Page 15 of Claiming His Rejected Mate

Eldon’s men.

They step out of the shadows, three of them, their eyes gleaming with malicious intent.

“Eldon doesn’t take rejection well,” one of them says, his voice dripping with mockery.

My wolf snarls, her presence flaring as I take a step back. “Then he should’ve learned by now.”

They lunge.

The fight is brutal, my body moving on instinct as I duck and weave, my claws flashing in the dim light. They’re bigger, stronger, but I’m faster. Smarter. Being the Gamma’s only child all my life meant I had to be as strong as every other warrior in the pack. And that hasn’t changed just because I’m now packless.

Blood splatters the pavement, my heart pounding as I dodge another swing. My muscles burn, but I don’t stop, don’t falter. I can’t afford to.

When I finally break free, my lungs heave as I sprint through the maze of streets, their shouts fading behind me. My wolf pushes me forward in the ways she is able to beyond the seal, her rage and desperation fueling my steps until I’m far enough away to collapse against a wall, my chest heaving.

I’m still a warrior—still a wolf. I’ll never yield to another again.

I hurry back to my apartment and into the kitchen, pulling out the medicine kit. I tend to my wounds, one injury at a time. Some of the new ones were over my old scratches. Wounds that my wolf’s energywould have healed, but it couldn't because of Magnus’ abominable seal. I grit my teeth against the sting of the dabs and cover them with gauze where it’s needed. I take a cap of painkillers. This should be good for now. I stay indoors the rest of the night, worried that Ayana is not yet home.

Ayana bursts through the door of our apartment the next morning, her face pale and her curls wild, some locks of hair sticking to her face with sweat. “They came for me.”

I’m on my feet in an instant, my pulse spiking. “Are you hurt? I swear to Goddess if they laid their hands on you…”

She shakes her head, but her hands tremble as she grips the edge of the table. “I got away. But they sent a message.”

My stomach twists as she looks up at me, her eyes dark with fear. “Eldon says he’ll have you, one way or another.” I did not sever my connection to my pack just to be used like a whore by a vagabond rogue like Eldon. Attacking me and my best friend is not the way to get to me, and I'm not going to play stupid power games. Not anymore.

My wolf growls, her anger surging to the surface. My chest tightens, but I force myself to breathe, to stay calm.

Just when I thought I could finally have a life, it all seems like it will be swept out from under me. But I’m not giving up just because he can’t keep his cock in his pants.

The low hum of chatter fills the air, blending with the faint clink of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter. The Broken Antler is alive tonight, filled with a mix of rogue wolves, humans, and others who prefer the anonymity Broadstone offers. The air smells of stale beer and too many bodies packed into a small space.

There’s a man sitting at the bar, leaning just close enough to make his presence known without crowding me. He’s been watching me. He’s not a new face around here. I’ve seen him once or twice. His blond curls and soft brown eyes are nothing but charming. I know the way girls and women look at him.

“Hazel.” My name sounds like the sweetest endearment on his tongue. “How long have you been working here, beautiful?”

His name is Lucas—or at least that’s what I’ve heard people callhim. He’s sweet in that easy, low-effort way that usually makes me roll my eyes. But tonight, I find myself smiling, drawn in by the softness in his tone, the warmth in his brown eyes.

“Less than a year.” I set a fresh drink in front of him. “It’s not glamorous, but it pays the bills.”

He chuckles, the sound low and pleasant. “I think it suits you. You’ve got the kind of presence that makes people want to stick around. It’s great for business. I’m sure your boss wouldn’t dream of letting you go.”

I tilt my head, the compliment catching me off guard. It’s been a long time since anyone has said something like that to me, and for a moment, I let myself enjoy it.

“You’re good at this,” I say, arching a brow. “The whole…charming stranger routine.”

Lucas grins, leaning forward just enough to close the gap between us. “What can I say? I’m a man of many talents.”

“What other talents are you hiding, Mr. Charmer?”

“You’re gonna have to find out.”

“And how, pray tell, stranger, do I do that?”

“Go on a date with me. When are you free?”

I giggle. The girlish sound shocks me, and my wolf perks an ear at the sound.

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