Rejection Denied
Day One

“GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE!” Nixon shouted in a mic.

We were all sitting in the backyard where the event is being held. Pack members crowded the bleachers that encircled the front of the stage. The alpha’s and champions were seated in chairs behind Nix.

“It’s time to begin The Alpha’s Luna Competition.” The crowd roared and stomped their feet. The rumbling sound was hyping me up.

It was finally time to let loose, no more well behaved Aviry. I fulfilled my promise to Mia we trained, learned, and now it’s time to kick ass. Everyone on this stage is a target. I won’t discriminate; the alphas can catch these hands too.

“And look at these beautiful women.” He looked at me and winked. My cheeks flushed, and I shot him the finger. I won’t let my “mate” distract me. “These she-wolves will compete against each other in three events. But only one will come out as the winner and future luna of their pack. The crowd cheered again.

“Now, how about we introduce them to you all.” The crowd clapped as everyone stood from their chairs. The alpha’s stood behind their champions.

All seven women were dressed in their Miss Universe gowns. Their hair and makeup on point to match their outfit. The heels they wore were more like stilts, with glitter. The crowd cheered and applauded the seven picture-perfect champions, standing at attention.

And then there was me. I was wearing a black tank top and joggers. Jamie, my attendant, wanted me to wear a dress, but I threatened to burn it while she wore it. She offered to do my hair and make-up, but I declined. So, my hair is down and flowing over my shoulders. I only had Chapstick on my lips; besides that, my face is bare. I’m not here to model.

I’m here to win.

“I like you just like this,” Nix whispered in my ear. He placed his hand in the center of my back. Chills ran up and down my spine. Mia, who has been giving me the silent treatment, purred at the action.

I Shooed him away and looked at the crowd. It’s incredible how my sight and hearing have enhanced since the shift. My eyes automatically landed on Cay. He was smiling, and it gave me a weird feeling in my chest.

We all stepped forward as our names were called:

Alpha Nixon-Aviry Mills

Alpha Jared- Heather Towne

Alpha Derrick- Jessie Rowe

Alpha Sam- Isabel Welch

Alpha Kane- Nova Heart

Alpha Don- Shelby Young

Alpha Victor- Corrine Gilbert

Alpha Xavier- Brittney Halls

After my name was called, I stopped paying attention. Their names mean nothing to me. I’m more anxious to know how well they fight. So, I’ll remember them as numbers one through seven. When it’s just me and a single-digit left, then I’ll ask for a name. Each alpha introduced their champion to the crowd, and then we retook our seats.

“Now, I know we’re all anxious to get things started. So Alpha Derrick King will now take over.” Nix passed the mic to Derrick.

I met him briefly when Nix introduced me. His father recently retired, so that makes him the youngest alpha here. Out of all the alphas, I don’t like him the most. His vibe sucks, and I really want to punch his smug face. But for now, I’ll just be a thorn in his side.

“Thank you, Alpha Nixon, and what a beautiful home you have. Hello all, my name is Alpha Derrick—”

“WE ALREADY KNOW YOUR NAME!!” I shouted.

A few members of the crowd laughed. Derrick turned to look at me. Nixon nudged my shoulder and shot me a look telling me to “Shut up.” And shot him one back, telling him to “Fuck off.”

Derrick narrowed his eye at me and looked back at the crowd. “I’m the Alpha over the skills event. We have two events planned. Each competitor will be scored but not eliminated. The winner will receive an advantage in the next event. From day one—”

UGH! “Are we not on day one?” I asked, this time raising my hand. If we’re here for another damn orientation, I’m going to flip my shit.

Derick looked back at me, rolling his beady eyes. “Yes, we are but will you let me finish—”

“Well, great.” I stood from my seat and rubbed my ass. I walk to the front of the stage, snatching the mic out of Derricks’ hand. He is a short man, with barely any muscle. He’s a baby alpha.

“Aviry!” Nix said through clenched teeth.

“I’m tired of all this chit chat shit.” I looked at Derrick and smiled wickedly, daring him to stop me. “I think people are ready for the actual event. Am I right?” I looked at the crowd. Everyone clapped and agreed.

