Sam’s POV
“I accept your rejection,” I say to Josie before I walk away from her. I walk past Alpha Adam, Luna Jenna, and Gamma Jack. I want to get as far away from everyone as possible. I leave the dungeons and walk towards my bike in front of the Pack house. I wipe my eyes before I put my helmet on, throw my leg over the bike seat, and squeal out of the parking lot.
The pain I felt at the rejection was destroying me inside. I had no idea where I was going, but I was heading toward the coast. I wanted to experience the sun on my skin, sitting at a beach and forgetting my troubles. Maybe I would get lucky and pick up a couple women to provide a distraction for me.
I rode for hours before stopping for the night. I grabbed a burger and fries from a fast-food place and went to my hotel room to eat it. I was not in the mood for socializing tonight. How had the Moon Goddess connected me with a rogue? A rogue whose brother happened to be the Rogue King. He was dead now, but Josie, his sister, was adamant she did not want a mate. At one point she felt she should become the Rogue Queen. However, that was never going to happen.
Her life was planned out for her now. She would remain in the dungeons of our Pack – the Red Pine Pack. How would I be able to return knowing she was still there? Would this pain go away, or would it always be present? I could not bear to know she was within feet of me, and I could not go to her. I would never be able to go to the dungeons again. Knowing she was there and that she would tantalize my senses with her scent.
My Luna was planning on hosting a Mating Gala in a month. Perhaps then I would be able to find a second chance mate who could help me move on. Was it fair to want a second chance mate when Josie was still there? Potentially to cause issues for my second chance mate and myself? Would she be awarded a second chance mate? I guess it would be impossible for him to find her. She would never be let out of our dungeons. Adam had promised too many Alphas that he would guarantee their safety by keeping her locked up.
Scowling at myself, I removed my clothes and jumped in the shower. My muscles were aching from the long ride and tomorrow would be just as gruelling. With no place to go and nobody to stop and see, I would push myself to simply ride until I was exhausted and needed to stop. When I was too tired to continue.
I wash my hair and then simply stood in the shower letting the hot water run over my body. I felt tears well up in my eyes and turned my face to the hot shower to wash them away. I was tired of this feeling. Hopelessness. I knew it would have been hard to make a go of things with Josie. I simply had not believed her when she had said she rejected me. I thought it was a quick reaction to the anger of losing her brother.
I had been wrong. She was adamant and every exchange between us had been full of anger and disgust. On both our parts. It had gotten to a point where my Alpha had banned me from visiting her. She eventually quieted down. But it still was not enough. I had finally made the decision to accept her rejection and leave for a break away from her and everyone else. I did not want the pity looks I knew would come.
I could have drowned my sorrows in the women in my Pack, but even that did not appeal to me. The thoughts of word getting back to Josie bothered me for some reason. Enough that I did not want to bring that on her. Regardless of how I was feeling, I still had some compassion for her.
I stepped out of the shower and dried off my warm body. I walked naked to the bed climbing in under the blankets. After a restless sleep I got back up frustrated that I could not sleep through the night. I continued to have visions of Josie and the look on her face when I had accepted her rejection. Had she changed her mind? Should I return to the Pack to give he another chance?
No. I had to accept that she wanted me to let her go. It was her choice. I would have tried to make it work. I was already half in love with her. She was beautiful – everything I loved in a woman. Shorter, brunette, with green sparkling eyes. A curvy body with a few extra pounds in all the right places. I could imagine being inside of her moving as her body moved beneath mine.
Taking a breath, I stopped my thoughts right there. The last thing I needed was a hard on that would not be satisfied. I jumped out of bed, brushed my teeth, used the washroom, and moved back into the room to get dressed. I threw on a white t-shirt, fitted blue jeans, and my leather jacket along with my riding boots.
Repacking my duffle bag, I sling it over my shoulder, leave a generous tip for the cleaner, and walk out of the room. Today I needed to focus on anything but Josie. I would not get past her if I continued to focus on her. Yesterday was my day of feeling sorry for myself. Today was my day of new beginnings.
I stow my duffle bag on my bike, then back out of the parking spot and take off. I stop for a coffee and a breakfast sandwich before I jump back on my bike to continue my journey. I move toward the main highway; checking for traffic as I merge quickly and enjoy the feel of the cool air wrap around my body as I make my way down the quiet highway.
I pass many small towns along the way, deciding to finally turn off the highway and take the scenic route for a few hours. Going through small towns had always been a favourite of mine. Seeing the quaint rural towns, their flags displaying their pride in their country. Small vendors on the side of the road selling vegetables, or Knick knacks that tourists love to stop and search to find their special treasures along the way.
After a few more hours of riding, I stop to fill up my tank. I plan to grab a coffee and sit for a minute to drink that when I hear loud music up the street. Realizing there is a bar up ahead, I decide to take a longer break and grab a bite to eat. Finding a spot to park, I set my helmet on my bike seat.
