Page 37 of Rust the Rejected
He ends the call.
I drop my head into my hands again. How the hell did I let it get this bad?
As I wait for his call, the urge to call Natalie tempts me to ignore Jagger’s command. I jump from the sofa and pace around the office. I’m on edge, and my wolf yearns to break free. Suddenly, the walls close in on me. I need air.
With a growl, I stride towards the door. The knob won’t turn. Damned if Captain didn’t lock my ass in here. Frustration and anger wash over me. I throw my head back and bellow. The sound would surely reach beyond the walls except Jagger’s office is soundproof to prevent sensitive information from being overheard. I punch the door and howl in pain. In my ramped up state, I forgot he reinforced the door, ceiling, floor, and walls. His office serves as a safe room. Or in my case, a prison.
I stalk over to the wet bar and grab the bottle of aquavit. Perhaps if I drink all of it, the amount will override my system and dull my emotions. I slump on the couch and tip the bottle to my mouth. Guzzling it down, I finish half of it. Nothing.
I set the bottle aside and pace. Time goes on forever until at last the iPad rings. I snatch it from the coffee table and accept the FaceTime call. Jagger’s grim face appears. My heart sinks.
“Sage spoke with Natalie. She doesn’t want to talk to you and asked for you to let her go—”
I hurl the iPad across the office. It hits the wall and shatters to the floor. A gut-wrenching howl rips from my chest. No fucking way! This cannot happen. How could she reject me again?! I know I messed up. But damn not bad enough she wants nothing to do with me. Especially since I told her about the madness.
My mind fractures, and my wolf surges forward. I retreat to allow the feral beast to take over.
* * *
Natalie
One minuteI’m sitting on the back porch of the cottage bawling my eyes out, and the next Sage appears in front of me. Out of thin air! She scares me so badly my wolf literally jumps out of my skin. But she barely stands before Sage commands I shift. And damned if I don’t. Too shocked to speak, I sit here mouth agape until she suggests we go inside and I dress. I glance down, only then remembering my tank top and yoga pants shredded. My mind isn’t right.
She follows me inside and sits on the sofa while I continue to the bedroom. When I reemerge, Sage smiles at me. Her emerald green eyes glow as though lit from within. Their brilliance emphasized by her warm toffee complexion. Curly ebony hair cascades to her waist, cinched by the belt of her silk wrap dress. Long, toned legs—crossed at the knee—end in stilettos. I thought she’s stunning on video. But in person, she radiates beauty and power.
“I know my grand entrance startled you. But Jagger wanted me to reach you as quickly as possible.”
When I continue to stare at her in shock, she tilts her head.
“Oh, I see. Rust didn’t tell you I’m a witch turned wolf shifter. Okay, let’s start from the top. And do sit. I won’t bite,” she says with a giggle. Then continues as I join her on the love seat. “I’m Sage Waters, the High Witch and leader of the Coven of the South. Now, add Larson to my name as I am the fated mate of the Alpha of the Miami Wolves Pack and the Luna. Jagger bestowed me with the gift of wolf shifter when he claimed me. I used my teleportation magick to reach you in seconds. Good?”
I’ve heard of witches but never met one. And to meet the High Witch, well, damn.
“Good and thank you for the clarification. Rust only told me you and I are the same age,” I respond, then shake my head. “You didn’t have to come all the way here. I’ve already told him to let me go.”
My voice catches at the end, and I have to cough to clear it.
“Would you care for a bottle of water? I need one,” I say as I rise from the love seat. She nods, and I head to the kitchen. When I return, I give her a bottle and continue. “I don’t mean to sound rude. I’m sure you’re busy and don’t need to waste your time.”
Sage studies my face as she sips water.
I fidget under her intense scrutiny. Even my wolf tucks her tail and shies away. Just as I open my mouth, Sage speaks.
“You don’t mean that, Natalie. Deep in your heart, you know you and Rust belong together. Fated to be one for all time. I understand you’re wounded from past emotional trauma. He does, too. But you’re a wolf shifter and know how males are single-minded when it comes to their mates. Add being fated, and it’s more narrow minded. Wouldn’t you agree?”
I consider her words. I can’t deny their veracity. However, they don’t change my mind. I heard what Rust said about claiming me against my will despite his promise. Then he lost it and would’ve attacked the bosun! For a male to lose control frightens me. It reminds me of Sam and his cohorts. I shudder and wrap my arms around myself.
No matter what, I must protect my heart. It’s had enough heartache to take anymore. My only option is to restart the serum. Hopefully, it blocks Rust from scenting me as his fated mate, and he can go on without madness overtaking him. This last week of my leave of absence gives the serum enough time to suppress my wolf before I return to Miami and the hospital. I’ll just avoid the emergency room. Problem solved. Although my wolf throws her head back and howls mournfully. Sorry.
I turn to Sage determined to live my life as I see fit and not conform for a male I cannot trust. Not even one who’s my fated mate.
“Yes, I agree with you. However, Rust broke his promise to me. He intended to claim me without my consent. He said so and acted upon it. I cannot trust him. So, please, let me be.”
I rise from the love seat. Sage follows and reaches into her handbag.
“Here’s my number. You don’t have to be alone, Natalie. Call me anytime,” she says, then smiles when I take the card. “I will relay your wishes to Jagger, and he will speak with Rust. Now, don’t get nervous. I’m leaving the same way I came.”
“Thank you, Sage. Know that my intention is not to hurt Rust. My heart comes first.”
