Rejection, Refuge, Revere

Chapter 2

We drove non-stop for 5 hours to the Gold Moon pack. This is my first time here, and boy do they take the gold part seriously in their name. Every building and light has gold trim.

“Amo. You should ask alpha to be a warrior if you don’t find your mate. You need out of that house, and you’d be in the top 20 if they let you be ranked, he would let you in. Even with you not being able to shift.” Thadius says, finally turning our light hearted joking to a serious topic.

“I watch the children Thad. You know that I won’t give that up. They are my joy, the only things that make sense. I can’t deal with the people, kids are better.” I give the same answer every time he has brought this up. Always the older brother.

“You really have to think about it this time. Don’t just be stubborn. Think about your future. Your wellness. I know that children..” He starts, but I cut him off.

“Let’s just see where this ball takes us and discuss after. Please” He nods in defeat, but turns to look at me.

“After.” He says, voice as stern as it can get with me and I nod. Even though my answer will be no. It always is. The children are my joy and I would rather be happy throughout the day with them and miserable at home, then miserable through both.

When we reach the hotel, it is packed and my nerves feel fried.

“Can’t we just wait them out?” I ask, nodding toward the groups of people outside. Charlie laughs as he gets out of the car. Thadius turns, patting my knee.

“You’ll be fine. You always are.” He says, trying to reassure me. It does anything but that.

People are mean, I hate interacting with them. Once they realize I’m not even at an omega status, they flee like I have the plague, then the whispers begin. Adults are horrible. That’s why I love my job. Spending time with the innocence of kids who are oblivious to my status is a refreshing feeling. I could never give that up.

I gather myself and get out of the car. Stretching out after the cooped up drive. On the bright side, fresh air is good, even if it seems diluted with the city around us.

“Come on. Let’s get checked in.” Charlie says, bumping my shoulder and handing me my bag. I nod then yawn. He goes to stick his finger in my mouth when Thad smacks him upside the head.

“What the hell?” Charlie hisses as he rubs the back of his head.

“That’s what you get, a*shole.” I say, sticking out my tongue. He does it back and I laugh. I needed this sibling time, even if it is for the biannual ball. They have been so busy training lately, I barely get to see them.

On our way to check in I see everybody eyes us. More specifically, my brothers. I scowl at them, but that doesn’t deter the looks. Yes. My brother are good looking, I can see how they get looks, but.. They’re my brothers, and gross.

I wrinkle my nose at the thought.

Come on girl. They’re just new. I’m sure that they are looking at everybody who walks in like this. Lou says, the wrinkle deepens at her words.

I don’t care. I don’t like the attention. Even if it isn’t on me. I reply and she laughs at my expense.

One of them could be your mate. Maybe don’t judge them too harshly for checking your brothers out. She points out and my heart stutters.

IS one of them our mate? I ask, hope filling my inner voice.

Not that I can tell, but you know we don’t always know right away. She answers and I nod.

Mates aren’t always instantaneous. Sometimes you can know them for years before the bond appears and other times it just snaps in place. You can have multiple mates, even finding one first, then years later finding another. It truly is amazing when you think about it and how the goddess decides.

I’ve heard a story where a pair couldn’t conceive because the woman was infertile, but the goddess sent them another match. Because of the bond, they weren’t upset, but in bliss and ended up having multiple kids.

Beautiful story and hopeful. The goddess knows and sends your partner when fate deems it fit.

We reach checkin and get our room keys.

Stepping into our elevator I scowl at the guys.

“Could you two refrain from drawing too much attention?” I ask and they laugh.

“We can’t help that people are drawn to us, Amo.” Charlie says, wiggling his eyebrows.

He is the biggest player I know. Thad is the opposite, only having a few flings, but mostly waiting for his mate.

“Ew. No. Stop.” I say, then mock gag. He laughs harder while Thad snorts, mumbling ‘drama queen’.

The elevator dings and we step off. We got lucky and were given rooms next to each other. They have to share, while I got a single. Lucky for me. Last ball at the Hawk pack, I had to share with three girls. That was not fun. By the end, Lou was begging me to cut them up in their sleep.

Lou is a sweetheart, but likes to solve problems and annoyances with violence. I’ve never really taken her advice, but it’s nice to know somebody thinks I would be capable of winning a fight and believes in me unconditionally.

Even if I am a good fighter, I still can’t shift, and am smaller than most adults taking away some of the wolf strength I have. I also have slower than average healing time.

Bright side? I learned to use the tools I do have, like being smaller I am able to move around faster. I’m also more agile, which is a plus.

Once I complete my nightly routine, I lay down and pray again for the goddess to bless me this weekend.

The ball may be tomorrow night, but we are here for three three days to encourage connection in hopes that if you didn’t meet your mate you can still meet them through the next day while participating in the planned activities.

With a prayer on my lips I fall asleep hoping that the goddess answers.