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CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
“Ben called me on Saturday night,” Sharon says a few days after my date with James while we’re getting coffee after our shifts at the diner. “Yeah, sorry about that,” I say sheepishly.“I’m happy to cover for you, but next time give me a little warning, okay? I’m not good at lying on the fly.”“Hopefully you won’t have to cover for me again.”“Did you and Ben finally have that talk?” she asks, misinterpreting my words. “I’m so proud of you, Izzy. I know it can’t have been easy but—”I hold up my hand. “We didn’t. I wanted to, but when I got home on Saturday, he told me I’m not allowed out of the house for anything other than work, getting gas or food.”“Where does he think you are right now?” Sharon asks. “At work. I told him I was working til three,” I say. “Yikes. Sounds like he’s really going overboard on the whole big-brother protectiveness instinct.” “It’s more than that,” I start, the knot in my chest tightening because I don’t want to talk about this with anyone, bu
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
“Where are we going this time?” I ask as I walk up to James. It’s our second date, and he’s scheduled it for the middle of a Sunday afternoon. “You’ll see. Come on,” he says, grinning as he takes my hand in his and leads me down a barely discernible path in the woods. I can’t help echoing his smile as I follow him. “You said you have a couple of hours, right?” he asks as we take a right turn deeper into the woods, where the trees are so dense their branches block out most of the light.“Yup. I don’t have to be back until four.”I told Ben I was going with Sharon to the farmer’s market this afternoon. She’s taken Lisa along with her to pose as me in case Ben checks up on me, and because it’s absolutely freezing and sunny outside, Lisa is wearing a scarf that covers her mouth and sunglasses that hide most of her face. If Ben thinks I’m lying and goes to the market, he’ll see Lisa’s hair, which is naturally the same color as mine and is pulled into my signature ponytail, and her
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
“Sit down,” Ryan says, and I obey him, not just because he’s my alpha, but because I’m too tired to resist. I haven’t slept since my disastrous second date with Isabel.Ryan takes a seat across from me at his desk and stares into my eyes.“You look like shit.”“Thanks. I know.”“Are you having trouble sleeping?” he asks.“Yeah. Just a lot on my mind,” I shrug. “I know the feeling. These rogues have been driving me crazy. I can’t function knowing they’re nearby. It’s like I can feel them watching me,” he says with a shiver. I want to tell him to stop exaggerating, stop making up imaginary threats to our way of life, but I don’t have the guts. It’s a problem I’m struggling with in all areas of my life right now. “I wouldn’t worry too much. Our patrols are going like clockwork, and there haven’t been any new alerts for a few days.” “But the ones the other day were bad. Three rogues. That’s what the guards say they saw. Prowling around our property boundary like this land is
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
“Isabel! Careful! Any more broken plates are coming out of your paycheck,” Clyde says to me. He isn’t yelling despite the fact this is my fifth broken plate of the day, and that, more than anything, freaks me out. He’s being too nice to me. Because he pities me. “You okay?” Sharon asks as she kneels to help me sweep up the tiny pieces I can’t pick up with my hands. “No. I am definitely not okay. I’m terrible.”“I’m guessing the second date didn’t go as planned?” she asks as she stands up and carefully walks the dustpan full of broken china to the trashcan under the counter. “I ended up leaving ten minutes into a romantic picnic he’d set out for us,” I explain as I stand next to her and dump the larger shards into the black bag. “Yikes. Have you talked to him since?” “No. He’s tried texting me, but I haven’t responded. I don’t know what to say. We tried having ‘the talk.’ I use my fingers to make air quotes. “He wouldn’t engage. It’s like the second we talk about real-world
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
“How was work?” Ben asks when I get home. He’s stationed on the couch, ostensibly playing video games, but I know he’s really waiting for me. Ever since his decree last week about staying home, he’s coincidentally been in the living room whenever I get back from my shift, or from being out. He must have had to switch his work hours around to do this, which shows his commitment.“Fine,” I say, going into the kitchen.“Want anything hot to drink? I’m gonna make myself a cup of tea,” I holler over my shoulder as I fill up the kettle.“I’ll do that for you,” he says, rushing into the kitchen and taking the kettle right out of my hands. This is another one of his new habits: he now tries to wait on me, hand and foot. I think he’d follow me around all day if he could. I feel like I’m a prisoner. “Ben, I’m perfectly capable of making myself a cup of tea. I think you’re taking this whole protection thing a little far,” I say.“You work hard, Bel. I’m just trying to help you out.”
