My Rejected Mate

Chapter 2

SERENA’S POV

I woke up to sunlight spilling across the bed. For a few seconds, I didn't move. Then I remembered where I was and who was beside me. I turned my head. Damon was still asleep, one arm resting across the pillow where my head had been. His hair was a mess, and somehow that made him look even better.

I smiled before I could stop myself. That was annoying. I slipped out of bed quietly and found my clothes. By the time I was dressed, he was awake.

“You're leaving?”

I looked over my shoulder. “Unless you have a very convincing reason for me to stay.”

He smiled. “I might.” I laughed softly. For a moment, neither of us said anything. Last night was easy. Too easy, maybe. I wasn't used to that.

“I should go,” I said.

He sat up. “Will I see you again?”

I paused. “I don't know.” The look in my eyes said something else. He looked at me for a second, then smiled.

“I guess if it's meant to be.”

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't stop myself from smiling. “That's a terrible line.”

“You're still smiling.”

“I'm just being polite.”

“Sure.”

I shook my head and walked toward the door. I didn't look back until I reached it. He was still watching me and for some reason, I knew I'd remember that look.

By the time I reached the Sterling estate, my phone was practically vibrating itself off the dashboard. I glanced at the screen.

Twenty missed calls. Fifteen messages. All from Sienna. I sighed.

Of course.

The moment I stepped through the front door, I heard footsteps coming toward me.

“There you are!” Sienna nearly crashed into me. I caught her by the shoulders. “Good morning to you too.”

“Good morning?” She stared at me. “Do you know how many times I called you?”

“I noticed.”

“You disappeared all night.”

“I needed air.”

“Air?”

“Very fresh air.” I mumbled the words slowly. She narrowed her eyes.

“You're impossible.”

“And yet, you missed me.”

“I thought something happened to you.” Her voice softened at the end and that wiped the joke off my face. “I’m sorry.” She sighed and pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back.

“I just needed to get away for a while.”

“You could have told me.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” She pulled back and studied my face.

“Are you okay?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

It wasn't exactly a lie. For once, I actually felt okay. Sienna seemed satisfied enough. “Go shower. You look and smell like you slept in a bush.”

“That's insulting.” I laughed and headed upstairs.

For the first time in a while, I let myself enjoy the memory of the night before. Then I remembered where I was and that feeling disappeared. By the time I came downstairs again, I had almost managed to avoid everyone. Almost.

I turned the corner and nearly walked straight into my father. He stopped. His eyes moved over me once before settling on my face. “Your sister was worried.”

“I know.”

“Next time you decide to disappear, let her know.” His voice wasn't raised. It didn't need to be.

“I will.”

He held my gaze for another moment. “You're old enough to make your own decisions, Serena. Just remember that freedom comes with knowing where you belong.” Then he walked away.

I stood there for a moment. There it was. The reminder I didn't need. I had spent one night away, and somehow everything was exactly where I'd left it.

Sienna still worried about me. My father still looked at me like I was something he had never quite figured out what to do with and I was still the daughter who couldn't shift. Nothing had changed so I decided not to think about it.

Three weeks later, the Sterling territory was almost unrecognizable. Banners had been raised along major roads. Temporary structures had been built around the competition grounds, and visitors had been arriving since early morning.

The annual inter-pack competition was not a small event. It hadn't been held in Sterling territory for twenty years. For the first time in two decades, the strongest packs from across the region had come to us and my father intended to make sure they left knowing exactly who was in charge.

The Sterling Pack had taken the title three years in a row. A fourth victory would make the result impossible to ignore. There was plenty at stake.

The winning pack would control the joint-pack trade routes for the following year, along with the revenue they generated. They would also receive exclusive access to one of the region's protected hunting grounds.

It was money. Influence. Prestige. The kind of thing Alphas cared about. And my dad cared a lot. I didn't.

I had never been allowed to compete in most events anyway. Strength, speed, tracking, endurance, combat that required shifting. They were all designed around abilities I didn't have.

The sword trial was different. No claws. No enhanced strength. No shifting. Just a blade. That was the one event I was allowed to enter. And, admittedly, the only one I cared about. I stood near the edge of the grounds, watching a group of competitors prepare for the day's events.

Not all the packs had arrived yet. The grounds were still filling up, people moving between the tents and training areas while officials prepared the first rounds. I was only half paying attention.

Then I saw him. Not clearly at first. Just a familiar shape moving through the crowd. Dark hair. Broad shoulders. That annoyingly attractive smile.

My heart stopped.

I turned my head.

And there he was.