Share

Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate
Author: Anniebel

The refusal

Author: Anniebel
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-23 06:06:03

Melissa POV

As I stood at the edge of the meadow, there was a flurry of apprehensive murmurs mixed with excitement. Everyone in the Moonvalley Pack looked forward to the yearly mating ceremony, but I found it to be an anxious occasion. I looked around the crowd, hoping to see someone I knew or feel some comfort, but my heart was thumping in my chest.

I clasped my hands together and muttered to myself, "I can't believe this day is finally here."

My buddy Lily nudged me and said, "Melissa, don't look so nervous. You'll be fine." Who knows? Perhaps you'll be matched with an incredible person.

I attempted a smile, but deep down, I was knotted up with apprehension. Every wolf fantasized about being selected as a mate, but what would happen if my partner rejected me? What if I was turned down by them? I was afraid of the thought.

I glanced around, taking in the other aspirants, and then my gaze fell upon Storm Pack Alpha Dennis Bruce. With only his presence, he commanded attention as he stood tall. With a sense of superiority, he surveyed the throng with his icy blue eyes. His dark hair played in the wind, giving him an even more menacing appearance. I swallowed.

"Do you suppose he'll make love to someone today? Lily, noticing my attention, whispered.

"I... I'm not sure," I stumbled. It didn't seem feasible to be paired with someone like Dennis. He was strong, and powerful, and exuded an aura that attracted others to him. But me, I was just Melissa Roger, a shy, quiet wolf who didn't often draw attention to herself.

"All right! The matches are about to be announced! The gathering went hushed as the elder's voice roared.

As the elder started listing the pairs, my heart raced. The fortunate wolves felt a rush of anticipation and optimism with every name shouted out.

The elder yelled out, "Dennis Bruce," and everyone turned to look at him. Dennis was still, expressionless.

"Plus... Melissa Roger."

I blinked, startled. My mind kept repeating the phrase. Dennis was assigned to me? The Storm Pack's Alpha?

Everything appeared to stop for a second. I felt the mating bond solidify, causing my breath to become stuck in my throat. I was drawn to him like I was being pulled by an unseen thread. My heart pounded with anticipation and anxiety simultaneously.

With hope shining in my eyes, I glanced up at him. Dennis turned to face me, and we made eye contact. But what I got was a chilly shudder down my spine, not the warmth or connection I had anticipated. His eyes were distant, icy, and nearly irrational.

I cautiously moved forward, waiting for him to say something, but the words that came out of his mouth broke my heart.

Dennis continued, his voice cold and flat, "I reject you."

How come? “With a sinking heart, I whispered.

He said, "You heard me," louder so that everyone could hear. "I, Dennis Bruce, Storm Pack Alpha, decline to be my partner Melissa Roger."

I felt hundreds of eyes on me, burning with astonishment and sympathy as the audience gasped. My entire body froze. My heart broke into a million pieces, and the world around me became hazy and unclear.

"B-but why? I stumbled, speaking in a scarcely audible whisper.

Dennis smirked. "Observe yourself. Weak, miserable, and not worthy to be my partner. Someone worthy of Luna, someone stronger, is what I deserve. Not you.

His remarks cut like a blade through me. Tears were starting to form in my eyes, but I was determined not to let them fall. Not in this place. Not in front of all the people.

I turned and ran without saying anything more. I had to flee, even though I had no idea where I was heading. I ran into the forest, tears clouding my vision, and the sounds of the muttering crowd faded behind me.

Deep in the woods was where I finally found myself, but I had no idea how far I had run. I was surrounded by the comforting smell of earth and pine, but it didn't bring much solace. I broke down on the woodland floor, sobbing into my hands as my legs gave out.

"How is this possible to happen? With a pounding heart from embarrassment and rejection, I muttered to myself. "Why me?"

Dennis had discarded the bond without giving it much thought, even though it had seemed so strong and genuine. I had the impression that the rejection was weighing heavily on my chest and that I was having trouble breathing.

A snarl sounded across the trees, startling me out of my reverie. My heart was racing when I looked up, but this time it was because of fear.

A lone wolf emerged from the darkness; its eyes gleaming menacingly. It was bigger than I was, and it had a sneer on its face.

My whole body went paralyzed. I lacked the strength to repel it.

With its razor-sharp claws aimed at my neck, the rogue sprang for me. With almost no time to respond, I raised my arms in self-defense. I was forced to the ground by its weight, and I could feel its sharp claws tearing through my flesh.