His brow scrunched up, “I will have you disqualified. You sloppy—”

“I will throw your short ass back in grade school if you don’t shut your mouth.” Everyone laughed. Alpha Sam's booming laugh stood out the most.

“I..I… Alpha Nixon control your champion!” Derrick shouted, his face turning red.

“Nixon can’t control me.” I looked back at Nixon. He was still sitting down, clenching his fist. “And I dare you or any other dumbass to try.” I walked up to the little man, glaring into his eyes. But, no one stepped up to stop me, so I continued.

“Now start the damn competition. I’m done waiting.” I shoved the mic back at Derrick’s chest.

Derrick stomped his foot like a child and turned to face the crowd.

“Fine! Our first skill event will be knife throwing, followed by an agility test.” Derrick continued talking, his jaw ticking with anger. “We will allow a week to prepare—”

I Snatched the mic back. “TSK. Ladies.” I looked at the other champions. “Do you hear the insult? We are strong and ready. We had a month to prepare. Do we really need more time wasted on silly shit like this?”

I raised my hands in the air, turning back around. “I don’t know about them. But I’m ready to beat ass, Derrick. And unless you’re going to volunteer, I suggest we get this non-elimination event out of the way.”

I heard grunts of approval from behind.

“I agree. We only included this event to give you a purpose Derrick.” Alpha Sam said, stepping forward. Two more alphas followed his action. “I’m ready for my Luna. This event is in the way.” Sam winked at me.

Mia growled in my mind.

“This is unacceptable. Our champions need time to prepare—”

“Let’s put it to a vote.” Alpha Kane said, stepping forward. Alpha Kane is a Zaddy, and he knows it. The man is fine. He’s like the president of alpha’s; anything he says goes.

“Those in favor of beginning the skills test today, please raise your hand. Everyone accept Derrick and his champion raised their hands. “Well, there you have it, Alpha Derrick. The day is still young, so we will have the knife-throwing test. We will have the final test tomorrow.” He gave me a nod and walked off the stage with his champion.

“You are an insolent bit—” Derrick stepped into my trap; he was so close to my face.

“Derrick, if you enjoy having your tongue in your mouth, hold it.” Nixon was by my side. Ruining my chance to punch Derrick.

Nix placed a hand on my shoulder. His scent was driving me crazy. “My champion can control a crowd just as a Luna should control a pack. Now I suggest you go and prepare for the event. We will begin this afternoon.”

Derrick huffed and stomped off the stage “Jessie, let’s go!” he barked at his champion to follow. Obediently she left.

The crowd in the stands dispersed, as well as the alphas and the champions.

There was an awkward silence as Nixon accompanied me to the training room, where Tanner was waiting. After we explained my wolf situation to Tanner and Joel, they made sure to communicate it with the rest of the pack. We left out the double mate part. We agreed to get past the competition first.

“Have you ever thrown daggers before Aviry?” Tanner asked, passing me a holster with five silver daggers.

“I threw a knife once. That’s how I ended up in foster home number twenty-eight.” I strapped the daggers to my side.

“I was thirteen when my foster parent Eddie snuck into my room one night. I always remembered to lock my door as a warning system for myself. When he turned to close the door, I tacked his hand to it with a steak knife. When he went to pull it out, I climbed through the window and ran away. ”

“Goodness, Aviry. I would apologize, but I don’t think you want me to.” I nodded, and Tanner placed a dummy at the end of the room. “Well, let’s see if your aim is still good.”

Tanner came back to stand behind me. “I think I’ll have better luck with you beside the dummy.” I looked at him and winked.

“No fucking way. I’m sure you’ll do just fine.” Tanner chuckled. He stepped up behind me and pulled my hair from over my shoulder, his fingers slightly grazed over my neck. “I chose you because I know you’ll be great at anything.” He whispered, pulling my hair into a ponytail. “If Nix can’t see how amazing you are, I’ll—”

“Tanner.” We both jumped and turned to see Cay striding towards us. “I’ll be training Aviry. Go replace something else to do.”

“But Nix told me—”

“And now I’m telling you to leave.” Cay narrowed his eyes and came to my side. “Aviry has everything she needs now, so don’t worry about her anymore.”

