Two

The Full Moon Rejection and a Rival's Mockery

Summer's POV

I wonder, "What if Luna's right?" as I toss and turn in my bed. The memory of Jackson's cold, vacant stare when he rejected me and the echo of Amelia's cruel laughter haunt my thoughts. Does rejection always feel like this, like a sharp, stabbing pain in my chest?

Throughout the night, my head throbs, and my heart races, as if they're engaged in a relentless battle. I can't help but recall the chilling rumors about female werewolves succumbing to death or madness from the pain of rejection by their mates. The stories that once seemed like empty threats now manifest as a palpable fear.

Tears roll down my cheeks, and I whisper to myself, "Maybe I'm destined for that same fate." Luna's gentle voice comforts, "Just listen to me." I want to scream at Luna, I hold back, understanding that taking it out on her won't ease my anguish.

I drag myself out of my room, feeling like a zombie. It’s the day after the moon night which means Jackson has to talk to all of us about important things for the pack. If I’m being honest, I don’t want to face anyone right now, especially not Jackson. What if he sees me? What if he smells the rejection on me?

But as I step out of my room, I come face to face with Amelia’s nerve wracking face. She’s wearing a smug grin that makes me want to punch her. What does she want now? Amelia’s two friends are here too, smiling menacingly. These girls are so silly they have no mind of their own. They just follow Amelia like sheep.

I try to avoid eye contact with them, hoping they’ll leave me alone. But I feel their mocking eyes. I can hear their whispers, their snickers, their insults.

I try to sidestep Amelia but she blocks my path, pushing me back with her hand. Of course, the idiot wants trouble this morning. She leans in close to my ear and whispers, “How are you taking the rejection?” She says it with such a sweet tone, but I can hear the mockery dripping in her voice like venom. Her friends burst into laughter and my heart pounds faster. I just fold my arms across my chest and stare straight at the arena, trying to ignore them.

“W-What… why would you reject me?” Amelia mimics me, clutches her chest, and falls to her knees just like I did yesterday. She even adds a fake sob for effect. I swear I wish I never even went to the moon ceremony last night. Now, I’m the spectacle of laughter for these evil girls. Who knows what the rest of the pack will think of me right now. They probably think I’m a pathetic loser who can’t even keep her mate.

“I don’t have time for this,” I say through gritted teeth, stepping around her and heading to the arena, leaving their laughter behind. But it doesn’t end there. As I take my seat like everyone else, ignoring the stares of others, Amelia and her minions don’t let go as they all sit next to me. They keep whispering, taunting, saying Jackson's better off without me.

I wish they'd just leave me alone, and I wish Jackson would admit his mistake.

I wish it were all a bad dream. Jackson stands up, clad in a black leather jacket and jeans, exuding a serious and authoritative aura, like a true alpha. He clears his throat and addresses the pack. “There’s been some concerning attacks happening around here and I and the elders believe it’s the work of a rogue wolf. We need to start working towards protecting ourselves more than ever.”

Amelia raises her hand, as she stares at me with malice in her eyes. She’s wearing a tight red dress that shows off her curves, trying to catch Jackson’s attention. She doesn’t care about the pack, she only cares about herself. “What if the danger here is Summer?” she asks, pointing at me.

The whole arena erupts in gasps, muttering and giggles. Eyes bear suspicion, I'm a pariah, outcast, traitor.

“Amelia–” Jackson tries to calm the situation, but Amelia cuts him off.

“It’s true!” Amelia shouts. “We know all these things has been happening before Alpha Jackson rejected Summer but it’s safe to say Summer’s rejection could bring more harm to us. She’s cursed now.”

She says it with such conviction, as if she knows something I don’t. As if she has proof that I’m the rogue wolf. But I’m not. I’m innocent. I’m loyal. I’m one of them.

Tears blur my vision as I stare daggers at Amelia. I want to clench my hands around her neck until she can’t breathe anymore at this point. I just don’t know why she’s had it out for me for years, since I joined the pack as an orphan.

“Shut up!” I scream.

“But I’m right,” Amelia shrugs and gives me a fake smile. “Besides, she’s worthless now. Who wants a rejected mate?”

I gasp, looking at Jackson to say something but he only stares blankly at me then looks away. His eyes are cold and distant, like he doesn’t care about me at all. “Amelia, that’s not the matter at hand now,” he says in a bored tone.

Why isn’t he saying something? Why isn’t he defending me? I fight to maintain my composure, my knuckles white as I clench my fists, determined not to give Amelia the satisfaction of seeing me break down.

“Like I was saying, we need to learn how to protect ourselves more. I’ll be regrouping people based on their strengths,” Jackson says. He starts calling out names and assigning them to different groups. I don’t pay attention, I just want to get out of here.

When the pack meeting ends, I speed walk my way out of the arena. I feel their judgy eyes.

“Summer!” Someone calls me and I turn to see Jackson’s younger sister, Mia. She’s one of the nice ones here in the pack and never acts like she’s one of the strong werewolves of the pack.

“Don’t worry about Amelia, okay?” Mia says. She has red hair and you can tell from her black roots she dyed it. She’s wearing a pink sweater and jeans, looking cute and innocent.

“Why? She’s right, isn’t she? I’m worthless now,” I say bitterly.

“No, you’re not. You’re amazing and kind and smart and beautiful. You don’t deserve this,” Mia says, hugging me.

“Thanks, Mia. You’re very sweet,” I say, feeling a little better.

“You're welcome, and guess what? Jackson is an idiot for rejecting you. He doesn’t know what he’s missing,” Mia says, pulling back and looking at me with sympathy.

“Yeah, well, he made his choice. And so did I,” I say, trying to sound brave.

“What do you mean?” Mia asks, tilting her head.

Suddenly, we hear Jackson calling Mia’s name. We turn and see him walking towards us. “Mia, come on.” Jackson says.

“Okay, okay. I’m coming,” Mia says.

“I’ll see you later, okay?”

I nod. She runs towards Jackson. He puts his arm around her shoulder, leading her away with a look of curiosity, regret, and longing before doing so.

I watch them go, feeling confused and hurt. What was that look; does he still have feelings for me, or is he just playing with me?