My breathing was uneven, coming out in gasps as I pushed myself to the edge, as I always did. I rushed through the trees, glad to have the trail all to myself. Just as I felt my legs give in, I slowed to a jog, the Packhouse coming into view. It was still too early for most to be up and about, save for the few early risers, myself included. As I reached the door leading to the kitchen, my jog became a walk .
I opened the fridge and took out a bottle of water, my throat burning from today's effort. As I drank my water, I turned but was met with a hard chest. I stumbled back a bit before warm, masculine hands steadied me. Sparks ignited at his touch, my heart rate spiking all over again...
Mate
I looked up to see shocked ocean blue eyes staring intently at me. I groaned internally because I knew what was coming. It was just my luck for my mate to be none other than the player, my soon-to-be Alpha, Selden Woods. He scowled, pulling his hands away, making my heart sink deep into my chest. My fists clenched involuntarily. His shock was quickly replaced by a smirk as he gave me a once over. And what I expected, but never hoped for, came out of the asshole's mouth.
"I, Selden Woods, reject you, Alessa Sartori, as my mate." Just as I was about to respond, the pack slut, Darla, came in and wrapped her slimy hands around him. I gave them a disgusted look, which the slut smirked at. Selden looked hurt, only for a moment, but immediately recovered.
I gave him a disappointed look, focusing my attention on my water. I finished drinking it, squeezed the bottle and threw it in the bin. I was just about to make my way to my room when Darla pushed me, causing me to stumble just the slightest. But it was enough to get a reaction out of me. I turned to face her, fists clenched.
"What, bitch?" she snarled.
"I didn't realize how stupid you were, but I should expect nothing less from an airhead," I stated, internally trying to calm my raging heartbeat. A growl left her lips as she lunged at me. I quickly sidestepped, making her run into the nearby table.
"You useless human!" she growled and tossed something at me before I could react. I attempted to dodge, but it managed to cut my arm, leaving a stinging sensation.
I couldn't stop myself from shaking, losing control. I slammed her against the counter roughly. She whimpered, followed by a snarl. She pushed me, making me fall back and hit my head against the counter. I got up and lunged at her, knocking her down. I began to punch her repeatedly, the cracking of her nose not giving me enough satisfaction to stop.
She was screaming, but it sounded far away, the pounding in my ears too overpowering. I felt someone pull me back, sparks rushing through me at their touch. I turned to find Selden gripping my arms, keeping me in place. I glared at him, hatred consuming my being. The person destined to love me standing right in front of me, defending someone else over me. I was starting to see red and knew I had to leave before I made a mistake that I'd later regret. I pulled away from him roughly. He looked hurt, but I was far from caring.
"Go on and play nurse with your slut," I spat, pushing past him and making my way to my room. I entered and showered quickly, washing the blood from my arm and bandaging it. I put on some blue jeans and a black tank top. I topped it off with my favorite black leather jacket and black Converse. I got my keys and headed out.
I went out only to find the slut couple leaning against my car.
"I suggest you get off my baby before I kill you both," I stated. I watched them get off my black Mustang.
"You own this beauty?" Selden questioned. I ignored him and unlocked my car. He pulled my arm, making me face him. I glared at him, yanking my arm from his grasp, ignoring the tingling sensation his touch left.
"Touch me again, and it will be the last thing you do," I stated. He growled, pinning me against the car. I could see his wolf surfacing, not at all happy with my statement. He inhaled, and it was all that was needed for his demeanor to change. His canines extended, his urge to mark me very evident. I pushed him away, catching him off guard. He stumbled back, landing next to a not-so-happy Darla.
"Last I checked, you rejected me," I spat, getting into my car and speeding off. I gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white.
I needed a drink.
*******************
I got home late with a strong buzz. The club owner, Dan, whom I had become very familiar with, offered to drive my car and take me home. He was also a member of the Woods Pack, so it was no problem at all. I entered the house with him in tow. He handed me the keys to my car, and I gave him a quick hug, thanking him for the ride. A low growl caught our attention.
Standing by the stairs was a furious Selden. I stepped in front of Dan. Selden growled again.
"Move, Alessa," he ordered. I glared at him.
"Get back to your slut, Selden," I replied, grabbing Dan, pushing Selden and walking away. Selden snarled, and I quickly shielded Dan. "You rejected me. You have no right over me so I suggest you fuck off!" I spat.
"What's going on, son?"
We all turned to the source of the voice.
Alpha Woods.
"Dan, give us some privacy and head to bed," he ordered, leaving no room for argument.
As soon as Dan was gone, Alpha Woods turned to us.
"He rejected me and now thinks he has some right to be pissed off about me hugging another male. Dad, can we call it a night?" I asked. He nodded.
"Good night," I said and left to my room.
