Rejection on the Full Moon (Rejection Series) Chapter 99

"Thank you for making me accept this request," I whisper to Ariven as we cuddle in bed, the television playing some gaming channel on YouTube that Ariven watches while I doze on his chest, his hands gently rubbing circles on my back. An hour has gone by since the bond broke between Mika and I, pack mates coming to inform me that he is still outside waiting for me to come and talk, for him to apologize for the years of hurt he has given me. I just tell them to make sure that his pack stays away for the wolf to grieve and that no one attacks him. It's the least I can do for Mika, considering our history and the lack of animosity he has shown on this trip.

"You don't have to thank me. I tricked and betrayed your trust to get you here." Ariven answers, and I smile, planting a kiss over his heart and snuggling closer to the man below me. This reaction gives me a deep chuckle in response, his own light kiss being placed on my forehead before he continues to draw circles on my back, and I contently doze in and out of sleep.

"Gem, John said I could find you in here," Lace's voice calls out before she enters my room, a look of surprise on her face when she spots Ariven and I cuddling. I sigh, already knowing where this conversation is going, as I climb off of Ariven and walk toward the soon-to-be Alpha.

"Before you ask, yes the bond broke. No, I do not care for your brother. No, I will not mate with him now or ever. Yes, we can build a friendship," I state before the blonde can fire her questions at me. Lace chuckles, leaning against the wall as she rolls her eyes for a moment.

"Honestly, you deserve better. I was just coming to ask if you could come help me get dressed for the ceremony. Mika is already at our house since the idiot finally regrets what he has done to you." My friend retorts, waving at Ariven before taking my hand in hers and dragging me out the door.

"Have fun, darling!" Ariven calls out instead of coming to save me from Lace's clutches.

"I told you this dress would look amazing on you, Gem!" Lace exclaims, pushing me towards the floor-length mirror with our reflections staring back at us. My eyes widen at the floor-length, silver fit-and-flare gown adorning my body, the simple sweetheart neckline and long sleeves giving me an ethereal glow as my prismatic hair flows around me in loose curls. Lace has done an amazing job on me, her skilled hands placing just enough makeup to highlight my features and making me look like the Goddess I am.

"You look amazing too! I always said gold was your colour." I compliment, moving aside so the blonde she-wolf can see her reflection as well. A strapless A-line gold dress hangs from her body, with minimal jewellery and makeup on as the power in her blood radiates off of her. She holds herself in a graceful way that demands the attention of the room, as a true Alpha should, and I can't be any prouder to be called her friend. The sky is dark as night settles in, and the half-moon is high in the sky as the ceremony is waiting to begin. I turn to study Lace, seeing in her Alpha Sorus's determination and the grace of Luna Reena. They would have been proud to see their daughter being the Alpha this pack needs. A knock on the door alerts our attention to someone coming in, and Ariven's scent wafts through as soon as it is opened,

"Sorry to intrude, but the ceremony starts in ten minutes, and I came to gather Geminie," He states, coming to stand beside me and holding out his hand. I happily take it, watching as he bows and places a kiss on top before gently pulling me to his side.

[If he isn't your second-chance mate, I want to meet your mother and yell at her myself!] Lace links me, causing me to blush and glare at the soon-to-be Alpha. She just smirks, waving her hand in a "shoo-shoo" gesture that has Ariven chuckling. We wish her luck before exiting the room and making our way down the stairs of the familiar pack house.

"My room used to be in the attic." I reminisce quietly, stopping mid-step and turning to look back in the direction of the attic entrance. I wonder what happened to my oasis away from the Blakes and the pack, where I would go and nurse my wounds from a rough day of punishment. Did they find the stash of food I had hidden? Was it demolished and turned into something new? I want to know these answers but also want to keep the past in the past. I no longer felt hatred and fear towards this place, towards the pack. Dwelling on the past is something I decide I no longer want to do as I take one last look up the stairs and turn back to continue our descent. Only a few Omegas are working the celebration today, volunteering to perform the jobs as cooks and servers while the rest of the pack witness Lace taking power over Hidden Claws. It is definitely a step up from how Omegas were treated a little over a week ago, with some of the Omegas able to openly train with the rest of the pack and having gained weight from proper nutrition. It's a step in the right direction with a new reign if you ask me. Ariven and I continue to chat about training that will take place tomorrow and which wolves will be too drunk to focus.

"Have you told them about a specific fiery tempered wolf and her husband coming to help with training?" Ariven asks as we enter the large backyard and make our way to our seats.

"Nope. I plan to leave it until last minute. Amberle wants to have some fun with this pack and see where the defenses fall short," I answer chuckling, already picturing the chaos my friend will cause. Since becoming a mother, Amberle has had a rough time getting away from her three children and focusing more on being an Alpha and mother instead of helping to train allied packs. With Blue, he will take over and watch his grand-pups, Amberle jumped at the chance when I called last night before my recon mission on the Soulless to join me in training Hidden Claws. I have a feeling the she-wolf just wants to make Mika's life miserable for a few days and am fine with it.