Rejection Denied
The Past-P1

A/ N - WARNING!!!

I wanted to write this chapter to explain how Aviry and Denver came to be. If you do not like side stories or could care less about Avirys family history. DO NOT READ THIS CHAPTER.

If you do not like time warp stories, do not read this chapter for those who don’t mind reading past-present chapters. I inserted page breaks and symbols to help navigate the times.

⭐- Present

🌙-Past

⭐Orion

Present Day

“Aviry, and Denver, I am the father to you both.”

As I held onto the limp hands of my lost children. No, not lost. They are here with me now. Stolen from me before I could lay my eyes on them. But as continue to stare at them. All I see is their mother, my mate…my Sarina.

“Do me a favor…” I looked up at Aviry. “Take that hand you’re holding and slap yourself with it. Make sure you put a hell of a lot of force in it to reclaim your lost fucking mind.” I raised a brow.

“You don’t believe me?”

“Hell no.” She stuck her tongue out. “That was meant to represent my fuck you finger.” She rolled her eyes. “And that was just me rolling my eyes at your dumb ass.”

Denver spoke up. “I don’t believe you either, Orion. After everything that happened to today, you can’t expect us to either.”

I released their hands and nodded. “I can understand that. But I am telling the truth.” I turned to my driver Fred. “How much longer?”

He checked the clock on the dashboard. “Around two hours, sir.”

“Great.” I sat back in my seat and closed my eyes. “I can’t make you believe me.” I sighed. “But maybe if I tell you my story. A true story that happened twenty-five years ago. Maybe you’ll have more trust in my words.”

“No, thank you,” Aviry replied. “I like to lull myself to sleep. Just roll the privacy window back up.”

“Do we really have a choice?” Denver asked. “We are paralyzed for goddess knows how long. And stuck in the damn car with you, Orion.”

She’s right. But I do want them to feel like they have a choice. That I do care about their opinion. But let’s be honest…I don’t. I have a plan for these girls that is long past due.

A dream that I started, that was all ruined by my selfish mate. But I won’t let anything get in my way this time. My daughters will aid me in this project.

“You are right, Denver.” I chuckled. “The paralytic should wear off in a few hours. And just to clarify, the only reason I brought you with me is to bring you home. I’m just taking you to the place where you were born. The four walls that you were meant to be raised in, by both your mother and me. The scene of your kidnapping.”

“And my name hasn’t always been Orion. A long time ago, I was called Niro.” I opened my eyes and looked out my window.

“Now, let daddy tell you a story.”

🌙Niro (Orion)

25 Years Ago

Knock Knock Knock

“Niro. Are you ready? We needed to leave an hour ago.”

I groaned and pulled the cover off my head. The sunlight was shining through the window on the side of my bed. Looking over and squinting at my alarm clock on my side table. I jumped out of bed in a hurry.

“Oh shit!” I shouted.

“Yeah. Oh shit. Hurry the hell up.” My best friend said from the other side of the door.

I was already wearing a t-shirt, so I quickly pulled on some jeans that were lying on the floor. My suitcase was already packed and ready. I snatched the handlebar and pulled open the door.

“You suck ass, Marshal.” I closed the door behind me. “I told you to wake me up ten minutes before it was time to go.”

He slapped my shoulder, and we both started walking down the hall. “I got distracted.”

“Who was it this time.” I sighed. I looked back to see him grinning hard.

“Jackie, and wait for it…Mara.” He said proudly. “And yes, the same Mara who found her mate a month ago. She wants to be a luna so damn bad, but I told her it’s just fun for now. Being an alpha has its perks, and I don’t want to be tied down to anyone. If your smart, you’d do the same and explore before you find your mate.”

I shook my head. “If and when I find my mate. She won’t have to worry about competition from my past lovers. I am choosing to stay pure until I meet the one.” We turned and walked out the front door of the packhouse. “What are you going to do first when you get home.”

He shrugged, “Isn’t obvious. I’ll be there to comfort all of the women who get their hearts broken after they discover that I’m not their mate. Before I left, I had a long ass line of females at my bedroom door. I told them to wait for me, and I’m sure they did.”

And that’s Marshal for you—the new alpha of his pack, Blue Moon. He’s the bad boy that every female is attracted to. It’s definitely the black and hair and electric blue eyes. Whenever I’m by myself, every female describes those two features to find him.

