Rejection Denied
Lessons in Acting

We walked into the mansion’s foyer; the smell of food caused my stomach to growl.

Nix turned to face me again. “Dinner will be called in thirty minutes. I’ll have your requested room finished for you by tomorrow. Stay in your current room for now.” He continued walking.

“Yeah, OK. But it better stay unlocked. What about clothes and basic hygiene products.” I asked as I continued walking.

“I’ll have someone who will attend to you, get you everything in the morning.” He paused again, turning to look at me with those beautiful eyes.

“Remember what I said. My people are innocent.” With those parting words, Nix opened a set of doors that closed behind him.

“What should we do next, Mia?”

“I guess we should get ready for Dinner. We can start learning tomorrow. Maybe we can figure out how to shift. And we need to find a way to lookup our family history. That’s if there is anything to find out about them.”

I began walking up the first flight of stairs and continued walking till I reached the fourth floor. I walked down the hall and noticed the wall where Tanner crashed landed was now patched up. I entered my room and fell back on the bed.

What is happening to my simple, carefree life? My life went from blah to mind fuck central in a matter of hours. I went from boring kidnapped human to secret champion werewolf. A freaking werewolf, a supernatural creature from books and movies, A creature from myths and legends. I’m still waiting for the psych ward van to pull up and take me away.

I sat up on the bed and slowly stood on my feet. OK, so my life is changing. I still don’t feel anything physically different. My strength and speed is the only noticeable thing, so far. I walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I walked to the mirror, gazing at my reflection.

My eyes were still their odd pattern. One grey, one light blue, my dark baggage was a little less visible. My black hair was still…black. It needs to be washed and groomed. But that’s old news; a scrunchie and some water can fix that problem. I still had my awesome scar. I know I got it as a child, but I don’t remember what I did to earn it. Knowing me, it was probably an epic playground battle that I conquered.

I flexed my arm muscles and flashed my teeth growling.

“What in the hell are you doing, Aviry?”

“I was just trying to, you know, show off my animalistic side, I guess.”

“You’re what? Never mind Aviry…I don’t even want to know what that means.”

I laughed and walked over to the shower, turning the shower water on hot. I opened one cabinet and found some towels neatly folded. In another, I found some vanilla scented soap. Judging by the steam filling the bathroom, I began undoing my pants. The first two shimmies in skinny jeans are the worst, but I persevered.

Knock, knock, knock

Are you fucking kidding me? I ignored the knock, hoping whoever it was would go away.

Knock, Knock, Knock

Urgh!! I pulled my tight jeans on again. Jumping up and down, irritated that I’ll have to do this again. I opened the bathroom door and stomped to the bedroom’s main door, swinging it open with a swoosh. My hair was flying into my eye's from the swooshing air.

“What the fuck do you want!?” I shouted.

“Eeep! I just…just..wanted to—.” A young girl with blonde hair and freckles was visibly shaking. Her face was glowing red,

“Wanted to what? Hurry up and speak my water is going to go cold.” I said, agitated more at the fact that I was going to have less time in hot water every second I stand here talking to her.

“Here.” The girl quickly held up some clothes, holding her head down. “I was told…you…you needed some clothes.”

I looked down at the set of jogging pants and a black t-shirt. Simple just how I like it. I reached out to grab it. My hand gently touched the girl’s finger when I pulled the set out of her hands. She flinched and ran down the hall like the devil came to claim her soul.

“Aviry, I think she’ll have nightmares about you for a while,” Mia said, chuckling.

“Yeah, well, she should consider it a blessing. At least she’ll know not to mess with me in reality.”

I closed my room door, tossing my clothing on the bed. I walked back into the bathroom and resumed the skinny jean removal process. Once I was completely undressed, I stepped into the shower, which was still hot. I washed thoroughly and then decided to wash my hair with the same soap. At the end of the day, it’ll still be clean.

When I finished showering, I used the towel to dry off and then left my hair down to air dry. Finger combing it over my shoulders. I walked back into my room to get dressed, realizing I didn’t have any fresh underwear to change into.

“Welp commando it is. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.” I finished getting dressed. At least the shirt was black.

Remembering what Tanner said about my money, I checked under my bed to find the bag of cash tucked into my hoodie. I checked the pockets for my cell phone, not seeing it. It’s not like I need it. Know one’s going to look or worry about me. Mark, will just push my fights to his next fighter and drop me like a hot tamale.

I pushed my hoodie and cashback under my bed and stood back up. I walked to the door and stepped into the hallway. Nix said Dinner would be soon; it’s a little past then, I think. Hopefully, people grab their food and leave. At least that’s what I am planning to do myself. I never liked the crowds at school, and shit’s not about to change now.

