Page 3 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

I felt utterly destroyed. How did I end up here? How did I go from a happy, life-filled person to someone who didn't know who she was anymore? I had lost track of what I wanted in life so long ago that I couldn't even remember. My life had become so small, with laundry, dishes, and smiling like everything was okay.

"I don't know who I am anymore," I whisper. "I…I do everything for him. I behave a certain way for him and…I…I don't feel like a person anymore."

April swallowed. "You didn't tell me you felt this way."

I looked away, taking a sip of my coffee. "Because I've been denying it. I've….been trying to accept this life. Accept this…" I didn't finish the sentence.

April frowned. "Then we need this. We need this vacation."

I nodded because, deep down, I did. Deep down, I knew I needed this more than anything.

"Okay, a vacation then."

Chapter 2 - Cayden

I pushed the start button on my coffee maker and sighed. I had already done my morning workout, which consisted of a three-mile run and an ab workout. I had already showered and just wanted to enjoy my morning coffee peacefully.

I stared at my coffee mug for a second before I yawned. I rubbed my eyes and glanced at the time. I still had an hour before I needed to be at the fire station.

There was a knock at my door, and I turned, glancing at it. I scowled because I knew that I wasn't expecting anyone. It was far too early for any of the guys to make a surprise visit, and none of the girls were going to stop by.

I walked over and looked through the peephole on my door. My heart stopped beating as I took in my sister. She had her arms crossed, glaring directly at the peephole like she knew I was standing there. Her black hair fell in short curls around her face, and her brown eyes looked annoyed as she stared.

"Maybe instead of looking at me through the hole, you open your door," she said, tilting her head. "I can smell you from here."

I unlocked the door and pulled it open. I had to admit I was a little stunned. Sure, we occasionally talked, but she'd never come to visit. I'd been away from the pack for eight years, and she'd not come once. I gave her a little leeway, considering she was just learning to drive when I left, but she was older now.

April had changed since I last saw her. Her blond hair was long gone, leaving pure black hair behind. She was clearly going for a different look than who she used to be, and I wasn't sure why.

"April," I stuttered, still unsure of what to say to her. "What…what are you doing here?"

"Not just me," she said, taking a step to the side. Riley poked her head out from the side. Riley looked more like who I remembered, but she looked like she'd had better days. She even tried to muster a smile, which didn't quite meet her brown eyes.

I was suddenly nineteen again, just leaving the pack. I remember April standing in the hallway and Riley in her doorway. They had been having a sleepover that night. I wasn't planning to leave until later, but my folks pushed me to the edge, and I'd had enough.

I remember they both looked shocked as I stood at the front entrance with my bags. April had shaken her head, confused. "What are you doing?" she yelled, taking a few steps down the hallway toward me. "Where are you going?"

"Enough, April." My father growled at her, stopping her tracks.

I hated everything. I hated the way my folks acted like I was garbage and how quickly they wanted me out. I hated the fact that I was leaving them behind even more. I couldn't explain. My folks wouldn't let me. I hadn't even given April a proper goodbye.

I simply grabbed my bags, and I left.

April crossed her arms. "Do you not have any manners or what? Are you going to keep staring at us or invite us inside?"

I quickly shook my head and pulled the door open a little wider. April stepped in first, her eyes quickly surveying my space. It seemed that my sister still had a sharpness to her.

"Nice place. You always said that you did good, but it's nice to see it for myself."

I glanced at Riley, who was standing in the doorway. She gave me another weak smile before looking at April.

I looked at my sister, taking her in. She didn't look hurt, which was my first impression. Why else would she be here if she wasn't?

"Not that I don't like you coming down, but why are you here?" I asked, leaning on my door.

"Needed a vacation," April said with a shrug. She took a seat on the couch, reminding me so much of her younger self. April had always been comfortable anywhere she went. She could enter a stranger's house and relax like she owned the place.

I looked over at Riley. My throat suddenly felt tight, feeling the snap of realization kicking in. I'd always known she was my mate, but I'd never done anything about it. I would never have allowed anything to happen. Riley was just a young girl when I first felt it. But she wasn't anymore, and my wolf knew that.

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