Rejection Denied

Orion cleared his throat and adjusted his tie. “Now, I don’t control these men. Well, I do, but not for this task. I advise you both to keep quiet and listen. Submit to them, and they won’t hurt you. Do everything they ask, and this process will run smoothly.” He winked and opened the door.

“It’s time to restore the Dires girls.”

He opened the door, “Gentlemen, please come in.” A man strolled into the room and looked Denver and me both over. There was no emotion on his face. He stood on my left, Orion’s right, in front of Denver’s bed.

He was a fit older male wearing a tight black shirt and jeans. His hair is cut short, and he has clean cut salt and pepper beard. The pole that was shoved up his ass must be the newest model because he looks serious as fuck. He didn’t even blink when he looked Denver over. He just grunted and looped his fingers through his belt loops.

“This is Beta Brad.” Orion clapped his shoulder and pointed at Denver. “Brad, this is Denver.”

“Fuck you, Brad.” I laughed. He just looked at me and then turned his attention back to Denver. See, serious as fuck, and he barely acknowledged my insult.

Orion rolled his eyes and looked outside the room, and waved in someone. “And this…this is the prodigal son. Recently returned and ready to serve. Aviry meet—”

“BEXLEY!” I shouted as the familiar face came around the corner. SIZ. The bracelet began to burn again. I took in calming breaths. But this son of bitch was really setting me off. I should’ve killed him when I had the chance. And now here he is with public enemy number one, smirking as he looks into my eyes.

Orion looked over at me and then at Bexley. “You two know each other?” He asked, surprised.

“It’s a long story,” Bex said. “Let’s just say we already have a history together.”

“And by that, he means I kicked his ass twice.” I laughed and sat back in bed and closed my eyes. “I’m the reason he’s missing an eye. Ha, yeah, good times. It seems like a while ago, though. Last time I saw you, you were leaving—”

SLAP!

I stopped talking altogether. Trying to process what the hell just happened.

My left cheek burned from the hit. I slowly looked up to see Bex hovering over me with his hand raised. He growled and stomped back to Orions side. Mia scratched at the wall, promising death to Bex. I cracked my neck and chuckled. “You still hit like a bitch, Bex. I hope that slap was worth your other eye.”

Bexley lunged forward, but Orion stepped in front of him.

“OK. Calm heads, everyone.” Orion held his hands up. “Let us not kill our chosen mate Bexley.”

“Excuse me!” I shouted.

“No. Hell no!” Denver spoke up at the same time. She looked over at me and then back at Orion. “What do you mean chosen mate?”

“Exactly what I said.” Orion sighed as if he was irritated.

“Brad will mate with you, Denver. And Bexley will mate with Aviry. There is no choice in this matter. You will produce the dire pups and continue doing so until I’m satisfied. These men are perfect for the job and the only ones I trust.”

“Orion, it’s official you’re a fucking psycho.” I shook my head. “Me killing you will be a great service to this world.”

Orion shrugged. “And bringing back the dire wolves will be the gift I leave behind.” Orion opened the room door. “Mark them and then finish the process. If they deny you, do what you must to get them to say yes. Oh, I almost forgot.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver key. “Feel free to set them loose when you’re ready. Those bracelets will keep them tamed. Come down for dinner after you’re finished.”

Before he closed the door behind him, he looked back into the room. “Remember, they are still my daughters. My love for them is strong. So be gentle with them, or I’ll kill you both.”

The door closed, and I could feel the mood shift. Brad lunged forward and straddled Denver. “I can’t control myself any longer.” He growled, unfastening his belt with one hand and massaging Denver’s breast with another.

“I get to fuck my alpha’s daughter, the real one this time.” He chuckled darkly.

“GET OFF OF ME!” Denver shouted. “OUCH!” She yelped, she tried pushing him off, but the bracelet prevented her from using her full strength. “STOP IT!” She yelled and kicked over and over. The metal shackles rattled against the bed as she thrashed around.

“Stay still, mate. I need to test the product before I purchase it.” Brad leaned in and licked her neck. “I think this spot is the perfect place to complete the transaction.”

