Rejection on the Full Moon (Rejection Series) Chapter 22

I must have dozed off sometime after lying down because I found myself staring at a beautiful sunset over the lake. Hues of red, orange, pink, and white cause the lake to look like a glowing gemstone under the waning light. The sight is breathtaking, and I couldn't help but pull my phone out to take a picture. I wanted to paint this scene and sell copies in my store soon, maybe include a silhouette of a wolf or a pair of wolves in the foreground enjoying the view.

"Comfy?" A deep voice comes from slightly behind me, startling me. I drop my phone and unsheath my hidden dagger from my thigh, my body prepared to attack. Soon, my eyes meet those of a wolf I knew all too well, the ice wolf and Alpha to the Blood Moon Pack.

"I was until you spoke." I joked, putting the dagger away and getting a chuckle from him. I couldn't help but admire his looks. His tan skin and strong muscles were still the same as when I first met him. He slowly walks towards me until he stands right in front of me, the wind behind me blowing in his direction so he can take in my scent. I couldn't help but size him up as he towers above me. I looked up at him, but not once did I feel scared or intimidated by this Alpha.

"I-"

"Wanted to thank me? I already heard it the first time." I smile, getting a bewildered look as I cut him off. I couldn't help but chuckle as he goes deep into thought before sending a warm smile my way.

"You were there?" The Alpha asks, turning to look at the water. I nod in response before sitting back down on my spot in the grass, surprised when the Alpha takes a seat beside me.

"Thank you for the herbs, by the way. I sell medicine I make with them at my shop. The wolves who buy them always come back." I break the silence that settles between us as I look at his profile. He quickly turns to look at me with shock at my gratitude.

"The only place in the town that sells medicine is-"

"Fire Heart Bakery and Gift Shop. I know," I chuckle, sending a mischievous wink his way.

"Wait! Are you Amberle, the rogue wolf who owns that shop?" His face is a mixture of shock and awe as he stares at me, making me laugh at the Alpha wolf staring at me as if he met his childhood idol for the first time.

"Yes, nice to meet you mister-"

"Dominic DeValorse." He answers, finishing my sentence and shaking my outstretched hand.

"I think I like Ice better." I retort, rolling my eyes for a moment and returning my attention back to the lake.

"Ice? Why Ice?" Dominic asks, his head tilted to one side, puzzled. Gone was the image of a battle-hardened Alpha, as his nature is so carefree and childish. I couldn't help but giggle—yes, actually giggle—at how he looks. It feels nice not having to worry about a wolf attacking me for being a rogue and have a proper conversation.

"Because of your fur. It's like mine, but like living ice." He laughs at my answer, and I stick out my tongue at him childishly before we both end up laughing under the setting sun. Feeling safe around this wolf, whatever vigilance against Dominic that I had before vanishes. I begin to ask questions about his pack, learning about how he's made new treaties and allies peacefully, which is surprising considering most packs prefer war over peace. Our topic changes to questions about my store, and pride swells within me. I loved the store I have spent months growing, and how everyone who works under me has become a family in every way. Everything is great until Dominic asks a question I did not expect.

"So, I have to ask, why are you out here all alone? What made you go Rogue, because you're an amazing wolf?" I go rigid at his question, pain etching itself through my body. I knew wolves would ask eventually about my situation, but talking about it still hurt, the wound still too fresh to bear at times.

"You don't have to tell me, Amberle. By the looks of it, this is a hard subject for you." He adds quickly, and I sigh. I see the concern and care in his eyes as he shifts closer to me, his hand resting on my shoulder.

"It's been a year now. It started the night my parents died when I was nine." I start, and then the story of my life unfolds. Dominic is a great listener, nodding and allowing me to just talk without interruption. I talk about the hunters, the abuse, the pain, and the rejection. By the end of my explanation, I'm hugging my knees to my chest, watching the water in the lake roll gently, back and forth.

"Wow." That is all Dominic whispers in response as silence settles once again between us. Surprise fills me when strong arms wrap around my small frame, and I am pulled into a sturdy chest, and Dominic settles his head on top of mine. His scent of mint and pine surrounds me, and I can't help but take it in, letting him comfort me as my tears finally fall for the first time in a year. I let out all the hurt while this stranger holds me close and comforts me.

"You are so strong to have survived all this." He whispers, his hand gently rubbing my back. It felt nice being in the embrace of someone and feeling safe and secure. This is something that I've longed for growing up, something I wanted more of.

"Happy birthday, by the way." He adds, causing me to go into a laughing fit. It was so unexpected to hear him say that after the long-winded story of how I became a rogue, but it was something that felt right too.