Rejecting the Alpha

CHAPTER 1

Elena felt a profound sense of peace within the deep woods. The silence of the ancient trees did not feel lonely or heavy. Instead, it welcomed her into the great outdoors.

The wind moved softly through the branches and the tall green grass. Birds called out to one another from high above. Tiny bugs made their own soft noises in the brush.

It was a place where a person could simply stop and breathe the fresh air. For a werewolf, the woods meant everything. It was a place of true freedom.

Being among the tall trees felt completely natural. It was exactly where she belonged.

Elena.

She took another deep breath of the pine scent. The forest was her safe space. No one could bother her here. She could just exist in the quiet beauty.

ELENA.

She let out a long sigh. Yes, Maddie, I am right here.

She did not know how long she had been sitting on the moss. It must have been hours. Her half sister was already back from school and searching for her.

Mom is already home and she is completely furious. You did not set anything out for dinner tonight.

Madison preferred to go by the name Maddie. She was four years younger and had just turned fifteen.

Still, people often thought she was older. She wore a lot of makeup and short shorts. She was the popular girl at school who acted like a princess.

Her constant energy could be a bit much sometimes. But she was not a bad person. She was a bit spoiled, but she had a good heart.

Elena had turned nineteen a few months ago. She was the child of a deep love between her father and her first mother. They were not fated mates, but they chose each other.

Everything changed when Melissa arrived. Melissa was her father's fated mate, which made life very awkward for a while.

Then her birth mother died in a rogue attack when Elena was only four. The rogues had captured them both and caused great harm.

The pack found Elena days later, walking alone in the thick trees. She was covered in deep scars that would never go away. Her mother did not survive the attack.

Right after that, Melissa moved into the house. She was already pregnant and brought her two year old son, Tyler. That was when the hard times truly started for Elena.

Melissa called Elena a mistake from the past. They always reminded her that she was unwanted. They told her she was broken and would never find success.

They said that even if she had a fated mate, that mate would reject a broken girl. Sometimes they said it with cruel words. Other times they used their hands.

I left the food in the oven so it just needs to be turned on. The salad is ready in the fridge. There are also ice cream bars in the freezer for dessert.

Elena kept her voice low so it would not echo through the trees.

Well, she is still mad. You should go explain before she talks to Dad.

Elena could hear the worry in the young girl's voice. She nodded and stood up from the thick tree roots.

Maddie walked heavily through the dirt. She almost tripped over a large root in the path. Elena reached out quickly and caught her arm.

How do you always do that?

Elena laughed softly at her sister's heavy breathing.

The worst scars from the attack were on her face. The pack doctors said the rogues used wolfsbane fluid directly on her eyes. It took away her human sight completely.

But her wolf, Kai, could still see perfectly. They worked together so Elena could use her wolf's vision.

In these woods, she did not even need eyes. She knew every single path by heart.

It is easy when you know every part of the forest.

Sure it is. One day you have to tell me your secrets. Especially that amazing cake recipe. If I meet my mate and cannot make that cake, I will be sad.

Elena smiled as they walked. You watch me make it every single time. You already know what goes into it.

Yes, but you never use measuring cups. You just throw things into the bowl whenever you feel like it.

Maddie laughed and opened the back door to the house.

The home was a simple two story building. Melissa complained about it every time she bought new shoes or bags. She thought the house was far too small for her taste.

Their father worked as an accountant for the Alpha's business. He did not bring home enough money to make Melissa happy.

He promised they would buy a mansion after his next big promotion. But Elena truly loved this house.

The kitchen had a nice large counter with stools. There were three bedrooms, a small office, and a cozy living room. It felt like plenty of space for five people.

Elena walked inside behind her sister. Suddenly, Melissa walked right up to her with quick, angry steps.

A loud smack echoed through the open doorway before Elena could even close it. Elena felt her head spin from the force of the blow. Melissa began to shout immediately.

You lazy girl. You do nothing but sit around all day while I work.

Mom, Elena made the whole dinner.

