Chapter 2

"If it meant a difference between me getting out of this pack or not,I will tell the alpha what an arrogant selfish son is and what a disgrace he would be to man's legacy.

" Are you trying to get out of the pack or are you trying to get yourself killed? She asked but I couldn't help but laugh at her words.

Just out to find my mate and get away from everyone who ever called me names. I said irritatedly, arranging the books more aggressively.

Kate gave me a sad look and parted my shoulder to console me.

I understand how you feel but this has got nothing to with the books you are taking it out on.

"All will end in three more days,'' I said to her happily.

Rachel

Waking up on my eighteenth birthday was a beautiful dream come true for me.

I made a little extra preparation, as I dress for the morning compulsory training. I wasn't even upset about it in any way like I always would be. Even my wolf was excited because today was the first time she will be shifting.

I couldn't wait for the training to end. As I was eager to search for my mate if he was in the pack. It was a common tradition that a newly shifted wolf would find their mate on their eighteenth birthday. If their mate isn't in the pack they would travel to other packs I search for. But it is a common thing to find their mates nearby. I bounced down the stairs excitedly and my parents gave me a warm smile.

"Happy birthday" they both said excitedly as they gave me warm hugs. My dad kissed my forehead like he would always do since I was a young girl. I would really miss them if I were to leave the pack to search for my mate, I had always thought of the possibility since I was young. I had always hoped and prayed that my mate should be in the same pack with me, so that I wouldn't have to leave my parents.

But due to the constant bullying, the love I have for the pack keeps reducing day by day.

Who do you think your mate would be?

My mom asked with a curious face as I tried to take a bite of my food.

I don't know, and I don't think he is in this pack. My parents frowned when I said that.

" Why would you say that,they asked me"

Everyone in this pack treats me like trash. Do you think any of them would ever be my mate? I replied to them.

Well I was always close to your dad for years and I never knew he was going to be my mate back then. My mum said and they both smiled.

Or your mate might be younger than you, my dad added and I rolled my eyes at his words.

You know it is not a common thing for a female wolf to be older than her mate. Male wolves have always been older since history.

That is why the alpha isn't worried when his son can't find his mate. My dad said and I nodded.

I pity whoever she is, it has been nice since he had been gone in search of his mate in other packs . I said while I was excited it was peaceful while he wasn't around. My parents both grin at me.

Sweetheart be nice, he is our next alpha. The thought gives me goosebumps ,as I hug my parents goodbye.

Mind link us immediately when you find your mate. My mom shouted after me as I found my way to the training ground.

I'm one of the first wolves there which has never happened , since I train at home I hate coming to the mandatory training.

But today is different because I am so excited with the thought of meeting my mate .

I was warming up and running around the track a little.

When I rounded the bend and got closer to the forest an amazing smell of citrus and vanilla hit me. My heart begins to race and the sweat from my run drips down my back and in between my breasts which cause me to shiver. I stopped running and looked around to confirm it.

" Mate"

I was disappointed that my mate is here in the pack. I didn't make any move to investigate who my mate was and I tried to run back ,but before I could do so I heard shuffling footsteps in the fallen leaves and a man emerged from the forest.

"Gabriel"

My whole body froze at that moment.

No this can't be real I kept thinking to myself even my wolf is unhappy about this.

Gabriel walked towards me, he was wearing a black workout shorts with a sheepish look on his face.

His hand at the back of his head" Even asshole could have nervous tick"

"Hey Rachel" he says and his voice causes my body to awake in pleasure.

He walked slowly towards me,like I could run at any time.

Which in all fairness I could run.

He stopped a few feet away from me as his eyes traveled my body before darkening. That immediately pulled me out of my lustful haze and made me feel sick. I crossed my arm across my bare waist, praying my nipples won't harden under his prying eyes.

"Umm can we talk? He asked shyly and it took a moment for his word to sink in.

Talk? Does he want to talk to me? Am I hearing things? The thought almost made me laugh. But I still can't find words to say, as I continue to look at him.

Can we like to start over? Can you forgive me for the ways I treated you in the past and give me a chance to be a good mate? He asked shyly and oxygen rushed from my lungs.

I looked at him with a broad chest, chiseled abs, strong jawline, shaggy brown hair and beautiful blue eyes.

