All Chapters of Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

(Hilda) The early morning rays of the sun is just starting to cast shadows on the training grounds when I arrive.I notice immediately that Arlo’s already there, deep in conversation with Percy. As if his size isn’t enough to make him an imposing figure, there’s also the raw power he exudes. I swear I’d be able to sense his presence from a mile away.As always, seeing him fills me with clashing emotions. A confusing blend of gratitude and resentment. He’s been nothing but kind to me, but his constant presence is both a comfort and a reminder of my unresolved feelings. It’s easier to breathe when he’s not around.Falling asleep in his arms last night was a torturous blessing. I’d spent long minutes feeling jittery with anticipation, more than half certain he’d make some kind of move. When I finally realized he was really just going to hold me, I fell asleep quickly, feeling more than a little bereft.I have to tune out the noise in my head and focus on my training and nothing else tod

(Hilda)My days are filled with a newfound sense of purpose and I immerse myself in training and the packs’ daily activities, striving to carve out my place among them.Arlo is joining our training sessions as frequently as his duties will allow it and there’s no denying the effect his presence has on me. He seems to draw my eyes like a magnet and send my body heat soaring like he’s my own personal heatwave. Worst of all, he seems to know exactly how much his presence affects me, judging by the swagger in his walk whenever he catches me gazing at him.Thank goodness for Percy’s friendship. As determined as I am to guard myself from being hurt again, I haven’t been able to resist letting my guard down around him. Soren isn’t the only person responsible for breaking my heart. Alec’s betrayal hurt nearly as much and I keep telling myself I should be wary of trusting in anyone at all.I’m not made for solitude though and compared to the blistering effect Arlo’s presence has on me, spendin

(Soren)The camp is shrouded in early morning mist when I wake up, the remnants of a restless night lingering in my mind. I can feel the heavy sense of anticipation hanging in the air and I know Damon’s been talking to the warriors.I find Cerelia waiting for me in the kitchen, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and worry. "We need to talk," she tells me, her voice low but firm. In a camp full of werewolves, it’s not always easy to keep things to yourself."Soren, we need to discuss Hilda," she says, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We can't ignore the fact that she holds valuable information. If you’re going to challenge King Arlo, we need every advantage we can get. I don’t want you walking into danger if she can help keep you safe."I hesitate, the thought of involving Hilda stirring a mix of emotions within me. "Cerelia, I don't know if that's a good idea. Hilda's already caught in the middle of this mess. Dragging her deeper into our plans could put her at even

(Soren)Cerelia’s words about using Hilda as a spy is playing on repeat in my mind as I move through the dense forest, each step careful and calculated. Early morning mist clings to the ground, adding an eerie quality to the already tense atmosphere.I hate the thought of putting Hilda directly in the path of danger, but Cerelia’s right. In the end, I may need her help in order to save her. I’ve been fruitlessly attempting to mind link Hilda, to no avail. Our bond is well and truly severed and she’s no longer a member of my pack.We need her inside knowledge, which will mean finding someone loyal to King Arlo, who could be bribed, or convinced by some other means, to carry a message to her. My search doesn’t last long. The snap of a twig alerts me to the fact that there’s someone close by. Crouching low, I move stealthily towards the sound. Peering through the underbrush, I see him. One of King Arlo's men, a scout named Rolf. He’s young, barely old enough to be a guard and his nervou

(Soren)The night is thick with the scent of pine and damp earth as I make my way through the forest, my steps muffled by the dense undergrowth.The guilt over my betrayal of Hilda hasn’t stopped gnawing at me since I so thoroughly rejected her in front of King Arlo. Something about him just doesn’t sit right with me and it’s not just because he claimed Hilda.Whispers and rumors about the disappearance of women who are close to him have been swirling for some time. I never paid much attention until he snared Hilda. It took some investigating, but I’ve finally managed to uncover some real information. While I wait on Hilda’s response to my message, I may as well follow up on the clues I’ve uncovered.All of King Arlo’s previous mates have vanished without a trace, their names seemingly fading into obscurity as if they’d never existed. Even people who interacted with them on a daily basis seems to barely remember them. The fact that nobody’s raised a fuss about it is beyond strange.I