Rejection Trials

Regrouping

“We’re going in circles. Like a literal circle. We are trapped in some kind of magic,” he snarled.

“Why did you drop me?” I said, sitting up from the ground letting my limbs start to move again.

“At the moment I don’t like you,” he snapped. Tobi must be easier to upset than Bel.

“Tobi, why are you still in control?” I asked, wobbling as I made it to my feet. He seemed to be staring off into space.

“Do you miss me that much mate?” Belvedere’s sudden voice energized my whole being. Standing didn’t seem to hurt anymore. This is ridiculous. “Tobi is the smarter of the two. So, I usually let him take the lead in situations like this.”

“You’ve been in situations like this before?” I asked.

“No little mate. You are the only one who could get me in this kind of situation.” He chuckled. I missed his laugh. I missed his ability to make light of things. Before I could think, my arms were around him. I didn’t even think of how dirty and gross we both were. I just needed him. He naturally pulled me into him like we had done this a thousand times. This mate thing is a real bother. “You’re not going to believe me, but I see a trail,” he said. I looked up, and he was staring at a spot over my head.

“That is probably from us walking in circles.”

“You mean from me walking in circles?” he joked. Only he can joke at a time like this. “This is different, I can feel it.” He grabbed my hand, and I felt each finger intertwine with mine. I was so sensitive to his touch in every way.

As he basically yanked me down this new trail, I could see the trees and shrubs seemed to get greener and healthier. There were fewer dead trees and barren branches. We even started hearing animal sounds. It was like the world became alive around us as we walked forward. Then we found a nice home appear again out of nowhere. Outside the house were two familiar people cooking something over a fire pit. As I was taking in the situation, I felt the weight of Steve land on my shoulder.

“Steve!” I shouted. I wanted to pet him but for some reason Bel had a vice grip on my hand.

“A little further Sai.” Bel sounded so serious which made me uncomfortable. And he didn’t even greet Steve, which was kind of rude.

Once we approached the fire pit, it was very apparent that it was Arnold and Virgil. Casually cooking dinner over the fire.

“How was your trip?” was all Virgil said before I tried to lunge at him. Bel just tightened his grip on my hand even more. He lifted our hands up to show them our clasped hands.

“We found you together. Can we let go now?” Bel said, sounding very annoyed. This made my heart hurt a little. Is holding my hand horrible? Why am I feeling angered that he doesn’t want to hold my hand?

“Took you a while to figure that one out,” Arnold responded.

“You can let go if you want to. You’ve made it here for the night,” Virgil added.

“What do you mean for the night? You mean there is more? And what was that? Some sort of trickery?” I dumped a lot of questions at once.

“This isn’t a Moon Temple, it is one of our homesteads. You need to be clean before you go before the Goddess. You are both incredibly dirty. You should shower.” He said, and before I could go for his neck, Bel grabbed my hand again.

“Is this a trial to enter the temple?” Bel asked.

“I am not sure. The record on mates that want to reject each other is very scarce. I am not even sure if the scrolls on it are real or merely fiction from the past. We cannot know what exactly the Moon Goddess will put you through to get to her. She is known to test people before they arrive, but it is different for everyone depending on their situation,” Virgil explained in a way that gave me more questions.

“You had to work together to make it? That must’ve been hard since you hate each other,” Arnold commented.

“I don’t hate them,” Bel and I said in tandem.

“Then why are you requesting a rejection?” Arnold inquired.

“I am not the one requesting.” Bel answered before I could say anything.

“That’s rough buddy.” Arnold mumbled, wishing he hadn’t asked.

“We worked together the entire time, so I don’t think that was the answer.” I sassed heading towards the door.

“No, first you ran off on your own and made our situation much worse.”

“That sounds like Sai.” Virgil cut in. I scoffed.

“Then you and Tobi tried. That seemed to get us lost. Then, when you asked for me and embraced me, I saw the trees move to create an opening to a trail. When you let go of me, it started to close until I took your hand,” Belvedere explained.

“I’m sorry I asked” I declared before swinging the door open to go inside and take a shower. I needed to be alone with my thoughts again.

I let the warm water run down my body, which had a dull ache. Shifting always made my entire body ache. Today it didn't seem to hurt as much as normal. Probably because I am near my mate. I rolled my eyes at the thought. Why would he say he doesn't hate me? Is he really trying to save face in the presence of the Lunar monks? He is an alpha, but he is also of royal blood. He would want to keep up appearances with them sure but, his mate is the cursed hellhound. This mate bond will always give me as much of a headache as it does an intense lingering.

I am lost in my thoughts when I hear the door to the bathroom open. Panic runs all the way up my spine as I am engulfed by his aura and scent. Of course, I sensed he was in the house but to come into the bathroom while I was in the shower. Belvedere just leaned against the sink facing the wall like this was the most normal thing to do. He said nothing, leaving me shivering with anticipation.

"Surely you have lost your mind," I snapped, just sticking my head out of the curtain. Belvedere just looked at me without saying anything. He looked so tired...and delicious. "Why are you in here, Belvedere?" I demanded.

"Being too far from you hurts. You know this." He replied nonchalantly. The separation pains were aching, but we weren't that far apart. It must be getting worse if we have to stay even closer together now.

"Fine. I will get out. Just step out of the bathroom, so I can get out and dressed please," I said, trying to keep my temper in check. Belvedere only nodded slightly and walked out. I rushed to get bathed and dressed. Not because I want to see him again or to be closer to him. This is to keep him from coming back in here. I try to convince myself.

When I opened the door to the bathroom, all I saw were two intense golden eyes staring into my soul. It is so unfair that someone can be so alluring and so annoying at the same time. Belvedere was leaning against the wall across from the bathroom, and he was staring at me with intent.

"Um, shower's all yours." I squeaked while pulling on my clothes nervously.

"Stay right here for me." he said in my ear as he passed me into the bathroom.