Rejected and Claimed by his Best Friend, Book 1

Chapter 32: Tension Rising II (Remi’s POV)

I woke to the sound of birds outside my window, but there was a heavy knot in my stomach that didn’t go away with the new day.

I sat up slowly, stretching, my body sore from tossing and turning all night. Even after Remi came to check on me, I hadn’t been able to sleep. The memory of the look in his eyes—the fierce, almost desperate protectiveness—haunted me.

*We’re stronger together.*

The words repeated in my head like a promise.

I swung my legs off the bed, my bare feet hitting the cool floorboards. Winter stirred inside me, her energy restless, nervous.

*Something’s coming,* she whispered.

I nodded. I could feel it too. It was like the whole house was holding its breath.

I dressed quickly—jeans, a simple black T-shirt—and pulled my hair into a messy ponytail. No point in looking pretty when the world outside was ready to fall apart.

When I stepped into the hallway, two warriors immediately flanked me. I recognized them: Marcus and Eli, both strong, loyal to Remi. They gave me curt nods but said nothing.

*Babysitters,* I thought sourly.

Winter huffed. *They’re protecting us.*

*I can protect myself,* I muttered back.

Still, I didn’t argue. I knew Remi’s orders were the only thing keeping me from being treated like a prisoner right now.

I made my way downstairs, Marcus and Eli shadowing me silently. The pack house was buzzing with quiet activity—warriors coming and going, whispered conversations, everyone moving with a purpose. I felt useless, trapped on the sidelines while everyone else prepared for a battle I didn’t even fully understand.

In the kitchen, I found Harper, Remi’s Beta’s mate, bustling around with a pot of coffee and a tray of muffins.

She smiled when she saw me, but there was worry in her eyes.

“Eat something, sweetheart,” she said, pushing a plate toward me. “You’ll need your strength.”

I forced a smile and grabbed a muffin, even though my stomach turned at the thought of food.

As I nibbled at it, Harper leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Remi’s just trying to keep you safe. It’s... complicated.”

I looked at her, searching her face. “Because of Silvermoon?”

She hesitated, then nodded. “Yes. But it’s not just them. There are others who would like to see you hurt.”

I frowned. “Why? I’m nobody.”

Harper shook her head. “You’re more important than you realize, Alice.”

Before I could press her for more, Marcus stiffened beside me, his nose twitching.

“Remi’s coming,” he said.

Sure enough, a moment later, Remi strode into the kitchen, his presence filling the room instantly. He wore dark jeans, a black T-shirt, and a leather jacket, his Alpha aura rolling off him in waves.

Everyone straightened when he entered, instinctively deferring to him.

His eyes locked on me immediately.

“We’re moving you,” he said without preamble.

I blinked. “Moving me? Where?”

“Safer place,” he said shortly. “You’ll stay with me.”

My heart skipped a beat.

Stay with him?

Winter practically purred in excitement. *Finally.*

I stood up, brushing crumbs off my jeans. “Okay.”

I expected him to argue, to bark more orders, but he simply nodded, a flash of approval in his dark eyes.

Without another word, he turned on his heel and led the way out of the kitchen. I followed, Marcus and Eli right behind me.

Outside, two SUVs idled in the driveway. Warriors were already loading supplies into the back.

Remi opened the passenger door of the lead vehicle and jerked his chin. “In.”

I slid in without protest, the leather seats cool against my legs. Remi got in beside me, the door slamming shut with a final-sounding thud.

The drive was tense, the silence stretching between us like a live wire.

I stared out the window, watching the trees blur past, my thoughts racing. Where were we going? What did he mean by safer? Why did it feel like I was being hidden away?

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Remi,” I said quietly. “What’s really going on?”

He didn’t answer right away.

When he finally spoke, his voice was low and rough. “Silvermoon isn’t the only threat. There are others. Rogues. Old enemies. People who’d love to get their hands on you.”

I turned to face him, my pulse quickening. “Why me? I don’t even—”

“Because you’re mine.”

The words hung in the air between us, heavy and electric.

My breath caught.

Winter stilled inside me, her attention snapping to full focus.

*Ours,* she whispered fiercely.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

Remi’s hand tightened briefly on the steering wheel. “You’re under my protection now, Alice. No one touches you. No one even looks at you without my permission.”

A shiver ran down my spine. His voice left no room for argument.

I should have been scared.

But all I felt was... safe.

Confused, overwhelmed—but safe.

We pulled off the main road, bumping down a dirt track that wound through the trees. Finally, we came to a stop in front of a secluded cabin. It was simple but sturdy, with thick stone walls and a wide porch that overlooked a stream.

“This is where we’ll stay until things calm down,” Remi said, cutting the engine.

I climbed out of the SUV, looking around. The air smelled clean, untouched by the tension hanging over the pack.

For the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe.

Remi came around to my side, his hand brushing my back lightly as he guided me toward the door.

Inside, the cabin was cozy—warm wood walls, a stone fireplace, two bedrooms off the main living space.

“This will be your room,” Remi said, opening a door.

I stepped inside. The bed was large and covered in a thick quilt. A window overlooked the stream.

It was perfect.

I turned to thank him—but he was standing so close, I nearly bumped into him.

His hand shot out to steady me, his fingers warm against my arm.

For a moment, we just stood there, breathing the same air, staring into each other’s eyes.

I felt the pull again—the invisible thread tying us together, growing stronger by the second.

Winter was practically vibrating with excitement.

*Mate,* she whispered.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding.

Remi’s eyes darkened, his voice a low growl. “Get some rest, Alice. I’ll be right outside.”

I nodded, unable to find my voice.

When he finally stepped away, the air felt colder without him.

I closed the door softly behind me, leaning back against it, my mind spinning.

Things were changing. Fast.

And somehow, I knew—this was only the beginning.

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