Page 5 of Rejected By The Alpha Heir

I’ve been patient. Change takes time, I know that. But today’s rejection was the harshest yet. I have no one else to turn to except the Moon Goddess herself.

I close my eyes and envision the full moon in all her glory. She’s the silvery light that shines down on the woods and the meadow, bathing us in her radiance.

Moon Goddess, I don’t know your reasons, but I trust in your wisdom. Austin is breaking my heart. Help me be what he needs, please.

I yawn and move toward my bed. There’s enough time for a small nap if I hurry. But I can’t stop thinking about him. His pain. I know the healers will have returned and checked on him. By all accounts, he will be fine. Yet, I feel compelled to help him and give him what I can to ease his discomfort.

My wolf won’t allow us to rest while he’s still suffering pain.

Chin up, shoulders back, I head over to the kitchen.

Austin needs me, whether he admits it or not.

My pantry has most of what I need, and I quickly whip up the healing salve. When we were kids, Austin used to love stealing oranges from the kitchen, so I quickly grab one and zest some of the peel into the salve.

The orange isn’t essential, but I hope the smell is soothing to him.

Finally ready, I make my way to his room on the opposite side of the cottage. We live together, but he always avoids me in the house. My hands tremble slightly as I knock. I didn’t hear him come in, but his room has a door to the back patio, so it’s possible he could have come in quietly.

I’m met with silence.

I knock again, louder. But, nothing. I’m left with a dilemma. If I step within his quarters, he will know I was there and in his private sanctuary.

But if I just leave…I look down at the salve in my hand. He may need it.

My heart tells me to enter, so I hesitantly turn the handle and open the door. The room is empty. I sigh with relief. He should still be resting in the healing room.

I carefully place the tin of salve on his dresser, along with a note about how to use it, before I hurry out, though he will know I have come.

However difficult the road ahead, I will stay strong. For I am the future Luna of this pack, and I will prove my worth.

Chapter Two

Yelena

Gray tendrils of fog swirl around the trees, giving the grounds an eerie feeling. A storm is coming in, I can feel it. My wolf is anxious—desperate to run before we get trapped inside for another long weekend.

I look outside again and try to decide what to do. If I shift now, I couldmaybeget a short run in before dark, but it would be cutting it close.Too close.

Austin recently decreed that it was no longer safe or prudent for me to run after dark alone. The incursions onto our territory from the Highland Pack have been increasing, and as the future Nightwing Luna, I could be considered a valuable target.

Besides, a part of me thought his singling me out like that was evidence that he cared. His concern for my safety was welcome. Would he protect me like this if he truly hated me?

Lately, I’m not so sure anymore. Last time I went, I had to go find the guards to run with me and I overheard them talking among themselves.

It took me several minutes of listening to them talk about “Austin’s baggage” to realize that they were talking about me. I was mortified.Baggage? I’m supposed to be his future Luna. Not his obligation.

My heart was crushed. After that night, I've never asked to run after dark again. If I were to take a guard with me tonight, it would require them to miss the bonfire.

Another opportunity for them to hate me. Another thing to make me less than in their eyes.

When we moved in together six months ago, I thought it was going to be a fresh start for us. A chance to really get to know each other. After all, we’ve been intended for more than a third of our lives now. I had just turned twenty and Austin had just turned twenty-two. I thought we were ready. But so far, that hasn’t been the case. I rarely see him, and when I do, our interactions feel stiff or formal.

I sigh and shake my head. The last thing I want to do is appear needy or be the cause of resentment in this pack. One day, I will be Luna and I need to show that I will be supportive of my mate and create harmony within this pack. Not cause trouble.

My wolf whines, and I push her down, promising her a run tomorrow during the day. It’s disappointing, but this is the way it has to be.

If I’m being honest, a part of me is starting to resent the way I’ve had to give of myself, over and over, without any acknowledgment or reward. But I push those thoughts down too. No good can come of thinking like that.

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