Standing by my bike I stretch my arms up over my head leaning back to work the kinks out of my spine. As I do so I notice a couple hot women walking into the bar after checking me out. I smirk, not certain I am ready to consider any distractions, but willing to keep an open I mind, I think with a chuckle.
Moving inside the bar, I shake off my jacket and take a seat at an empty booth. Not looking to make small talk with others at the bar, I wait as the older waitress makes her way over to me. “Hey darlin’,” I say to her. She looks me up and down with a smirk, “The ladies are going to love you precious; good think you aren’t too innocent,” she says as she waits for my order.
I burst out laughing at her outrageousness before ordering a cold beer. She walks away with a smile heading up to the bar to place my order. As I sit there, I look around taking in my surroundings. I realize quickly this is a human bar. I do not sense any wolves in the bar, which helps me relax a little so I can enjoy the early evening. I still need to find someplace to sleep for the night.
When the older waitress returns, who I quickly learn is called Doris, I ask her about any spots to stay in the local area. She chuckles, “Trust me, you do not need to rent a place tonight. Any one of these ladies would gladly take you home for a night,” she teases me. “Just in case I strike out?” I ask chuckling at her.
“There is a room upstairs you can rent for the night. The bar closes at eleven on weeknights, so you should be able to get some sleep … if that is what you are after,” she says teasing me again. “Doris, the only woman I would want is you and I suspect you are already taken,” I tease her as I notice a wedding ring on her hand. “Oh, don’t be so sure young man, I could be tempted,” she teases me back and I burst out with another bubble of laughter.
Doris leaves me on my own to enjoy my beer as she works the room taking orders. Before long the two women who were checking me up come up to my table. “Mind if we join you?” they say in unison. I have visions of a three-some cross my mind until they continue talking. “Like, how long are you in town for?” one asks. “Just for tonight,” I reply. They both pout as I look at them feeling an overwhelming sense of boredom roll over me.
“Do you want to, like, hang out after the bar closes?” the other asks. Contemplating my options, I decide to go to my room alone tonight. As tempting as it is to enjoy a quick release, these two are the types who would not shut up. I would be forced to hear a lot of “likes”, and nothing annoys me more than someone who has a limited vocabulary. I could not accuse Josie of having a limited vocabulary. She told me in a variety of ways how to fuck off and leave her alone.
Nodding to Doris for another beer she smiles and heads off toward the bar again. As the two women chatter, I half listen as I look around the bar. I notice a few gentlemen giving me the stink eye as they believe I am heading home with these two. They must be hot tickets in the community if the looks I am getting are anything to go by. Perhaps I should reconsider and take them up on their offer.
Just as I am about to make them an offer they would not refuse, I could sense someone standing behind me. “What the hell are you two up to?” the loud voice says over my shoulder. Glancing nonchalantly up at the intruder, I see a much older, huge man the size of a hundred-year-old tree trunk standing next to me.
“Oh daddy, we are just looking to have a bit of fun,” they say again in unison. I cringe at their voices and wonder what daddy is about to do. He shakes his head at them, and they both scoot out of the booth and wave goodbye to me leaving me with a disgruntled daddy. “Stay away from my daughters,” he says gruffly before walking away. “No problem,” I mutter to his departing back.
Doris comes back chuckling, “Dodged a bullet there,” she says under her breath. I smile loving Doris’s attitude. “What do you recommend eating here Doris?” I ask her. She suggests a meal of ribs and wings. Nodding my head, she takes my order and brings it back within ten minutes. The food is delicious, and I am quickly feeling like I need to put my head down for a few hours.
As Doris shows me to my room, I crash as soon as my head hits the pillow. The faint noise from downstairs does not distract me from sleep as I slip into visions of my perfect mate.
