Rejection on the Full Moon

Chapter 23 - Tackled and Loved

Upon reaching the training field, I stand off to the side, watching as Miles and Lease work on demonstrating group tactics to Forest Paw. Some of Blood Moon’s newer wolves play the role of enemy, as they demonstrate a five-on-two scenario. Pride swells inside me at the ones I call my family when the demonstration ends, and everyone splits off, putting the lesson into practice. Miles sees me, motioning for the Blood Moon wolves to continue training Forest Paw as the two come up to talk to us.

“How bad?” Lease asks, taking the spot on my left while Miles stands to my right.

“Bad. We might have a Soulless army in the early stages of being formed. Hidden Claws is one of the packs being attacked.” As an ally pack of ours, Hidden Claws can be considered second in strength next to Blood Moon. Run by the Beta Couple until the young Alpha comes of age, Hidden Claws has grown considerably over the years. But there has always been something nagging at me to look deeper into the pack.

I take a deep breath and begin to explain the meeting. Miles and Lease listen intently to each word while we stare out at the wolves training before us. They understand just how important it is to help out Forest Paw by the end of this conversation as Dominic and Leo join us soon after I finish explaining things to my two friends and decide its time to switch to our usual run.

“Call an end to hand-to-hand. We’re working on stamina next.” I motion to Miles, taking the scarf from Lease and tucking half of it into my waist band. Miles yells out for everyone to gather around as Dominic gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, knowing full well I need to run in order to clear my thoughts.

“Due to an agreed-upon change between Blood Moon and Forest Paw, our training will be as followed: hand-to-hand combat in our human form for one to two hours, stamina training for another one to three hours, then combat training in wolf form for an hour. Things are worse than we thought, and so your Alpha has agreed with these changes.” I begin, looking over the crowd of close to two hundred wolves, both Hunters and Trackers alike. I see the unease and excitement in all of them, the pride in Blood Moon in being able to train the way we normally do at home, and the excitement in Forest Paw wanting to improve for their pack. We have two more weeks left to whip them into shape and I just pray to the Moon Goddess that we are able to instill a new way of working into all of them.

"Same rules as yesterday. We keep going until you take the scarf, but this time I will call an end once three hours have passed. If you can take this scarf from me today, I will call an end to the training to have you all well-rested for the harder lessons I plan to teach you all tomorrow.” I see the determination in their eyes as their gazes turn to focus on the neon pink scarf hanging from my waist. What the Trackers in this group don’t know is that I’m keeping an eye out for an individual talent I can spend some time training one-on-one.

“Remember, no shifting. We want to train your human form so that your wolf form can become stronger. Training only your wolf form will make your human form weaker. Now, ready?—" I looked around me at the wolves, smiling as they get into a runner’s stance, ready to chase me.

"—GO!" And I am off, running at a speed that would push the wolves of Forest Paw’s limits and show off just how far they have come in a week. The winter air is thin, causing many to have a hard time breathing within thirty minutes, but others kept up. My wolves resume their usual positions, surrounding the two hundred Forest Paw wolves and making sure no one lags behind as I lead everyone around the territory. My thoughts drift back to the idea of a Soulless army being formed, something no one believed would ever happen. But the current circumstances say otherwise.

Every now and then, I have to dodge attempts of wolves trying to reach the scarf, reaching the hour and a half mark when Leo decided to try his luck. This just makes me run faster and cause the Forest Paw wolves to groan, yelling at their Alpha to stay away from me so they have a fighting chance. Everyone now knew that I was the mate he publicly rejected on her birthday, even the new wolves who have joined since I left – and all of them hate him for it. I’ve heard their whispers of how strong Forest Paw could be had Leo not rejected me, but they also know that I have no plans of ever returning.

