Three Times Rejected

CHAPTER THREE

Once they stepped outside the building, Darius questioned her: "What kept you awake last night?"

"Perimeter patrol," came her straightforward reply.

"How does one end up with perimeter patrol the night before a mandatory journey?"

"Those who were available had either fallen ill or needed to care for family members. I refused to disrupt anyone's schedule over something like this, so I volunteered." She shrugged casually. Her selfless response radiated the dignity befitting a Queen, his Queen.

Yet something continued to nag at him. "Selene, why did you seem so uncomfortable when your Alpha acknowledged your role in last year's victory? Why couldn't you simply thank him and embrace the recognition?"

She immediately let out a short laugh before meeting his gaze directly. "I didn't pursue it for recognition, Your Hi... Darius. When Alpha Marcus received the assignment, I emphasized to my warriors that our primary objective in battle was safeguarding innocent wolves. I reinforced this principle into their consciousness daily, without exception. Their purpose was to fight defensively, to combat with honor and integrity, not to curry favor with anyone holding a higher rank."

He absorbed the conviction in her voice, a smile forming as she pressed on. "I didn't welcome the recognition because that wasn't my motivation. It wasn't for you either, Darius. I hold respect for you as my Sovereign, but I didn't engage the rebels on your behalf. I fought for those powerless to defend themselves. That's precisely why I declined the praise. I never will accept it, so don't attempt to convince me otherwise."

His inner beast howled with tremendous joy and pride. Both he and the creature within him couldn't express sufficient gratitude to their Goddess. They felt utterly euphoric that the Moon Goddess had bound them to... a goddess herself. Noble. Selfless. Courageous. Beautiful. What captivated his attention most profoundly was her bold confession that she valued the lives of innocent wolves she'd never encountered above pleasing her ruler, whom everyone felt compelled to satisfy.

Yet somehow, she remained distant. He sensed she wouldn't permit herself to draw as near to him as he desperately wanted. Then there was that bewildering question about her willingness to sever their bond, or have him sever it. What prompted such a question? Why would she even contemplate something of that nature?

He suddenly remembered about her mention of 'previous mates.' Multiple mates. So, she'd experienced rejection more than once. But why would she assume he resembled the others? He wasn't a wolf. Certainly, shapeshifters were more notorious for their reluctance to deny the mate bond, weren't they?

He studied her profile silently, absorbing the sight of the most stunning creature his eyes had ever beheld. He harbored hopes of discovering everything about her eventually, but regardless of circumstances, he felt absolutely certain he would never release his mate.

Upon arriving at the lodge accommodating a portion of the wolves, Selene felt surprised that Darius continued insisting on accompanying her all the way to her quarters. He gazed at her scar with a troubled expression as she unlocked the entrance. "I appreciate you escorting me back. Rest well, Darius." Her melodious voice drew his attention back to her face.

She had barely crossed the threshold into her quarters when Darius seized her wrist, raising her hand to his mouth. She froze in astonishment as he pressed a lingering kiss to the back of her hand, sending powerful waves of sparks coursing through her arm and flooding her entire body. He maintained his hold on her hand as he locked eyes with her and murmured: "Sleep well, Selene."

She withdrew her hand and disappeared into her room, closing the door behind her. Darius remained rooted to that spot, listening to her exhale after she'd secured the door. The sound of cabinet doors opening and closing reached him, followed by her footsteps traversing the room, then the distinctive sound of a second door shutting.

Following some rustling noises, he detected water running from the shower, and the shapeshifter aspect of him became aroused by the image of his mate unclothed in the bathroom. He strode away from her door with rapid steps before his self-restraint completely dissolved. He could effortlessly demolish the hinges and force his way through that door if he desired. Disregarding his whimpering beast who would gladly abandon the reception and spend the night with their mate, he returned to the assembly hall and commenced making his rounds.

He found it entertaining when pack leaders and warriors exhibited their astonishment after he conveyed his appreciation to them. There existed several conceited Alphas and pretentious Betas who attempted and failed miserably to appear noble as they boasted about themselves. Darius began developing an interest in the scars marking his subjects' bodies.

The warrior from the Crimson Shadow Pack, Sentinel Kael, bore a scar on his face extending down to his neck. If the scar had reached slightly higher, he would have lost sight in one eye. "How did this occur?" The Sovereign inquired with concern as he gestured toward the scar.

The warrior smiled graciously as he elaborated: "A rebel assault five years ago, Your Majesty. Our pack faced an attack, and we established alliances with Azure Moon and Ivory Fang to eliminate the rebels."

"Were there numerous casualties?" The Sovereign questioned.

"We lost two wolves in the concluding assault, regrettably, but the fatality count was substantially higher before our alliance formed. Though it's unpleasant to acknowledge, I must confess that this scar brings me satisfaction." He concluded with a smile.

The Sovereign's curiosity peaked. "What do you mean by that, Sentinel Kael?"

Kael glanced at his pack leaders before explaining: "When the rebels launched their attack, some of us with superior strength engaged more than one rebel simultaneously. While I kept two occupied at once, the rebels took notice. All of a sudden, I discovered myself encircled by five of them. One secured me by my tail while its companion slashed me from the side, inflicting this scar." He indicated his face before continuing. "As blood poured from my face, the Sentinels from our allied packs rushed in and dismembered the rebels, leaving the one who injured me for me to pursue before I ended its life."

Kael smiled. "The scar brings me satisfaction because it represents an extended period since I could depend on someone from another pack to protect me. I'm not an Alpha, and I'm not affiliated with their pack. They bore no obligation to rescue me, yet they did."

The Sovereign listened carefully before confirming: "Azure Moon and Ivory Fang, you mentioned?"

"Affirmative, Your Majesty." Kael responded with a subtle bow, adding: "The warrior from Ivory Fang is Sentinel Theron Ashford. And you've already encountered the warrior from Azure Moon, Sentinel Selene Winterborne."

"Indeed." The Sovereign acknowledged.

Sentinel Kael then cast a glance at his leaders again, both displaying expressions of uncertainty. He cleared his throat, and with evident apprehension in his eyes, he began: "Your Majesty?"

"Yes, Sentinel Kael?" The Sovereign responded with an encouraging smile.

The Sentinel spoke cautiously: "I wasn't positioned very close to where you encountered Sentinel Selene, so I'm uncertain whether what I overheard was... what I actually heard." He paused. "You indicated that Sel is your mate?"

"I did, and she is." The Sovereign replied with a smile, though a tinge of jealousy surfaced from how this warrior addressed his mate as 'Sel' with such familiarity.

Sentinel Kael nodded before saying: "I'm uncertain whether you're going to execute me for what I'm preparing to say, Your Majesty. But as I mentioned, I owe her my life, so I believe this constitutes a reasonable exchange." He chuckled once before continuing with gravity: "Your Majesty, I implore you, don't cause her pain. She is a virtuous person who, for some inexplicable reason, was compelled to endure more than most."