“NO!” Denver cried out, tears ran down her face.

“YOU SON OF A BITCH!” I growled through the pain and reached back behind me. I took hold of my pillow and tossed it at his head. “NO MEANS NO YOU PERVERT.” I threw another pillow, this time adding a little extra oomph!

He stopped lifting Denver’s dress and snarled over at me. “You can go first, princess!” He snapped. “It’s always the mouthy ones that give the best head!” He got off of Denver and stormed over to me.

“I’ll bite your shit right the fuck off!” I spat at him. The bracelet's pain was excruciating, but no way in hell would that stop me. I growled, clawed, and snapped my teeth as he approached.

He looked over at a smirking Bexley. “You don’t mind sharing, do you, Bex.”

“Go right ahead.” He chuckled. “She’ll finally be quiet.”

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” Denver cried. “I’ll KILL YOU! I SWEAR I’LL KILL YOU! AHHH!” I looked over at Denver as she balled her wrist into her torso.

Brad gripped my face in one hand and pressed my head against the bed. “Pay attention to me, sweetie.”

“Let me go!” I growled. But my cheeks were being smooshed by the asshole’s hand. I reached up to strangle his neck but jerked back before I could get a good grip.

“Leave her alone!” Denver cried.

Mia was growling and snapping her teeth. She wanted to rip Brad’s head off. But this damn wall is blocking her and her strength. I have only my own to use, but this bracelet is preventing that.

“So beautiful— Ouch!” He yelped as I swiped my nails against his face. SLAP! My face jerked to the side. “You’re going to spicy, aren’t you.” Brad took hold of his arms and kicked off his jeans. “Say ahh, princess. I promise to be sweet to you—”

CRACK!

Brad’s head and neck sharply snapped to the side. His heavy body dropped down on top of me, and Bex was standing there with anger in his eyes. He pulled brad to the floor and spat on his face. “You fucking bastard. I’ve always hated you.”

I was confused by Bex’s action. Isn’t he team Orion? Why would he kill his partner? “Ok, what the fuck is going on, Bexley. You can’t have us either, and I’ll fight until—”

“Trust me. I want neither one of you. I already have a mate Aviry.” Bex pulled the key out of his pocket. “And I would like to get back to her a soon as possible.

That’s right. Kasey and Bex are mated, well they still need to seal the deal. But why is he here with us then? The last time I saw Bex, he left Nixon’s pack with Mark. And according to Kasey, Bex wanted her to work things out with Nixon, but she wants to be with her destined mate. Maybe he came back to get her. But that doesn’t explain why he’s here.

“What the hell is going on, Bex?”

He looked at me and bit the corner of his mouth. “I’ll explain in a moment. I could see you were both in pain by those bracelets. Try and calm yourselves while I set you both free.” Denver and I both watched him as he unfastened both of our ankles. I took in deep breaths, and the bracelet’s burn subsided.

I flexed my ankles and jumped off the bed, and stomped on Brad’s head.

“No blood!” Bex whisper shouted.

Bex ran to the door and listened for a moment. “We don’t have much time.” He whispered. “I have to get you both to Nixon, and then I need to rescue Mark.” He looked back at us, slightly panicked.

“What the hell are you up to, Bex? Why the hell is Mark here? And why does he need to be rescued?” I asked, helping Denver up. She was so shaky from her attack.

“I’m here to help you escape Aviry. I thought that was fucking obvious.” Bex took out a knife and passed it to me. “Try and get the bracelets off.”

He walked over to Brad’s body and began rolling him under the bed. “Mark was bait. I’m sorry I slapped you, but you almost blew my cover. The plan was to get me in since Orion already knew me. So, I turned Mark into Orion and told him of his past with Sarina.”

“What about our mother.” Denver sniffed, wiping our eyes. I popped the bracelet off of her wrist, and then she did the same for me.

I closed my eyes as the walls inside my mind tumble down. Mia was mentally exhausted, she nudged me, and I gave her a big hug. “Rest up, Mia.”

Bex huffed and sat against the bed. “Mark and some guy named Gail found your mother. She gave birth to you both and died shortly after. Mark and Gail took you both away and hid you amongst the humans.”