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER THIRTY
I sprint as fast as I can, but their growls are so close that I can feel their hot breath on my fur. Teeth nip at my heels as I make a harsh right turn. It doesn’t work like I’d hoped; I don’t run away from the wolves, I run into them.Seven of them, all crowded in a circle and ready to pounce on me the second my fur touches theirs. Mouths grab my paws and I’m flipped onto my back, the starry night barely visible above me. My heart is racing and I can’t breathe, can’t think. All I feel, all I am is fear. I whine as they drag me across the dead leaves and fallen branches. I try to lift my snout to smell for James, but one of the wolves whacks me on the nose. Tears form in my eyes from the sharp hurt, and I hate that they’ve reduced me to a whimpering animal Someone must have slipped something into the water they gave me when we arrived at their compound, because when I wake up, it’s morning.I’m lying on a thin mattress in a cold white room without windows. My clothes are to
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
“You know, I wish you weren’t my mate,” I say, once we’re out of earshot of the others. I’d like to say it in front of everyone. I want everyone to know my true feelings about him. I want everyone to know what a coward James is. But I still won’t stoop that low.For James, it’s not just his pride on the line. It’s also his place in the pack that’s at risk. And though I resent him for not choosing me, I still begrudgingly respect what he chose. I won’t take that from him. “I wish I never met you,” I continue.The words sound wrong. They feel clunky and awful on my lips. They feel like flimsy lies I’m saying to try to make myself feel better, but it’s true. James has caused me nothing but hurt and trouble.I can see the hurt on his face as I fling these words at him. But he deserves it. He deserves to feel the intense pain he has put me through.“You let me down every single time you get the chance to,” I say. “And I’m so done with dealing with you. Don’t you ever try to tell me
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
“I’ll be back to talk with you again later,” Ryan says as he leaves the room. I try not to show my fear, but I do feel it. I wish I didn’t. I hate this sick feeling in my stomach that tells me something is wrong, that begs me to find a way out of this impossible situation.I am afraid though. I don’t know what they do to rogues. If the treatment I received on my way here was anything to base my future on, I’m in big trouble. Still, I remain strong.I don’t respond as Ryan walks away. James follows him without a response as well. And I’m left alone again.It’s not torture, of course. Not in the literal sense and I’m grateful for that. But the boredom, the sameness is a certain kind of torment. There’s nothing here to do except think about what’s going to come next and what has happened.There’s nothing to do but think of James for hours upon end. To think of how much I love him and hate him. He betrayed me and yet I still feel drawn to him and I hate myself for it.I resume exerc
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Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED
DAMIENYears pass slowly when eternity is no longer in sight.Standing on the edge of the balcony of the bedroom I’ve shared with Isabel for five hundred years, I watch the lush lands in the distance. The demon realm has never prospered like this before. I’ve never been this content before.In the distance, I hear laughter and I look over to see two of my older sons carrying their sisters in their arms while my other daughter run after them, Cerebus trailing after them.I’ve had children before. I’ve watched them pass on. I still watch over their families. But this is different. This is more precious. Isabel has given me so many children and for once, I will not have to watch them die before me. Twenty strong children, half of whom are now leading their own lives, coming back to visit us. I have never once regretted sharing my life span. Now I get to enjoy my beautiful mate for centuries to come before we move on from this world. Speaking of my mate, I hear her voice.“Junip
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY NINE
I clutch on to Damien’s still body as I see Balin’s body dissolve into nothing within seconds. There is hush across the battlefield as everyone stares in shock at what has just taken place.‘Justice.’The words echoes in everyone’s ears and then I see the realization hit the elves about what is coming to them. The begin to flee.But only if it was that easy.One by one, they fall, their deaths painful and horrific sights.The battle which had come to a halt because of Damien’s sacrifice has now been ended by the interference of the Gods. There is no guilt within me.There is just dark and vicious satisfaction.Let them burn. Let them feel what it is like.The whole thing is over within a couple of minutes and the silence stretches across the field.Finally, the Gods face me, ‘What do you wish from us?’My eyes flicker towards Damien and when I look up, the field is gone. Both me and Damien are in this white space that has no end.“The elves are gone,” I say with great di
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY EIGHT
My heart is filled with a broken pain that I can’t breathe past.They showed up. But they showed up too late.I’ve lost everything.Damien isn’t breathing. I pull out the spears one by one, ignoring the presence of the beings, tears falling down my face, my chest so tight with pain that I think it will burst. I can’t feel our mating bond!Oh, God! I can’t feel him anymore!The wail that rips from my throat at the realization that he’s left me all alone is a terrifying sound. The earth begins to shake as my grief grows out of control. These powers, these abilities, they’re useless to me!My heart is tearing out of my chest in my madness, the ground shaking.Let it all burn!Let them all die!‘Child.’The voice echoes in my head again and this time I look at those beings, my face ravaged with the tears of a broken woman.‘You cannot destroy these realms.’“I cannot?” I snarl, “Just who do you think you are to tell me what I can or cannot do?!”The more upset I am, th
