Rejected Luna

Chapter 5: Cousins

- Mason-

Marissa Malone is a gorgeous shewolf, sexy, intelligent, and ambitious. I fell hard for her when I knew who she was.

She is perfect for me and my plans in more than one sense, besides looking freaking good by my arm.

Marissa is the only daughter of Alpha Bernard of Red Moon Pack, a neighboring pack, which despite alliances and meetings in the past, never introduce us before. I met her at the Academy for Alphas.

We have the perfect relationship; our destiny is to rule together, and we both know it. Therefore, it was not a surprise when I proposed. I wanted Marissa to be my Luna.

I even went down on one knee for my proposal. It was not the most romantic proposal because I was all sweaty and covered in blood after combat with another Alpha, but she knows me.

I proved to her my strength at the final combat at the Academy for my graduation.

Marissa has the same ambition I have and knows what I have to offer, the same way I knew what she has to give me. Her mate will inherit the title of Alpha, females do not become Alphas of their packs, and she cares about her pack enough to look for the best wolf. If she is mated to me, I can protect them. The wiser action is to merge our packs into one bigger and stronger.

I did not understand why her father did not ask my father for this a while ago. We are neighbors! But after our graduation, when I visited her parents, I found out.

Her family prefers her to wait for her fated mate. They were reluctant about our mating. However, she convinced them that she chose me the same way I chose her. It was a nice speech. Marissa has a gift with words.

Although, there is a condition from Alpha Bernard. We should hold a big ceremony before our marking with everyone who is someone in the kingdom invited as well. Then, after the ceremony, we would start the merging process as I would be appointed as Alpha of both packs.

My father came to my graduation and rejoiced at the news because that way he could retire and spend more time with my mother, it was his idea for me to take over the pack. It is a win-win situation for everyone.

The moment I stood foot at my territory, I was greeted by Carter and Liam. They both came to the border to greet us.

Marissa was wearing a short red dress. She looks elegant and sophisticated. Her makeup is flawless although, she does not need it. I know her Marissa needs to look regal.

Blue eyes, long blond hair up to her waist... She looks more like an angel or a fairy with those delicate and beautiful features. Long slim legs, thin waist, curves on the right places, and a firm ass to grab. She is the most beautiful female I have ever met. I am proud to have her as my mate, and my boys look at us with envy. I know it; I am so damn lucky.

Mother called me about our relatives at home waiting for me. Liam and Carter mindlinked me about everything that happened in my absence and during the visit of Josh.

I keep showing a big smile on my face for Marissa. She is ecstatic about her visit to my packhouse.

It was the idea of my Aunt Margaret. She wanted me to share some quality time with Josh, my cousin. Apparently, he is a lazy player back at his home, and his mother even caught him with two girls in his bed on his birthday. f*****g dog, so lucky!

However, I cannot complain. I had my good share of fun at his age. Never got caught though, because I never took anyone at the packhouse. That was a stupid move on his part.

It seems like Josh is not a big competition, after all. We have not seen each other face to face since pups. I do not remember exactly why we began to dislike each other. I assume that it is related to us being Alphas, competitive and territorial.

Then, while growing up, we drifted ever further apart. However, I still remember how my mother used to compare me with him. How affectionate he was… all that non-sense that was not important to me.

Lazy Josh has been staying at my pack for 12 days. According to Carter's comments, Josh trains just one hour every day and walked a lot around getting to know low-rank wolves while avoiding Liam and him. He did not look for any other female companion but Clara. They hang out at the favorite bakery of my mother after lunch.

I am impressed by her skills; Clara got the attention of the Alpha of Silver Rain pack for all those days; she is really something! Although she is not aware that he is a lazy player whose pack will lose his rank while mine will rise, soon.

"Who is this Clara you guys talk about?" Marissa asked while pouting since the guys mentioned rumors about Clara. It seems like Luna Margaret even invited Clara to visit them. She even tricked my aunt besides my mother!

"A charity case of my mother. Just an omega." I said.

Jax as always got cranky. He likes Clara for some odd reason, and whenever I said something like this about her, he annoys me.