I let out a scream, attempting to ignore it, but it was too powerful. I knew I wasn't going to have much time left when I felt its hot breath on my neck.

I was ready to give in when I saw a flash of fur and it tackled the rogue off me. My vision blurred as I struggled to comprehend what was occurring and gulped for air.

The new wolf, bigger and more powerful than the old one, gave the rogue a fight I had never seen before. The rogue was vanquished and sent to the ground in a matter of moments.

I blinked to attempt to get my vision back. The big wolf transformed back into a man, showing a man with intense green eyes and dark hair.

"Who are you? I croaked, the pain weakening my voice.

Beside me, the man knelt, his face expressionless. "My name is Damon," he uttered. "You're lucky that I arrived in time."

The pain from my wounds shot through me, making me wince. Damon scowled as his gaze shifted to the wounds.

His voice was firm but not cruel as he stated, "You shouldn't have been out here alone."

My voice was unsteady as I murmured, "I... didn't expect this." "I was merely—"

Rejected? With a little softening of his eyes, Damon concluded. "I am aware. I was told.

My pupils expanded. "How do you...?"

Damon stood up and extended his hand to me, saying, "I know more than you think, Melissa." "Your rejection isn't solely a result of your weakness. Greater factors are at work.

I scowled as I attempted to interpret what he had said. "What are you trying to say?"

Damon looked around, his face tight. "Be careful; I don't have time to explain anything right now. There are entities in the Storm Pack and Moonvalley that desire for you to fail.

A shiver went down my spine. However, why me?"

When Damon's gaze locked with mine, I briefly sensed something: worry? Sadness? "You'll learn the truth in due time. But remain hidden for the time being. Things are going to get risky soon.

I was left alone and perplexed when Damon changed back into his wolf form and vanished into the forest before I had a chance to ask any more questions.

My arm started to hurt badly as I tried to make sense of it all. I gasped as I peered down. The rogue's wound was glowing, very faintly but visible.

I was filled with fear and perplexity as I peered at it in shock. What was it that I was experiencing?

The faint glow pulsed again, leaving me wondering if this was just the beginning of something far bigger than I could imagine.

Related chapters

  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    Coming of age

    Melissa POVWith heavy footsteps, I made my way back to the Moonvalley Packhouse. I felt distinct from everything around me. The wind felt harsher across my skin, and the trees were taller. Every scent was more potent, every sound more distinct. My senses were more awake than they had ever been."What's going on with me? I muttered to myself, uncomfortable.I could hear the voices inside the packhouse before I even got close to the door. What should have been far-off murmurs turned into open discussions. I could even distinguish the distinct, powerful smell of each member of the group.Bewildered by the rush of feelings, I stopped at the door. Was this a result of the biting rogue? Was I evolving? I tried to relax myself by pressing my hand to my chest as my heart raced."What about Melissa? I was startled by a voice and turned to see Lily standing close by, her worried expression on her face."Are you alright? You observe... distinct," she remarked, scrutinizing me with narrowed eyes

    Last Updated : 2024-10-23
  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    A fresh partnership

    Melissa POVI was consumed by thoughts of what the elders had shared with me. The demise of my parents wasn't an accident. There was only one person I could ask for more information, and that someone was Lucas. He was the one who understood more about my parents than anyone else, and he had always supported me.He was reclining against a tree on the forest's edge when I discovered him, his expression thoughtful. He gave me a half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as I approached."Melissa," he whispered as he moved in closer. "What is happening? You observe... concerned.I bit my lip, not knowing where to begin. I have a question for you, Lucas. It concerns my parents.Lucas's eyebrows immediately furrowed as his expression shifted. "Your folks? Why this time?""I learned something from the elders... something that is illogical. They claimed that my parents were embroiled in a risky situation. Are you familiar with that?"Lucas paused, glancing at the floor before responding. "Yo

    Last Updated : 2024-10-23
  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    Revealed betrayal

    Melissa POVThe two packs were becoming more and more tense. Even in the absence of conflict, every day seemed like a struggle. But it was Raven that was causing me trouble. I was unable to continue to ignore his tactics since they were getting more and more blatant.He was speaking to a bunch of wolves when I observed him strolling through the pack's area; his voice was believable and low. They nodded in agreement as though he—and not Dennis—was their leader, clearly ready to listen to him.Why do people want to follow him so badly? I murmured to myself as I observed from a distance."Because he poses a threat," a well-known voice replied from behind me.I looked around and saw Lucas approaching me. He looked serious, more serious than usual. He came to a stop beside me and looked over at Raven.I have been investigating him, Melissa. I believe he is connected to a negative activity. Incredibly awful.I scowled. "What are you trying to say?"Lucas gently continued, "I've been looking

