Rejection on the Full Moon (Rejection Series) Chapter 37

"Also yes, the two of you can have a vacation when we're done here," Dominic adds, answering the question that Miles asked a while ago. Everyone laughs as Miles shouts with joy, excited for a break from his duties and to be able to get away with his mate. I'm happy for the two of them. They will have the chance to enjoy each other's company before their pup comes into the world, something I wished I could enjoy. A small ache throbs in my heart at the thought of the lack of my mate. The rejection process is almost done, with another six months left to wait, but still the pain remains, even if it's only a dull throb every now and then. Taking a deep breath and another bite of cheesecake, I push these thoughts aside. If I start thinking about it, then the mate bond will revive. I refuse to allow that to happen.

"Anyways, Miles, because you're going on vacation, you now have to tell everyone to go get ready for the bonfire. I want everyone outside and ready to go in twenty." I state, chuckling at my friend, who quickly salutes me and rushes off to gather our pack mates. Dominic and I head back upstairs as I grab my jacket from the closet and wait for Dominic to change his outfit.

"You know, sometimes I question if you are a guy or not," I state to my friend, watching him roll his eyes at me.

"You don't know. I could have been born a girl named Darcy and realized I identified as a boy." Dominic retorts, and I smile.

"Well, even if you used to be Darcy, I would still love you as you are, Dominic." I laugh, pushing off the door frame and heading downstairs. The bonfire is a tradition that welcomes visitors to the pack. It's something I remember attending growing up because Blue insisted that I be there. Everyone is ready and waiting in front of the cabin, the excited energy bouncing off the fifty-two wolves, bringing a helpless grin to my face. Their breath fogs in the cold winter night air as they chatter amongst themselves.

"So, you love me?" A deep voice whispers in my ear, and I blush, hiding my face from Dominic's view as he wraps an arm around my waist.

"We should probably make our way to the clearing where the bonfire is being held," I say, changing the subject and motioning for the rest to follow me. Dominic switches his arm from around my waist to holding my hand as I lead the group around the large cabin and head in the direction of the trees. The night sky is well-lit, with the stars above illuminating the lightly snow-covered path leading to our destination, where music, laughter, and the mouth-watering smells of food are carried in our direction on the wind. My pack mates continue their happy conversations as Dominic and I silently walk beside each other.

The trees soon give way to reveal the clearing where my rejection took place two and a half years ago. That day, still deeply embedded into my mind, is the reason why I worked so hard to be stronger. But the man who takes my hand in his and gives it a slight squeeze reminds me that it's okay to be weak sometimes because I know Dominic is there beside me. I smile up at my friend, whose ice-blue eyes look into my own for a brief moment, then towards the stage. Tables are loaded with steaming hot food, and hot drink containers are set up to help the wolves battle the cold. A large bonfire crackles about five metres away from the stage, the scent of wood burning with the crackling sound of the flames fill the clearing air. My pack mates begin to disperse to mingle with the Forest Paw wolves, and Dominic and I make our way to a lounge chair where we settle in, the warmth from the fire caressing our bodies and protecting the two of us from the cold wind.

Deciding that we would stay in this spot, I sit in Dominic's lap, roasting marshmallows and making smores for us to enjoy. Every now and then, a member from Forest Paw will come to chat for a bit and see how I'm doing. The wolves that went to school with me surprised me, as some apologize for how they treated me growing up. You could see the remorse in their eyes as their heads lowered with each word of apology they speak, and I couldn't help but forgive them. I would never forget what each wolf put me through, but that doesn't mean I want to continue holding a grudge on wolves who have clearly learned their wrongdoing. Dominic introduces himself to the few elders that came to meet the Blood Moon wolves, including Elder Sylvia, who chatters away to Dominic about the antics I performed when I was still a juvenile. Luckily, her mate, Elder James, whisks her away as the night grows darker, before she could tell any more embarrassing stories.

Dominic and I are left to ourselves after the departure of the two Elders, and we take this opportunity to survey the wolves we will be training starting tomorrow. A scent of cheap perfume wafts in on the wind and I sneeze, my eyes looking for the telltale sign of danger that normally comes with this scent.

"Why are you sitting on him? What are you, his little lap whore?" I bristle with these words as my eyes instantly see Mia standing a few feet from where Dominic and I sit. Her clothes are still as skimpy as usual, and her eyes stare at me with disgust and hatred. Her orbs flicker briefly to Dominic, a trace of lust, flickering, causing my own disgust to surface at the woman who shares my blood. If she thinks she has a chance with Dominic, she is dead wrong.