***********************
I woke up with only a minor headache. It was tolerable, so I did my usual. Halfway through my run, a sharp pain had me clutching my chest and dropping to my knees. I gasped at the intensity. My breathing sped up, my vision blurred and my body burned. I fell down, unable to stay up, and my body writhed uncontrollably. And then it dawned on me.
"Look at the weak human," I heard someone say.
"Aw, is your mate cheating on you? Fucking someone else because who would want a pathetic human like you?" another added, laughing. I gritted my teeth and stood, my body shaky and weak. I pushed past them, only being able to partially make out where I was going. Just as I made it to what I assumed was the pack house, a stronger jolt of pain had me on the ground screaming. And then it was gone. I panted but made no attempts to get up. It was as if the life was being drained out of me.
"Alessa!" someone yelled. Seconds later, I was being picked up. I looked up to see that it was the Beta of the pack who now carried me to my room.
"Thank you, Beta," I stated as he laid me on the bed.
"He was sleeping around, wasn't he?" he questioned. I looked up at his light blue sympathetic eyes. Word certainly traveled fast. I nodded. "The bond needs to be broken on both sides. Have you?" He asked. I shook my head.
"I only found out yesterday," I responded. "It'll weaken him. It'll weaken the pack when it comes time for him to take over as Alpha. Alpha Woods doesn't deserve this," I added. He approached me and caressed my cheek, making my body burn. I stiffened.
"You don't deserve this," he said, and I could see his eyes darkening. I backed up to the bed, my back hitting the headboard.
"Beta Jacobs, you need to go," I stated, suppressing my urge to go to him. He pulled me to him, his face going to my neck. He licked it, causing a wave of heat to run down my body. A moan left my lips, making him pin me down. "Dean! This is your wolf taking over. You need to go!" I urged, attempting to push him off me. A low growl was the only response I obtained. "Dean, no!" I fought as I felt his canines retract against my skin. I tried to push him off, but he pinned my hands above me. "Dean!" I screamed as I felt his teeth begin to penetrate my skin.
"Get off her!" I heard seconds before the weight of Dean's body and his canines were off me. I quickly stood and saw it was Delta Stevens and my dad.
"We need to get you out of here," my dad spoke, guiding me to an impenetrable room only few had access to. I was in heat, despite the rejection, and my lack of a wolf. All the unmated wolves were going crazy. "Drink this," he added. "It'll help a bit," he said as he handed me a cup. "I have to go check up on the unmated wolves," he stated, leaving back up. I drank what he'd offered and tried to sleep in the large bed in the middle of the room.
A long night was ahead of me, and I knew I wouldn't last here. I had to leave as soon as possible....
********* Weeks later ******************
"Come in," came Alpha Reed Woods' powerful voice after I had knocked. I went in and smiled at the calm ocean blue eyes staring lovingly at me. "There's my favorite baby girl," he smiled. My smile widened.
"I'm your only baby girl," I stated, going around his desk and hugging him.
"Still my favorite," he said with a chuckle. "What is it you need, hun?" he asks.
"I've decided it's time to leave....I want to take up the offer of trainer in your neighboring pack," I said. I had received a call earlier in the week from our neighboring Alpha, a good friend of mine. I figured it would be best I leave.
"Dad, I love you so much and you've been wonderful to me, biological father or not," I said. He looked at me sadly, his eyes becoming watery.
"Come here," he said, pulling me into a bone-crushing hug. I wrapped my arms around him. "Promise me you'll come visit me often," he stated.
"I promise I'll visit you very often. You're my dad, after all...my favorite dad," I respond. He squeezed me and pulled me back.
"You'll always be my little girl, and I won't let anyone take you from me," he said firmly, making me chuckle.
"I won't leave you, I promise. I'm staying on Earth for as long as I live," I replied. "I'd like for you to keep my car. I know you truly love it. Think of it as my departing gift," I told him. "I'm not taking no for an answer," I added as an after thought. He chuckled.
"You're so stubborn, princess," he says.
"I learned from the best," I said, giving him a wink. I handed him the keys, which he took reluctantly.
"I'll clear my schedule and we can spend time together for a few hours, yeah?" he asked, and I agreed. He'd stuck by me since day one, since the day he found me in the woods.
No one would ever consider taking in a human. At first, they were all skeptical as to how a mere human knew so much about werewolves. The only person that ever trusted me was Alpha Woods, and for that I will be forever grateful.
Alpha Woods took care of me, trained me, taught me everything I know. He was always amazed at how quickly I caught on to what he taught me. Eventually, I told him the truth, my real identity and how I'd ended up in the woods that day. Alpha Woods saw me as the daughter he'd lost along with his wife, and I respected him more than anyone in the world.
I'd always be indebted to him, and I'd be sure to never forget it.
..............
Feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)
-Jenni
Even though this story is done, I still would like feedback