I walked down the hall and down the staircase, leaving my floor and passing the third. When I got to the second floor, the open-plan entertainment area, something I was hearing stopped me dead in my tracks.

“Well, I hear she beat the shit out of all three of them.” A male voice said. “Didn’t you see the pictures? There’s no way that was staged.” I turned to my right and saw two guys sitting on a couch, playing video games on the TV.

“Bruh, we’re talking about a Gamma, a Beta, and fucking blood guard. Are you telling me some human bitch beat THEIR asses? No way in hell, Gio. She’s probably some stunt actress, Tanner found to ACT as our champion.” He laughed, shaking his head. “She’ll perform well in the beginning and get her ass whooped for real in the end.”

Hearing him say all the hard work I put in to prove myself was an ACT, pissed me off. But I agreed to not fight, I promised Mia.

I was about to walk away when Gio started talking again.

“I don’t know, Sean, it looked pretty real. I don’t think I want to find out if it was real or not. I mean, she has to be crazy strong to take out three of our top wolves.” Damn straight, Gio.

“That’s because you’re a weak bitch just like the human is. Watch, when I see this human girl. I’ll show you real strength.”

And that’s where I draw the line. A challenge is a threat, and a threat means I’m allowed to beat ass.

“Aviry no, we just told Nix we wouldn’t harm is people,” Mia stated

“Mia, he said his people are innocent. I never agreed to not hurt his innocent people if they wanted to test their fucking luck. Today, Sean here will be getting a pop quiz before his upcoming test. I promise not to hurt him too badly this time.”

“Gio, I’m telling you I’ll put her in place on sight. Period.”

Mia sighed, “Fine, just a small lesson, something he can tell his friends about.”

I silently stepped behind the couch. “Well, then Sean.” I placed both my hands on his shoulders. Both boys jumped up, Gio flying off the couch, Sean being held in place by me. “I’m here, on sight. Time to put me in my place.”

“Umm, ma’am he..he didn’t mean—”

I looked at Gio. Telling him to back the fuck off with my eyes. He slowly backed away and tripped over the table behind him. I looked away, focusing back on Sean.

“Well, Sean, what’s your first move,” I asked, tapping his shoulder gently.

“You see, I’m feeling good tonight, so I don’t want to—”

I tightly squeezed his shoulders, not enough to actually hurt him, being that he’s a kid. A teenager, actually, but still a squishy minded kid.

“AHHHH!! You fucking—” I squeezed tighter on his shoulder with my right hand and pulled him back by his greasy black hair. The type of greasy hair that makes you wonder how much is too much.

“Be careful of what you say next. I can’t control my temper when it comes to a potential threat.” I squeezed his shoulder tighter, just to show him my strength is real. Grinning like a maniac. The fear in his eye’s excited me to continue to play with him a little more.

“Please, he’s just a stupid fucking kid, ma’am,” Gio said, tears filling his eyes. “Tell her, Sean, please.” Gio was pleading with his friend.

“Please let me go—”

“Wait, hold on now. The fun is just beginning. Ha, ha, ha, we can’t stop now.” At this point, I was half acting, half-serious. I wanted to scare them some more but not hurt him. They are just kids; I’m not a bully. His shoulders will be fine, a little sore, but he’ll live.

“PLEASE, we’ll do anything.” Gio was now crying, the controller in his hands vibrating from his fear. “Sean, apologize man. Damn it, push your pride to the side.”

“IM SORRY OK!! Please let me go.” Sean shouted, his face growing red and sweaty.

OK, punishment time. Something easy yet meaningful for this boy to remember his place.

“One condition Sean. Do you accept?”

“I mean what—”

“DO.YOU.ACCEPT.” I growled, glaring into his eyes.

“Yes. Yes, I accept.” He closed his eyes tightly, preparing for the worst.

“Great, stand up. Gio pass me that marker on the table.” I released his shoulders and walked to stand in front of a now fidgety Sean. He’s pretty tall, so I stand on the table to match his height. Gio gives me the marker, avoiding eye contact with me or his friend.

“Wha…What are you going—” Sean stammered, eyeing the marker.

“Shhhh. All will be well.” I uncapped the marker with my mouth and wagged my finger for him to come closer. He slowly leaned down, and I cleared some hair away from his forehead. I pressed the marker to his skin and wrote:

AVIRY MILLS

“Now Sean, when they ask why, because who wouldn’t ask. Here’s what I want you to say.” I continued my marking process and colored a nice black mark under his eyes. Imitating a black eye, but with a marker. “I want you to say, Aviry Mills taught me the error of my ways. I am a weak man who threatened to fight a female. All women deserve respect. Thank you, Aviry Mills.” I capped the marker again. And stepped off the table.

