Rejection on the Full Moon

Chapter 18 - Worst Nightmare Comes to Life Part 2

“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 will 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.

[Training in ten, everyone be outside in the field and ready to go.] I link the fifty-three wolves that are a part of our training group, hearing a few groans. I chuckle at Lease, who sticks her tongue out at me and mouths the words “you suck” before bounding out the door. I catch sight of Christian ushering wolves down the stairs and hear Dominic going from room to room, making sure to grab the late stragglers.

With the cabin now empty and all wolves outside, I make my way out into the cold winter air and turn to look at my pack, The wolves are in the middle of stretching their muscles in preparation for training. They may hate my strict training, but they all have to be honest and agree that every one of them has grown stronger in the last year and a half since I joined the pack.

Joining the group, I lead a few into the stretches I prefer to perform, watching the younger wolves who were picked to gain experience on this trip come to follow me. The crunch of approaching footsteps in the snow suddenly catches my attention. There goes my plans for a quick sparring session.

"Stand." I signal, watching my wolves leap to their feet and quickly form into five even lines behind Dominic, Christian, Miles, and me. The cold wind silently blows towards us, making us all shiver slightly. The scent of the winter forest surrounds us and carries the newcomer’s scent to where we all stand.

"It can't be, mom?" It's been years since I have last heard her voice. But that high-pitched, nails-on-a-chalkboard voice could only belong to the main culprit of the torture that I went through for seven years of my life. I nod to Dominic, who sends me a questioning glance, reassuring him that I can face the wolves whose scents carry on the wind towards my pack members - towards me. I turn to face the group of wolves, and a collection of gasps come from each of their mouths while Dominic and Christian tense beside me.

“Hello sis, it's been a while, hasn’t it?” I state, nodding towards Blue, who shakes his head with a grin in my direction. Dominic steps forward, moving to stand just in front of me—protecting me—as he takes in each wolf before us.

“Hello, I’m Alpha Dominic DeValorse. Behind me are my Beta Christian, my Head Hunter Miles, and my Head Tracker Amberle, whom you all already know.” I see the shock in Mia and Leo’s eyes as they openly stare at me.

“Amberle will be the one in charge of training for the next three weeks, and Miles will assist her.” Dominic continues, motioning for me to step forward. I remember Christian’s words and sashay towards Dominic like I own the lands of Forest Paw. I was no longer the wolf who left, rejected from this pack. I am a leader, and I shouldn’t have to cower in front the wolves before me.

My eyes scan Axel, Blue, Leo, Zack, and Mia for a moment. I realize that Mia and Zack stand as far as possible from each other. Curiosity fills me, but I quickly store the questions away to deal with for another time. I catch the look of parental pride emanating from Blue, who gives me a wink. I rarely speak to him, and all he knows is that I joined Blood Moon. I guess I have some explaining to do to my adoptive father.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alpha Dominic. I am Leo Bloodsbain, Alpha of Forest Paw.” Leo steps forward, handing a manila envelope to Dominic. Leo’s eyes never leave my face, as if expecting some form of reaction from me. A tinge of pain shoots through my heart, but I keep the mask of indifference on my face. I refuse to let the bastard who rejected me see any form of weakness. Dominic hands me the folder, his fingers grazing my own before I flip through the signed paperwork that we had faxed over last night for everyone before us to sign.

“Behind me are my Beta Zack, my Head Hunter Axel, and my Head Tracker Mia, as well as my father, Blue, the former Alpha.” His eyes are off me as Leo continues to speak to Dominic, giving me a chance to breathe. I hate being scrutinized by those I consider my enemy and take the time to look for the one part of the contract that states the Head Tracker will be under my command as I train said wolf to fulfill their duty. I can’t wait to get back at Mia and train her the way she had Abby train me. My eyes turn to take in the four wolves behind Leo, giving Blue a questioning glance as I motion to the paperwork. He mouths the word “Later” to me, and I nod in reply. I know Blue will explain to me what happened since I left, better than Axel or Serena could.

Dominic and Leo continue their conversation about training, with my name being slipped in every now and then. It is clear that Dominic put much emphasis on me training my old pack, his way of getting me some justice for what I went through. I would be lying if I said that it didn’t make the butterflies in my stomach flutter with his gesture.

[How are you holding up?] Christian’s voice fills the link meant for Dominic, Christian, Miles and me. I turn to smile at my friend.

[Better than I thought I would. I’m kind of excited to kick their asses tomorrow.] I catch Dominic trying to hold in his laughter, and Miles coughs to disguise his own amusement. It is clear my friends are ready to make bets on who would get sent to the pack hospital first between Mia, Zack, and Leo. I go back to giving the paperwork a final check before passing it to Christian to look through. I turn to look at the wolves still standing at attention behind us to make sure they’re okay. Getting a subtle nod from Lease, I turn my attention back to Dominic and Leo, catching the latter with his eyes trained on me once again, causing me to suppress a shudder of discomfort. As if sensing my discomfort, Dominic ends the conversation with Leo and makes his way towards me, wrapping me in a hug and resting his head on top of mine. I smile with the feeling of safety that Dominic brings and relax into his chest.

“Since everything seems to be in order, we will be heading back into the cabin. Fire here said she would teach some of us how to make her famous cheesecake.” Dominic states, his arms pulling me closer against him, causing a slight growl to come from Leo at our proximity. Too bad he had his chance and rejected me for not being good enough for him. Blue and Axel send daggers at Dominic and a questioning glance to me, and I just chuckle before turning to look up at Dominic and poking his cheek.

“Of course. Just remember that you aren’t getting any chocolate until it’s done baking, Ice.” I laugh, going along with the diversion Dominic created. But I knew he would want the actual cheesecake and I would have to bake the dessert the moment we return to the guest cabin.

“Okay, guys, you heard Amber. Get inside and warmed up. We’re having cheesecake tonight.” The group of wolves behind us soon break formation, hooting and cheering at the realization that training is cancelled due to the arrival of the five Forest Paw wolves, as well as the prospect of cheesecake tonight. My pack is hopeless when it comes to food, but they are loyal to each other. They are my family, and I couldn’t have asked for better wolves to count on.

The group of Blood Moon wolves’ race towards the cabin as Dominic and I walk past the five from Forest Paw. Eyes burn into my skin, and I know that Leo is watching my every move. I snuggle closer to Dominic’s side, letting his calm presence wash over me.

“Thanks for helping me out.” I whisper to Dominic, feeling the wolf beside me press a kiss on my forehead.

“Always, Amberle.” He whispers back, leading me into the cabin and up the stairs. You can hear the excited chatter coming from everyone in the cabin about the prospect of cake and the chance to explore another pack’s territory. I helplessly shake my head as the chatter continues to many making bets on who I would send to the pack hospital first. Separating into our individual rooms, I quickly change out of my gear and into a warm cashmere sweater, a pair of leggings, and a warm pair of boots. I head back into the kitchen where Dominic and five other pack members are waiting, setting out ingredients on the counter.

Accepting my fate, I grab the apron Lease holds out to me and begin to teach the six wolves how to mix together the ingredients for the cheesecake.