    Last Updated : 2024-10-23
  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    Struggle to survive

    Melissa POVThe air was calm and frigid in the early morning. Something was off; I had a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. There had been rumors of an impending attack for days, which had made the pack anxious. But nobody anticipated it happening so quickly.Abruptly, I heard someone shout in the distance. With my pulse pounding, I ran toward the sound. Dennis was standing close to the forest's edge, his face blanched with astonishment and his chest heaving. His arm was covered in blood, but it wasn't his."What took place? Breathlessly, I rushed to his side and asked.Dennis clenched his jaw, rage blazing in his eyes. "Raven... He attempted to kill me.My heart fell. "Are you serious?"Dennis whispered, "Serious as death," as he wiped the blood from his arm. "I got duped by one of my men. An ambush occurred. I would not be alive if I hadn't been faster.I looked around to see if there were any more warning indications. But it was silent for the moment. Far too silent."He refu

    Last Updated : 2024-11-04
  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    Storm’s heart

    Melissa POVIt was a chilly and tense night. As Lucas and I stood in the clearing and stared forward at the dark jungle, my heart was pounding. Dennis was being held captive somewhere in Raven's fortress, and it was up to us to free him. But my mind was racing as we got ready for the task.My emotions were jumbled. My partner Dennis, the one I was meant to be with. He was extremely proud and difficult to approach. Then there was Damon, who was always there for me, encouraging and teasingly revealing emotions I wasn't sure I was ready to deal with. Lucas, too... the constant, dependable presence that, until recently, I hadn't even realized was there for me. Regarding each of them, how did I feel? I was tormented by the uncertainty."Are you prepared for this? Damon interrupted, jolting me out of my reverie.I swallowed my doubt and nodded. Indeed. Dennis has to be saved.Lucas nodded comfortingly at me from his position to my left. "We'll manage to free him. Raven won't recognize what

    Last Updated : 2024-11-04
  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    Revealing secrets

    Melissa’s POVI felt the weight of Raven's message bear down on me as I clutched his note in my palm. As I explained the contents of the letter to Damon and Lucas, they stood beside me, their faces tight.I muttered, my fingers shaking, "He said... my lineage holds a secret that could destroy both packs."Damon's hand extended to rest on my shoulder as his eyes grew softer. "We'll work this out, Melissa. I will not allow you to suffer any harm. But first, we need answers.Lucas looked intently as he nodded. Perhaps it's time to research your ancestry. You don't have any knowledge of your forefathers, do you?Slowly, I shook my head. "No, all I know is fragments. My parents never talked about much. However, we must find out the truth if Raven's claims are accurate.I could feel the warmth of Damon's confidence as his hold tightened. Then, collectively, let's find out. We'll find whatever is hidden.I gazed at them both, with a peculiar mixture of appreciation and perplexity. Their enco

    Last Updated : 2024-11-16
  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    The increasing influence

    Melissa’s POVThe library echoed with the growls of the rogue wolves as they continued to close in. As my hands began to glow golden once more, my only thought was to keep my friends safe.As Dennis had said, I tried to focus and channel the energy by closing my eyes. Gradually, I visualized a wall erecting around us, a shield of defence that would deter the outlaws. The light intensified, and all of a sudden, I sensed an invisible wall of power pulsing outward.The wolves yelled in astonishment as they were flung backwards after running into it. As the shield held firm for a few while, I gasped and felt a wave of tiredness sweep over me. However, the light around my hands quickly faded as my knees gave way and I staggered.I was caught by Damon, who had worried eyes. "How are you, Melissa?"I was so exhausted that I could hardly stand. I gripped his arm and muttered, "I... I think so." "However, using my power drains me so much."Looking around, Lucas saw the outlaws fleeing. However

    Last Updated : 2024-11-16
  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    The confrontation

    Melissa’s POVThe woodland was silent, with shadows reaching between the trees and the only sound being my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I took a deep breath and tried to stabilize myself. I was here alone to meet Raven. I wanted answers I needed them but I was afraid of what he might say.Then I saw him. Raven emerged from behind a tree, his eyes flashing in the dark light. His smile was piercing and unnerving, sending shivers down my spine."Melissa," he said, his tone low and silky. "I knew you'd come.""I came for answers, Raven. Nothing else," I answered, attempting to maintain my tone.Raven chuckled and tilted his head. "Oh, I'll give you answers... but you may not like them."I gulped, but my gaze remained on his. "Then start talking."He took a step closer, staring at me with weird intensity. "You come from a line of powerful wolves, Melissa. Your ancestors weren't ordinary, they could alter the destiny of entire packs. They could bring prosperity... or destroy everything."

