Rise of the Rejected Mate

Chapter 6

Tom walked to the center of the compound the next day and howled loudly, summoning all members of the pack to address them. The intruders had left a significant impact on their pack.

“We left our defenses too wide open for the enemy, we were too distracted by all the events that took place, giving room for the enemy to penetrate our defences easily. But not anymore!” Tom said as he addressed the pack.

“Who was guarding the gate when they attacked?” Tom asked.

Silence filled the air that moment.

“Whoever it was, don’t ever leave your duty post again,” he growled, his voice echoing with authority.

“The Iron claw pack are going to think we are weak now that my father is dead, but they are very wrong. We just got stronger with me as your fearless leader.” He howled loudly.

Everyone howled back in rejoicing and shouting. Their morale rose up.

“Thank you all. You’re dismissed now; you can go back to whatever you were doing before,” he said as he called his friend, James, over.

“These past few days have been so stressful, I must say.”

“True, a lot has happened. You haven’t had enough time to rest ever since you got back,” James replied

“Rest? With all that has been going on? You must be kidding me, there’s no time for that.”

“I feel a heavy weight has been lifted off my back now that I’ve broken my bond with Zara. I’m free to do whatever I want now,” a slight smile brightened his face as he spoke.

“Yeah, true, but not completely though, Sonia’s been on your neck for a while now.” James chuckled as he spoke.

“Errmm… if you say so. Okay, I think I need to blow off some steam, you know… free up a bit, Tom said

“Say no more, my friend. I know just the right spot for you. There’s a lounge not far from here,” James responded.

“I trust you. Give me a minute to grab my car keys. Tom replied.

When he got back from the pack house and headed toward his car, Sonia called out from behind.

“Tom! Hey, Tom!” she called

“Not now, Sonia.” his eyes rolled up as he turned back.

He forced a fake smile as she approached him. “Hey, Sonia, what’s up?”

“Are you heading somewhere?” She asked

“Yeah, just around the corner.”

“Nice! Can I tag along? I’m not doing much at the moment,” she asked

“Oh, Sonia, it’s more of a guy thing. I’m heading out with James to hang with the boys,” he explained.

“Oh, I can hang out with your boys too—get to know them better and all,” she said, nibbling on her bottom lip.

“Stop pushing Sonia, I’m sure you have several other things to do,” he said, as he patted her on the cheek.

“By the way, have you heard from Zara? he asked.

Her face contorted as she responded, “why would I hear from her? Besides, you banished her. Why are you still asking about her?”

“You’re right. My bad,” he replied.

She stood silent for a while as her thoughts ran wild.

“I’ll be right back Sonia, James is waiting for me at the car.” Tom said, tapping her in the shoulder before running to the car.

“So sorry for keeping you waiting bro,” he shook his hands as he apologised.

“No issues, my bro. By the way, was that Sonia?” He asked as they both got into the car.

“Yeah, she insisted on going with us, but I declined,” Tom replied.

“Oh really? Why though? James asked.

“We are going there to have fun remember? I don’t want any distractions. She’s too clingy” he responded

His mouth curved into a smile, “yeah, that’s true.”

“Who would have thought being an Alpha would be this difficult? I’m not going to lie, the training was really stressful. At one point, I thought I wasn’t going to pass,” Tom said to James as he drove.

“Oh really? Tell me more about it. Not everyone gets the chance to attend Alpha training in their lifetime, you know,” James replied.

“Yeah,” Tom said, gripping the steering wheel firmly and slightly raising his shoulders.

“Everyone dreams of being an Alpha, but I know there’s a lot more to it than just power and status,” James added.

Tom chuckled. “Yeah, the Alpha status is for special folks, like me.”

“I remember during our wilderness training, we were blindfolded and dropped off in an unknown location, far away from camp if I’m not mistaken. The mission was to find our way back on foot without any navigation devices at all.”

“You don’t mean it, you weren’t given a map or compass?”

“None at all. It was one of the toughest parts of the training for me,” Tom replied.

“Wow, that’s tough. How exactly did you find your way back?” James asked.

Tom sighed and responded, “We were taught to use our surroundings for clues. I hate to admit it, but recent technology has really changed us over the years. Our parents and grandparents, who had none of these technologies during their time really made extra use of their senses than we do now.”

“Very true, but this is the reality of the world we live in now, my friend,” James said. “I’m still curious, how exactly did you navigate your way through?”

Tom laughed out loud before responding. “Isn’t it obvious yet? We’re werewolves, for crying out loud.”

“We used the moon, the stars, scent and the landmarks to navigate our way back to camp. It’s far more difficult than it sounds, I’m not going to lie.”

Oh really? Tell me more. James asked

“What made it more overwhelming was the fact that we were prohibited from shifting. We were literally in the wild for days… three days, to be specific.”

“We had to hunt down animals to feed ourselves. We literally had to stay awake all night so as not to be eaten by wild boars. It was their territory so no time for snoozing.”

“Wow, that’s a whole lot, my friend,” James said, his jaws went slack.

“It is… I won’t lie”

“Turn left, we are almost there. It’s straight down this road.” James said

“Finally, I was about asking why the lounge is this far. By the way, don’t we have any close to the pack house?”