But Marsh is like a bug zapper. You fly to him desiring that light he emits, and then ZAP! He rids himself of you. And now, with his title, I’m afraid for the hearts of the females in his pack and mine. Already twenty females have fallen prey to his charm, and he’s only been here a month.

He and I have been training to take over our title as alphas. My father invited Marsh to stay with us until he turned eighteen. I celebrated my birth first and received my title. And Marsh’s birthday was last week, and now it’s time for him to return to his pack. I’m joining him to celebrate his birthday and initiation, and then I’ll return home to take over my duties.

“I’m serious, dude. You are an alpha now. Work first, play later. Our fathers want us to lead out packs the way they do.”

“Blah blah blah.” Marsh covered his ears. “We have the freedom and the right to do what we want. Suppose I want to hold a pack meeting, where every female is required to wear a bikini. I am free to do that. Now, let’s focus on my party and getting laid. But you get the leftovers.”

“MOM!” Marsh shouted. “I’m home!”

Feet pounded down the staircase, and Luna Kora flew down the stairs. “You are late, son.” She threw herself into Marshal’s arms. “I missed you so much.” Marsh hugged his mother and released her. “But your dad is throwing a tantrum about your tardiness, so good luck with that.”

She looked over at me. “It’s good to see you, Niro. I have a room ready for you next door to Marsh’s.”

“Thanks for having me, Luna Kora.” I bowed my head.

“Tsk. Call me, Kora. There’s no need to be so formal.” She gave me a gentle hug. “Now, you boys, go ahead get settled in. The party is in a few hours. Oh, and Marsh, go see your father ASAP.”

Kora walked away, leaving Marsh and I. “Do you need a tour?” He sighed.

I shook my head. “This is my second home. I know where everything is.”

“Good, then you have time to come with me to talk with my dad.” He grabbed my arm. And pulled me in the direction of his father’s office. “He won’t chew my ass out with you there. He favors you much more than me.”

“Lies.” I snatched my arm away and continued following him. “Your dad just wants you to mature. Especially now that your alpha. All eyes will be on you, Marshal. So maybe grow the fuck up before tonight.”

He laughed. “I am mature. My dad just has a stick up his ass. And so, does everyone else here. But, after tonight, everything will change. Work can be fun, and I’m going to lead the charge by removing a lot of those restrictions put in place by my dad.”

We reached the doors to the alphas office. “Just be careful, Marsh. Your dad put them there for a reason. Your pack member’s safety should come first. Not your amusement.”

⭐Orion

“Fucking hell Orion.” Aviry groaned from behind me. “Or Niro, whatever the hell you want to be called. Get to the damn point. Your voice is pissing me off.”

I opened the glove department box and pulled out a water bottle. “Patience Aviry. I just wanted you both to know that I wasn’t always a monster.” I uncapped the water and inserted a straw. “You needed to know this for the next part. “

I reached back in through the window. “Would you like some water Denver.”

“Yes.” She said. I smiled and placed the straw in her mouth.

“After Marshal and I spoke with his father. We got dressed and joined everyone for the birthday party. Kora set it up perfectly, and all sorts of people from multiple packs joined us.”

I pulled back on the straw and turned toward Aviry. “Do you want some water?”

“Hell no.” She said, licking her lips.

I shrugged and turned back in my seat. “My expectations were low. I planned on eating and mingling with the other alphas until the ceremony. But the Moon Goddess had other plans.”

I straightened the collar on my Navy blue suit. I always try to look my best at these events. You never know who you’ll attract as an ally.

“I’m going to walk around. Meet you at the ceremony?” Marsh nodded and walked away.

Kora really did an excellent job. The lights in the tree are giving off an enchanted mood. And the bright full moon is directly over us. The banquet tables line the forest opening and are topped with a variety of delicious foods.

I approached the first table, and my stomach growled at the sight of baked chicken and sides. I reached for a plate, but my hand pecked another small hand. “I apologize—”

I looked up. And there in front of me was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on. Her piercing, grey eyes ensnared me. And the smell of coffee and cream overwhelmed my senses. I was fully energized and full of new emotions.

“MATE!” My wolf Ace yipped. “That’s our mate. We are so lucky!”

“We are. She’s perfect.” The mate bond was already latching onto my soul. I need to hear her—

“Oh shit!” she sighed. “Mmmm, no. Sorry pal, but I don’t need this shit right now.” She cleared her throat. “I Sarina Night,--” She paused. “What’s your name?”