    Last Updated : 2024-11-16

Latest chapter

  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    Ultimatum of the void

    Melissa’s POVThe clearing's air felt heavy as if the entire world had paused to listen. With their eyes focused on the unfamiliar man in front of them, the pack formed a tense circle. The presence of the messenger sent by the Void was poisonous.It was only partially human. Its eyes were two black pits that appeared to stare straight through me, and its grey skin was pulled taut over jagged bones. Its voice, like a serpent creeping into my ears, was frigid as it spoke.The emissary's tiny lips curled into a sort of smile as it said, "I come with an offer." "Your bundle is of no interest to the Void. It solely looks for the girl.A shiver went through my body. Everyone was aware of "the girl."Melissa? Gregor stepped forward and inquired, his voice a little shaky.The emissary turned to face me with a hollow expression and murmured, "Yes." The Void will spare the rest of you if you give her up. The army of the Void will destroy everything if you don't resist.There was a ripple of mur

  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    The rebellion of the park

    Melissa’s POVThe rumours were already spreading before I even went into the conference chamber. All heads turned to me as I pushed open the heavy wooden doors. I could feel the weight of their looks and the oppressive tension in the room.Someone whispered, "She's here."My legs felt heavy, but I forced myself to move forward. With his steady and comforting presence, Damon was at my side. However, he was powerless to stop what was about to happen.Gregor, an elder wolf, came forward. His eyes were as hard as stone, and his arm was bandaged from the training mishap. "Melissa," he stated in a firm, loud voice. "We must speak."I nodded and swallowed hard. "All right."Gregor started by saying, "You've guided us through some difficult times." But this—this is something else. The episode from yesterday demonstrated your loss of control. You pose a threat to us.A wave of murmuring went across the room, and I felt my heart drop.I trembled as I said, "I didn't mean to hurt anyone." "I'm e

  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    A dangerous transportation

    Melissa’s POVThe first thing I noticed when I woke up was the silence. It wasn’t the calm, peaceful sort. No, it felt thick, and tense, like the air was holding its breath. I blinked, peering up at the wooden beams of the ceiling. My body felt strange—light and heavy all at once.Melissa?” Damon’s voice broke through my haze. I turned my head to see him seated next to me, his face pallid and tight with worry.“I’m… I’m fine,” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure whether it was true. I pulled myself up, but a rush of disorientation made me falter. Damon was there in an instant, steadying me.“You collapsed during the ritual,” he added, his voice low. "Everyone was scared of you."I spoke slowly as if I were dragging my words through molasses, "I had to finish it."Damon looked at my face for a moment before answering. "You seem different in some way.""What are you saying?"Kael and Liora showed up at the doorway before he could respond. Kael seemed suspicious, his eyes narrowing as he g

  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    The cost domination

    Melissa’s POVWith the amulet glowing dimly in my hands, I sat on the edge of my bed. I was still troubled by the vision from earlier—the power, the darkness, the warped me. I kept worrying that this artefact—the very item we had put our lives in danger to recover—might prove to be my downfall.I was startled out of my reverie by a gentle knock on my door. Melissa? Damon spoke in a soft but tentative tone.I said, my voice just above a whisper, "Come in."With an anxious look on his face, he entered. You haven't said anything since we returned. What's happening?"I looked down at the amulet and hesitated. "I noticed something, Damon. I got a glimpse of the future when I touched this. A terrible future.”His brow furrowed, and he sat beside me. “What kind of vision?"I took a deep breath. “I saw myself… consumed by the Void. It was like I wasn’t me anymore. I was… something else. Something dark.”Damon reached out and placed a hand over mine, steadying me. “Melissa, it was just a visio

