Page 19 of Rejected Pregnant Mate

Chapter 7 - Nayeli

By Monday morning, I was out of excuses.

I'd spent the entire weekend holed up in Scott's guest room after the wedding, trying not to spiral. The spell, the kiss at the altar, it all played on loops in my head until I wasn't sure if I wanted to cry, scream, set something on fire, or all three. I came out long enough to touch Scott and let the bond settle down when it became unbearable, often just awkwardly resting my hand on his bare arm until my skin stopped itching.

But I couldn't hide forever, not when I still had a job to do. I was still technically Samson's assistant, even if I'd accidentally spell-bonded myself to another Alpha. I'd taken some time off, but my time was running out.

Plus, I was supposed to be ingratiating myself with Scott's pack, which I had been totally avoiding. I still considered myself a Saltfang, but after the wedding, the rest of the world thought I was the mate of the Shadowbay Alpha, making me part of the Shadowbay pack too.

That morning, I'd promised Scott I'd make an appearance at the early morning pack run. It was a bonding experience for the pack members, and I knew that Scott liked to lead them on a trail around the edge of the territory before they headed off to work for the day. The more I avoided them, the more I looked like an outsider, which would hurt Scott's reputation.

It wasn't like I wanted to avoid his pack. I wanted to get to know them and have friends in this new area. I was lonely enough as it was without isolating myself from the other pack members. I was just too awkward to approach people on my own.

I stared into the mirror, wondering if I looked different now that I was married to Scott. If there was something about me that showed everyone I'd been claimed by someone else. I didn't see anything, but despite looking the same, everything about me was changed now. I was someone else in the eyes of the other pack members. An Alpha's wife.

I sighed. I guess I had to play the part, whether I wanted to or not.

I dressed comfortably and headed outside to the dunes bordering the beach, where the rest of the pack had gathered for the run. Some were already in wolf form, most of them stretching out as they prepared for the run. I caught a few whispers as I approached, but ignored them. I wasn't sure if it was because I was new to the pack, or because of my marriage to Scott, but I got the sense that not everyone was happy with the change.

I didn't blame them. Not really. I was the weird Saltfang girl who didn't know when to shut up. I was an outrageous choice for the polished, sophisticated Shadowbay Alpha.

I walked to the edge of the crowd, searching for Scott in the mass of people. He was usually easy to spot, his wolf black as night and tall, but I didn't see him in either form. So I tried to make conversation with some of the wolves around me.

"Nice morning," I offered one woman who was unlacing her boots before shifting. She glanced up and gave me a blank look before refocusing on her shoes.

Okay. Cool.

I glanced around for Scott again but came up empty-handed. He was the only one I was comfortable with in this entire group, and I was desperate to have someone next to me to ease the awkwardness. Of course, he didn't pop up, and beforeI knew it, the Beta of the pack was calling everyone to attention and calling for them to move out.

Closing my eyes, I gave in to the shift, resigned to having a run with people who didn't really like me. All I could hope was that it would be over quickly, and I wouldn't do anything too weird in wolf form.

I didn't shift as often as other wolves, and it took a few extra seconds for my bones to find the right shape. Once done, I stood, shook out my honey-colored coat, and stretched. I hadn't shifted in a couple of months, and the shift felt good. The magic hummed under my skin, as if content now that I'd done something I should have done more often.

I looked around, spotting some of the others already running and following behind. The Shadowbay wolves spread out over the coastline, and it was a beautiful scene in front of the rising sun.

But then I had an idea to ease the aching loneliness I was feeling, and while the rest of the pack headed down the waterline, I turned and ran inland. I barely even thought about it, paws hitting the dirt and fur whipping in the wind. Instinct took over, and I pointed my nose towards home.

It was quite the run back to Saltfang territory, and I was out of breath by the time I made it to the treeline outside of Samson's house. I shifted back and straightened my clothes. I had barely registered what I'd been doing, but now that I was in front of the house, a wave of relief hit me. Finally, something familiar.

It was early, and when I approached the front door, Kiera opened it instead of Samson. Her smile was easy, full of affection, and it loosened something in my chest to see her.

"Kit just left for school," she told me, "And Samson's out on pack business. I was about to have my coffee on the back porch, did you want to join me?"

I nodded, relieved. "That would be great, actually. I could use some coffee."

She led me to the kitchen, where she poured two cups. The house was quiet, and the early morning sun streamed through the windows. It was warm inside, and the smell of brewing coffee made me feel safe. It felt like coming home.

I took the mug she offered, and we both sat outside. We didn't say much while drinking our coffee, but it was comfortable. Just what I needed.

"How are things going with Scott?" she asked after a while.

The question was casual, but I knew what she meant. I sighed, staring into my cup. "About as well as expected. He's not happy about this, but I don't know...we've managed to coexist."

She nodded, and when I glanced up, I could see her lips pressed together in a thin line. "And your magic?"

My grip on the cup tightened. I knew that, deep down, she was hurt I hadn't shared the fact I had magic with her, but Kiera was so forgiving that I knew she hadn't held on to any anger.

"It's fine," I said finally, staring into my coffee. "It's...getting there."

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