“Use your black eye as a prop if you want. And be sure to put on an ACT that’s worth an award." I dropped the marker on the table.

"You’ll never know when I’ll be watching. Maybe next time I’ll cast you in my next fight scene.” I walked away from both boys and continued to the last staircase.

I stepped down the last stair and walked to the double doors that lead to the cafeteria. They were already open and I could hear the clattering of plates and silverware. The conversations were blended together, so nothing was coherent. I continued walking through the doors, and every sound ceased.

Everyone turned to look at me. Some looked back at their plates immediately. I continued walking, unfazed by their reactions. I’m just here to grab something to eat, and then I’m out this bitch.

I walked up to the serving window, locking eyes with one of the servers. She passed me a plate with roasted chicken, peas and carrots, and rice. She gave me a small smile and began to fix more plates. I took it and walked down the line, adding a brownie...two brownies. I grabbed a coke and slipped it into my pocket, along with a fork. I turned around, facing the crowded room again, and every head snapped back to their plates.

I walked away from the line and made my way back to the doors until someone gently grabbed my arm.

“Aviry, would you like to sit with me.” Tanner. His face was free and clear of any bruising.

“No, I’m eating in my room. I try to avoid people and crowds.” I continued walking, only to be joined again by Tanner.

“OK, then I’ll just join you. We have some things to discuss, and I would rather talk in private anyway’s. Let me go grab my stuff. I’ll meet you in your room.”

See, I was about to say fuck off, Tanner. And then Mia’s face flashed in my mind.

“Aviry, stop. Remember, we need to learn everything we can. Keep a level head about this. Maybe we can learn from Tanner.” Mia said.

“Argghh, Fine Mia. Fuck, this is going to be the challenge of my life.” I complained.

I nodded my head at Tanner, made my way out of the dining hall, and walked up the three flights of stairs. I opened my room door and sat on the soft carpet with my plate. I pulled out my coke and fork and dug into my food. Once again, the dish was delicious and full of flavor. My door opened up, and Tanner walked in with a yellow packet and his food.

“What’s that,” I asked, pointing to the envelope.

“All in good time. I just want to clear something up first.” Tanner sat down across from me, placing the envelope on his lap and his plate on the floor.

“I’m not a bad guy Aviry. I just made a terrible call when it came to you. I’ll make it up to you for as long as it takes. I’ll take every punishment you give me. Just please grant me the request for a clean slate. Let me prove my worth to you.” Tanner pleaded, his eyes locked with mine.

“Tanner, imagine our relationship as a pigpen. A dirty, stinky place. A very hard to place clean up and a very easy place to get messy.” Tanner shook his head and looked down. “But there are no cows, so there is no beef.” Tanner laughed at my little joke and passed me the envelope.

“OK, I can accept that analogy. Here, when you get a chance, read through that. Nix told me you agreed to be our champion. That packet contains the rules and regulations every participant must follow.” Tanner took a bite of his chicken.

I wrinkle my nose. “Rules? I thought we were fighting to see who’s the badest of them all. No one mentioned rules.” I took the package and measured the weight. “This is a heavy-ass set of rules, Tanner, and I can probably memorize one or two of them at most.”

“Not all of it is rules. It’s also an explanation of how this competition works. And don’t worry, I’ll be here to mentor you. I already memorized it for you. You just have to read it.” Tanner cleared the rest of his plate, pushing it away.

“I’m going to teach and train you. Anything you need to learn by the end of the month will be taught. Anything you want to learn, let me know, and I’ll get it done.” Tanner explained. “I told you I would protect you, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

He stood up and took away both of our empty plates. “Get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He left the room and shut the door behind him. I listened for a clicking lock, but I didn’t hear it.

I grabbed and tossed the envelope on the bed. I laid down and crossed my fingers, focusing on Mia. She came forward in our headspace, nudging my hand with her head. I rubbed her back and placed my head on her’s.

“Mia…I have to read that shit. Can’t they just send me the cliff notes?”

“Be patient Aviry, I can read too, you know. I’m not a dumb illiterate wolf. Whatever knowledge you have, I have it as well.”

Groaning and opening my eyes I unfastened the envelope, sliding the stapled packet out.

I laid back on my pillow and opened the first page with tiny fucking writing, in a boring font. Great.

This was going to be a boring ass night.

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