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Chapter 55
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ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 56
Chapter Fifty-sixJack's POVUnder the tall mountain, the people assemble. I look around, noting the sombre expression that they all wear. The pack seems considerably smaller, and the absence of some of the strong men in the pack seems almost impossible to ignore. Again, the dreadful feeling of failure washes over me and for the first time ever, I doubt my ability to govern, to lead and to protect. But when I look into the faces of my people, I see in their eyes trepidation and snatches of hope and trust that give me the strength to go ahead, even though the only thing that I want to do is run and hide. “The gods had blessed us this season with good crops and a great bounty from our hunts. Our women birthed without the doom of death.”“We had remained safe and happy here until the humans attacked a few days ago.” I take a deep breath as the memory flashes, as well as the screams and painful cries.“We have tried to stay as far away from the humans as possible, but it would appear
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 57
Chapter Fifty SevenJenna's POVFor three days, I journey through the forest, and with my lack of direction, what should have probably taken a day or two ends up taking several days.Having learnt my lesson from my first attempt at abduction, I avoid lighting fires at night, instead, I shift and, in my wolf form, pass the night on trees.I've also gotten better at hunting and even managed to catch a deer on my own. I have managed to keep my stomach full throughout the journey. Veronica's blade is my only companion on the dreary, lonely journey. On the fourth day, I decide that I will stop wandering aimlessly and try to be more intentional about the direction that I am headed. I take note of the trees, noting that the denser and thicker the trees, the more likely that I am in the heart of the forest; however, the lighter, taller trees signal that I could be heading towards habitation.I also make marks on the trees that I pass with the help of Veronica's blade, so I'd know if I were
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 58
Chapter Fifty EightJenna's POVThe humans were far ahead of us, creating items that bordered on the magical. If I didn't know better, I'd have thought them smart, but I understood that they'd used their knowledge for evil, creating weapons that could kill in seconds.I wondered if their weapons worked on them as much as they did on us.“So, Jenna, do you want to tell me a little about yourself? I could attempt to contact anyone you know, your family, or your spouse, so you wouldn't have to spend the night at a shelter with strangers.”Caroline continues to navigate her car, but I can tell that she's waiting for my response.“I think I'd like for you to take me to the shelter.”Alright then, the shelter it is. Caroline says. She doesn't ask me anymore questions, and I welcome the silence as I look out the window of her car.We pass by houses of different sizes and colours. Everywhere appears to be littered with houses. The more Caroline drives, the fewer trees there are, until the gre
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 59
Chapter Fifty NineJenna's POV“It's in your eyes, that sadness. I lost my papa too.” I say, commiserating with her. “I am sorry about your loss too. And even more so about the things that you have been through. Can you tell me what happened to you?” Elizabeth asks. “Can you remember?”I shake my head from side to side without looking up. “That's alright.” She says so in a gentle and understanding voice. “This is a safe place. You can stay here for as long as you like, until you are ready to look for your family or tell your story.”I look up into the woman's kind eyes and then turn to Caroline, whose smile is just as gentle and kind.I had expected the humans to be vicious and aggressive. Nothing had exactly prepared me for how kind they would be. “Meanwhile, allow me to call someone who will show you around.” Elizabeth steps towards the door and beckons someone over. She returns to the desk and flashes me a smile as she settles.A moment later, a young woman, much like myself, s
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 56
Chapter SixtyJenna's POVEleanor gives me a thorough tour of the place and takes her time to explain all the strange equipment, metals and fixtures. “This is the kitchen. Meals are prepared here. We store food in the silvery container, it keeps it cold for days, even weeks.”“The little box up there is the microwave. It warms up food real quick.”Eleanor moves out the door, and I follow suit, looking about as I try to acquaint myself with the facility. “This is the hallway.” Eleanor gestures towards the long passageway. “All of the sheltered women stay in rooms on either side of these halls.”She gives a sharp knock on one of the doors and calls out.“Hey Zoe!”Immediately, someone pushes open the door, and a little girl of about four leaps excitedly into Eleanor's arms.“Hello, sweet pumpkin.” Eleanor holds the little girl close and drops affectionate kisses on her cheeks and forehead.“Mon said you couldn't make it with us to the park.”“Yes, honey. I unfortunately couldn't, I ha
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 61