“LIES.” I snapped, rubbing my wrist. “I just met Mark a few years ago. Why wouldn’t he tell me that himself.”

“Listen.” He held his hand up. “He said he made a mistake in giving you up. He wanted to bring you back to his pack, but fuck talk to him about it. We need to focus on getting you out of here.”

“NO!” I shouted. “I still need Orion’s head in my left hand and his heart in my right.” I crossed my arms and winced at the lingering pain.

This new information about Sarina and Mark has me so confused. I need and want answers but, I can’t focus on that right now. My number one goal is killing Orion.

“And since we are already in, I refuse to leave without Tanner, Gail, and any other person in need of rescue,” Denver said firmly.

“There she is.” I slapped Denver’s shoulder, she winced and shoved me lightly, smiling. “Now, let’s get this shit over with.” I stormed toward the door and swung it open. Bex grabbed me by the waist and yanked me into the room.

“Are you fucking crazy? Wait…yes, you are, don’t answer that.” He ripped the bottom of my dress. The sequins clattered against the floor. “You can’t go out there looking like this, smudge your make up. Denver, you too.”

“Gladly.” I licked my hands and wiped them all over my face. “Mmmk, let’s go.”

“We need to be smart about this. We need Orion to think that I kidnapped you both. If he catches on too quickly, we won’t get to Mark and the others safely. So, one more thing.” Bex sighed and wiped his face. “He briefed us on both of your conditions.”

“What the fuck does that mean,” I asked with narrowed eyes. “What fucking condition? I’m not sick.”

“No, not that kind of condition.” Bex knelt and picked up the broken bracelets and shoved them in his pocket. He nodded toward the knife. “Just make yourselves bleed a little and wipe the blood on the sheets.”

Denver stepped forward, wiping her makeup covered hands on her tattered dress. “Why?” she asked suspiciously.

Bex huffed. “Look, Orion had a doctor check you both out at some point. Maybe when you were sleeping, I don’t know. But he told Brad and me that your both…you know…virgins.”

SLAP SLAP

“I did not deserve that,” Bex mumbled as we creped down the hallway. We left the room after slapping Bex to the moon and back.

“Yeah? Well, next time, mind your own damn business.” Denver snapped.

Bex threw his hands up and shook his head. “I was told that. I don’t care to know anything about you two. I owe this to Mark, and I want Orion dead he deserves far worse, but I’ll accept that.”

“Whatever. Are you sure the others are in the basement?” Denver and I followed Bex down the maze-like halls.

There were no distinctions; every door and threshold looked the same. The walls are dull grey, and the floor is concrete. The juvenile I went to was more admirable than this. The halls are confusing and easy to get lost in. But Bex knows his way around.

Our guide peeked around the corner, Denver and I paused behind him. “I’m pretty sure. It’s the only place that has cells, and Orion mentioned putting him in the underground. Come on.”

Bexley was an omega at his old pack. He claims he was skinny and weak. Unable to protect himself from others. His pack was attacked, and he became a rogue. When he found Orions pack, he changed. He started working out and trained endlessly. Eventually, he caught Orion’s eye and became Gamma. But that was short-lived.

Before the fight that ended his Gamma career, Bex told us he was responsible for managing the upper floors. He was basically a glorified maid supervisor. Orion didn’t trust him with anything other than managing the cleaning, cooking, and other basic household chores. He wasn’t aware that the women working here were kidnapped. He assumed they were omegas, the mistreated wolves of the pack.

When Bex lost his fight against me and returned home, Orion stripped his title away. That was also the night Kasey turned eighteen. Bex was happy to have a mate finally.

He rarely saw Kasey before they were mated. She was locked away from everyone. The only time she could come out of her room was for dinner and chores. Her father mistreated her. He molded her into the perfect submissive she-wolf.

Bex wanted to take her away from all of this. But Kasey told him that she had been sold to Alpha Nixon. And Bex was tasked with delivering her.

So now, he wants revenge for Kasey. He thinks he can take on Orion, but Mark talked him out of it. My trainer wants Orion all to himself, to avenge Sarina. The mother I never met. But I already claimed that ass.