Maddie tried to help her sometimes. But she never really stood up to her parents.

Tyler was a bit more vocal about the unfair treatment. He felt like he needed to protect his older sister.

But their father was going to be the next Beta. Tyler was also next in line for that position. There was only so much the boy could do.

The food is in the oven. It just needs to be turned on. The salad is in the red bowl inside the fridge.

Elena spoke softly as the pain on her cheek began to fade.

You were told to stay inside the house. Madison had to go out and drag you back. What if a stranger saw you out there?

Elena turned toward the stove. I will finish dinner now.

You better do it quickly. Your father is going to hear about this behavior.

Elena moved into the kitchen to fix the food. Maddie sat down on one of the high stools at the counter. She had tried to argue with Melissa, but her mother shut her down fast.

Melissa walked into the other room.

I am sorry, Elena. I tried to stop her.

Elena offered a small smile. I appreciate that you tried. You would think she would be busy planning the big pack ball.

I have never been this excited in my life. What if I find my fated mate tomorrow night?

Elena chuckled softly. Then I guess I will finally give you that cake recipe.

Do I get the recipe too if I find my mate?

Tyler walked down the stairs and leaned against the counter. Elena patted his hand away from the salad toppings.

No eating before dinner. Wait until it is on the table. Why do you want the recipe too?

Tyler crossed his arms. Just because I do not watch you bake does not mean I do not want it. I really want that cake.

Elena laughed out loud at her siblings. They were the only good thing about living in this house.

Even when they had to stay quiet, they never hurt her. They always treated her like a real sister.

Suddenly, the front door opened and slammed shut. Everyone in the kitchen went completely still.

Their father was home. They could hear Melissa talking to him in a low, sharp voice.

You two need to leave the kitchen right now.

Elena whispered the words quickly. She filled a glass with beer from the fridge as fast as she could.

Useless child.

Her father's loud voice shook the walls. He walked into the kitchen with heavy steps.

Elena handed him the glass immediately. He smelled heavily of cheap alcohol and his speech was thick.

Ever since he lost the big job promotion, he drank every single day. He smelled more like liquor than a wolf now.

Dinner is almost ready. It is in the oven right now and we can eat soon.

Your mother tells me you were hiding outside again. Maddie had to go search the woods for you.

Elena swallowed hard. Yes, father. I was just sitting by the trees near the porch.

He grabbed her arm with a tight grip and dragged her across the floor. He threw her down onto the rug in the den.

How many times must I tell you to stay inside?

I just wanted some fresh air.

Did you transform into your wolf?

No, father, I would never do that.

DID YOU TRANSFORM?

He shouted the words and kicked her hard in the side. Elena fell flat against the floor.

Never.

Why did the rogues leave you alive? You do nothing but cause trouble for this family.

He kicked her a second time. Elena curled her body into a tight ball to protect herself.

Inside her mind, her wolf Kai tried to send calm feelings. Kai never asked to come out around the house anymore. She was too afraid of what the parents would do.

Sometimes Kai wanted to fight back against the cruelty. She wanted to show them their true strength. But Elena knew that would only make life harder.

She wanted to see Tyler and Maddie grow up and leave first. She waited for another strike, but the room went quiet.

The kitchen timer began to ring loudly.

Maddie, go take the food out and set the table.

The father grabbed Elena by her shirt. The fabric tore slightly as he lifted her up.

You are going straight to your room. No dinner tonight. No water either. We will see how well you behave after a few days of darkness.

He threw her roughly into the small walk in closet that served as her bedroom. Her head hit the back wall hard. She let out a small sob as the door slammed shut.

The heavy lock clicked from the outside. Elena held her throbbing head in the dark.

She knew she had gotten lucky this time. They probably stopped because the pack ball was happening tomorrow.

She lay down on the small mattress and waited for the pain to stop.

Will Elena survive the night in total darkness before the big event?

What will happen if she meets her fated mate at the pack ball tomorrow?

Will her new mate accept a scarred and blind wolf, or will he reject her just like her family said?