Chapter 3

He is so handsome on the outside,but ugly on the inside. I thought over his request for a moment, should I forgive him? The pain he caused me, the fear,the insult,the names, the tears I cried for him treating me like trash for no other reason than because i'm different. I could feel his nervousness as he tried to take another step closer to me.

"Can you just say something?

Please, Rachel? He pleaded and nothing has ever sounded so beautiful as the sound of my name coming out of his mouth. I smiled a little as I took a step towards him.

"Gabriel". I said and he visibly shuddered at the sound of his name coming from my mouth. I reach out my hands to cup his cheeks and spark erupts all the way down my arms. The pull was intense and my wolf thought of him as marking us. His eyes widen as he lean forward into my touch, obviously enjoying the touch.

I think I can give you a chance, I said quietly and I could hear him let out a breath of relief. He takes the hands off his face and places a kiss on my palm before resting them on his chest, covering it with both his hands.

"Really? He asked hopefully. I gave him another wide smile.

Before narrowing my eyes and growling at him, ripping my hands away from him. He furrowed his brows in confusion as I took a step back.

"No". I said his face dropped in sorrow. It hurt me deeply, deeper than I thought it would, the mate bound is much stronger than I thought ,but that only hardened my heart.

"I Rachel I reject you Gabriel as my mate". I yelled at him. He fell to the ground in pain clutching his chest. Now I know what to expect when he accepts my rejection.

The feeling I had towards him minutes ago was severed. I felt nothing but the hatred I had for him for years. I will mourn the loss of my mate later but for now there are more important things to handle. Gabriel staggered back to his feet, with a mixture of grief and betrayal. I felt nothing.

"Accept my rejection Gabriel '' I screamed but he ignored me. I pounded my fist on his back dragging him to turn around.

"What? After all these years of treating me like trash now you can't face me?

Pathetic, I yelled at him and he turned around. I continued my assault on him, but he did nothing to stop me.

"If this is what you need to make you feel better, then continue". He said In a tiny tone, then I stopped hitting him, letting out a small sob in the process . His eyes widen as tears trail down my face. He reached out to wipe it off but I didn't allow him.

This is what you have done to me, I said angrily " you turned me into someone I am not. Just accept my rejection Gabriel. Do one kind thing for me,I begged . His eyes were mist with tears. He took one last long look at me before shifting at that spot and running into the woods.

Rachel

I watched as he ran into the forest, standing still in shock. Once he was gone my resolve was totally broken and fell to the ground crying my eyes out. Luckily I followed him into the forest, away from prying eyes.

Am not crying for him. "Hell no" Am only mourning the loss of my mate. My hope, the mate I was looking forward to having. I would have cherished my mate so much.

If it had been someone else.

I have no idea why he didn't accept my mate's rejection. He never liked me to begin with. I couldn't imagine the mate bound changing his feelings for me. Am very sure that wasn't the case for me.

I can feel my wolf whinnying in my head, but she wasn't mad at me. She agrees with my decision and respects it.

I eventually stopped crying and pushed myself out of the forest finding my way home. I missed the training, but I think the alpha would give me a pass considering my situation. I scoffed at thought, what would his reaction be? I can't help but wonder. Or maybe Gabriel won't tell him at all, maybe he will pretend as if he never found his mate. I would like it that way I will be able to travel out of the pack, pretending to look for my mate. That way I can escape the pack without having to see him again.

The idea warmed me up and I decided to talk to him about it later. I arrived home, took a shower and changed into comfortable clothes. When suddenly I hear a knock on the door. I answered it when I opened the door, it was our beta. He is a guy with a well built body. The scar on his cheek does nothing but add to his intimidating aura.

"Afternoon beta" I bare my neck in submission. What brings you to this humble abode this afternoon? I asked. He furrowed his brow with suspicion at me then urged me to follow him.

"Alpha would like to see you" is all he said as he walked back to the SUV. He turned back and looked at me questioningly again when he realized that I wasn't following him. I cleared my throat before speaking.

" Is it because I missed this morning's training? Am really sorry I overslept. I will make it up this week, do two extra sessions. No need for you all to go out of your way for me." I said brightly" trying to sneak back into the house. The beta growls at me pointing at the SUV. He is a man of few words.

I sat in the front seat waiting for him to take off. The drive to the pack house takes only about ten minutes and it looks nearly deserted.

Chapter 4

Where is everyone? I asked myself not expecting an answer.