Running through the snow-covered forest after the revelation of Blue’s theory helped organize my thoughts. I am able to come up with a plan that I linked with Dominic, Christian, and Miles about that we would put into action when we arrive back at home. This includes calling all the packs in the area to get a sense of who has been attacked as well as copies of their reports. I plan to make a trip to the Temple of the Goddess and speak with a priestess there to see if we can start figuring out when the Soulless began attacking as a group and if there is a clue to what they want.

The two-and-a-half-hour mark comes along, and many more attempts are made. My pack mates would link me when a Tracker has fallen behind like I had asked earlier, eliminating them from the list of possible replacements as Head Tracker of Forest Paw. But I have a feeling that I am being studied like a wild animal. Of course, I know Leo is staring at me lustfully, but he makes no attempts to move closer to me like before, probably afraid of his pack mates rebelling against him. But this other gaze has me hyper-aware of my surroundings as I try to pinpoint where it is coming from, but this person conceals their whereabouts expertly, giving me hope.

Forest Paw is running out of time to be released early from training, and this wolf who is studying me is losing their chance at finally being able to claim this scarf for victory. Suddenly, my body is tackled to the ground. Whoever it is that made their move causes the two of us to roll on the cold forest floor. The scarf is then snatched from my waist band and a small body stands above me, holding it in victory above her head as her pack mates cheer and mine stare at her in disbelief.

[They got lucky. Exactly one minute to spare before we begin the next part of their training.] Dominic links me, causing me to smile at the young she-wolf whose pack mates were congratulating her. I am ecstatic to be tackled by someone who I never sensed coming, knowing full well that this is the wolf Forest Paw needs to continue training them once Blood Moon leaves.

Breaking away from the crowd, the she-wolf makes her way to where I still sit on the ground, offering her hand and helping me stand.

"Where did you come from?" I ask, laughing, taking in the small brunette before me who stands a good three inches shorter than me. It is clear she is a runt, but this is a gift as a Tracker. Short, fast, slim, and able to blend in are qualities a great Tracker needs, and this she-wolf has it.

“Since day one, I stayed near the front, studying you. It was hard to learn your movements since at any moment you can change directions and be gone in an instant, especially with Alpha Leo chasing you. But today I got lucky. I had a feeling I could catch you for some reason, so I listened to my instinct, staying in the middle to conserve my energy and get into a rhythm while still being able to watch you. When I felt like it was the right time, I took the chance, and I got the scarf.” I see the pride in her eyes as she speaks, albeit a little winded. But she has the talent and determination I am looking for.

Watching the she-wolf, I have a sense that I have met her before, that I know her – and then it clicks. At the time she was fifteen and had been an early shifter the year before at fourteen. Many picked on her for being a runt but Abby always had her training with me even if she could never keep up. Back then, her hair was long, almost trailing to the ground, but now it is cut into a bob. Gone is the childish girl I would give pointers to, replaced by a young adult I would say is just about to turn eighteen.

“You’re little, Scarlet. I remember training with you and how you would always cry because you couldn’t keep up with me.” I exclaim, happy to put a name to this young she-wolf before me.

“I’m surprised you remember me.” Scarlet chuckles, handing me the scarf.

“Of course I do, and I’m glad you’re the one who got the scarf.” I exclaim, pulling her in for a hug and feeling a sense of happiness at meeting the one wolf who treated me with respect when I was a member of forest paw.

“Looks like I found your new Head Tracker, Leo.” I direct my statement to Leo as I pull away from Scarlet, catching his heated gaze that roams my slightly damp body caused by laying on the snow-covered earth. I glare at him until Dominic comes up behind me, pulling my body against his and resting his head on my shoulder.

“As promised, you get the rest of the day off. Tomorrow, the real training begins.” Dominic states with an easy-going smile. I sense a glare directed towards us, catching Leo glaring at Dominic and me. I guess Dominic must have seen it as well because I am pulled closer into his embrace, feeling Dominic kiss my forehead and nuzzle my hair. A loud growl of jealousy is released from my ex-mate and a murderous intent floats towards Dominic and I. Zack steps in just in time to grab his Alpha and pull Leo away from everyone, leading him towards the pack house.

