Chapter 4

Rejected. 

Denied. 

Jilted. 

Ditched. 

Familiar words in the vocabulary all held the same definition, but unfamiliar for the likes of a man such as myself who had everything: power, good looks and money. 

I've seen people get their hearts broken, boy or girl, by my own doing or not. And yet, my conscience couldn't make me feel guilty since I find it amusing how they cry and do reckless things all in the name of love. 

In my experience, I may have said 'I love you' to a girl too callously just to get in her pants, but I couldn't see the value of such words. In fact, the words were a loose term, as though giving a freebie or giving a candy to a kid. 

Love, in my world, was entirely a game that most of us gamble to win without having your heart put on the line, not facing the consequences of losing everything and having your heart burned to the fiery pits of hell. 

And here comes Karma. 

A five-letter word that centered on different beliefs and cultures, and yet spoke volumes. 

Karma reflects on your action: if you've done something bad or good, you get twice in return. It's that simple, plain logic. 

But for the past several hours in which I lied here in my bed, staring at the ceiling on a freaking Sunday, I asked myself what did I do wrong to have my mate deny me? 

Was this my Karma? 

Was this payback for all the hearts I've broken and left in the ditch to rot? 

A soft knock broke me out of my muddled thoughts. I had told them I didn't want to be bothered by anyone, be it family or pack members, I just wanted to be left alone and mope in peace. 

"Keller?" my sister, Zoey, asked softly behind the door. "Can I come in?" 

I didn't respond. Just go away! 

"Kellie boo?" she asked again, using the nickname she gave me. 

Again, I didn't respond. 

She sighed and said, "I'm coming in." 

Of course she would come in. My sister was also stubborn like me - a trait that runs in the family, unfortunately. 

I heard the door creak open and then close softly. Footsteps padded on my carpeted floor, and suddenly I felt something cold pressed on my cheek. 

I shoot up from my bed, startled. "What the hell, Zoey?!" 

Grinning, she shoved a tub of Ben and Jerry's in front of my face. "Something to cheer you up, bro." 

I rolled my eyes. The gesture was sweet, but I didn't feel like eating ice cream. I needed my mate, not some fucking dessert! 

"Thanks but no thanks," I declined. 

She sighed softly and sat next to me in the bed, still holding the tub of ice cream. Aside from my best friend, Marcus, Zoey and I had a close dysfunctional brother and sister relationship. One moment we were on each other's throats and the next thing you know, we were all cool, joking around as though nothing happened. 

I know it's weird, but I love her with all my heart. I wouldn't trade her for the world. 

Besides, she was my source of blackmail information just in case someone decides to mess with me. Zoey was known for digging information, down to the knitty gritty. 

She was that scary. 

Even Marcus was afraid of her. 

She angled her body so she was facing my profile view and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, squeezing it softly. 

"Kel," she started, "it's going to be alright." 

I snorted. "Yeah, right. My mate denied me and everything's going to be alright?" I asked sarcastically, still not looking at her. Then I continued, not giving her a chance to reply, "I don't think so." 

My sister's crazy. She's too optimistic for her own good. 

"Look at me," she demanded. 

I stayed still, not moving. Why can't she just leave me alone and go play happy couple with my stupid best friend? 

So what if I'm bitter? I'm entitled to be one! 

"I said look at me," she demanded again. God, she's so annoying! 

With a grunt, I slowly faced her and met her warm brown eyes that she inherited from our mother. I know my sister was trying to be helpful, but reasoning with a stubborn egotistical guy, especially  with Alpha blood, was a disaster waiting to happen. 

"Why don't you talk to her?" she suggested. "I'm sure she has a reason." 

I shook my head. "I don't know. She said I'm selfish, conceited, a player and an arrogant jerk." I smiled sarcastically when I added the most interesting part. "... And she hates me. She beat the crap out of me, remember?" 

The excruciating pain from being kneed in the family jewels was still fresh in my mind and I cringed. Damn, that hurt. 

She smiled, still not giving up. "Just try talking to her, okay? Are you just going to give up?" 

Good question. Am I just going to let this go? The way I see it, she didn't give me a solid reason why she freaking jilted me, so this changes things. Besides, my pride wouldn't allow me to drop this. 

Zoey asked again, "Are you?" 

My Madsen pride is at stake here, and If I give up now then this proves that I am not the man who I thought I was, strong and determined, and I'll be damned if I let my mate slip through my fingers. 

She belongs to me. No one else but me. I will not let any man have her; over my damn sexy body! 

Without hesitation, I said, "No." 

And it was true. It was unlikely of me to give up without putting up a fight. When you want something, you have to get it, no matter what it takes, even if it means playing dirty. 

Right now, I know what I want. 

I want my mate, whether she likes it or not. 

Zoey cupped her hand on her ear as though she didn't hear me. "What? I can't hear you." 

Rolling my eyes, I repeated what I said. "I said no, I am not letting this go." 

Grinning, she slapped my back hard, making me choke on my own spit. "That's the spirit!" she cheered. "The Madsen's don't take no for an answer!" 

I coughed, trying to regain my breathing. Damn, for a girl she could really pack a hit. Well, she's a werewolf after all. "My lungs, Zoey. Are you trying to kill me?" I asked, slightly out of breath. 

She giggled. "So sorry." Then she handed me again the tub of ice cream and a spoon. "Now here, I can guarantee this will make you feel better. Better than sex actually." 

I laughed a little then raised my eyebrows. "Better than sex? Really, Zoey bee?" 

She rolled her eyes. "Just eat the damn ice cream Keller, or I'll shove it up your ass." 

Laughing, I took the ice cream and spoon from her hands and opened the lid. Before I scooped a hefty amount of yummy goodness, I glanced back at Zoey. 

"Sissy?" I asked. 

Zoey smiled. "Yes, bro?" 

"Thanks for making me feel better." 

She gave me a bright smile and kissed me on the cheek. "That's what sisters are for." With that, she walked towards the door, opened it, went out and shut the door softly. 

As her footsteps grew faint, I scooped the creamy dessert and shoved the damn spoon into my mouth with a plan formulating in my head. 

Watch out, mate. 

I, Keller Madsen, will chase your gorgeous ass no matter what it takes. 

Prepare to be swooned.