Page 47 of Rejected By the Alpha

“Wait right here,” I said, retreating to our room.

“What are you doing?” Leah asked.

“I just need to grab something!”

I rummaged underneath the bed for the jewelry box I had stashed behind some old shoes. Once I located it, I opened the box to make sure all was well with my purchase. The tiny diamonds sparkled in the light around the unique stone before I snapped the box shut, too excited to wait a minute longer before giving it to my mate.

“I have something for you,” I said, returning to where Leah remained waiting for me. “After you lost your necklace the other day, I went to get you this. I wanted you to know how thankful I am that you are giving me a second chance to prove my love for you.”

I presented the box, which she looked at quizzically before gently lifting the lid.

“Killian,” she gasped. “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s a meteorite,” I explained. “You are everything I have ever dreamed of, Leah, and I never need to wish on a shooting star again. Not when I have you right here in my arms.”

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be,” she said. “I love you, with my whole heart.”

My heart soared as Leah handed me the necklace, allowing me to place it around her neck.

Leah and I were finally together, and all was well. There was nothing in the world that could bring us down. Not when we were together.

Chapter 22 - Leah

The past few days with Killian had shown me that our relationship was strong enough to continue building and growing together, and I couldn’t be happier. In fact, I felt like I was floating whenever we were together.

I had never understood the phrase “on cloud nine” before, but now that we had finally disclosed our demons and faced our family issues together, I knew exactly what people were talking about.

With my parents and Killian’s brother gone from Pinedale, we finally had the chance to be open, flirty, and playful. And we were taking every opportunity to do it.

“Hey, gorgeous,” Killian said. “What are you doing in here?”

“Making dinner,” I said. “Are you hungry?”

“Starving.” He licked his lips while looking me up and down. I laughed at his innuendo.

“For food,” I clarified, tossing the kitchen towel at his face.

“Yes, that, too,” he said with a laugh. “After we’re done eating, I actually have a different kind of physical exercise I want to do with you.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“You haven’t gone with me to the pack skirmishes yet,” he said. “We’re holding one tonight.”

“You told me about those,” I said excitedly.

Killian smiled at my obvious enthusiasm. “We’ve found it’s a really great way to bond while also staying ready for anythreats that might arise. If you want to participate, just let me know.”

“We’ll see,” I said. “I think I want to observe for a little bit. Do the lunas usually join in?”

“Anyone of shifting age is welcome to participate as long as time allows,” he explained. “April and Violet have both done skirmishes pretty regularly. The only rules are that we never attack to maim or injure, and typically, if there is going to be a group skirmish, we set those up in advance—just to make sure that the playing field is as even as possible. But individual challenges can be done spur of the moment.”

Killian and I finished our meal in companionable silence, ending the evening at home by cleaning the kitchen together. It was amazing how two people who had only lived together for a short time could work together in unison. Although doing the dishes wasn’t necessarily a romantic gesture, there was something about doing the chores together that brought me happiness and healing from my past.

I smiled at him as he passed me a plate to dry.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Nothing,” I replied. “I’m just so glad we’re here together.”

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