"And a very ambitious omega, I might add," Liam said while driving. We choose to be all in the same car to talk and mind link on the way to the packhouse.

I know the kind of creature this omega is. Clara's aim was to be my Luna, and now she is trying to take on Josh. It should not bother me, but it irks something inside of me.

From the passenger seat, Carter frowned. He has his own point of view, as always. He just loves to differ from everything in any conversation.

“I used to think like that, but I am not sure anymore," He said.

“What do you mean? You know that lowly omega is just another w***e. She is just a fake trying to gain my mother's favor," I said. Still bittered thinking how Clara tried to win my mother to become my Luna and how she is after another young Alpha. I should not care, but that thought annoys me, too.

Exactly, I should not care about it. However, something does not seem right to me. Stick to one Alpha at least Clara! Jax growls at me for this thought, but I did not care.

"Clara did not date anyone in these two years. Besides, she volunteers at the pack hospital until now. She works at the packhouse helping all the omegas and your mother." Carter continued his explanation. Clara has almost convinced my good friend that is not a w***e. Incredible!

"Well, she had to keep an image in front of the Luna," Liam said. It does make sense, but it felt wrong.

Jax keep was growling in my head to Liam, but I contained my Alpha aura. I am much better at controlling it now.

“Again, I am not sure. I have even noticed how your cousin looks at her… I have even noticed his wolf looking at her with lust. But she is not giving in. Maybe she is just luring him, but I am not sure.” That explanation from Carter pleased me. Clara is not giving in... However, it can be just a trick for Josh. Poor i***t, if they were mates, he would be laugh stock for decades.

"Please, can we drop the subject? I am feeling uncomfortable about this conversation," Marissa said after dropping my hand. She was holding it the whole ride. She likes to be in constant contact with me. Maybe she got jealous? We are not marked. I understand she can be a little insecure.

"You have nothing to be jealous about, babe," I grabbed her hand and kiss it.

"I am not jealous, babe. It is just poor taste to talk like this of someone, even if this one is a low-rank omega. You all are high-rank wolves with class. Never forget that” Marissa is a lady. I think she is right, and I like her putting in their place both beta and gamma of her future pack. Also, I am supposed to keep my manners as the future Alpha.

To lighten up the mood of my guys, I mind linked them to be quiet about this matter, I still think she is kind of jealous. They agree with me and dropped the matter. We discussed other matters about the pack.

Liam and Carter have been training while shadowing their parents so they can be ready to take their position in the pack, besides going to college in the pack to have a better and wide knowledge of management of our businesses.

When we arrived, Marissa got impressed by the size of my packhouse and our territory in general, just our packhouse is more than double the size of hers back at Red Moon. Besides all the luxury we enjoy.

Red Moon is at sixth place in the rank of packs. Even though the territory is smaller than mine, it is close, which is convenient for my plans of a merge. During my visit, I noticed they are organized, trained, and have their finances clear, without debts. Besides beautiful green scenery and a clean lake. A great addition to my property.

My parents and relatives greet us at the entrance of the packhouse, as is traditionally done for high-rank wolves to honor Marissa. She looks happy.

There was a merry environment in my packhouse.

I was hopeful since this is going so well. My plans are working perfectly, my goal at the reach of my hand.

"I am so glad to finally meet you, Luna Michelle," Marissa said while hugging my mother. And then my father, she is the kind of affectioned daughter my mother has yearned to have. Clara will be forgotten once my Luna takes her rightful place.

I know mother would like me to wait for my fated mate. She thinks my decision would only cause heartache for everyone, but if King Steven preferred a chosen mate rather than wait, I can do it too. Besides, there is no mate to hurt, and I want to become the Alpha of the pack as soon as possible.

My mother should understand this is for the best. Marissa is the best option for me, the same way as I am what is best for her, and her pack. My mother will support my decision,  my father is already proud of me.

Aunt Margaret welcomed my Marissa, while Josh shook hands with her. I do not like another unmated male to touch what is mine, but I kept a stoic face during this exchange of greetings.

I can see now, Joshua is a threat to achieving my dreams.