I sighed. “I still don’t understand why we don’t just cut the snake’s head off first. You slay the dragon before you rescue the princess.”

“Orion and his men are all busy guarding the border. He doesn’t want any outside interference to mess with his plans for you two. Mark also told me to find him first.” He looked back at me. “He told me to tell you not to be late, or he’d drop your ass as a trainer.”

I scoffed. “Mark owes me a lot of answers,” I murmured.

“Tell me about the plan Nixon and the other alphas concocted,” Denver said.

Bex sighed. “Well, I was tasked with getting your stubborn asses to him. But he predicted that you’d protest, so right now, we are on plan B. If I don’t return to Nixon, within—”

He checked his wristwatch. “The next thirty minutes. The assault team will attack Orion’s men. We need to find Mark and the others before that happens.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Because once Orion notices you’re gone, he’ll lock this place down, and every rogue and mercenary will hunt us down easily. Right now, we have the upper hand. If we rescue the others swiftly, we can catch Orion off guard. He’ll have a battle on both the outside and the inside. He won’t know where to search for you.”

Denver paused. “What about the missing women? They can’t fight; we need to get them to safety.”

“We are going to have to improvise. To be honest, Nixon’s main goal was to rescue you two and then kill Orion. There was no mention of those women, but we will set them free.”

Bex stopped walking, “Ok, the basement is down this way. It’s the only place with cells.” Denver and I took the lead, and Bex carefully opened the basement door. “I’ve only been down here once. I don’t know my way around as I do up here, so stay alert.”

We all walked in, and Bex closed the door behind us. Carefully we stepped down the stairs. The temperature was getting colder and colder. Dim lanterns lit the way down, like a medieval cellar.

I could smell the rot and of something foul. Definitely a rat, I know the smell from my old apartment. I scrunched up my nose and pinched it close.

We reached the bottom step. Cells lined both sides. The distant cries echoed off the walls. It was a haunting vibe, and I was ready to turn the hell around. I’ve always said that I wouldn’t be that dumb bitch, but look at me.

“Umm yeah. This is not it.” I looked back at the stairs, “You guys go ahead with the rescue. I’ll go take care of Orion.”

“Aww.” Denver pouted. “Is Aviry afraid of the dark, creepy basement?”

I crossed my arms. “You know typically, the bitch that taunts is the one that dies first.” I pointed down the stone corridor. “Go ahead and prove my point Denver.”

She scoffed, “You can’t take on Orion alone.”

“The hell if I can’t!”

Denver stomped her foot and pointed down the basement hall. “The only thing down here are scared women, who need our help. Can’t you hear their cries?”

“Those are the cries of a demon!” I whisper shouted. “They love to trick the vulnerable and the weak, and that is not how I describe myself!”

“Will you two stop it!” Bex snapped, covering the top of his head with his hands. “We don’t have time to argue, and we can’t split up. Stick with the plan. Our priority is rescuing Mark.” Bex said. “Now, let’s hurry this along. Orion will notice we are gone soon.”

“Fine!” I gave in. “But I’m standing in the middle. And the second one of you get snatched up, don’t look to me for help!” Denver rolled her eyes continued walking.

This basement was endless. It is damp and cold down here. There are no windows, and the ground is made of stone. As a group, we inspected the cells around us, hoping to come across someone.

“We have twenty minutes left.” He sighed heavily. “And we haven’t passed an exit door yet. How the hell are we going to get out of here before the attack?”

“We’ll come up with something. We just need—” Denver stopped a few cells ahead of us. “Six?” She whispered. “Six, is that you?” there was no reply.

To ensure that it wasn’t one of those ghost children that pop up behind you, ready to steal your soul. I walked over and investigated the cell. Sure enough, Six was facing the wall, ignoring us.

“Hey!” I hit the bars, and they rattled back.

“Hey, Six!” I was done with the whispering shit. My nose is being insulted by the smell and wanted out of the smelly ass dungeon. “We are on a time crunch. Do you need help or not?” Denver hit my shoulder. I shrugged and was about to walk away.

