Page 73 of Rejected Mate

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Icouldn’tbelieveit.My grandfather was dead.

I tried to console myself with the fact that I’d been able to see him before his death, but the anger still came, filling my chest and threatening to drive me into a mad rage. If I hadn’t been kidnapped, I would have been with him this whole week. I might’ve been able to help him, heal him, or find answers about the strange affliction that caused him to grow so ill, so fast. At least I wouldn’t have had to hold his hand for only a few moments before losing him forever.

My rage simmered inside me as we performed the howling ritual and buried his body in our woods, as was our custom. The fury burned as I comforted my family. It roiled as we howled at the moon in his honor.

It was William’s fault, and when I went downstairs to give my family the news that our Alpha was gone, I couldn’t even bring myself to look at the vampire for fear I would let my fury take hold and would lunge to rip his face off. Fortunately, he was called away moments after my grandfather’s funeral and left with his driver, leaving Ares with us. I counted myself and William lucky we weren’t going to ride together all the way back to the castle. I couldn’t guarantee his safety.

Now, my family and I sat in the kitchen, nursing cups of coffee and staring into space, while Ares waited outside. Dad’s eyes were red-rimmed and swollen, even though he hadn’t shed any tears. I couldn’t imagine how he was feeling. His father was gone—a father who always loved him and respected his mild, tender-hearted spirit, who didn’t force him to become someone he was not.

“Grandfather gave me the Alpha necklace,” I said, breaking the heavy silence.

No one seemed surprised. They had expected it.

“What am I supposed to do with it? I’m too young. I don’t even know how to use it.”

Mom reached across the table and patted my hand. “Felix gave it to you for a reason, Wren. He knew your strength, your drive, your fair-minded spirit. He knew you would make a great leader and would do all that’s necessary to protect the pack and keep the peace in our territory.”

Next to her, Dad nodded his agreement.

From where I sat, I could see Lizzie dozing on the sofa in the next room. She had exhausted herself crying and collapsed as soon as the burying ritual was done. In her slumber, she appeared more vulnerable than normal. Small and innocent, she needed protection and a peaceful place to grow and thrive. And yes, I would do anything to ensure she had that. Still, that didn’t mean I had to be the Supreme Alpha.

“I can still do all those things without…” I set the necklace on the table, wishing there was someone else who could take it.

Someone else? How about a Grimhowl?a wary voice asked inside my head.

“But how do I use it?” I asked, slowly becoming resigned to the fact I couldn’t pass it along to anyone. “Grandfather was supposed to pass that knowledge down before…”

Both Mom and Dad hung their heads. They had no answer for that.

“Your instincts will help,” Mom said after a long moment. “You have the natural strength to be a leader, an Alpha. I have no doubt you’ll find a way.”

Reluctantly, I slipped the necklace on, the chain heavy around my neck. Grandfather had left me without a choice, and I tried not to let resentment build. He hadn’t had many choices either.

“I should go.” I stood, walked out of the kitchen, and kissed Lizzie’s forehead on my way out.

A new limo had come for us. Luxury was but a phone call away for the Raiths, it seemed. How nice.

Ares and I climbed in and got on our way, but it wasn’t exactly the romantic ride I might have enjoyed. The anger I felt toward William had extended to Ares. He hadn’t exactly kept me prisoner, but he hadn’t helped the situation either. How was I to know to what extent he was involved in the kidnapping and hostage holding? He could be just as responsible as William for keeping me away from my grandfather.

We rode in silence, the near darkness of the approaching dawn making it easy to hide the pained expressions that were likely apparent on my face. He seemed to know how upset I was, however, maybe from his vampire senses or just the fact that I picked the seat furthest to the back and stared out the window to avoid conversation.

He let me ride in peace. At least I could be grateful for that.

My hand found the Alpha necklace now resting on my skin. It still hung like a lead weight, pulling me down with the strength of every shifter who was supposedly under my care. In a last-ditch effort, I’d turned around and asked my mother to take it from me, but she claimed they couldn’t challenge my grandfather’s final order as Supreme Alpha. But just because he’d left me in charge and my parents thought my instincts would guide me, it didn’t mean I would be able to use the necklace’s power.

Responsibility without the ability to wield any of the power. What a great way to start off my day.

I’d thought about not going back with Ares, but then I was reminded of my grandfather’s decree that I mate with Ares no matter what. Grandfather had known about the Dark Match, and he seemed to give it credence. If I didn’t go back, Ares would be matched with Laurel, Nanette, or Loba. I couldn’t let that happen, even if I was mad at him.

I sighed deeply and pressed my forehead against the glass as the trees blurred past. It was nearly dawn. God, how I missed the sun.

A knock on the glass made me lift my head. Ares had rapped on the partition, and he waited until the driver slid the glass down.

“Can you pull over? We need a pit stop.”

My ears perked up. A pit stop? Whatever for?

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