Rejected by her alpha

The Bitter Truth

"Leave them be," comes a voice I know too well.

Behind the lad, stands Sir Conwald. He owns the pub in this part of the cobblestone streets. And whenever I remember how we became friends and why our friendship has lasted will now, I laugh. "They've come to see me."

"Well, we do not want to see her here," complains on of the men.

Jack steps forward. "Do you even know who you talk to?"

"Hah. Of course I do. She is Lord Killian Romero's supposed mate and you are... his beta."

"You need to do something about your manners before I do," Jack threatens and releases his fangs.

"Stop it, Jack," I caution, holding his arm. "I don't want any trouble here. We'll just see the old man and leave."

"Can't you see how much I relish that last word coming out of your mouth," comments someone, and the rest of them laugh out loud.

The circle gives way and we walk towards the door of the pub. Sir Conwald is inside already. I turn to my brother Jack. There is a malicious look on his face and I understand why.

"Now you see, don't you?" I said to him.

He looks at me then back at the men. "Why? I don't understand."

"Well, we think we do. These men of the cobblestone streets? They respect no one but Killian. He's like their personal lord and savior."

"Why? Because, he's Alpha? And who is 'we' anyway?"

"Sir Conwald and I," I respond. I push open the door and it takes a while for my eyes to adjust to the place. When it does, I notice that the crowd in here is more than the one we saw out there.

"Walking into the horde again?" Jack asks, as he takes his place beside me.

"Not exactly." I lead Jack to the bar table. His first son, Ronald, looks up at us expectantly.

"Good day, my lady."

"Hello, Ron. How are you?"

"Been good," he says with a smile, his freckles spreading. "Father tells me you both came into some sort of trouble from the welcoming committee."

"You make it sound like it was all planned, boy," Jack said.

Ronald looks at me. "I wouldn't know anything about that, sir."

"Wouldn't you?"

"How is Charlie?"

"Home," with mother. "Father says he's too young to come stay in the pub."

"I agree. Where is your father?"

"In the back. Just go right through," Ronald directs with a grin.

The room on the other end of the door is small. There is a window and a bed with pillows, as there has always been. Sir Conwald is string in a straight backed chair and his eyes stare at us like an hawk's.

"This is a surprise I must say, Eva."

"I know. But this is Jack."

"Ah. The wise brother. Nice to meet you son."

Jack nods. I take my seat on the other chair. The table between Sir Conwald and I has a deck of playing cards battered at the edges. Jack leans against the door.

Sir Conwald looks up at him. "Sorry about the lack of chairs in here. You can use the bed, however."

"I'm good here," Jack says.

"It's been a while," Conwald tells me. "But I don't blame you for that."

I bring down my hood. "How long has it been?"

"A week or so."

"Good memory for a man your age," I tease.

"Wasn't expecting you to bring company. What's with the change?" Conwald asks.

I am about to say something when there's a knock on there door.

"Who is it?" demands the old man.

"It's Ron. Brought something for our guests." The door opens and Ronald puts down a tray carrying three cups of wine and a full plate of pancakes. He bows at me and leaves.

"Seems to be the only lad who respects me in this place," I said.

Conwald snorts. "Back to the question."

"I wanted him to see what was happening. Out here in the cobblestone streets."

"Hmm. And what does he think of it?"

"Oh, you can ask me that yourself," Jack interrupts. "I'm still here."

Conwald waves his hand invitingly. "Say it then."

"I've never seen something like this before."

"That's because you hardly ever come here. People from the manor hardly ever come here. Except Eva here. And when one of you does, they hate on her."

"Why? Why do they hate on her?"

"Well, they feel she is different from we wolves."

"But is that even possible? She is my sister. She is of the blood."

"Tell that to the men out there, son. See how they react to that."

"How did this ill start?" Jack inquiries.

"You mean from the beginning? Rumors, of course. Peddled in the manor. You might be surprised at this but it is the truth."

"I do not believe you."

"Huh? Just because you live in the manor doesn't mean that you know about everything going on in there. You're high up, what about those down low? What about the secret gossips walking through the walls that you don't hear of? Even Eva doesn't know how it happens. Probably none of your family does. But if there are rumors like this, then someone started it. Someone with a burden, no offence Eva. Someone, in the right position to do so."

"And by this someone, you mean?"

"Lord Killian."

"Why? I am his beta. He'll tell me if he isn't comfortable with my sister."

Sir Conwald smiles. "See, that's the problem. There. He won't tell you, because you're her brother. He obviously knows that you will want to protect Eva. Some misplaced loyalty set to erupt. As they say, blood is thicker than water. This is just the bitter truth. And I see more repercussions coming."

"In what form?" I asked.

"Like.."

The door crashes in.