Chapter Sixty OneJenna's POV“Eleanor is right.” Maddie says. “Meeting someone who has passed through the same things you did or do makes you feel less alone. I'm glad you're here, Jenna.”All I manage at Maddie's words is a nod, because I feel a little ashamed about my lie. I have never experienced memory loss, but because I am in another part of the world where everything feels different, I have to tell a lie to be accepted.The humans do not like our kind; the attack on Zephyr's pack had been a solid proof of that. Eleanor nudges at me, bringing me back to the present to notice Maddie's expectant gaze.“You're right. I have a feeling that we will get along swimmingly.” Apparently, the nod had not sufficed.“Yes, we will.”“Why wouldn't you? Maddie has the most adorable daughter.” Eleanor says the same time Zoe emerges out of the bathroom in a cute little dress that compliments her hair.“You're so pretty, Zoe.” Eleanor says as she picks her up and kisses her cheeks.Zoe giggles.“
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 62
Chapter Sixty TwoJenna's POVDinner is ruccous in a way that the humans seem to enjoy. Everyone talks at the same time, and even though they seem to be free with one another, they still seem to have their one favourite people.Zoe, Eleanor, and Maddie seem to form their own trio, and they are more than happy to add me to their little company.I spot Elizabeth at the other corner of the room, who has dinner with women that look her age. She waves at me and smiles, and I smile back.“Jen, you should try pasta with corn, I bet you'd love it.”“Ignore Maddie and her weird food combo.” Eleanor says with a smile.“Allow the young girl to live a little.” Maddie retorts, and I chuckle.The pasta tastes a little bland, not as good as the one that Veronica had prepared. The thought of Veronica soils my mood a little.I wonder about her and about whether she has returned to the pack. I wonder whether there's a good chance that I will see her here… That I would find her.“You okay?” Eleanor asks
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 63
Chapter Sixty ThreeJenna's POV “What are you talking about?” Eleanor asks, her face registering nothing but confusion. But I know better than to fall for that.I don't say another word but make my way up the bunk bed, promising to find answers tomorrow, when I have been well rested.“Look, Jenna. I'm not sure what circumstances led to your memory loss, but I wouldn't stand being attacked here. Like you mentioned, this is a safe place for women, and I wouldn't allow you to make it anything less than that.”“How did you know what I was thinking back there at dinner?”“In case you aren't aware, we can gauge people's thoughts through nonverbal cues. I have a certificate in human development for a reason. Don't you ever threaten me again.” Eleanor says, sounding like she means every word.For a second, I wonder whether I had been truly wrong about her. Knowing fully well that I wouldn't win the battle by showing all my cards, I decide to play by her tactics.“I am very sorry about the wa
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ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 158
Jack's POV The house is too quiet, even with the faint hum of activity outside. The younger ones explore the space, their laughter and chatter muffled by the walls. It feels wrong—unnatural—to hear those sounds without the rustling of leaves or the distant howls of the pack in the background. Eldris stands in the doorway, his arms crossed and that familiar, calculating look on his face. He doesn’t say anything right away, but I can feel the weight of whatever’s on his mind. “What is it?” I ask, leaning back against the worn chair. “The younger ones,” he starts, stepping into the room and sitting across from me. “They’re restless. Eager to learn. I’ve been teaching them what I can, but it’s not enough. Jack, we need to consider sending them to school.” The words hit me like a blow. “School?” I repeat, leaning forward. “You’re talking about sending our kids into human schools? Among them?” “Yes,” he says, his tone calm and resolute. My fingers tighten around the armrests. “Y
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 157
Jack’s POVThe days pass in a blur of unease and fascination. Each morning, we wake to a world that feels alien—smooth floors beneath our feet, no damp earth or leaves clinging to our skin. The house itself is strange, with its glowing orbs that light up the night and its doors that shut with a tightness that keeps the wind and cold completely at bay. On the first day, Eldris shows us how to use the objects around us. He calls them “appliances.” A box that keeps food cold without ice, a stove that heats without fire, and strange fixtures in the walls that bring water at the twist of a handle. It’s all overwhelming, but there’s no denying how useful these things are. For the pack, adapting to human ways is harder than I expected. Eating from plates with knives and forks feels unnatural, but Eldris insists we must. “If you want to pass as human, you must live like them,” he tells us. “They eat with tools, not their hands. They use furniture, not the ground.” At first, the pack res
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 156
Jenna's POV The sharp crack of wood splintering jolts me awake, the sound echoing through the inn like a gunshot. My wolf growls deep inside me, her instincts flaring to life. Something is wrong. I’m out of bed in an instant, yanking open my door just as Eleanor appears in the hallway, her expression grim and focused. “They’re here,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “Humans?” I ask, already knowing the answer. She nods, her gaze darting toward the stairs. “Armed. Council dogs."My blood runs cold. The council wasn’t wasting time—they’d sent their human hunters to flush us out. “Wake Caleb and Mia,” I say, my voice hard. “I’ll find Greta." Eleanor nods and disappears down the hall as I race toward Greta’s room. The old wolf is already awake, her sharp eyes scanning the darkness. She doesn’t ask questions—she doesn’t need to. “We’re under attack,” I tell her. “You need to take Mia and run. Get her out of here." Greta frowns, her jaw tightening. “And leave you behind?
