the rejected luna/cursed mate

CHAPTER FOUR

The hours passed quickly as I emptied boxes and stocked shelves. Finally, I was caught up and it was time to haul out the recycling. I broke down all the boxes and stacked them up so I could carry them out, the cool spring air had turned cold now that the sun was gone and goosebumps spread across my bare arms. I usually lingered out here for a few minutes to enjoy the open air, especially this time of the year when dumpsters weren’t stinking from heat, but it was a little colder than I expected.

I tossed the boxes into the bin and then wiped my dusty hands on my apron before turning back to the door. A solitary figure was blocking my entry back into the store. There was no light back here and my vision wasn’t any better than a normal human but I could make out the familiar shape.

Ethan's six-foot-four frame was difficult to miss. Even in the dim light, I could tell it was him. This was a first. He’d never show up to my work before and he certainly had never cornered me in an alley before. Was this payback for the kick in the bathroom? It wasn’t the first time I’d landed a hit in the family jewels, but it had been a while since I’d been desperate or stupid.

After all my escape plans, I had not seen this coming my pulse raced but I wasn’t about to let him know I was scared. Crossing my arms over my chest, I faced him, chin held high. Move out of my way.

I could kill you, you know. Nobody would even miss you. I wonder how many days you’d sit back here with the rest of the trash before they found the body. He took a step away from the door, moving towards me.

I held my ground, unwilling to yield to him. This was beyond normal bullying. I didn’t realize you’d move on to stalking. How nice to see you think so highly of me that you had to go out of your way to see me I said.

You know exactly what this is about, he hissed why don’t you enlighten me? I wasn’t part of the group text about whatever the f**k this is I said.

You shouldn’t even be here, he said

Yeah, yeah, you tell me that daily; my fear was easing. This wasn’t anything new, this was the same old s**t he always pulled. Maybe he just didn’t get enough today.

I mean it, Nola, he said. You can’t be here.

Well, as I tell you every day, I’m happily out of here as soon as I can. Unlike you, I’m stuck here. I moved my hands to my hips. Hey, I have an idea. Why don’t you leave for a week and when you come back you don't have to see my face ever again

A low guttural sound came from Ethan. The growl was primal and sent a shiver down my spine. I’d never heard a sound like that. Involuntarily I took a step backward. Ethan moved towards me, his whole body tensed, teeth bared, eyes bright. Too bright. As in he was fighting the change or trying to bring it on.

Calm down, you don’t want to do that here; I backed up again. This was too far even for Ethan. He was a brand new wolf. He’d shifted for the first time a few weeks ago and unless he had ridiculous control, he likely hadn’t shifted again. Most wolf shifters were forced into the shift on the full moons for the first few months or they’d shift if they were threatened or emotional.

Once they gained control of their wolves they could shift on command and weren’t beholden to the moon. But Ethan wasn’t an experienced shifter. This shouldn’t be possible. He was letting his emotions run wild.

Ethan, back the f**k up, I was against a wall now. I hadn’t even realized I continued to move away from him. On my right, the dumpster blocked my exit. On my left was a chain link fence that divided the alleyway. I was boxed in. f**k. This had to be the worst day of my life.

He advanced, his body seemingly vibrating with energy. Teeth bared, he growled again. I wouldn’t survived if he attacked me in his wolf form. S**t, he’d tried to kill me earlier today in his human form.

He’d been stronger than me since we were twelve. It wasn’t fair that puberty brought out so many wolf qualities. I worked out as best I could to keep myself strong, but I wasn’t a match for him.

I won’t stay in your pack if that’s what you’re worried about, I said, my voice a little shakier than I wanted it to be. That’s what this had to be about. He’d be alpha in a few years and I guessed he didn’t want someone like me bringing down the pack.

Not that anyone else seemed to even notice me or my mom. We lived on the outskirts of town with the other rejects. Though, we were the only ones who couldn’t shift in our little run-down trailer park.

Just back off before you do something you’ll regret. I kept my voice steadier this time, feigning confidence. I should kill you, he said.

No, you’re not a killer. Ethan was an asshole, sure. He beat the s**t out of me on the regular yes, but he never went as far as this. Not that it excused him for anything. He still deserved to die slowly from some venereal disease from whatever crazy b***h he rolled around with.

Don’t pretend like you know me. We’re not friends.

As if I needed reminding of that, d**k, I snapped.

I was flushed against the wall now and Ethan boxed me in with a hand on either side of me. My breathing grew rapid and I kept my eyes fixed on his. Ethan’s pupils were huge and a vein in his forehead looked like it might explode.

You’re fighting it, I pointed out. You don’t want to change here. You don’t want my drops of blood on your hands.

You don’t know what I want. He leaned so his face was nearly touching mine. Then he breathed as if smelling me.

My whole body tensed. What the actual f**k?