Alpha sent them away, he wants this conversation to be private. This isn't about my absence at the pack training this morning right? He nods his head before getting out to open the door for me.

"Such a gentleman". I said and he snorted in response.

He is waiting in the office. I nodded and I walked up the stairs. He doesn't need to show me the way. I have always been visiting since I was young. The alpha and luna have taken special interest in me since I was young, they saw the aptitude for pack dynamics and took time to train me and improve my skills and help me grow,more reason why I love them both.

"I just don't love their son".

I knocked on the door, and the alpha call's for me to come in. I stepped into the office and looked around. The alpha, Luna, Gabriel as well as my parents were present. They both looked annoyed and I turned to look at Gabriel.

You told them right? You fool you ruined my plan. I yelled at him and he looked at me confused.

"What plan? He asked irritatedly and I growled at him.

" To get out of the pack" He and the alpha both growl at me.

"You are going nowhere"Gabriel said.I rolled my eyes at him.

"You don't have a say over that" I said and Gabriel growled at me again. The alpha held his hands up to get our attention back and motioned me to sit on the chair in-between my parents.

Why don't we talk this over. He says apologetically.

Now Rachel, why did you reject Gabriel? He asked and I couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes. My mom pinches my thigh for response and I growl at her. Surprising everyone because I have always been a gentle wolf

" No offense alpha but your son is an asshole. You know before today I have never heard him call my real name in years. You know what he calls me bitch,slut,whore sometimes he is more creative. I said and Luna hit Gabriel at the back of his head, making me laugh.

You called your mate such filthy names? She asked horrified and Gabriel got defensive.

"I didn't know she was my mate," He shouted.

" That is not an excuse for you to speak to pack members like that. Alpha cut in before turning back to me. Maybe we shouldn't hold grudges over the things peace does when we are young, Rachel people grow.

" It was three days ago" Luna hit his head again. I gave her an appreciative look. My dad and alpha both growl at him and he sank in his chair.

" It really is ironic though, if you think about it. He called him a slut while I waited for my mate. Did you wait for me Gabriel? Did you? I asked him, as I pinned him with my glare, he couldn't answer. He was only looking at the floor.

" That's what I thought," I muttered. Alpha sighs heavily and pinches the bridge of his nose.

Rachel. My son is an asshole, but I need you to put that aside for a minute. I need you to give him a chance not just for him but for the sake of the pack. He says.

Am sorry that my pathetic love life is making you and the pack uncomfortable, alpha.

" What are you talking about? I asked with obvious irritation in my voice.

Watch yourself Rachel. My mom mutter's to me.

If I ever have the right to be ,it would only be now.

It is not just Gabriel you are rejecting as your mate. You are rejecting the whole pack. You are meant to be luna. Alpha explained and it dawned on me.

Holy shit, how could I not have realized this before? I tried to calm my beating heart and my thoughts began to race. I started to hyperventilate and my parents tried to calm me. Gabriel comes up to me and rests his hand on my back.

" Don't touch me" I shouted at him and he pulled back his hand in surprise.

Isn't my touch calming to you? He asked and I let out a mocking laugh.

Not since I rejected you. I feel nothing, I said and I didn't bother to hide my satisfaction at the truth. Gabriel looked more saddened than before.

You can't feel our bond? He asked and I Shaked my head.

"No" so I guess you bond now. I said and he went back to his seat looking defeated. Once my breathing is back to normal, alpha continues.

Normally Rachel, I did say you have every right to reject your mate, but this is bigger than you and Gabriel. This is the future of our pack," It strength". Doesn't that matter to you? He said and I nodded.

" It does that y I want to leave, alpha furrowed a serious brow at me, so does everyone else.

Explain. He says and I sigh knowing I am bound to make everyone angry.

I don't think Gabriel will make a good alpha. I said all the gasps and Gabriel growled at me.

And why is that? Alpha asked, obviously trying to control his temper. I straightened my back and took a deep breath.

He is rude, selfish, self-centered and proud. He is power hungry and stubborn. He will make this pack explode. I said, no one spoke for a long time.

Surprisingly it was Gabriel who opened his mouth first.

"I Gabriel accept".

Luna smacked her hand on the table before he could finish accepting my rejection.

When you finish that sentence I will put you in the ground myself. By doing that, you are proving everything she just said about you is true. Luna says with firm glare. Gabriel nods a little and she removes her hand, watching him closely.