How to Handle Rejection - Maybe

Chapter 19

Over the next five days, I received rigorous training from Jasper and Maka. It was usually Maka, of course, since Jasper was still in trouble with Crone. Maka showed me fierce, deadly tactics, and Jasper added strategized moves. Along with the training I received from my father, I was finally able to stand a chance against Crone. For each day, I grew stronger, faster, and more clever than ever.

"Now Tilly," Jasper warned the fifth day, "too much fighting could hurt the pups." I nodded. Yes, I know, but since they're pure alpha blood, they're tougher than ordinary pups. They'll survive. my wolf answered for me. It's funny how my wolf liked to keep secrets from me, her human, her other half. Dan made a "she's got a point" face to the beta. Jasper sighed and shook his head at me.

"You should let someone else fight, or not even challenge him." he advised. I growled. He is sadist that needs to be put in his place. Killing random alphas and threatening rouges that aren't even in his territory is unlawful. I snarled. Jasper put his hands up in submission. "Okay, you're right. I just don't like seeing pregnant wolves fighting an alpha." he back tracked. I am an alpha too! I snapped.

Jasper, Dan, and Maka flinched. My wolf's alpha side surfaced and I accidentally used it on my friends. I rolled my shoulders and shut my eyes. Sorry. I sighed. Maka touched my shoulder with his cold nose. You're just stressed. It's okay. he said cheerfully. I opened my eyes and looked at him gratefully. Maka somehow always found a way to comfort me, even though I've never comforted him.

Sitting in a plastic lawn chair in front of me, Jasper stiffened and stood up hastily. "Crone is attacking early. It'll be tonight at 10... You need to get some rest and eat some more so you're prepared." he said with wide eyes. Dan stood from his chair as well to warn his mate. She didn't believe him at first when he told her his secret, but once he turned, she had no doubts. She'd been wary for a day, but opened up again when he explained what she was to him.

Dan had said that they were going to her mother's on the day of the attack, just in case I failed. I made Maka promise to go with them, and if I didn't return, he should look for his mate and try to make amends. He was reluctant, and after an hour of begging and reasoning, he caved and agreed. If my mate still rejects me, I'll move on and find a human. I'll be like Dan. Maka said one night.

I was happy then, but now I was nervous. I knew I was lethal and a skilled fighter, with the help of the others, but I was still a pregnant female. Crone was an alpha; I could still lose. If I lost, I would have to admit that the pups were his, and he would want me by his side to birth his heirs. I would be his slave yet again, and he would probably rougher than before. It sent chills down my spine.

I stood and shook my head. I can't fight with a full stomach, and we don't have enough time for me to take a nap. I said slowly. I have to go now. Make sure Dan gets out of here, Maka. Looking at him, I saw the regret in his eyes. He nodded. Jasper, lead me inside the territory. I ordered softly, and began walking. Jasper walked on my left, and Maka was on my right until we reached the end of the street. We touched noses, then parted, his gray form a blue as he ran back to the butcher's.

Jasper and I were silent as we walked. It strangely reminded me of the day my father had to give me the omega title. The old one had proven that they are independent enough to not follow orders of just ordinary pack members. Since I was a little too polite and respectful of others, he had to acknowledge it, or he would be accused of being biased. When members start to doubt their alphas, other packs could take advantage of the in settlement.

After my father announced it to the pack, he forced me to shift and mingle with the pack. Several males approached me, needing to let off their steam. They beat me, shoved me, and even bit me. I took it all, because I was the omega, and I had to follow orders issued by my alpha. After everyone left, feeling better, my father took me into a hug and cried quietly into my shoulder. He later told me it was the hardest decision he had ever made.

Once he was done, he shifted to help me walk back home. In my wolf form, I healed quickly, but I still felt the pain. And I still have light scars from it. I had become the omega at 16, and learned to endure random beatings for two years. I had only just shifted, too. My wolf was stubborn and didn't want to shift at 13 like the others, and I was bullied for those three years as well. Let's just say I was used to the pain.

Sometimes I would blame my father for making me the omega, and other times I understood that it was best for the pack. Though some wolves would be much too rough. I was too small to have to go through with their hard blows to my sides. Once, my father got between one that was taking it too far, and they ended up dead. Their family were sad, of course, but they, too, knew that their relative was being too cruel.

As I thought of this during the walk, I couldn't help but let a whimper escape. Jasper looked down at me. "Don't worry, I'll try to stop him if he won't stop." he said, trying to sound reassuring. It didn't help much, since he had said "try." I sighed and paid attention to the forest in front of me. I ran through all the moves that I knew, and tried to think of ways to use them. That didn't help, either.

It's no use, he's an alpha! I told myself. But I have to, for the packs and for Dan's family. I set my shoulders and straightened my neck, picking up the pace. I wanted to get this damn fight over with, so I can stop fretting over what the outcome will be. My father had once told me that just one action could set everything into motion. Maybe the wolves will see that what Crone was doing was wrong, and they'll take my side. Or at least try to kick him out.

I paused when we reached the borders. A couple wolves poked their heads up above the brush and growled at me. Jasper put his hand up. "I've got this. Go on." he said in his Beta tone, reminding me of when I had first been woken by him. The wolves glanced at each other, but separated to let us through. I nodded to them, and they looked at me curiously. Ignoring the stares, we walked past them into the territory.

Looking up at Jasper, I noticed that he looked calm and relaxed. How could he be so confident? When he glanced at me, I saw the fear and worry in his eyes. It was a hoax to keep the wolves at bay. I had to admit, Jasper was very clever. Giving the best reassuring look I could muster, I blinked slowly at him. Although, I knew that I probably had the same look behind it. We both knew the consequences if I lost.

We walked into the center of the clearing that Crone's house sat at. I sat down, wanting to rest some more. Jasper was fidgeting beside me. He was obviously communicating with Crone. Behind us, people and wolves gathered at the edge of the tree line. Their whispers weren't hushed, and their voices carried over to my ears. I listened in on their conversations.

Isn't that the prisoner?

She obviously got busy with the male she ran away with.

She got knocked up and the male left her. That's why she's begging for forgiveness.

I held back my snarl. They were making false accusations. I would certainly prove them wrong. Turning my attention back to the house, I realized Jasper was slowly backing away. "He's still my alpha..." he murmured sadly. I nodded and did my best to smile. I understood. I also understood that he would only be doing that if Crone was fixing to come out. I watched as the front door opened.