Rejection Denied
The F-Word

A soft wind blew in through the wood panels of the broken lake house. The front of the lake house is still in shambles from Mia’s last appearance here. But the rest of the house is still intact.

After last night, we decided to run through the woods. It was a nice change of atmosphere, so we slept out here. The Night sky was amazing and vast. And now, with the small amount of light. We have a perfect view of the lake and the grassy mountains beyond.

“Aviry look over there,” Mia said gently. She placed her head on her large paws and looked straight ahead. In the distance, there was a small gathering forming on the sandy shore of the lake. “They’re about to start.”

It was just before dawn. The orange glow of the sun was peeking through from the other side of the lake. Jessie’s funeral was in progress, and we have a perfect view here, away from everyone.

My beautiful dire wolf was still in control and was dealing with the loss in her own way. My satisfaction with the downfall of Alpha Derrick was an incredible high. But I want and need more, and the opportunity to have an alpha title was too good to pass up.

Mia whimpered and closed her eyes. “This is so fucked up, Aviry. She didn’t deserve this. If I had just—”

“Mia, don’t even. If anyone is to blame, it’s these alpha asses.” I soothed my grieving wolf. “This competition is just another form of male control. But, with our plan, we can make a change to their screwed-up system. We just need to be strong and work together.”

“You have my support Aviry. But Nixon made a good point. We need the support of others to make this work. Which means you’ll have to work on your attitude. You can’t scare people away—”

“Tsk, if they can’t handle me, then I don’t—”

“Aviry, I’m serious!” Mia huffed and came into our mind space. “Look, I get it your independent. But you’re also being stubborn. There is nothing wrong with letting others in, especially those who are just trying to help.”

I crossed my arms. “I don’t need anyone’s help—”

“Oh, but you do. You just don’t recognize it like that.” Mia slowly circled me. “Do you want to make a change? Do you want to be a leader? Then change your mind into that of a leader Aviry. I’m not saying become dependent on others.”

Mia stopped in front of me and nudged my arms apart. “You can still be strong, fearless, and independent. But with support, we’ll be an unstoppable force.”

I encircled my arms around my wolf, touched my head to hers. “Be yourself, Aviry. But lead with respect, not fear.”

“I will try for you, Mia,” I said, looking down.

“You will succeed for us, Aviry Mills,” Mia replied, looking down into my eyes.

BOOM!

A loud bang caught our attention. Mia left our mind space and looked toward the sound. A large burning platform filled with flowers drifted out into the lake. The sound of wolves howling in the distance broke the silence. Mia joined in with a robust and powerful song just as the sun rose over the mountains. A final goodbye to Jessie from us, and a promise to make a change.

The smell of bacon and pastries filled the air as I stepped into the foyer. I was starving, but I needed to freshen up first. I appreciate having a hot shower, clean hair, and clothes. The meals we receive are always desirable and fulfilling. Those are some things I will never take for granted again.

I ran up the stairs to my floor and turned down the hallway.

“Wait, what about Cay?” Mia whispered.

“Shit, I forgot we left him here.” I took in a deep breath and slowly turned the door handle to my room. I stepped inside to see an empty couch and I didn't smell his chocolate scent.

“He left.” I sighed, relaxing.

“Ahhhh, I really wanted to see him,” Mia whined.

I chuckled, “We’ll see him at breakfast. That guy has you cuffed Mia.” I shut the door to my room and walked to the bathroom.

“Mhmm, the silver burns oh so good with him.” She said, howling and thumping her leg.

“You’re a fucking freak!” I laughed out loud, closing the bathroom door.

After the shower, I wrapped a towel around my body and brushed my teeth. I put some lotion, and then I combed my hair out and blow-dried it straight. When I finished, I put on the robe and opened the bathroom door.

“AHHHH!” I shouted as I entered my room.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I should’ve knocked.” My attendant was cleaning the mess in the living room. She stopped what she was doing and looked my way. “Good morning Aviry.” She said quietly.

“Why are you—”

Mia growled. “Aviry…”

I huffed and looked at the woman. “Good morning Juh...”

“Jamie,” Mia whispered.

“I know that. I was just building a dramatic effect.” I lied.

“Good morning Jamie,” I said confidently.

The woman’s eyes went wide, and she placed her hand over her heart. “Di..did I do something wrong? Please, I can’t lose this job.”

Jamie turned around and began placing items back on the table. Her hands shook as she reached into the trash bag. “I can put it all back. I promise I won’t—”

“Wait, what?” I watched, surprised by her response. Stepping closer to her, I gently placed my hand on her shoulder. She flinched back and dropped the trash bag. The contents fell out on the carpet, and the smell of old Chinese food entered my nostrils.

“Why is she so goddamn jumpy,” I said, wrinkling my nose.

“Fear.” Mia sighed.

“Of who? Me.”

“No, the damn Easter bunny Aviry.” Mia sarcastically replied.

