Page 31 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha
Even here, it seems my reputation and past are constantly chasing me. Silas and Marcellus keep telling me that I can finally make a clean break and start anew, but it seems that’simpossible. I see it on their faces. Some of them are oblivious, but those of them who know who I am are looking dubious and grossed out to say the least.
My eyes move to my mate. I don’t need her to say anything to know what she thinks. She looks disappointed, annoyed, disgusted.
My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach.
“What’s wrong with Sunset Hills?” one of the girls suddenly says. “My brother is allied with them and says their two leaders are dependable and strong. Both of them have a white vest.”
Her words seem to have some effect on the others. “Nothing is wrong,” one of the guys hurries to reassure her.
“Yes, it’s a cool place,” another one says.
Simps!
“Remember the two female rogues who stumbled into our pack last week?” she continues. “They were victims of abuse and assault, and fled from their own pack. My brother made sure to send them to Sunset Hills, so they could heal.” She looks at me. “I think it’s a great place,” she says.
Her words touch me. I didn’t expect her to speak up on my behalf. She definitely knows who I am, yet doesn’t look down on me. “Thank you. We are working hard to keep it a safe place.”
“I am Nova,” she says, chuckling when she sees my surprise. “My parents had a thing for special names. My brother is the Alpha of Forest Valley Pack,” she adds.
Now that explains why the others backpedaled so quickly. “Nice to meet you,” I say.
Her phone rings, and she takes it out of her pocket. “Sorry, I have to take this. See you around, Benjamin,” she says.
The others follow her, just my mate lingering behind for a few seconds longer, just staring at me. Her gaze still holds the same resentment as before.
“If you say anything,” she whispers, so low that the others can’t hear her. “I will ruin you, your life and your pack.”
“Can’t we just talk?” I ask quietly. “In private? You don’t even know me.”
“I don’t want to know you,” she huffs. “I have friends, you know. And if I find out you tell anyone about this, I will make sure they come for you. Not like anyone would miss you.”
She looks at me with so much venom in her eyes that I can only take a step back.
“Benjamin?” I hear Micah’s voice calling for me. “I am done. Can we drive back?”
I turn around to look at my mate again, noticing she has hurried away from me and joined her friends again. She doesn’t spare me another glance, but her whole stance seems to be angry. My heart sinks. I know I deserve it; I deserve the hatred and disgust she feels for me.
The only reason I am still alive is because others around me, people in high positions, were kinder to me than I deserve and a lot kinder than I ever was.
The strings of my heart tug painfully while I make my way back to the truck, seeing Micah waiting for me and waving. “Sorry, I took longer than expected,” he says.
“That’s fine,” I reassure him.
“Are you okay?” he asks me.
“Yeah, sure,” I mutter. “Can… can you drive back?”
“Is your head hurting again?” he asks me in worry.
I’ve had bouts of headaches ever since I came here, most likely due to my wolf not fully being with me but trying to come to the surface. It strains my body. Usually, I’d feel embarrassed for someone noticing, but now I’m glad. “Yes, I am sorry,” I lie.
“Don’t worry, that’s fine. I will drive. Just relax.”
twelve
Rejection
*BENJAMIN*
