Rejection and Second Chances

A Little Bit of Past

“I’ll f*****g kill that man.” Ashton snarled, slamming the door behind me as I entered our bedroom. He paced back and forth in front of me, growling to himself. I shrunk back into the corner, watching him mumble to himself.

“He’s really done himself in. I can’t wait to talk to Lilith and Xavier, no doubt with Wyatt and Xander right behind them.” I didn’t say anything, just watching him in case he came to close to me. He took a few deep breaths before turning around, but he didn’t move any closer.

“Adelina, what was that?” He asked softly, his brow furrowing.

“What was what?” My words were soft as I hugged my legs to my chest.

“You know I would never hurt you. At least, I hope you do.” He said just as softly. “So why did you flinch? Where did that come from? It was Williams, wasn’t it?”

“Not just him.” I said. He stared at me, and I tried to shrink further into the corner than I already had. “It was everyone. I was treated like the lowest omega. Even if I accidentally knocked something over, I would be beat. No matter how fast I cleaned it up, someone would hit me. If I was late to cook meals, I would be hit. If I asked questions, I would be hit. Existence caused me to be hit.” Tears were falling down my face, and Ashton’s eyes were dark. I could tell him and Grey were fighting with each other. Astria was whining, trying to comfort me.

“I’m sorry if my actions made it seem like I was going to do the same.” He said, staring at me. “But I would never do that to you outside of training. And training is specifically for battle preparations. You should never have been through that, and I’m sorry you were. I’ll make it right, I promise.”

I nodded at his words, still crying. Remembering how many times I had actually been hit or beaten was a fresh scar for me, one that I was trying to heal but it was taking a while.

And it will take as long as you need it to.

Astrias words were a big comfort. I wiped my face and Ashton just continued to watch me.

“Well, I have some news.” He said, fidgeting with his fingers for a moment. I looked at him, waiting for him to continue. “Blue River has officially asked us to join; they’re waiting for you and I to go sign the contract.” My eyes widened in shock. It had only been a few weeks, maybe a little over a month, when I had found out about Blue River.

“When do we go?” I asked, wondering what this pack would be like.

“As soon as you go through the Luna ceremony, which is the next full moon.” My eyes widened even further, ready to pop out of my head.

“Ashton, that’s…that’s in three days.” He nodded solemnly. “I’m not ready for that.”

“It’s law.” He said quietly. I shook my head.

“There’s no way it’s law, why wasn’t I told before?”

“It’s a law if you want any big changes made. You have to be Luna and I have to be alpha if we’re going to make any decisions at all.” I choked back a sob. I wasn’t ready for this, I haven’t even met most of the pack. He rushed over to me, putting his hands on my shoulders.

“Adelina, listen to me please.” Our eyes met, tears welling up in mine and cascading down my cheeks. “I know your anxiety is through the roof thinking about this. Mom and Yessy already have it planned out. The only other people invited are Lilith and Xavier. And I’ll be right next to you the entire time. I’m sorry this is a big deal, but the responsibilities won’t start immediately. You can still have some time, my mom is okay with that.”

“I don’t want to inconvenience her, either.” I said through my sobs. He tsked at me and pulled me onto his lap after he sat on the floor.

“Inconvenience?” He said quietly. “My mom and sister adore you. They understand you have a past you’re not willing to share, and they understand it’s traumatizing from the little they do know. They’re not willing to push you anymore than I am. It’s technically just a ceremony to finish plans we’ve had for a long time that comes with a title, but the responsibilities will be handled for you for a little while, until you’re ready to handle them yourself.”

I sniffed, nodding at his words, and wiped the tears from my face.

You can handle this, Adelina.

Astria was right, as always.

“Okay. I’ll do it.” I sniffed again and he nodded, kissing my forehead.

“I promise, nothing bad will happen.” He looked at me with a sincerity so strong, it took me aback. Why was he so sweet to me? “Because I love you, Adelina.” My eyes widened at his words, like he was reading my mind. He chuckled softly, a sound that made my heart ache with longing. Longing to be with this man forever, and feeling like we don’t have enough time together.

“I can almost feel your thoughts through the mate bond, Adelina. You can, too, if you try.” I nodded.

“I’ve done it before.” I said quietly, yawning.

“Alright then, it’s bed time.” He said, standing up and lifting me with him. I wrapped myself in in the blanket, Ashton wrapping his arms around me.

“Goodnight, Adelina. The next couple days are going to be busy.” He kissed my temple.

“Ashton?” I mumbled, squeezing my eyes shut.

“I’m right here, love. What’s on your mind?” His words were a mumble.

“I don’t…have anything to wear to the ceremony.” I felt him stiffen behind me, his lips paused against the back of my head. He cursed himself.

“That’s okay. You and Yessenia can skip training tomorrow and go get you a dress and hair and nails.” My eyes widened.

“Hair and nails? I don’t understand.” He chuckled softly at my words, resuming his kisses on my head. I loved the sound of his laughter, it made my insides warm and mushy.

“Yessenia will show you tomorrow. Goodnight, my love.” I listened to him fall asleep, his breathing deepening before I, too, fell asleep.