Second Chances

Chapter 2: Pain

Jack

"Why, Edda?" I whispered. Hearing her rejection replaying over and over again in my mind. My wolf, River, had gone silent. The pain was too much.
"Oh don't act so surprised, freak. I've been trying to stay away from you for weeks." She sneered. I stared at her while she studied her nails. Always high and mighty. But she was right. I found out she was my mate weeks ago. She kept telling me she needed her space to figure things out with the alpha. I just never thought she'd bring it this far.
"But we're mates. I don't understand." I said. I tried to hide the pain in my voice but I couldn't.
"You just aren't what I need. I need someone with alpha status. Not someone as common as you." She laughed.
"What happens if the alpha doesn't reject his mate? What will you do then?" I demanded.
"He's gonna reject her. He's just waiting for her to turn twenty one. It's almost too funny honestly." Her laugh was getting on my nerves.
"How is that funny? That's cruel!" I was starting to raise my voice. "Why would you find that enjoyable?"
"Because, loser, she's pathetic. He deserves a strong mate and he gets this weak little thing. He's known for a long time who she is." She pulled out a nail file and began filing her nails. Utterly bored.
"What would you do if you had been rejected?" I asked, letting the aggravation bleed into the words.
"Who in their right mind would reject me?" She scoffed. "I mean let's take you for example. You've been chasing me for how long now? Even you want me."
"Yeah that was before I saw you for what you really are." I shot back, standing up to leave.
"Oh and what am I really then?" She rolled her eyes.
"Pretty on the outside. Absolutely hideous on the inside." I caught the brief surprise on her face just before I walked out.
    I wasted no time running into the woods and shifting. River was all too happy to take over and run off some steam. I tried to keep my mind on just running but I kept going back to her. I felt more anger than anything. I was thankful for not having an emotional attachment to her. But the pain of rejection was unreal.
After an hour, I decided it was time to go back. It was almost time for breakfast. I really didn't want to have to sit in the same dining hall as her but it was inevitable. Once I got dressed I went inside to grab my food. The same cheerful people always served the food. An older couple and a young girl about my age. I gave them my thanks and went to sit down. Wondering how I was ever going to stop feeling this pain. Movement caught my eye and I saw the girl who served the food. She was leaving with her friend but she looked at me with a soft face. I looked away quickly, trying not to make any more eye contact with anyone.