“We used to, actually, but the owner closed it down recently,” James replied.

“Oh yeah, that’s true. Tee and Tee lounge right?”

“Yes, it closed down a week after you left for training.” James responded

“Why would somewhere as great as that… Woosh! This is super cool.” Tom said as he pointed to a building at their front.

“Please tell me that’s where we’re going,” he asked.

“Yeah sure, it is. I’m sure you’re going to like it.”

“Like? That’s an understatement my bro. This is amazing,” Tom said.

It was late in the evening, the signage illuminated as “Bella’s Lounge” popped out in beautiful colours.

They circled the parking lot for about 3 minutes before they got a spot to park. It was a Friday evening, so everywhere was packed.

Finally, they stepped out from the car, their footsteps echoing from a distance. Tom looked around in awe. “Wow, power feels good. This is what I’m going to enjoy and command as soon as I officially become the Alpha.” He smiled and said silently, his voice was barely a whisper.

Soft music played outside the lounge. There was a big water fountain right at the centre of the compound which was also covered with colourful lights.

The pathway to the entrance was paved with bricks which was appealing to the eyes. The sounds of their boots could be heard from a distance as they walked majestically towards the entrance.

As they got closer, they could hear sounds of music and people having fun.

James walked ahead of him towards the glass door. As he opened the door, he screamed at the top of him voice, “let’s welcome our new Alpha.”

Screams filled the entire building as everyone was excited to see the Alpha grace them with his presence.

Tom waved at everyone and shook hands with a few as he went upstairs to the vip section of the lounge. He admired the aesthetics of the lounge so much.

Warm lights were installed inside the lounge, giving it an awesome aesthetic view. The interior was painted beige and it blended well with the polished wooden floors.

As he got to the vip section, he went straight to the counter for a glass of wine. “This is a very lovely view I must say,” he said, as he skimmed round the bar and the variety of drinks available at the counter.

“Yeah it is,” James responded.

The waiter interrupted their conversation, “what can I get you?” She said in a still, tiny voice.

Tom sized her up, biting his bottom lips. She was slim and slender. She also has a blonde hair with a beautiful smile.

“She reminds me of Zara,” He said in his mind as he thrusts his hands into his pocket.

He was taken aback for a minute and finally responded, “I’ll have whiskey please.

Her head craned up to meet his eyes, she didn’t feel pressured whatsoever. Instead, she smiled and asked , “same with this gentleman here?”

James swallowed heavily and replied, “I’m fine, I don’t need anything.”

“No, he’s not, please get him a glass of whiskey.” I’m sure he doesn’t mind having you as well.” He winked at her.

She lowered her gaze so she wouldn’t look at James right in the eyes since he kept starring at her non-stop.

“You need to loosen up James, we came here to have fun remember?”

“Yeah we did, but we can’t both be drunk. You’re the alpha, I must keep you safe at all cost,” James said

“You’ll make a good Beta,” Tom said, as he tapped him on the arm.

They took their drinks from the counter and headed to the brown sofa at the left corner of the room.

Tom sat in silence for minutes as he began to reflect on all that happened in the past. His drink sat on the table, untouched.

“I feel strange in a way,” Tom said.

“Strange?”

“Yes, I feel empty inside which is weird.”

“It’s normal to feel that way after severing your bond with your mate,” James said.

“That’s weird, because I don’t think I love her that much.

“Are you sure?” James asked.

“Yeah, I think” he replied.

“Do you know where she is at the moment?” He asked, chewing the bottom of his lips.

“Oh! I have no idea. I can check around, I’m sure she hasn’t gone far.

“No… no, don’t bother. I banished her already, there’s no going back now.”

“By the way, the waiter has been looking at this direction for a while now. Who could she possibly be looking at?” Tom asked.

“You of course, every lady in town wants a piece of the alpha,” he chuckled as he responded

“No James, she’s looking at you. I’m very sure of it.”

“Me? Are you sure? That’ll be so strange, girls don’t really find me attractive.”

“This is your chance James, walk up to her and go have fun.”

“Hmmm… sounds like a good idea. But what will you be doing when I’m away? Can’t leave you all alone.”

He laughed out loud. “C’mon man, you’re just looking for excuses not to go. Don’t tell me you’re shy.”

“Shy? Nah man,” he said as his nose crinkled.

Tom laughed profusely, grabbing unto the arm rest. “I can’t believe a grown up man is this shy of approaching a lady.”

They drank and had fun for the rest of the evening. Everyone was excited that the alpha graced them with his presence. After few hours, they both headed back to the camp house.

“I hope you’re prepared for the event ahead?” James asked

“What event is that? We just finished one isn’t it?”

“The oath ceremony of course. Have you forgotten you have to do this to be fully recognised as the alpha? It’s part of our tradition.” James added

“Oh, that, it totally skipped my mind. I’m more than capable to lead a pack, I don’t need no coronation.” Tom laughed out loud as he said.

“I’m certain you’ve chosen your Luna. We all know who she is,” James grinned and punched him lightly on his arm.

Tom swallowed heavily as he responded, “Chosen my Luna? I can’t remember doing that.”