Sarina, I thought. Such a great name for my— wait. Is she…is she trying to reject me? With my mouth wide open. I waited for the words to come out. But they wouldn’t. How could my mate leave me without giving me a chance? As long as I keep my name a secret, then she can’t do it.

“No,” I stated firmly.

“No?” She repeated slowly. “That is a dumb ass name.”

I shook my head. “No. I mean, I won’t give you my name. You’re just going to reject me.”

“Damn straight. Listen, I’m doing this for you.”

“Sarina!” A female voice called out. “I know you hear me!”

My mate looked into the crowd and back at me. “Listen, just tell me your damn name.” She demanded. “Or I can rip your tongue out and force it to write it out.” What the hell, I thought?

“Sarina!” A blonde female ran up to my mate’s side. “I told you to stay with me. We need—” She looked over at me and raised her brow. “Who the hell are you?”

“Nobody!” Sarina quickly shouted. “Mina, let’s go find the alpha. And then we can leave.” She narrowed her eyes at me as if to say she’ll be back for my tongue. But I do not scare off that easily Sarina.

I stepped in front of her. “You’re looking for the alpha? You know he’s my best friend.”

She shrugged. “Sucks for him.” My mate moved to get past me, but I blocked her path again. She growled. And the blonde placed a hand on her shoulder.

“I was just offering to take you to him. You know he has so many people vying for his attention. I can get you straight to Marshal. And I can dissuade his mind of all the inappropriate thoughts that cross his mind.”

Mina stepped forward. “Sarina. Let’s just go with him. We don’t have time.”

Sarina growled and pushed past me. “She’s just a little cranky,” Mina said. “Lead the way, friend.”

“Sarina reminds me of you, Aviry.” Denver chuckled.

Aviry rolled her eyes. “No, if it were me, I would’ve snapped Orion’s neck for pissing me off.

But, she thought through the shit and walked away like you, Denver.”

“You both are similar to her in many ways.” I looked back and smiled. “That’s because Sarina is your mother. You have her face and her hair. Your eyes are blue like mine and grey like hers.”

Denver and Aviry sat there stunned. I chuckled and turned back in my chair. “I found Marshal and requested that we have a private chat with Sarina and Mina.”

“You sly dog!” Marshal pushed me into the office. Sarina and Mina cautiously followed in behind us. “I knew you had it in you. I’m not keen on sharing but—”

“MARSHAL!” I barked. “This isn’t that. These women wanted to talk to you.”

He looked over at them and crossed his arms. “So, you want to watch?” he asked me.

“NO!” I shouted. “I looked over at my mate and Mina. “You have the alpha now. I’ll try to keep his hormones calmed down.”

Mina stepped forward and bared her neck. “Alpha Marshal Lancaster. My companion and I are here to warn you. We heard from a reliable source of a pending attack tonight, and our people will be framed.”

She stepped back.

“Ummm, ok.” Marshal shrugged. “My pack is strong enough to fend off any attack. And we have multiple ally packs here with us tonight. As far as your people being framed, just point them out to me, and I’ll ignore them. But thanks for the warning—”

Sarina stepped forward. “Listen, Mina gave you the nice version.” She placed her hands on her hips. “So, here’s my version. There are some nasty ass bitches undercover at this party. We don’t know what their exact plan is, but shit is going down tonight.

Sarina stepped up to Marshal. “If my people are blamed for your lack of concern, I will bite your head off.” She growled, and Mina pulled her back.

Marshal grinned. “I bet you’re fun in bed.”

This time I growled. “Relax, dude.” Marsh held his hand up. “I’m done flirting. But it’s only because I need to make my way to the ceremony to be Alpha of my pack officially. As for this warning, it’s a party. Everyone is enjoying themselves. But, if I see anything suspicious, I’ll warn the others.” He walked past us and opened the door.

“Niro, make sure your upfront with me.” The door closed, and I cursed under my breath and shut my eyes. Why did he say my name?

“Niro.” Sarina slowly repeated, tasting each letter.

“Sarina, we tried. We need to leave now.” The blonde pulled my mate to the door.

“I’ll be sure to thank you, Niro.” Sarina taunted. She looked back at me and winked before leaving with Mina. I palmed my face and leaned against the wall.

My mate is going to reject me. I’ve waited and saved myself for this one special person. And she flat out denies our bond. I can’t let her go without a fight, though. But how can I stop it…wait. I’m an alpha now. I can deny her rejection. She doesn’t know that I have the power of alpha.