His appearance is not Alpha average, he is not muscular as he should be at eighteen, probably because of the lacking of training. I laugh at myself, thinking I was ever worried he could be a rival. He is just a bit taller than me

I am sure Josh is absolutely lost looking at my future Luna and how beautiful she is. I just cannot understand why he looks so happy. That big grin on his face irks me somehow. Jax also thinks his Alpha aura is not as strong as ours, which means I am the strongest between us.

I wonder where Clara is, she usually has her nose around my mother, but I did not sense her anywhere near. She might be at the kitchen cooking my favorites dishes to welcome me, as always. I plan to ignore her so she can realize what her place is.

"Why do you feel like doing that to her?" Jax asked me. I am not sure, so I blocked him for the rest of the afternoon; I think she needs to stop looking at me like a lost puppy. I hate that kind of look. No one is innocent. She is just tricking me into believing her act.

During lunch, we began to discuss our mating ceremony. It is not happening soon enough for me.

"It will be the event of the year," my cousin says smiling, "Too bad, I will not be able to attend. You know, I will be at school." He shrugs his shoulders excusing himself from the event. There is something in his voice that annoys me for some unknown reason.

"The event of the year, indeed." Luna Margaret also smiled when she said it. 

"Also, it will be a lot of work to put everything together, even with the help of a mating planner. I do not want my mate to overwork." My father held my mother's hand.

“I have Clara and Rose. I will be fine. I want everything perfect for the day the kids have chosen. The ceremony will be held in this territory." My mother smiled back at my father.

"Yes, Clara is so smart and sweet. I am sure she will be great help... I wish I can steal her from you, sister." So, it is true. Aunt Margaret is smitten by the omega.

That cunning omega is quite skillful at luring others to like her. Jax whines again in my head. He did not like that comment about Clara going away.

 I think Clara leaving would be for the best. I shut Jax in my head again, I cannot afford a headache right now.

After lunch and our table-talk in family, I took my fiancé to my bedroom. She needs to take a nap while I spend some quality time with my cousin. He leaves tomorrow morning, so I will have this meeting today.

Josh and I sat down at a pub, face to face, with a beer each in front of us. I just have no idea what to tell his brat. Probably it would be better if I tell him what to expect about his future two years at the Alpha’s Academy. He might be worried about that.

"I have already known about the courses like business management, finance, leadership, among others. All that will help us to lead our packs and secure the finances for our communities." He smugly answers me. Stupid brat.

"You also have to train your ass as much as you can," I told him crossing my arms and leaning on the table, I intend to look serious about this. He needs fair warning about combats, although I would enjoy seeing someone erasing that smirk from his face with a punch.

“I thought so. But I want us to have an honest conversation here… Did you enjoy it?” he asked. Of course, I did even though I had to work very hard every day, trained since dawn, and studied until late to be top of my class. And still found time for Marissa.

“Yes. It was the best two years of my life. I graduated with honors; I passed the exam held by the Elders in the finals, and I ended up as undefeated wolf of the year on combat trials in both human and wolf form.” I can be smug about it. I do not need to mention my grade at strategy, it was high but not the highest, it hurts my pride to admit this.

“No, I mean. Do you enjoy beating others, making them bleed?” His question was unexpected. I was speechless for a couple of minutes thinking about it. Matches are used to train our skills in wolf and human form. But did I enjoy beating others?

“I guess it feels good to release your power, where other Alphas like you can take it and will not end up dead. Besides, the judges will stop anything if things get too dangerous. We all bleed, it is not a big deal.”

“I want to be honest with you, cousin. I do not feel like punching others and I hate combats.” I am surprised he is telling me this.

It is dangerous for us, and our packs... I am not sure what to tell him. This is beyond ranks; it is about survival.

“It surprises me that you say you are not aggressive. Alphas are born possessive, aggressive, and territorial. There is a reason for that, so we can protect our packs, our families. Many lives depend on us. We compete with other Alphas and need to look as strong as we can be because that way others will fear us and know that they cannot mess with us. You must show who the bigger wolf is!”  

Josh look at his hands took a sip of his beer, which was too bitter for him as he frowned. He is still a pup.