Josie POV It had been a couple days since I had last seen Sam. I had been shocked when Sam had accepted my rejection. A small part of me had hoped he would continue to refuse. I know it was ridiculous, but I wanted him to fight for me. Not that he had not. He had. I kept shutting him out. He deserved so much better than me. Someone who had not spent a lifetime being a rogue. My father had been the Rogue King, before my twin brother Eric killed him and took over as the Rogue King. A rogue was a wolf who did not want to be a part of a Pack or had been kicked out of a Pack for some reason or other. Others were born into it. As the Rogue King’s daughter, I was born to be a rogue. It was our family’s legacy. Rogue royalty, I think with a sarcastic chuckle. For me all I can remember is pain. Physical pain from inside my body. A pain that twists around your internal organs. And then the physical pain from years of abuse by my father. I nev
Sam POV As I walked into the quaint pub, I could see why it was so popular. There were lots of sitting areas, along with a small dance floor. A place for a band to set up. As I took a spot at a booth toward the back, I nodded to the waitress indicating I would l like to order a drink and some food. It was not long before my food was delivered, and I was taking in the scenery. There were a lot of couples present tonight. Happy couples. I had been with lots of women, Jenna had kept warning me that my future mate would not be happy with my promiscuous ways. Not that I found that when I found my fated mate, I think with a low growl. I knew I needed a distraction. Someone to take my mind off what was going on at home. I had accepted her rejection and had felt the bond break when I said those words. Looking around the club I noticed a hot brunette looking my way. She smiled and gestured for me to come over to sit beside her. While a part of
Josie POV The day had finally arrived. I was eating my meals, and Jenna was pleased with my limited progress. Adam had finally agreed, although Jenna had already decided she said she wanted to give him the illusion of having a choice. I was moved to the holding cells. Jenna did not want to do healing in the dungeons. Not that I blamed her, I would not want too either. It was a dreary place. As I looked around the room, it was a closed in cell with a door. The only way people could see in was through the door window. And I could see a curtain was placed to block out inquiring minds. I was anxious. I did not realize how badly I wanted this to work. I wanted to feel worthy of being with someone. I wanted too not be a rogue anymore, and I felt like I had the option today. I did not know what would happen after Jenna attempts to heal me, but I would try my best to get Sam back. I had never experienced hope before. Now I seemed to have it,
Jenna POV “We need to get her to the Pack hospital now,” I say to Adam. He stands up mind-linking Jack to advise we were moving. Jack comes in once Adam unlocks the door and picks Josie up as we all run to the Pack house. Adam had also mind-linked Doctor Rivers, the Pack Hospital doctor, to have a gurney ready when we arrived. Doctor Rivers and one of his nurses were waiting and rushed Josie to the designated room. Adam came in behind me with Jack guarding the door. Doctor Rivers excused the nurse waiting for her to leave before looking at me waiting for an explanation. As the door closed, I looked to Doctor Rivers, “I am trying to heal her as I started to heal her brother,” I say to him. He looks at me confused and looks down to Josie. “Why her?” he asks me. “She was innocent in all of this; she deserves a second chance,” I reply to him. He nods as he moves around starting to attach different machines to Josie. “What happened when you s
Jenna POV After diner, I went into my office to check on a few emails. I was planning a Mating Gala in the next week, and I wanted to see who had accepted so far. As a new Luna, I quickly realized we have a lot of unmated wolves in our Pack. I quickly learned that this was the case with other Packs in our alliances. So, I decided to host a gala with the goal for some of our wolves to find their mates. Upon entering a bouquet of white roses catch my attention. I love white roses and it would be just like Adam to leave them for me. With everything going on, he could be so thoughtful. I mind-link him, “Thank you for the beautiful flowers, mate,” I say to him. There is a pause before Adam replies, “I did not send you any flowers.”. Hmmm, I think as I move toward the bouquet first smelling them before I remove the card on the flowers. “From your secret admirer,” it says. I feel a weird feeling in my stomach as Adam walks in looking a
Jenna POV Adam, Josie, and I had briefly discussed the potential of having the tracking device removed but I did advise them it was in an intricate part of the brain. The risk would be high that she would either not make it out of the surgery or would potentially have brain damage. I agreed to consult with Doctor Rivers on his knowledge of doctors who might specialize in this type of surgery with high success rates. The bigger question was why did she have a tracking device inside her? Was it something from her father, or had it been put there for other reasons or by someone else? And who was monitoring it now? Did this mean someone would be coming for her? We had no idea and no way to prepare. Josie asked about Sam for the first time this morning. Adam honestly replied he had not heard from him recently. We had not heard from Sam. Jack had tried to call him with everything that had happened in the past twelve hours but had not had a reply as yet. Jack had ente
Jenna POV “Dad?” I ask confused. My father looks at me with a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. What is he doing here and what happened to the mystery man I was supposed to meet? I looked around the diner once more in case I have missed him, and this is some bizarre coincidence. “Sit, Jenna,” my father says as he gestures to the server to come take our order. As Adam suggested, I refused anything and sat there expectantly waiting for my father to explain why he was here. He ordered himself a coffee with breakfast. He smirked when I refused to order anything, “Did your mate tell you not to take anything?” he taunts me. Again, I am confused by his behaviour. This is not the man I grew up with. I ignore his question considering standing up and leaving. I would not tolerate his treatment of me, regardless of if he was my father or not. “Why are you here?” I ask my father. He takes a sip of his fresh coffee, and simply looks at me.
Jenna POV I try to get away from Adam scrambling on my hands and knees to get to my father. I hated him in this moment, but I did not want him to die. Adam held me back until he was certain the shooter was no longer a threat. He and Jack protected me with their bodies as we hurried to where my father had fallen. I immediately see that my father has a gun shot through the chest. I quickly role him and see that the bullet went through him. I am uncertain what might have been hit with the shot, but it is a good sign that the bullet went through him. I tell Adam so they can start looking to make sure the bullet did not strike anyone in the diner, while I go to work on my father. I do a discreet scan and see that his heart was nicked with the bullet but everything else is fine. I do a quick fix that does not require a lot of my healing efforts. I put my hand over the bullet hole and hold it there while his wolf tries to stop the bleeding. Bein