Page 50 of Semi-Rejected Life

“I’m staying here,” I said, my voice deeper and more confident than I’d ever heard it before. “I’m staying with Vince.”

“Good,” Sam smiled. He patted the bat against his hand, looking up at my father. “Now I think it’s time you got the fuck out of my hotel. I’ve already called the other rogues and I don’t think you wanna be here when they all show up. You might be an Alpha, but I’ve got at least ten other Alpha’s on speed dial.”

Vince ducked around my father as he stared at Sam. Jogging over, he fell into my arms with a muffled cry. All at once my body lit up and I took a deep breath for the first time since that morning. The moment he touched me I knew I’d made the right decision. This was where I belonged. Not just at his side as his mate, but as his friend and his partner for life.

“I love you, Carino,” I whispered, squeezing him tight.

“You’re making a mistake,” my father barked, his voice snapping me out of the intimate moment. “And you’re gonna fucking regret it.”

“The only thing I regret,” I replied coolly. “Is allowing myself to remain under your thumb for so long. But not anymore.”

“If you walk away from this now, you’ll never step foot back in pack territory or my house again!” my father yelled. “And you can forget about the money!”

My breath caught in my throat and I pushed Vince away. He seemed suddenly worried, his sad eyes looking up at me. He nodded slowly, understanding what I had to do without me ever saying a word. I let go of his hand, turned around, and pulled my father into a hug.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“Good.” He didn’t hug me back. “Now stop this foolishness and let’s get out of this town once and for all.”

I let go of him, taking a step back and grabbing Vince’s hand once more. “I’m sorry you can’t accept me for who I am. That our pack can’t accept a male pair as their leaders.” I fixed my gaze on my father’s confused face. “And I’m sorry things have to be this way. But I’m not leaving this place. Vince is my mate. That’s worth more than anything you could ever offer me. So my answer is no. I’ll be staying here.”

“You… You’re a fool,” my father barked once he found his voice.

“Maybe I am. But I’ll be a happy fool. That’s more than I can say for you. And, regardless of what you say today,” I said, shaking my head. “I love you, Dad. And I hope one day you can get over this and be a part of my life again. Until then, I think it’s time for us to stay goodbye.”

For a long moment my father stood there, his jaw working as he tried to find the words he so desperately wanted to say. But in the end, he silently turned on his heel, pushed Sam out of the way, and stomped down the hallway. I only heard him bark an order at Michelle, slam a door, and the elevator ding.

With my hand still in Vince’s, I pulled him over to the window where I watched the pair of them clamber into the car and drive off, never to be seen again.

“I’m sorry, River,” Vince said, his voice low. “I didn’t want it to be like this…”

“Don’t be,” I replied, smiling as I looked down at him. “I’m free now. And I have you. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

“I love you, River.”

“I love you too, Carino.”

I pulled Vince close, his lips pressing to mine. I kissed him long and deep, savoring the feel of his body against mine and the taste of his tongue on my lips. Nothing was going to tear us apart ever again. We had our entire lives to cherish and enjoy one another. As far as I was concerned, I was the luckiest guy in the entire world. My mate was in my arms and that’s how I planned to live my life.

“Ahem.”

We both looked up, having completely forgotten that Sam was still standing in the doorway. I felt my cheeks burn, but I didn’t pull away from Vince.

“So,” Sam smiled, leaning against the bat like a cane. “I assume you’ll want your room for a while longer?”

“No,” Vince replied before I could get a word out. He looked up at me, placing another kiss on my lips. “He’s moving in with me.”

Epilogue: Vincent

One Month Later

Dear Mom and Dad,

I’m sure this letter will come as a surprise to you. It’s been years since we talked. But I wanted to let you know that I’m doing well. I’ve found my mate and he’s the most amazing man I could ever ask for. We’re living together now in Shifter Grove and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I’ve built my own business from the ground up and everyone in town knows me. I’ve actually become a bit of a centerpiece here and I think you’d be proud of everything I’ve accomplished.

Maybe you’ve had enough time to get over the fact that I’m gay. Or that I have a male mate. And maybe you haven’t. I’m not really sure. But for some strange reason, I almost want to thank you. If you hadn’t kicked me out of the house and forced me to find my own way, I wouldn’t be the successful and happy man I am today. I wouldn’t have met my mate, made all these amazing friends, or built this business.

That being said, I hope you know how difficult you made my life. I’ve never quite felt the same since that day. I spent years pushing people away, worried that if not even my parents could love me, how could anyone else? And I’m happy to report that I was wrong. It turns out I can be loved for who and what I am without question.

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