“What do you want, Denver and Aviry.” Six asked softly as she turned to face us. Her eyes were red and puffy. No more fake ass smiling; this was real sadness and hurt.

Denver extended her hand. “What do you mean, Six? We are here to help you, of course. Come on, we need—”

“Go away.” She replied, turning back to her corner. “If you were lucky enough to escape Orion, take that pass and run like hell. I’ll only slow you down. There’s no point in trying to save me.”

Well, I’m not gonna beg. “Stop that shit.” I rolled my eyes and put both my hands on the bars. The metal was different from the shackles on our legs. It was already bending from the pressure I was putting on it. “Denver, grab that side and pull.”

Denver complied, and together we bent the bars of the cell door. Then Six looked at us with wide eyes.

“Now you either come with us. Or find your own way out. Either way, I’ll sleep just fine knowing I tried to help you.” I went and stood by Bexley, ready to continue. Time is ticking, and we have others to save.

“We’re not leaving without you,” Denver said.

“Speak for yourself,” I murmured.

“No, please. He’ll punish me before I’m sold off, and he’ll trap you down here with the rest of us if he catches you.” Her breathing became rapid. “Please just leave me. Go help someone else.”

Denver stepped inside the cell. “What’s your name.”

“You know my name Denver.” Six hid her head in her lap.

“No.” Denver took the girl’s hand. “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.”

“My…my name is Taylor.” She broke down, and Denver pulled her into a hug. A hug that can wait. I mean, I get it. This is a touching moment that people enjoy in the movies. But the clock is still ticking.

“I miss them so much. I don’t want to be sold off. I want to go home.” She sobbed. Sniff

“And I will take you home safely. But we need your help. There are others down here that we need to find. They can help us fight Orion. Do you know where they are?

Taylor nodded. “I can tell you where they are. But I can’t take you to them. If you’re risking your lives to help me, I want to help rescue the other girls.”

“Great. Ok, Taylor. Thank you so much. We need to hurry, though. We don’t want—”

“NO!” A booming roaring shook the stones above us. A shiver ran up my spine, and we all looked at each other.

“Shit. I think Orion found Brad.” I said.

Denver looked back at Bex and me. “He caught on too soon. We need to save everyone here quickly. Bexley and Taylor get every woman out of here.”

“What!?” Bexley crossed his arms. “I’m here to rescue Mark. This is my rescue mission.”

“Well, now it’s me and Aviry’s mission.” Denver helped Taylor to her feet. “Orion will kill you on sight if he catches you. He won’t hurt Aviry and me. So, you’ll get the women to safety, and then join us on the battlefield.” They stepped out of the cell.

“WHERE ARE THEY!” Orion’s voice boom down. I swear the whole building was shaking. Dust particles from the ceiling fell over us. That horrid smell dissipated. So, I’m guessing that dead rat rose from the dead and ran away with fear.

Bex gulped. “Orion just mind linked the pack. He found Brad, and he’s looking for you both. He’s about to lock…Wait.” Bexley paused and listened in.

“The Alphas assault team just attacked the outside border. Every rogue and missionary are needed on the field.” Bexley grumbled and stomped his foot. “Shit, he cut me off. We don’t have time for this. Where the hell are the other women, Taylor?”

“They’re on the right just ahead.” She looked to Denver. “Your people are a little further down. When you reach the split, take a left. Go down the stairs and then make a right. There’s a door there that will take you to segregation.” Taylor said.

“Oh, and the only way out the basement is through a door that leads to the outside courtyard. But we’re fenced in.”

“There’s a hole in the fence,” Denver said. “You’ll just have to locate it. I know it’s somewhere north in the marshy area of the field near-twin guard towers. If you find that hole, get the others to safety, and join us on the battlefield Bex. Aviry, let’s go. Orion will check the basement soon enough.”

Bex tugged on Taylor’s arm. “Wait.” She looked at Denver and I. “I’m sorry for not helping earlier. Orion is a monster.”

“Let’s go!” Bexley pulled Taylor along with him down the hall.

Denver and I looked at each other and followed Taylor’s directions.