She probably thinks I’m a Beta or Gamma to Marshal. I pushed off the wall and walked to the door. Oh, sweet Sarina. I can’t wait to see the look on your face after denying your rejection. I’m going to show you that we are meant to be together. After tonight you will be joining my pack, and you will become my luna.

“You and Nixon have that shit in common.” Aviry huffed. “Listen, no means no. If Sarina didn’t want your ass, why force the bond to work? She has her reasons. Hell, she might be in a relationship with Mina.”

Denver cleared her throat. “But the mate bond is so strong. Orion clearly wanted a chance to prove himself to Sarina.”

“You are both correct on some points.” I looked back over my shoulder. “Sarina was chosen for me by the Moon Goddess. I wanted the mate bond to work so bad. But your mother did have her reasons, and no, it doesn’t involve Mina.”

I made my way to the ceremony. Marsh and his father, Gavin, were standing under a stone arch, directly under the moon. Luna Kora was her mates’ side, and the audience stood a few feet back. I searched the crowd for Sarina, I could smell her, but I couldn’t see her. Marsh waved me over, and I took my place on his side.

“Friends, family,” Gavin spoke. “Tonight is a wonderful night for a celebration. I will no longer be the alpha to you all. But I am proud to say that my son Marshal Lancaster will officially receive the alpha title over the Blue Moon pack.”

Everyone clapped and howled up at the sky. “Today, Marshal will assume the duties and responsibilities of a leader. And I do not doubt his abilities to continue to lead this pack in a positive direction.” He nodded toward me. “Niro, Kora, the drinks, please.”

I turned around and took a steel goblet from a platter. A picture of a wolf and a human are engraved on the side. Inside, a dark liquid sloshed around the scent of it was sweet like wine. I passed one to Marsh. And Kora passed her to Gavin.

“Together, we will link arms and drink from these goblets. It’s a tradition, my father and I did. By doing this, we are symbolizing the linked arms of all the alphas of this family. Remember Marshal that even when I’m no longer here physically. I will always be here with you spiritually, along with your ancestors.”

Gavin looked back at the crowd. “But I won’t be joining them anytime soon.” He laughed and faced Marsh again. “You are not alone in this Marshal.” The son and father linked arms.

“Now, please everyone, bar your necks to your new Alpha. Alpha Marshal Lee Lancaster.”

The audience cheered and howled as the new and former alpha raised their drinks to their lips and chugged down the contents. The men stepped away from each other and wiped their mouths. “Congrats, son.” Gavin stuck his hand out.

Marsh shook his father’s hand. “Thanks, dad. I really—”

COUGH!

Alpha Gavin lunged forward. He released his son’s hand and covered his mouth. COUGH! COUGH!

“Dad?”

“Gavin?” Kora said as she rubbed his back.

He held his hand up. “I’m fine. I just need some—” COUGH!

A silver liquid spewed from his mouth. “DAD!” Marshal shouted.

Gavin fell forward on his hands and knees, and the crowd gasped. Kore fell beside him. “GET A DOCTOR!” she cried as the former alpha convulsed on the ground.

“DAD!” Marshal cried. “He kneeled beside his father. “SOMEONE HELP.”

“Gavin!” Luna Kora pleaded. “Darling, get up. Where the hell is the doctor!” she wailed.

“Move aside!” the crowd parted, and the pack doctor came up to the stage. Gavin stopped convulsing, and his body stilled. “The doctor placed his hands on his neck. “We need to get him to the hospital. And hurry the hell up.” He picked up the empty goblet and sniffed it.

“It’s silver.” He looked over at Luna Kora. “He’s been poisoned.”

Two alphas ran up on stage. One picked up Gavin in his arms and ran toward the house with the doctor. The other knelt beside Kora and tried to soothe the Luna.

“WHO DID THIS!” Marsh shouted. He looked over at me. “Where are those two bitches from earlier? They knew this was going to happen. They told us someone would attack. BRING THEM HERE NOW!” He roared and jumped into the crowd.

“They left.” I lied. I followed behind, trying to comprehend what’s happening. I could still smell Sarina nearby, but her scent was fading further away. “They left as soo—”

“No!” Marsh snarled. “They are still in this territory. I want every single fucking warrior and tracker out there now!”

He fell on his hands and knees, preparing to shift. “Join me, Niro. I want them found and questioned. If they had anything to do with this, I want them both killed.”

A/N- Quick reminder. Marshal is Nixon's father.

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