“You must think I am still a pup.”

“Yeah, I cannot deny that. You need to grow up, Josh, because if you do not it for yourself... Life will make you." I know from experience, after the attack on my pack, we were never the same. I had to grow up, be strong for my parents, for my pack.

“I did not see things from your perspective up until now. I behaved like a stupid brat until I came here. I think I should have had a relationship with you and your family. How is it that we grow up so far from each other? Our mothers are sisters and love each other deeply.” His sincerity moved something inside of me, I did not expect to have this kind of conversation with my cousin. Our mothers are a touching matter for both of us.

"It was hard for us after the attack. We closed our borders for a while to recover, while father hunted down those vampires. They were after my mother and almost succeeded." I still remember my mother connected to machines helping her to breathe, witches coming and going, my father almost losing his mind. No one deserves to live something like that ever, not even a silly pup like Josh.

“I understand that now. I am sorry.” His apology sounds sincere, but I do not need apologies, not from him.

“No need. We were just puppies back then.” I think we had a fight around that time, and then he retracted and did not want to come to visit. Later, the attack happened, and we were so into our own things. I do not regret it, though; I was able to achieve so much without distractions.

“Still I cannot change how I feel. But I understand now that I need to work more, train, and be better for my pack."

“Josh, does it mean you are up for competition with me?” Pup, bring it on! I am so ready for the challenge; I am sure I can crash you.

“You know, I have been constantly compared with you, Mason. I do not intend to compete with you or anyone. Someone wise told me to be my own kind of Alpha. I plan to follow that advice.” He looks relaxed as he tells me this. Probably, my mother talked to him.

“Why the sudden burst of honesty?” I asked, still confused by this conversation.

“We are relatives after all, and we can still help each other in the future. Once again, I do not plan to compete with you, Mason. I choose to do things my way." This pup looks confident in his words.

“I am speechless Josh, but we are competing with each other. Like it or not, my pack has had the second place for way too long, and I will do anything I can to take the first place.” I think I can be honest and forward, too. Besides, it is not a secret for neither of us what my ambition is.

"I do not really care about the position in the rank. As long as the members of my pack can have a safe, peaceful, and happy life... I will feel I have done great. However, unlike you, I do not want to take over my pack any time soon... By the way, congratulations on finding your Luna. You guys look great together.” He has a big smile on his silly face.

"If you need any advice while you are at the Alpha's Academy, you can give me a call or a message. I might be able to help you out sometime." I guess I can be generous now since I will beat his pack soon, really soon. He nodded.

"I am glad for you, Mace." When we were pups, he used to call me Mace instead of Mason. It was nice to hear that again. I smiled honestly at him. Yes, I can be generous with him.

Back at my bedroom with Marissa, I found her in bed wearing the translucent lingerie I bought for her at that expensive store at the mall in Royal territory. The Alpha´s Academy is located there. I locked the door. Fortunately, all bedrooms at the packhouse are soundproof.

She is pouting again, and I wish I can tell her how much I hate that gesture on her face. It makes her look ugly and childish. Better to ignore this because I need some release from the trip and that weird conversation with Josh.

I know that once we mark each other she will listen to my thoughts most of the time. Besides, our wolves will be able to communicate on their own too.

However, I guess our bond will be strong enough after marking that will allow me to put up with those annoying things she does. Besides, she will learn to be better at pleasing me.

We have mated many times, but marking will bind us for life. We will no longer feel our fated mates. We will only have each other.

"I am worried, Mason," Marissa tells me as I get under the covers after taking off my shirt and jeans. I want to feel her soft milky skin.

I want her, so I began to plant wet kisses on her neck.

"Why are you worried, babe?" I asked her while grabbing her thin waist from behind and accommodating my pack between her buttocks while spooning her. She can feel my hard-on rubbing her.

"I am not happy the way your subordinates and you talked about a female." She pushed me away.

Jax is getting annoyed, he felt disrespected by this female. We are Alpha! She should submit to us and our wishes.

“Are you serious? It is just an omega and a w***e, why would you care?” And please, Jax shut up, we need to get laid now!