  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    A surprise attack

    Melissa’s POVThe red eyes of the shadows glowed like embers as they raced toward us. They surrounded us, their claws tearing at the air, and their growls sent chills down my spine.“Behind you, Melissa! I whirled just in time to avoid a creature's strike as Damon's voice erupted. I tightened my hold on the shimmering amulet, feeling its warmth pulse in my hand, my heart racing.As a wolf, Kael growled and lunged toward the closest shadow. The thing dissipated into mist and reformed seconds after his claws ripped through it."They simply never stop coming! Damon yelled as he swung his blade in broad arcs to block another wave.Liora shouted, "Keep moving!" in a steady, crisp voice. They cannot ensnare us here! She moved quickly and precisely as she stabbed one of the beasts with her blade.But despite our best efforts, the shadows persisted. They went on and on."To your left, Kael!It was already too late when I screamed. He was attacked by a shadow that scoured his side with its claw

  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    The prohibited custom

    Melissa’s POVI sat on the edge of my bed and gazed at the moonlit sky outside my window. I had a heavy heart, but I was determined. Even though the ritual was risky, it was my best chance to free myself and everyone I cared about from the Void's hold.I was startled by a gentle knock on my door. Liora was sneaking inside, her dark cloak blending with the darkness, when I turned around.I said in a low voice so no one could hear, "You came."With her sharp green eyes meeting mine, she answered, "I don't have much time." "You must realize what is at stake if we are to proceed."With a dry throat, I nodded. "Explain the ritual to me."Liora, whose voice was hardly more than a whisper, came across the room and sat across from me. “The ritual requires an artefact powerful amulet hidden deep within the Forbidden Woods. It’s the only thing that can sever the Void’s connection to you. But retrieving it won’t be easy.”“The Forbidden Woods…” I shivered at the name. Everyone in the pack knew i

  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    The surprising friend

    Melissa’s POVWith my arms folded tightly across my chest, I stood close to the meeting room. The air was nearly oppressively tense. I didn't want another surprise after everything that transpired last night. However, Kael had precisely that in mind for us.As he entered the hall with a woman by his side, Kael declared, "She's here to help."I had never seen a stranger like this before. Tall and slender, she had piercing green eyes that seemed to be able to see every secret we were keeping. She had short black hair, and the pack shift felt uneasy around her because of the danger she exuded.“This is Liora, everyone,” Kael added. Despite being a rogue wolf, she is knowledgeable about the Void that we are not. She is, in my opinion, the secret to beating it."A rebel? From the rear of the room, someone whispered."We cannot rely on her!” another voice called out.“She’s here to help,” Kael continued, his tone stern. “We don’t have the luxury of turning away allies right now.”Liora step

  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    Fractured trust

    Melissa’s POV“Kael, we need to talk. Now!” I snapped, storming toward him.Kael looked up from the circle of sigils he had been studying, his face calm but his eyes heavy with unspoken words. “What is it, Melissa?”“What is it?” I said, my voice rising. “You knew, didn’t you? You knew something about my family and the Void. You knew this curse was tied to my bloodline, and you didn’t tell me!”He groaned, massaging the back of his neck. “Melissa, I didn’t know for sure. I had suspicions, yes, but I didn’t want to burden you with something I couldn’t prove.”“Suspicions?!” My voice shook with rage. “You let me walk into this blind! You let me believe these sigils were just marks of power when all along they were a curse, binding me to that... that thing!”Kael walked nearer, his demeanour softening. “I was trying to protect you. You’ve already been through so much, Melissa. I didn’t want to add to your pain unless I was certain.”I took a step back, folding my arms tightly over my che

  • Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate    A linage of betrayal

    Melissa’s POVThe air around me crackled with dark energy as the Void’s voice slithered into my mind.“See your legacy, Melissa. Witness the truth your bloodline has hidden for generations.”Before I could react, my vision blurred, and the world around me shifted. I stood in an ancient clearing surrounded by towering trees, their twisted branches clawing at the sky. Shadows flickered like living things, and in the centre of the clearing, two figures knelt before a swirling black vortex.One of them, a woman with the same fiery hair as mine, clutched a small child to her chest.“Please,” she begged, her voice trembling. “Spare my pack. I’ll give you anything.”The vortex’s voice bellowed, dark and booming. “Anything, you say? Then I will claim your bloodline. Your descendants will carry my mark and fulfil my purpose.”“No!” I cried, but my voice was drowned out by the woman’s cries as she bowed in acquiescence.The Void pushed forward, surrounding the lady and her child in tendrils of

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status