Rejection Trials

Too many questions

Arnold never answered my question about being consumed. As he opened his mouth to respond, Virgil nudged me forward. Belvedere and I had to wait outside the cave as Virgil and Arnold completed some kind of closing ritual. So, there I was, alone with Belvedere in awkward silence. I was trying to enjoy the view, but I had so many questions, but I knew better than to try and get information from Bel. He is just like his wolf.

What did Tobias mean by living many lifetimes? Why did he seem so familiar with the Goddess? What does she mean by rejection trials? Why does the Goddess hate me so much? Who the hell is Sam?

“Why did Tobi request the rejection?” I asked.

“You’ve been to the Black Sands territory?” Bel asked at the same time. I guess he has something to say for once.

“You don’t get to ask me questions, human.” Tobias snarled through Belvedere.

“I didn’t ask you Tobias. I asked your stupid human,” I quipped.

“Gosh, I cannot handle both of you.” Belvedere took back control and rubbed his temples.

“Then it is a good thing we are getting…rejected? De-bonded? Divorced?” I rambled on. The look that fell on Bel’s face was one of deep sadness. This bond was way too strong for both of us.

“Tobias requested the rejection because he was offended by your sheer audacity. At least that is how he puts it.” Bel says, yawning. I wonder if he couldn’t sleep well last night. Why am I worried about his ability to sleep? I grunt and Belvedere looks at me amused. He must think I grunted over his comment.

“Well… I uh…the Goddess was right… I am quite familiar with the land of the Black Sands, as they like to call it.” I decided to answer his question since he answered mine.

“Is it like they say? Are the sands really…black?” he asks. And I laughed. A hard and obnoxious laugh escaped my mouth.

The land of the Black Sands is a treacherous yet beautiful island sacred to magical beasts but mostly known for its ties to wolf shifters. The island was formed by volcanic ash and the sea surrounding it is harsh and unforgiving. It is impossible to get to it unintentionally. Most don’t make it to the island; fewer survive the island itself. That is if they don’t know the way. It is untouched by humankind and overrun by magic beasts. Out of all the mysteries and myths about the Black Sands territory, Bel asks me about the sand.

“Black like my fur.” I answered, smiling at him. This seems to be our first nice conversation.

“Gorgeous,” he whispers while running a brave finger down the front of my hair. The sparks shot down my spine and my knees buckled. My breath felt trapped in my chest. All this from simple contact? I look up at him and one of those dumb adorable smirks is plastered across his indignant face. So much for having a nice conversation. I struggled to stand back up and my body was still reeling from Belvedere’s touch. The thirst is too real.

“What did your wolf mean about living multiple lives?” I asked.

“When did you meet the Goddess?” Belvedere asked at the same time again. I am getting really annoyed by our synchronization. I don’t want this bond to get any stronger. The melodic sound of Belvedere’s chuckle made my body tingle. It is times like these I am lucky to not have my own wolf. I have heard of how obnoxious one’s wolf can be when they desire their mate.

“I’ve met many on my travels,” I say, annoyance dripping.

“You just casually met the Goddess?” He raised his eyebrow.

“Nothing about the Goddess is casual, but yes, I met the Goddess in passing, so to speak. Now it is your turn to answer my question,” I demanded.

“But I feel like you didn’t actually answer my question.” I only responded with a huff, so he continued. “You really didn’t pay attention in school. As you know I am from the royal bloodline, the original wolves of the Goddess.” He paused probably to make sure I was paying attention.

“You gloat about that a lot actually,” I complained.

“I have never gloated. Other people gloat about me. I just basked in it.” He was so honest about his own vanity. “Anyway, all of those in the royal bloodline are gifted with the original wolf spirits. Our wolves are reincarnated into each generation. Tobias has been the wolf to many of my ancestors.”

“Wow.” It was my brilliant response. I didn’t really know what to say.

“The mates of royal wolves are also reincarnated. Tobias, however, had never had a mate until this lifetime. And before you ask, I don’t know why, and he isn’t the chattiest,” Bel adds.

“Like shifter, like wolf.” I mumbled. They were so much alike in that regard. It was like pulling teeth to get him to talk sometimes. Not like I want to hear his gross sexy voice all the time.

“Bel.” His gaze snapped to me before I could finish my sentence. Calling him Bel seems to get his attention. As one’s name should I suppose. “Can you tell Tobias, since I am not allowed to speak to him, that it isn’t Tobi I want to reject.” I finish suddenly feeling dumb for vocalizing that thought.

Bel gave me a quizzical and sad look, then just nodded. A part of me is curious to know Tobi’s response. A larger part of me wants to crawl into a hole and pretend I don’t exist. I saw Belvedere’s plush lips parting like he was about to say something when Arnold’s voice broke through the awkward tension.

“All done. Ready for the long trek back?” he was way too chipper.

BETA HELENA’S POV

It’s been three days since Alpha Bel left with that abomination. As the Beta, I have been left in charge since our pack has no current Luna, since Luna Diana is enjoying her deserved retirement. I let out a long sigh. I really thought I was going to be Bel’s mate, his Luna, yet fate is cruel. The strong bond I’ve always felt towards Bel is apparently due to being his Beta. As the oldest child of the former Beta, I naturally inherited the role of Beta, but my bloodline rank is Alpha as my father was an alpha of his own pack before the war.

My thoughts have been dominated by the pain I saw in Belvedere’s face the other night. How could he have met his mate and not known? His parents couldn’t believe that. Then there’s the timing of that vile mutt followed by Bel’s seemingly improved health. My mind drifts to a memory from highschool. In the courtyard before classes started. Syrus approached us with such ire. I hate to admit the fear that runs cold through my veins anytime I am around that hell beast.

“I, Syrus Barghest, child of who knows, and of no pack exactly, reject you Belvedere Canisson, son of Alpha Felix Canisson and princess Luna lady Diana Canisson, of the Death Falls Pack.” I remember the words exactly that fell out of that thing's mouth. We all thought it was a hilarious joke. My breath caught for a moment though, when the declaration came out, but the way Bel growled lowly and smacked Syrus’ hand away from his face, I was relieved. The only verbal comment Bel has ever made about the encounter was “I can’t believe Syrus did that.” Did he mean that he couldn’t believe Syrus had the gall to make such a declaration falsely? Or did he say that because he couldn’t believe Syrus would dare to reject him?

If I hadn’t personally witnessed his recent sickness and sudden relief over the last few days prior to their departure, I would still believe it was all just some stupid joke Syrus tried to pull for power. The idea that Syrus could be, and probably was Belvedere’s mate, brought bile up to my throat. That thing would never be our Luna. Suddenly, the idea of them being alone on a trip together during their obvious mating period was violating my thoughts.

We are almost back. Bel’s beautiful voice snuck into my mind through our mind link. Soon. He will be back soon, and I will confront him about all this nonsense. As his Beta, I must know these things. I’d always wondered why Bel never suggested a chosen mate arrangement. I thought neither of us finding our mate would make this the perfect opportunity to finally wiggle my way into his heart. I know as his rightful Beta the moment he takes someone else as his Luna the bond, as their Beta will lock in, and I will be duty-bound to them. Whoever they are. I will NOT allow that to happen with that disgusting dog.

Beta there are warning howls from the East border. Section 32. The voice of our Delta Decan’s voice merges into my thoughts. A smile spreads across my face. It has been too long since a good hunt.

I am on my way. Have the children and elderly moved to the bunkers. Assign the mothers to guard them. Have squad 7 ready to go with me. You will stay with the rest and protect our land. I command in response.