Page 15 of Rejecting the Future Moon Goddess

“What took us so long was the fact we had to drive through the worst pathway ever, and I had to bring your new Alpha." Ira states with an eye roll and I chuckle. Putting two and two together, I deduct that this wolf who Ira mentioned last night will be the first member joining the pack as soon as it’s established. The thought of it makes me excited as I have a feeling this wolf will make a great Theta or HeadWarrior. He is a perfect addition if I do say so myself.

[He looks strong.] Alex links me and I nod, turning to look back at my brother, only to realize he is standing beside me.

[Theta?] I ask and he shrugs.

[Maybe. Or a second Beta.] I smile, turning to look back at the wolf who sizes everyone with his gaze, a flicker of approval in his deep forest-green eyes becoming ones I wanted to look at a little longer. His gaze returns to the trio consisting of Ira, Alex and I as he takes a few steps towards us, holding his hand out to Alex.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sir, and thank you for accepting me.” He states, Alex letting out an awkward chuckle as he takes the offered hand in a firm handshake as I try my best to hold in my laughter.

“It’s nice to meet you too, but I am not the Alpha,” Alex replies, causing a look of confusion to cross this wolf’s face as he looks around. I couldn’t hold in my laughter any longer as I bend over clutching my sides, hearing my father chuckle behind me as well.

“If you’re not the Alpha, who is?” The man asks slowly, his eyes scanning the crowd while I compose myself, a few chuckles escaping every so often. His confusion soon fades to a look of astonishment as our eyes meet and I give a cheeky grin to the handsome man.

“A female Alpha, I would have never guessed!” He exclaims, stepping forward and holding out his hand. I take it expecting a handshake but am surprised when he bows and brings his lips to the back of my hand, planting a soft warm kiss.

“I am sorry for jumping to conclusions. I am Ariven Cross and look forward to serving you Alpha...” Ariven trails off, Alex letting out a low growl of warning as the wolf before mereleases my hand, rolling his eyes at Alex’s childishness before retuning his attention to me.

“Geminie Starlight but call me Gem.” I answer his unspoken question.

“And I am Alex Blake.” Alex cuts in rudely, eyeing Ariven. I sigh, smacking my brother on the back of the head at his rude behaviour.

“I see. Guessing this is your mate, then Gem.” Ariven concludes, a perfectly sculpted eyebrow raised above his eye. I fake gag, the thought of my brother being my mate disgusting me.

“Gross, no! Alex is my brother. My mate-” I start to correct him, my explanation stopping short as a piercing pain runs through me, causing me to gasp in pain and clutch my stomach as the ground slowly comes closer to my face. Strong arms catch me before I collapse, Ariven’s familiar scent that I remember from our first meeting surrounding me as he holds me gently against his body.

“Mika, that bastard. First he rejected you, and now he is fucking some whore.” Alex growls in anger, my brother pacing as his eyes hold frustrations in them.

“Gem was rejected?” Ariven asks, scooping me up bridal style into his arms as I let out a scream, the pain in my abdomen feeling like my insides are being clawed out by a silver knife.

“Yes, by her mate Mikael Alibaster.” Amberle answers, a towel with her scent on it wiping away the sweat forming on my brow from the pain.

"Why would anyone do that to her?" Ariven asks, his concern evident in the way he holds me gently but tight enough so that I don’t jostle much as he moves.

“Because she is weak! She should be safe and secured in a pack, not creating one!” Alex states with a growl, one thatis met with my own furious growl before a whimper replaces it, the stabbing pain bringing tears to my eyes.

"That is no way to talk to your Alpha! Sister or not, Geminie deserves respect!" Ariven growls in warning at Alex, causing my brother to stop pacing at the realization of what he just said.

“Gem, I… I didn’t-“ Alex stutters with a look of panic on his face.

“Go for a run, Alex.” I cut him off, the power of my blood making it a command. I catch my brother stiffen before giving a short nod, slowly walking away from me until he reaches the tree line, where he shifts into his brown wolf and runs off. He needs to cool off, and I need to speak to him after the pain subsides.

“Gem, take this and sleep. You will feel better in a few hours.” Ira’s warm voice fills my ears as a pill is pushed against my lips. I accept it and soon darkness seeps in and the pain fades away.

???

“How is she?” A concerned voice calls out softly as someone else sighs in reply.

“I think she will be fine, and maybe wake up soon.” Someone answers, hands softly running through my hair. I smile contently, the pain from earlier now gone. I just want to sleep in the warm embrace that holds me tight.

“I know you’re awake, Alpha Geminie.” A deep voice chuckles and I peek slightly from under my eyelashes to see Ariven looking down at me, the warm embrace most likely being his.

“Sshh. Beauty sleep now.” I mumble, yawning as my relaxed body beckons me to sleep more.

“You are beautiful. Why not get up and work on your pack house?” Ariven persuades me, making me sigh and roll my eyes.

“Party pooper.” I grumble in response, getting another deep chuckle from the man holding me.

“I assume you are ready to establish your pack and pack house.” Ira’s voice sounds from above me. Ariven helps me to sit up on the grass in front of him as Ira takes a seat beside me, holding out a sketchbook and a case of pencils.

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