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY SEVEN
Mara’s anticlimactic death has me reeling. But now is not the time to worry about that. I shift into my wolf form, attacking the enemy with a ruthlessness. It’s true what the witch said. My mating bond has increased my strength. I feel lighter on my feet as I wade through the elves like they’re ants. My speed is faster, although not to the level of that of Damien’s.I can feel some of my abilities leaking through but I’ve still not been able to access my abilities. I’m a little disappointed. I thought weakening the seal would have more of an impact but aside from this soft leakage of warm sensation, there is nothing else.I feel frustrated but I can’t do anything.Damien, though.Damien is stronger than I have ever seen. He’s cutting down the elves with speed, his focus sharp. His laughter is vicious and despite that, my heart flutters in my chest at how glorious he looks. I look at him and that is my mistake.You never allow yourself to get distracted on the battlefield.A
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY SIX
The troops are already waiting in their battle positions when we arrive.Damien brings me with him to the battlefield. He’s wearing a suit of dark armor and I feel tense, “The Rubab Stone-”“I’ll have to be more careful,” his voice is calm. “Last time I wasn’t as aware. This time I know I am not invincible.”“Damien,” my heart is twisting in my chest. “I-”He cups my cheek, his voice gentle, “I’ll be fine, little wolf. Just don’t leave your guards.”I know he would have preferred to stash me somewhere but it’s clear that he wants me close by. After so many traitors popping up after the first battle, it only makes sense.“Don’t let anybody catch you off guard,” he thrusts a sword into my hand. “Trust your instinct when you fight. They’re going to try and separate us. Let’s make sure that, that doesn’t happen.”I give him a small smile, feeling a sliver of hope on seeing his confidence.“Okay.”I get on my toes and press a sweet kiss to his mouth.We don’t get more time togethe
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVE
“What is it?” “Something has happened in the demon realm,” he says, grimly, before looking down at my hand.I shake my head, “The pain is gone.”“Good, let’s go.”“Thank you,” I give the witch a weak smile, not knowing whether to actually be grateful or blame her for the wrong that has happened in my life. But it’s always a good idea to be graceful.She waves us off and I’m in Damien’s arms as he runs out of the cave, past the trees, towards the temple.“The portal-”“Caleb will open it when I give the signal,” he’s not even out of breath as he rushes down the temple where the shrine gates are.As we move towards the town, I grab his shoulder, “Wait! What is that?!”The sky is orange.“How long were we inside?” I mutter. “Is the sun rising?”“No,” Damien says after a long moment. “It’s fire. The town has been set on fire.”“We have to help-”But Damien holds me back, “Look.”For a moment, I don’t understand what he is saying. And then I see the arrows shooting within the
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY FOUR
“There has to be something someone can do,” I ask, forcing my voice to stay calm, despite the roiling fear inside of me.The witch’s voice is kind now, “I’m afraid not. You’re not the first who has tried to seek a way to undo the curse.”It’s hard to keep my tears at bay. The tears are not of sadness but rather of the crippling fear of the unknown future that awaits me. At this point, I am already aware of the nature of the painful deaths a majority of the Righs faced. It was just physical pain they had to go through, that would have been fine. Horrifying as it may be, one can tolerate that to an extent. But seeing your loved ones be tortured? The mental anguish is not something I will be able to take any longer. My suffering may be different from that of the previous Righs. It may not even compare. But for me, it is enough. I am reaching my breaking point. There are so many people in my life that I now care about, so many people who can be used against me. It frightens me to th
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY THREE
The witch studies me, “There have been numerous prophecies recorded about the Righs over time but there was one that was recorded by a Righ who was born to a Seer and a witch. You can call it a curse or a prophecy.”I instantly remember what I saw. The memory of the battlefield. The woman who was held down, screaming.My blood turns to ice as I recall that memory. It still gives me nightmares. “The downfall of the elves. From the hands of the weakest of the Righs. And right now,” the witch looks at me, “no offence, but you are the weakest Righ there is.”I’m being hit by so many curveballs that getting my feelings hurt is at the bottom of the list right now.“It’s funny that you think I’m going to bring about the downfall of the elves when I can’t even protect myself or use my abilities.”My voice is tight with barely restrained anger.“The stars have aligned and the stars have never lied before,” the witch says, easily. “The time is drawing nearer for the final battle.”I don
Rejected by the Beta CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY TWO
I feel my knees turn weak, “What?”“But you created the seal!” Damien snaps. “You should be able to break it!”“Logically, yes,” the witch says, calmly. “But this seal is special. It draws its power through sacrifice of fate. Those spells are impossible to break.”A shutter falls over Damien’s face, “What have you done?”I look between the two feeling like I’m in the dark, “What does she mean? What do you mean by a sacrifice of fate?”The witch studies me and for the first time, I see a glimmer of sympathy in her eyes for me, “I don’t think you want to know the answer to that.”I push past Damien, “I do. What do you mean a sacrifice of fate?! Whose fate?!”She looks at Damien before meeting my gaze, “The Righ is a powerful entity. You think it was easy for even somebody like me to be able to contain your powers? No. If I had used a normal spell, as strong as I might have tried to make it, it would have broken against your powers. I needed something stronger. Something that woul