[I got him, little sister. Besides, I’d rather see you with Dominic than with this piece of shit.] Zack tells me through our sibling link, one that has laid dormant for almost ten years. I realize just how shallow my brother’s loyalty to Leo is and feel happy that I offered him a place in Blood Moon. He will be happier there, and so will his mate and pups.

With my hand in Dominic’s, our group of wolves ignores the scene Leo makes, and we make our way to the pack house. The Forest Paw wolves have earned the training day cut short.

“Tomorrow, Lease, Dominic, Miles, and Christian will train the Forest Paw wolves. I want to take Scarlet and train her one-on-one.” I call out above the happy crowd of wolves, getting an excited grin from Scarlet and a yes ma’am from everyone else. It feels nice being in a group of wolves working towards the same goal - the goal to grow stronger. I am proud of Forest Paw, even though I am no longer one of them.

Making our way into the house, I head directly to the hot chocolate machine and prepare two glasses of the tasty drink. Scanning the room, I find Dominic settling down at a table situated in front of a large window. I promptly make my way over to him and place the cups of hot chocolate down beside the two plates loaded with food. As I pull the chair out to sit next to Dominic, I feel strong arms wrap around my waist, and my body falls onto someone’s lap, only to realize that it is Dominic holding me, his head resting on the crook of my shoulder.

“Have I told you how proud I am of you?” He asks, sitting up straight and pulling me closer to his chest.

“No, why are you proud of me?” I reply, slightly confused as I reach for one of the two plates, deciding to enjoy the meal in this cuddling position.

“I thought that at some point during this trip, we would have to restrain you from killing anyone. But you have completely surprised us. Other than Mia, who completely deserved what she got, you’ve focused your energy on training these wolves. You’ve even reconciled with your brother.” Dominic’s words have my hand pausing in the air before I place the full fork back onto the plate. He is right, though. I thought by now I would have killed one of my tormentors. The most surprising thing that came out of this trip is the fact I’ve been around Leo and, as of lately, haven’t felt any pain from the mate bond. I came into this trip thinking this was a bad idea, but now I think I gained a lot from returning to Forest Paw, instead of losing something.

“Thank you, Ice.” I whisper, tilting my head back to place a kiss on Dominic’s jawline.

“But I have this feeling that I can’t place. Hidden Claws is just below us in strength. Their account of being attacked by Soulless and having a hard time dealing with them doesn’t make sense.” I voice my concern with this whole situation, finally talking through the one part that has been nagging me about Hidden Claws. I see Dominic deep in thought from my words, his own eyes focusing on the table before us while he digests everything. Being a strong pack, Blood Moon rarely has Soulless attacks. Yes, we have had our fair share of Soulless wandering onto our territory, but they are so far gone and sickly that we’re able to give them a quick death, so that their souls can be with the Moon Goddess in her court. The only time we actually have to fight a group is during training missions just in neutral territory when we are blind sided by them.

“Let’s focus on this when we get back to Blood Moon. I have a feeling you’re right about something strange happening at Hidden Claws.” After about ten minutes of silence, Dominic finally speaks. I can tell that he has his suspicions as well, but he is right. It will be safer to talk about this whole possible Soulless army situation and strategize with our pack one we are home. With a sigh, the two of us focus on a lighter topic as we eat. Normally, on Dominic’s birthday we would all relax and lounge around, but having to deal with Forest Paw has turned our usual routine into a stressful day.

“What do you think you’re doing with my mate?!” Leo shrieks from the entrance of the dining room, his glare piercing through the crowd and landing squarely on Dominic and me. Anger boils inside me at his absurdity, my appetite ruined by the scene Leo is causing as he marches towards where I sat with my best friend.

