Rejection on the Full Moon (Rejection Series) Chapter 34

"How are you holding up, Fire Foot?" His question causes me to laugh around a mouthful of food, leading to me trying to gulp down hot chocolate in hopes of getting the stuck food down my throat.

"Better, but still unwilling," I grumble once I manage to clear my throat. Glad for the company, Christian and I start talking about training ideas for Forest Paw. We wave over Miles and Dominic to join us once those two have procured food and drinks, and I begin explaining the training that Forest Paw used to be drilled in. This included the torturous tasks that Abby used to have me perform under the suggestions of Mia and Zack. Speaking of Abby, Dominic informed us last night that she had stepped down to raise her pups, causing the hope and curiosity of Zack having more children and me having more nieces and nephews. Maybe I could meet them this trip and try to talk to my brother about patching things up if we could. Abby stepping down also explained why the Trackers were out of shape, considering that she-wolf is tougher than any Alpha I know. She would have every Tracker in the pack running laps around the territory daily to keep up our speed and stamina.

After coming up with a few ideas, namely being the ways I first trained the Blood Moon wolves, Dominic motions for everyone to grab their final orders of food and drinks before we all climb into our respective vehicles. We still have another hour of travelling before reaching Forest Paw territory.

"You okay, Amberle?" Dominic asks as my Mustang nears the territory line of Forest Paw.

"Not really. I never thought I would step foot into this pack ever again, if I'm being honest." I reply, my gaze focused on the snow-covered forest. Dominic reaches over with one hand off the steering wheel to give my own a reassuring squeeze. Silence covers the air between us. Not much can be said about how much I still dread this trip, but I have to do my job.

Taking a final turn off the highway and onto a small dirt road, we reach the Forest Paw pack line, where a group of Hunters await our arrival.

"Alpha Dominic DeValorse, I presume?" A wolf asks, his face coming into view just as Dominic finishes rolling down the window.

"Yes, as well as my Head Tracker," Dominic answers, motioning to where I sit beside him. The wolf at the window just nods, his eyes glazing over for a few moments before he allows us to enter. Chills run up my spine as the power of the magic border caresses my skin, reminding me that this was the place I was born. The thought of seeing wolves from my past has my mood dampening as I direct Dominic to the guest cabin that we will be staying in for the next few weeks. The three-story wood cabin soon comes into view after another hour of driving, and each car parks in the lot beside it. Everyone soon rushes into the house, getting ready to claim their ideal room, with the rule of the third floor being left to Dominic, Miles, Christian and I. I chuckle at my pack mates' pup-like antics while I haul my suitcases up the stairs and claim a room where the windows face the forest.

I remember when this cabin was built. The old one had succumbed to a brutal snowstorm when I was eight. Blue had to wait until spring, when all the snow melted away, to bulldoze and rebuild a new guest cabin for visiting packs. It took the pack from March until October for this building to be completed, and I remember spending hours in the pack kitchen helping the Omegas and the other she-wolves make meals for those who volunteered to help build this cabin.

I bustle about the room putting clothing away into the dressers and closet provided. A knock on my door has me turning to see Dominic leaning against the door frame, a grin on his face.

"All the wolves are settled in. Some of the mated pairs are taking the time in their own rooms to get a little closer if you know what I mean." Dominic informs me, causing me to chuckle as my friend walks into my room and throws himself onto my bed.

"They spent six hours, almost seven, in a car together. There is going to be either a high sexual tension or high murder rate when mates are left alone in the car to annoy each other." I point out, taking a seat next to Dominic and running my fingers through his hair. My friend sighs at my words, knowing I'm right. His eyes close, and a small growl of pleasure escapes his lips while my hands continue to play with his locks of hair.

My thoughts wander to the plans for the next few days. For the next three weeks, I would have to train the new Head Tracker as well as the wolves while Miles trains the Head Hunter of Forest Paw. We would have to touch base and teach the two how to train and work together like the wolves at Blood Moon do if Forest Paw ever wants to be a formidable pack again. With a sigh, I decide to check out the supplies left in the cabin for my pack and leave Dominic to relax on my bed for a moment.

Nodding to Miles, who cuddles in bed with his mate through his open door, I make my way down the two flights of stairs and into the large kitchen. Lease is taking inventory of the food in the pantry and fridge, so I decide to help her out. We start jotting down what was given to us, deciding on what meals to make that my pack members will enjoy while the other wolves come and go, taking some form of snack with them as they explore the cabin.

With inventory jotted down and everything planed for the next three weeks, I grab a protein bar from the basket Lease placed on the kitchen island, and take a bite of the chewy goodness.