Dear Goddess, I cannot have my wolf and mate whining over nothing at the same time.

“I will be everyone’s Luna in this pack, and I despise bullying at any level.” She changes positions to face me while laying on the bed.

“Babe, we do not bully her. I am just speaking the truth about her nature. She used to follow me around like a shadow with food, blankets, or hot beverages. I dumped most of it into the garbage... From my perspective, she is ambitious and deceitful, better keep our guards up.” I caressed her cheek and her bottom lips. Marissa looks so beautiful in that lingerie; she knows it, and she wants me to suffer for it.

We both know each other’s game too well by now.

"Still, you are a role model, and if you mistreat someone, the rest will think there is nothing wrong with hurting someone weaker. I do not want that in my pack. Back at home, we are very serious about it. Our omegas are appreciated, and any abuse is severely penalized." My Luna has the strength I need, I think this is something good for my pack. I will overlook her disrespect from before.

"You are so wise, my Luna," I said while kissing her soft lips. One kiss, two, three... and I introduced my tongue into her mouth. I got her. Her arousal is heavy, and I feel the lust growing inside of her with every kiss. We have some time for foreplay.

I adore the way her blue eyes flicker black showing Sheila -her wolf- just when she is about to come. We are so compatible.

In the middle of it, I remembered I do not have any condoms with me. She said it was fine. It would not be a big deal if she gets pregnant by now. Both families would be thrilled with a new heir so soon.

I ended up exhausted but happy. I have chosen the best mate myself not even Moon Goddess could have done it better.

Despite not being mates, we fit together in almost everything. Marissa understands me, we will become a legendary couple and rule the strongest pack in history. I know I can do it with someone like her.

Laying naked on my bed, she snuggled next to me with her head on my chest. Our moments together are intense and satisfactory

.

"And... you never had anything to do with that Clara, right?"

I knew she was jealous! So, everything from before was bullshit!

"I never had s*x with her, if that is what you are asking," I replied. It is the truth.

I kissed Clara two years ago just once, and it was nothing. I thought about going after her for more fun, but Sky showed up shortly after trying to get into my bed. Probably the hit on my head woke me up or something from the potion she gave me.

I sent Sky to the dungeon that same night, I should have vanished that b***h, but my mother has a kind heart. And she is the daughter of the third in command.

“Mason, promise me that you will not leave me even if your fated mate shows up.” I understand, she will not feel secured until our marking. Mating is just s*x for werewolves.

"I will choose my mate over anything, and I know Sheila would do that too for hers," Jax whines in my head. He was almost sure Clara was our mate. But it was not, maybe just a leftover of the potion Sky gave us.

“She is not eighteen yet, Mason. Do not be an i***t, do not promise Marissa that.” Jax tells me in my head. I disagree with him; Clara is already eighteen.

Jax needs to realize that there were no sparks in our kiss, nothing, a connection maybe but all as part of the potion.

I have not seen Clara yet, but her scent is everywhere, and I do not feel any pull towards her. Besides, Jax knows that I will never accept any other than Marissa.

"I promise, babe. You know I love you and only you. Besides, we will mark each other at our mating ceremony, and we both will never feel our fated mates after that," I told her to erase her worries. I need a happy submissive Marissa to achieve my plans.

"You know we have plans, Jax. You said you were going to help me to achieve my goals," I tell him while looking at Marissa right in her eyes. "This is real... Marissa is real. Whatever you think you feel is just the potion." I shut him up after that.

"It seems to be so far away, babe. I am just worried. I am sorry I am so selfish, but I need that assurance from you. I know you will never break your promise to me," She says.

"You know I would have marked you a while ago, but due to our rank and our promise to your parents, we have to wait for our mating ceremony." I kiss her forehead and she takes a deep breath of my scent.

"We will have a big mating ceremony, babe. We deserve the best of everything," She sounds happier now. Her breast is rubbing on my chest, and I feel I am getting hard again. I can only hope she is ready for another round. We still have time before dinner.

A long time after this intimate moment with her, I came to realize that I did not ask for the same promise from her. By then, I wondered if it would have made a difference in what happened, but I will never know because I did not ask her.