“I am not your mate!” I retort, a growl escaping my lips, causing Leo to pause a few feet away from us. My eyes narrow as I glare at the man who thinks he has a claim on me. I can feel Dominic tensing below me, his arms wrapping around my waist in what I realize to be a possessive manner. My heart skips a beat with his touch, but I have to deal with Leo before I try to figure out my reaction to Dominic.

“Yes, you are my mate, Amberle.” Leo argues back through clenched teeth. I could see his hands fisting into a ball while Axel and Zack move closer, ready at any moment to restrain the young Alpha.

“Get this straight, Leo. You are not my mate. You rejected me on my eighteenth birthday two and a half years ago. Then, I rejected you and your existence. If you think I’m going to take you back, then you thought wrong in whatever delusional world you live in.” I state, hearing a gasp from amongst the crowd. It’s no lie that Leo bragged about rejecting his mate, making up excuses for it. I had heard my fair share of rumours from my friends Ivory, Kent, and Kevin, as well as from Axel and Serena. I know about the many girls he slept with from the pain that wracked my body each time he did. He was never there for me at all after my parents’ death, and he tortured and abused me with Mia. Even if he accepted me as his mate back then, I would have rejected him myself.

“Now, with everything cleared up, Dominic and I have to go get ready for our date!” Something inside me compels me to make this statement, causing Leo to let out a feral growl. Climbing from Dominic’s lap and to my feet, I feel my friend quickly stand up and wrap his arm around my waist. Leo is held back by Zack and Axel, the two telling Leo to back off and calm down. Blue unfortunately steps between us to keep his son away from me as Dominic and I make our way out of the pack house and into the front yard.

“Ask it.” I state, rolling my eyes as Dominic and I find ourselves away from the pack house, away from the many prying ears and eyes, and safe within the dense forest.

“A date, Amberle?” Dominic asks in a whisper, pulling us to a stop and bringing me closer to his body. I can feel his eyes focused on me, waiting patiently for an answer that I have a hard time putting into words. My cheeks grow hot in the winter air, knowing full well that Dominic can see the blush that now spreads across my face. Taking a deep breath, I decide to admit the truth.

“It…it felt right calling tonight, what I have planned for your birthday, a date,” I answer honestly, turning to look at Dominic. I find myself barely able to breathe as our eyes meet, his ice-blue gaze swirling with many emotions that I know are meant only for me. I find myself trapped in a trance I didn’t want to escape from as Dominic rests his forehead on top of mine.

“When Leo caused that scene, everything I said was instinct, that taking you on a date felt right.” I continue, my voice a whisper in the quiet night, as if anything louder would ruin my moment. In the blink of an eye, I find myself wedged between the trunk of a sturdy tree and Dominic, our bodies flush against each other in a way that nothing could tear us apart from one another. His right arm is wrapped around my waist, keeping me trapped against him, as his left hand grasps my fiery locks, pulling my hair gently until my head is tilted towards him. His lips descend onto mine in a possessive kiss, filled with passion and… Love?

My eyes widen for a moment in shock until the reality of the pain that would usually accompany me because of the waning mate bond is non-existent. My arms instinctively wrap around Dominic, my lips moving in sync with his as I accept his kiss. That’s when I feel it, the sparks. A mouth-watering scent surrounds me and tingles from where Dominic’s skin touches mine, igniting a feeling in me that I haven’t felt for a long time.

“Mate!” He whispers loudly against our kiss, the shock having both of us pull back as the revelation of what he just said settles into our minds. Mate, we are each other’s second-chance mate. Tears begin to fall down my cheeks as our lips crash together once again, this time both of us being able to use this gesture to show the feelings we’ve kept pent up for the last year and a half. These feelings were for each other alone. Love, hope, happiness, and relief fill me, knowing that I’m with a man who has been there for me since we first met. This is the man who, after knowing my true identity as the wolf that stole from him, still trusted me with his whole being. I finally have a mate who I know, without any sliver of a doubt, will love me for the rest of our lives. Now that both of us are finally free from our own rejected pasts, I have Dominic, and he will always have me.