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 155
Jenna’s POVThe soft knock at my door jolts me awake, my wolf stirring restlessly at the disturbance. The inn is usually quiet at this hour, but the urgency in the sound puts me on edge. I swing my legs off the bed and pad to the door, opening it to find Eleanor. She stands with her arms crossed, her eyes holding a strange mix of calm and tension. “Come with me,” she says softly, gesturing for me to follow. I don’t question her. Something in her tone tells me this isn’t about the spy we’d uncovered earlier—it’s something else. I throw on a sweater and trail her down the creaky stairs, out the back door, and into the crisp night air. Eleanor leads me toward the cluster of trees at the edge of the inn’s property. There, in the faint moonlight, two figures emerge—a young man and a woman, their clothes worn and their faces etched with fatigue. “They showed up tonight,” Eleanor says, stopping a few steps away from them. “They need help." I glance between the strangers and Eleanor, my
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 154
Jack's POV The forest opens before us, the dense canopy giving way to the edges of human civilization. For days, we’ve trudged through the wilderness, the ground uneven and slick with fallen leaves, but now the terrain changes. The air smells different—cleaner yet tinged with the faint aroma of smoke and something else I can’t place. Ahead, Eldris halts and raises his hand, signalling us to stop. His sharp eyes scan the horizon, and I follow his gaze. Just beyond the treeline, the human settlement comes into view. It’s nothing like I expected. “Is that... brick?” Violet whispers, her voice unsteady. She steps forward, her amber eyes wide with disbelief, her usual guarded demeanour replaced with genuine curiosity. I nod slowly, though I can hardly believe it myself. The structure ahead is a small house, built from smooth red bricks that seem unnaturally uniform. The roof is sloped, its tiles perfectly aligned, and a strange reflective material covers the windows. The whole thing lo
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 153
Jack's POV The forest breathes with life as dawn breaks, the air crisp and laden with the earthy scent of dew-soaked leaves. I rise before the others, my senses attuned to every sound. The pack sleeps in scattered clusters, their forms wrapped in blankets and cloaks against the chill. Last night’s feast brought a rare sense of calm, but it won’t last. It never does. I stretch, my muscles tight from days of travel, and take a moment to survey the clearing. Eldris is awake too, perched on a fallen log near the edge of the camp. His eyes are distant, his posture stiff, as though he’s wrestling with thoughts; he doesn’t dare voice. It’s not unusual for him to keep to himself, but something about his demeanour today feels different. I approach him quietly, my footsteps deliberately light to avoid waking the others. He doesn’t flinch or startle as I sit beside him, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Couldn’t sleep?” I ask, breaking the silence. He shakes his head. “Not much use in it thes
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 152
Jack's POV The scent of the buck is sharp in the air, cutting through the familiar tang of the forest. My senses sharpen, every sound and movement amplified. Days of empty bellies and restless nights have made the pack restless, but this kill will change that. It has to. I raise a hand, signalling the pack to halt. “Quiet,” I whisper, my voice low and firm. They freeze behind me, their eagerness palpable, their breaths hushed. Eldris, as always, stays a step behind the group, watching with his usual calm detachment. His presence still stirs unease, though I’ve made it clear that he’s staying. His knowledge of the forest and Nightspire’s plans is too valuable. The buck comes into view—a magnificent creature, its antlers spreading wide, its body taut with strength. It grazes in a small clearing, blissfully unaware of the predators lurking just beyond the trees. My heart quickens, but my movements remain deliberate and precise. I glance back, meeting Violet’s eyes briefly. For a mome
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 151
Violet’s POV The pack trudges onward, exhaustion creeping into every step. Jack leads at the front, his movements steady despite the weariness I know he must feel. I linger near the back, my mind clouded not by fatigue but by the whispers of the tether. It coils around my thoughts like smoke, its voice soft and insidious. ‘Eldris doesn’t belong here,’ it murmurs. ‘He’s dangerous, a shadow in the fold.’I shake my head, trying to dispel the thoughts. But the tether persists, weaving doubt into every corner of my mind. It knows how to press against my insecurities, exploiting the fact that Eldris has been with us for days yet remains an enigma. When the pack pauses to rest near a shallow river, I feel the tether’s presence stronger than ever, a cold weight in my chest. Wolves fan out to gather firewood and prepare for the night, but I stay rooted in place, my gaze fixed on Eldris as he speaks quietly with Asa. ‘You should tell Jack,’ the tether urges. ‘Convince him to rid the pac
ALPHA REJECTION Chapter 150
Jack’s POVThe pack finally stops for a rest after hours of trekking through the dense forest. The sun hangs low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the clearing where we gather. The younger wolves sprawl out on the ground, exhaustion evident in their movements. Some older wolves take watch, their eyes scanning the tree line for any sign of danger. I stand near the edge of the group, observing, calculating, and trying to find a moment of peace in this chaos. Eldris, as always, is nearby, his presence a mixture of comfort and intrigue. He’s been with us for days now, ever since he arrived with news of Nightspire’s plan to declare war. His knowledge has proven invaluable, though I’ve yet to fully decide if I trust him. He has a way of knowing too much, of seeing too far ahead. Still, I can’t deny the truth in his words or the insight he’s offered. “Jack.” His voice breaks through my thoughts, low and deliberate. I turn to face him, finding his pale blue eyes already fixed on
