How to Handle Rejection - Maybe

Chapter 17

I waited a little while until I snuck into Crone's mind. I wasn't far enough inside for him to immediately notice I was there, and he couldn't hear my own thoughts. I could see that he was in his room, pacing. Why must that idiot bring up Tillian? he growled. I do not need a Luna. I need my mate! He grabbed his hair in his head, groaning loudly. Crone stalked out of his room and into the bathroom.

He turned the sink faucet on and splashed some cold water on his face. When he looked up at himself in the little mirror, I noticed how horrible he looked. The bags under his eyes were dark like bruises. His skin was drawn across his cheekbones tightly. His usual bright gold eyes were dull and lifeless. He looked like death himself. Crone wiped his eyes and groaned again.

I couldn't help reaching out. It was the mate instincts that took over. Crone. When was the last time you got some sleep? I asked. He froze and slowly looked back into the mirror to look at me in suspicious confusion. Not since a pack kept attacking mine. he answered slowly. And how long ago was that? I pressed. He thought for a second. A week ago. I took a few short naps when I could, which is rare.

The moon was full over my head. I looked at it. It's a little late. Get caught up on your sleep. You don't want to seem weak just because you're a little sleepy, do you? Crone shook his head. Not just yet. You didn't get in my head just to tell me to take my nap. What do you want? His alpha superiority was hinted in his voice. I put some of my own in mine as well. A birdy told me you were killing other Alphas.

Crone sighed and shuffled back to his bed and sat on it. I needed more wolves. he replied a little stubbornly. Why? I asked. For better protection. he answered. You're not saying everything. I growled lowly. He huffed and laid down. It was originally to search for you, but then I was starting to get attacked by that pack, the Hurricanes. They were after your friend, Maka, and got mad that I wouldn't hand him over.

Did you not tell them he wasn't there? I said, entirely confused. Crone laughed at me. I've been an alpha for a long time. Yes, I've already thought of everything to keep the peace. A war is what they want, and I will not lose to them. he declared darkly. I thought about it for a while, then shrugged. Go to sleep. I repeated eventually, but I realized that he had already drifted off.

I left Crone alone with his dreams so I could catch some of my own. Instead of dreams, I had nightmares that night. I had just given birth to my pups, Maka by my side. I noticed that I had never seen him in human form. I turned back to my pups, who were of course black like their parents. One whined and looked up at me, opening it's eyes. The gold or green eyes I had expected were replaced with blood red ones.

With a jolt, I woke up panting. The butcher had just placed our breakfast in front of us, and I wiggled toward it. Maka was already up and eating. So, he said, what's up with Crone? I took my time replying, trying to get the wonderful taste to wipe my dream away. He's getting attacked by the Hurricanes since he didn't give you to them. I have a feeling that he would have let you join if you had asked.

Maka blew an unbelieving breath through his nose. Yeah, sure. Why did he kill those wolves, though? he went on. It was to have more members to fight the other pack. I replied. Maka nodded slowly. Well, let's just hope they don't move the battles over here. he said eventually. I shrugged, finishing up my food. I flopped down on my haunches, and watched Jasper walk up. He waved lamely.

"Hey, guys." he sighed. Crone give you a hard time? Maka asked him. Jasper heaved a heavy breath. "You could say that. When I told him I was going out, he got all alpha. I had to say it was for me to check on the town to see if there were any wolves from Hurricane prowling about so I could leave. Of course, he's pestering me at this very moment." he grumbled. Maka and I chuckled a bit, knowing just how annoying Crone could be.

Jasper turned to me. "So, you're my Luna?" he asked curiously. I shrugged. Like I said last night, I'm an alpha's mate, but I'm no Luna. He rejected me, so it's never going to happen. I said awkwardly. Jasper nodded, understanding. "That's too bad. You would've been a good Luna." he said with a smile. I would've frowned if I were human. I hope your definition of a Luna is different than Crone's.

Eyes widening, Jasper tried to back track. "You would be good at leading the pack beside Crone. Not as in some sort of submissive slave!" he cringed. I thumped my tail on the sidewalk a couple times. It's alright. I'm glad you see the better potential in females. Hey, do you have a mate? I asked, tilting my head at Jasper. He shook his head a little sadly. "No, I haven't found her yet. I'm hoping to find her at the Pack Party in December. It's Crow Pack's turn to host it."

The mention of the Pack Party brought back old memories of dancing with Sera, and then searching for her. And then being rejected by Crone... "That's why we left so early?" Jasper mused aloud. I had accidentally replayed the scene to them. Maka was whining beside me, wanting to distract me from such a horrible memory. I whined back at him reassuringly, then nodded to Jasper. That's why. I answered, although it was rhetorical.

Jasper sat in front of Maka and I just as the butcher walked out with our water bowls. Jasper nodded to him, leaning against the wall. "Hello, Rogue." he said cheerfully. The butcher frowned a bit, and nodded back. My ears perked up at that. I didn't know you were a wolf. I said to the butcher through the common link of all rogues. The butcher smiled. "Yes. I became a rogue because I met my mate. She used to travel a lot. We didn't join the Crow Pack because she didn't know about my secret." the butcher summed his history.

Oh, that's interesting. I replied. My name is Tilly and this is my new mate Maka. We ran away from my old mate in Crow Pack. I told him. He laughed. "I kind of figured when you returned with a male, and got pregnant soon after." Maka, Jasper, and I laughed as well. This is a nice pack. my wolf sighed happily. I nodded to her in agreement. I knew she still wanted to be with Crone, since I hadn't officially rejected him. I didn't even know if I could ever reject him.

"My name is Dan. My wife is Patilda, and my daughter is Kelli." the butcher, Dan, said eventually. Maka glanced inside. Nice family. And thanks for helping us. he said gratefully. Butcher Dan smiled. "Anything for fellow rogues. Though, Beta, could you keep me from the alpha? I don't want to have to randomly move my family." Dan said nervously. Jasper smiled. "If I tell him about you, he will come over to threaten you, and then he'll find poor Tilly here. So, I'll keep your secret."

Dan let out a breath of relief, and waved. "Gotta get back to work." he said, and went back inside. Jasper drummed his fingers on his stomach. "I probably need to get back." he mumbled, then turned to Maka and I. "If you see any more wolves, tell me, okay? For your protection as well as the pack's." he asked. Maka nodded in determination. Anything to keep the pups safe. he answered.

Nodding, Jasper stood up and brushed the dirt off his rear. "See ya later." he said, and jogged off. Bye. Maka and I said in unison. I wobbled over to the water and slowly lapped some up. I was thinking of Dan's family. I was hoping that once the pups turned into babies, Maka and I could ask my parents for some money and get ourselves a house. I could have a part-time job with cleaning, and Maka could... I wasn't sure where Maka's education stood. I shrugged to myself. We could worry about that in a few months.