Chapter 4 I Reject You

CADEN

To say I was surprised to see a human in this realm would be the understatement of the century. It was rare, almost impossible. The moon goddess, Sehanine Moonbow, created the veil long ago to separate both realms after a war broke. Humans and beasts do not belong together. So how that human found her way through, I don’t know.

I was on duty with the patrol guards, scanning through the forests for anything that didn’t belong. We did capture three rogues and we would’ve taken them straight to the mainland until I had smelt something very unfamiliar. Being a Beta meant my sense of smell was extraordinary.

I shifted to my wolf form to enable a much better sense of smell and cautiously navigated through the forest. Then I saw her lying on the ground in pain. I wanted to reach out to her but I needed to be cautious. She could be a trap, a spy, anything. I scanned through the forest but I didn’t find anything suspicious so, when she managed to stand and walk, I decided to reveal myself.

And boy did she not like the sight, but that’s okay. She doesn’t have to. I found out her name was Tara, but I didn’t reveal mine, yet. When the guards came for her, I wanted to order them to leave, that I would be in charge of her, but I needed to follow due protocol. So I let them take her. Tara, such a beautiful name for a beautiful lady.

I remember her eyes when she turned back to look at me. They were the prettiest eyes I have ever laid my eyes on. A deep shade of green, and the way her dark hair flowed with the light breeze did unimaginable things to me.

I don’t know how long I spent after the guards left with her, but I stood in the same place for quite a long time, and I’m not even sure why. When I returned to where our tents were set, I noticed she was already asleep on the tent’s floor. I went into my tent and grabbed a pillow.

“Did she eat already?” I asked the captives in her tent, to which they nodded. I knew whatever they gave her wasn’t enough so I made a mental note to give her something much better in the morning.

As I covered her with the blanket, she kept mentioning the name “Nina” over and over, making me wonder who that was.

The ride to the castle was long and silent. There was barely any sunlight peaking through the thick canopy of trees, and the damned forest stretched on forever. Although it was a necessary precaution to protect the mainland, the journey felt awfully frustrating today.

I rode ahead, leading the small procession out of the forest. The guards and captives trailed right behind me. I could smell her from here, the human girl. Her scent, although masked by dirt and fear, was intoxicating. A mix of vanilla and sweet honey…so addictive it gnawed at my control.

I looked back to steal a glance at her. I hated the fact that she was on foot while I rode but like I said, due protocol. The guard behind her kept shoving her forward and I clenched my fist, resisting the urge to rip him apart. Tara stumbled, her face visibly twisting in pain.

“Easy with her!” I barked. The guard flinched but shouted a yes sir nevertheless. Tara looks at me in appreciation but I avoided her eyes. I couldn’t afford to drown in them. By now, I had convinced myself it was due to the lack of intimacy in a long while that had me in a chokehold.

But the actual truth of the fact was that, I didn’t even understand why I was being lenient with her or why I was being drawn to her in the first place. But those eyes I avoided had a fire to them, a resilience that captivated me.

Finally, the mainland loomed into view. We made our way through the busy streets, past different houses, then to the castle. It was by far, the most beautiful building in the entire territory. Grey stone, ancient and imposing, a symbol of power and unity. From here, there was a certain aura that made weaklings crumble, just like the rogues were feeling right now. Tara, though, stood tall, her chin lifted, her eyes appreciating the beauty. Whatever is she?

I got down and handed my horse to a servant, then led the captives to the courtyard, Tara by my side. When we entered, she stiffened beside me. The yard was filled with at least ten wolves. It was obvious they were waiting on Jaxon, our Alpha. Where the fuck was he?!

“Caden,” he said immediately he walked in, his voice resonating with power. “You have returned.”

“I have,” I replied, my voice even and respectful. And I returned with these rogues, …” I turned to Tara who had her head down, probably uncomfortable especially with the wolves around.

“…and a trespassing human.” I finish.

“A trespassing human? How did she get through the veil?” He asked, his voice laced with surprise.

“We haven’t yet questioned her.” I told him and looked around. All eyes are on her, and she kept her head down still. Jaxon’s gaze flickered between the rogues who avoided his eyes, then they finally land on Tara. His gaze lingered on her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then his eyes widened by only a fraction, and I saw a flicker of something raw and primal—like a recognition.

He took a few steps forward, his scent suddenly intensifying, filling the courtyard with an unmatched aura. I squinted my eyes at him. What the fuck was going on.

When he got to her, he raised his hand slowly, then with a finger, he lifted her head up to look at him.

“Mine,” he growled, his voice laced with possessiveness. I felt a pang of something akin to jealousy. Jaxon and Tara were mates. It was obvious from the scene unraveling in front of me. I stare between them, then I saw Jaxon’s face harden.

“Impossible.” He growled. The whole place grew quiet, the silence was defeaning. We all understood why he was in a moment of disbelief but he should be grateful. Not everyone was blessed enough to have what he has.

Tara looked confused. She probably had no clue what was going on. But in the midst of her confusion, Jaxon opened his mouth to say three words that shocked everyone present, myself included.

“I reject you.”