“What do you mean she has everything she needs?” Tanner took a few steps away from me, and Cay took a step closer to him. He wasn’t a peacekeeper right now.

“I meant what the fu—”

“What he means is I have my wolf now.” I stepped between the two. “Mia will help me get through these challenges.” Tanners shoulder relaxed.

“Ok, if that’s what you want, I’ll respect that. But if you need help with anything—”

“She has me.” Cay interrupted. I turned and glared at him. He released a heavy sigh. “As the peacekeeper, it is my responsibility to lend a hand. I’m sure you have three months’ worth of work to do.”

Tanner nodded, “I do. I’ll see you later, Aviry.” He tapped my shoulder and walked off. I waited for him to leave before it turned to Cay. I slapped the back of his head.

CLAP!!

“Why did—”

“What the hell, Cay!” I shoved his shoulders. “What was all of that!?”

“He was making a move on you,” Cay growled, rubbing his head.

“He was tying my hair back and telling me I was a great fighter.” I unsheathed a dagger and threw it at the dummy out of frustration.

PLUNK!

The dagger plunged into the dummy’s chest.

I threw another one, hitting the head. My aim was great; there really is no need to practice.

“I don’t need you here either, Cay. Go lend a hand to someone else.” I was upset that Cay went all territorial. We need to keep this mate shit on the down-low.

Cay released a heavy sigh and came to stand behind me. His scent was chocolate, and it distracted me as it wafted in the air around me.

“Don’t be mad at me, Aviry.” Cay placed his hands on my shoulders, gently squeezing. His mouth was hovering over my ear. “I can’t help that I want you all to myself,” he whispered, nipping at my ear.

What is this man doing to me? My body was tingling, and I relaxed into his touch.

“Is that selfish of me?” he whispered seductively, stroking my arms lightly. Goosebumps traveled along with his touch. He lowered his head closer to my neck and inhaled deeply.

“I’ve wanted a mate for so long. And here you are, taunting me.” He pulled me into his chest, “Everything about you is intoxicating.”

I want to turn around and fight him off, but at the same time, I want to give in to the urge to—

“What’s going on?” Alpha Derrick and his champion walked into the room. “I hope you two aren’t together. Otherwise, that would be grounds for elimination according to the handbook.”

“Aviry and I are working on her throwing stance.” Cay said. “Aviry, why don’t you demonstrate what you’ve learned.

Cay released me and took a step back. “Sure.” I pulled a dagger from my side and balanced it in my hand. I looked at the dummy in front of me but focused on the one at my side.

I drew my hand back, “Hey, Derrick!” I cast the dagger to my side, aiming at Derricks’ face.

CLAP!

He caught it between his two hands. “YOU CRAZY BITCH! YOU ATTACKED ME!”

“No. My hand slipped. Right, Cay?” Cay nodded.

“Yeah. We need to work on that Aviry.”

“Alpha Nixon will hear about this!” Derrick shouted, tossing the dagger on the ground.

“Ok.” I shrugged, and Cay chuckled. Nixon won’t care. In fact, I’m sure he’ll be amused.

I placed the holster on the ground, satisfied with my brief training.

I walked over to Derrick, and side glanced at his champion, whose head was down. This chick is a champion? I scoffed and walked to the double doors with Cay beside me.

It’s going to be a challenge to keep away from him. Everything about Cay fascinates me. He’s loyal, honest, kind, and damn good looking. His almond eyes are as grey as my right eye. His luscious dark brown hair is curly at the bottom and comes down to his eyes. Any female would kill for his eyebrows and thick lashes.

He’s gorgeous and all mine.

“So, are you accepting him?” Mia asked.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” I scoffed. “Let’s just say he’s caught my eye.”

“I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I won’t blame the mate bond. I just really wanted to hold you.” Cay said shyly. He certainly knows what to say.

“It’s fine. Just control yourself; we almost got caught. Whatever you’re feeling it needs to wait. Winning is the most important thing." I don’t know what else to say. I didn't flat out deny him.

Cay sighed. “Let’s head to the back. I’m sure Nix is there.”

I hope that was the right thing to say.