“I’m sorry,” Jamie whispered. “I can clean it. Or not, whichever one you want. Or I can have someone else come and help. Or maybe I—”

“Stop,” I said, halting her rambling. She immediately went silent and bowed her head. “Don’t lower your head to me. I’ll clean my own mess.” I bent down and picked up the trash bag. I added in the containers and the soda cans. “I didn’t mean to scare you,” I whispered.

Jamie bent down, adding a wrapper to the bag. “I was just surprised. You normally just run me out of your room.” She laughed softly. “Umm..well…the threats scare me sometimes, though. But I know you’re just kidding. Or maybe not…Anyways, it was nice to hear you say that.”

“Mhmm,” I replied. It was the nicest thing that came to mind. We finished picking up the trash, and I tied up the bag. “Well, that’s it for now.” I walked over to the door and opened it. I expected her to follow, but she walked to the other side of the room.

“You know some people think you’re mean and hateful.” She continued as I sat the trash bag by the door. “Others think you’re a demon waiting for some signal.” She said, walking to the closet. I looked over at her as she entered the space.

“Leave.” I seethed mentally, opening the door wider. “Mhmm. They’re not—”

“But they don’t know you. I mean, how can you judge someone you don’t know? So, you know what I tell them.” She said, opening and shutting the dresser drawers. “I tell them to shut the heck up!”

“What the fuck is a heck?” I asked Mia, confused.

“Shhhh, let her rant.” Mia chuckled.

“Somewhere deep…deep...deeeeep down I know you have a good heart. You just lack some social skills.” She walked out of the closet towards me.

“That is an easy fix, though.” She passed me some underwear, ripped jeans, and a shirt. “And I’m going to make it my mission to help you. Ever since I had Annie, I haven’t spoken to many people my age. And no one seems to want to talk to me much. Well, no one other than my mate and Annie. Which is a problem since I love to talk.”

“Too damn much.” I thought to myself. “I would’ve never guessed,” I said under my breath. I closed the door. And gestured for her to turn around.

“Oh yeah. I’m sorry.” She turned around and faced the bed. “You know I never liked undressing in front of others.

“Mhmm,” I repeated as I pulled on the light blue skinny jeans. I rolled my eyes and buttoned them. I removed the robe and put on my bra.

“My body was just never right, you know. But When I found Chris. Chris is my mate, by the way. He made me feel so comfortable. But we still you know…keep the lights off whenever we—”

“I’m not wearing this,” I said, examining the white blouse. It had long translucent sleeves and a low neckline. Jamie stopped talking and turned to face me. “It’s way too…. cute.” I said, holding back bile.

“Your body is amazing. You have ripples on your tummy just like—” Julie looked down and played with her fingers. “I mean, Oh. It’s ok. I can just…” she turned to the closet.

“Aviry, this is great. She’s interacting with you. Just wear the damn shirt. You’ll look good in it,” Mia pleaded.

“Wait.” I groaned, “I’ll wear it.” I pulled the shirt over my head and down my chest. I pulled my hair from inside the shirt and pulled it over my shoulder. “There now, let’s go eat,” I said, slapping my thighs. And walking to the door.

“But your hair and makeup. Maybe I can—” I looked back at her with narrowed eyes.

“Never mind, you look fine. The natural look is horrible on me. I don’t have that natural glow, you know. But it really suits you. Most people like to cake on all of that—”

“Jamie—!” I shouted. I looked back and took in a deep breath. “I mean Jamie. I’m starving. Can we please go down to eat now?”

“Oh, yes, of course.” We both left the room and walked down the hall. “I get hangry when I don’t eat. Usually, Annie eats first, and then I have to take her to school. So normally I eat a granola bar, with chocolate and nuts.”

She gasped and looked up at me. “You know there is a rumor going around about, you know....” She looked around and whispered. “Nuts. Alpha Derricks, to be exact. I heard someone—”

“Cut them off? Yeah, that was me.” I said casually as I walked down the stairs with Jamie behind me.

“Yes, I heard that—Wait, what!?” She ran behind me and tripped on a stair. I turned around and caught her before she fell.

“What the hell—”

“I’m a little clumsy when I get excited. Or you know, surprised. Sorry.” She said shyly. I rolled my eyes and turned back around. “I just can’t believe you did that. I mean, the poor guy got his title stolen and now—”

“Listen to me, Jamie,” I said sharply. “Derrick is a cold-hearted bastard who didn’t see the value of someone’s life. He got what he deserved.” I turned back around and continued down the stairs.

“I mean, I didn’t know him personally.” I groaned and covered my ears. “But hey, if you say the guy's a jerk, then you know, eff-him.” She chuckled to herself. “OMG, Aviry, you’re such bad-a word. You know, I never even get this close to cursing. I think you’re rubbing off on me a little.”

Mia laughed, “She’s fun, Aviry. I like her.”

“Well, then you come and talk to her. She won’t shut the hell up.” I mean, all I said was good morning, and this is what happens.

I mean, come on, I’m trying really fucking hard not to staple her mouth shut, gift wrap her, and stuff her in her own mailbox. A gift from me to her family. “Merry fucking Christmas.” from Aviry is what the tag will say.