We ran fast, and when we reached the split, we took a left. We quickly descended the stairs. “Are we supposed to take a left or a right?” Denver asked me.

I shrugged. “You’re the hunter. I thought you were good at following directions.”

Denver scoffed and looked from left to right. “I think it’s right. No, left…” She closed her eyes tight. “Ok, final decision, we are going right.”

We took the right hallway and searched for the segregation door. The walls were all cement and lined with wires and flickering floodlights. There are dark deep wall gaps in random places—the perfect hiding spot for something to pop out.

Honestly, I wouldn’t mind waiting for Orion’s ass in one of these. I love watching jump scares; they are funny as hell. I would love to pop out of a dark ass crevice and just lay waste to his Orion’s life. And then Denver could record the shit, and I could watch it over and over again. But she doesn’t have a phone, so there’s no point.

We slowed down to a jog when a large metal door came into view at the end of the hallway. The two rectangular windows were fogged out. And it was a push bar handle. I hope this is segregation and not the morgue.

“This must be it.” Denver huffed as we stopped in front of the door. She pushed down on the handle, “It’s locked.” She tried again, and again. “Tanner!” She shouted, banging her fist on the door. “Gail—”

“Mark!” I shouted along with her. There was no response. “We can break it down, my favorite method. But we need to combine our strengths. These doors look heavy, though. Our wolves should take over; they can bring them down quickly. Denver nodded and closed her eyes. I did the same and roused Mia from her sleep.

“Mia, I need you for this,” I said, petting her massive head. She looked up at me and licked my hand.

“I’m ready Aviry,” She stood and stretched.

I relaxed when the vacuum-like pressure rushed over After giving Mia control. I could hear my bones cracking, and I watched as they relocated to form the massive Dire wolf that is Mia. Slowly she rose from the shift and shook out her white fur.

I watched from our shared mind space. Mia looked over at Denver, who was now being controlled by Kia. They were so identical. The only thing setting them apart were the marks on their heads. Her eyes were glowing, the same as Mia’s.

They looked to the door and took five massive steps back. And like a bullet being fired, the two dire wolves shot out and crashed through the door.

BOOM!

The door hit the ground hard, leaving dust particles floating in its place. Kia and Mia shook themselves off and passed the threshold entirely. The space was large and dark, and it resembled a science lab.

There are two tables where test tubes and beakers. The glass cabinet on Mia’s right had a big red label on it that reads “DANGER.” On Kia’s left a whiteboard. The wall in the back has two desks and two computers. And in front of us, a sizeable clear curtain is hung dividing the room.

“What do you think this place is used for? “Mia asked me as she approached the divider. “It smells clean, too clean. The smell of the bleach is burning my nose and eyes.”

“Well, there are a few reasons an excessive amount of bleach is used,” I said as Mia huffed through her nose.

“Reason number one, someone really likes to clean.” Both dire wolves paused just before the plastic curtain. Together, they pushed their heads through, immediately they lowered their heads and pawed their noses.

“Aviry...” Mia growled. She shook her massive head and looked around the room. “What’s the other reason.”

“Reason number two. The more likely in this case,” I sighed. Together Mia and I looked up at the ceiling. “To clean up a massive amount of blood.”

Bodies were hanging on meat hooks above us, but they are not random people. These are the trackers sent out by Nixon. They are limp and lifeless, nothing more than a shell left behind. Men I didn’t recognize dangled beside them. Their skin tone was grey and dull, and the stomachs were stitched together.

Kia growled and howled at the sight. Her sadness and anger radiated through the small space. Mia whimpered and tried to nudge Kia, but she jumped back and snarled up at the heinous display. Those must be her men, the hunters that she wanted to save. I knew Orion was crazy, but this goes beyond insanity.

While Kia cried, she gently tugged on her men’s legs to try and pull them down. Mia continued searching the space. Past the hanging corpses, there were three chairs. In each one, a silhouette is covered by a sheet. The steady movement of the sheets alerted us that whoever was underneath, is still breathing.

Mia stood in front of the middle chair and took the sheet in her mouth. Slowly she pulled it away and revealed…

“TANNER!”

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