes. Laying across my bed on the other side was Denver. “Get out, Denver.”

“No Aviry.” The cover was snatched off my body. “Get up. You’re already late. The other champions are already practicing in the back.” Good, there are going to need all the practice they can get. “Come on. I told the alphas I would bring you down.”

“Well, stop giving them false hope.” I pulled the pillow down over my face. “Sleep will help me prepare for the fight.”

“Right, Mia.”

My wolf yawned and stretched. “Yes, but you’re not the one fighting today. This is my event, and I want to exercise before we start. Also, Maybe some good luck kisses from Cay.”

I groaned loudly. “Fine, let’s go.”

After tossing the pillow at Denver, I rolled out of bed to get ready to head downstairs. Once I was fresh and dressed. Denver threw me a hot breakfast burrito, and we both left my room to head to the back.

We descended the stairs together, and Denver filled me in on the rescue mission. Apparently, all of the alphas warriors will be meeting here this afternoon. Tomorrow they will all group up and head out to rescue Tanner and the others.

“I’ll be assisting with the mission. I have my hunters camped out a few miles from the target location. And I have the police on stand by to help assist any missing women. Last time we messed up by not scoping out the place and having a good plan. This time we have everything planned out, and I got all the alphas to agree to my plan.”

We stepped down the last stair and walked toward the back door. “That’s a damn miracle. Well, it's good to have everything planned out. I would’ve barged in and kicked ass.”

Denver nodded. “And you would’ve lost. No offense, but those mercenaries are lethal. So I worked out different scenarios. I even had Bailey construct and 3D diagram of the building. I went over it with all the alphas, so the whole mission should run smoothly.”

We pushed open the doors, and I winced at the bright sunlight. “Well, count me in. I don’t want to miss that fight. But for now, I need to focus on the wolf battle royale."

The final event in this damn competition.