The Mallapers: A Rejected Mate Story

Bonus Chapter: Nona

The light was bright, I could hear nothing but peace for miles on end. I knew where I was for my wolf had seen that our time was coming. She had made peace with our end, but all I could feel was this heavy burden on my heart. I had held Leyla for the last time and my heart was not quite ready to let go. 

I knew where I was and I knew who I was waiting for. I couldn't help but feel angry at her. I had left Leyla to fight the evil that was spreading across the land. I just wish I shouted at the top of my lungs what Lamia was. She was a fraud. How did I not see it all those years? How did I not notice that she was not our true Queen. I had no idea who our real Queen was, that was the question that lingered in my mind. 

"I see that you are waiting Nona." A musical voice spoke from behind. 

"I didn't have much choice now did I?" I replied. My lips were pursed and I closed my eyes. Hearing that voice confirmed that I was in between worlds. My body had left me but my heart and soul was not ready to leave the world. My heart was not ready to leave Leyla. 

A small tear escaped my eye as I thought about the small pup that captured my heart. There were many orphan's I had come across during my work and patronage, but none them stuck to my heart like sweet Leyla did. As I stood in the clearing, my mind flashed memories of her growing up. Me holding the sweet child in my arms, Leyla taking her first steps and saying her first words. All I could think about was how proud I was of my little pup. 

She had grown into a strong woman like I always imagined she would. She endured pain that was unimaginable. I could say that not many have faced the troubles that she has. She always thought I was oblivious to what was going on in her life. I knew she was bullied by Ryan, I knew the pack tormented her but no matter what I did, nothing could stop it. For Ryan was soon to be King and there were worries from the pack that if they didn't follow his lead, they too be outcasted. 

The thing is about Leyla, is she is a beautiful soul and despite people acting like they didn't like her or that she was beneath them. A lot of people loved her. I know people would call them two faced but they always told me what a benevolent woman she was. I understood their dilemma and they were just scared to reveal how they really felt for fear of being punished. I would always think that Ryan would be the one to punish them but as I reflect on the life that flashed past my eyes. I could see that it was Lamia they were scared of. 

"Nona" The voice whispered. I could hear the pain in her voice. I knew she was affected by what was going on but I could not feel pity for her. She had put my pup at risk. She had given me a saving grace, for her only to rip it from me. 

"Selene, please don't say anything." My heart yearned for the pup I would never see, never hold in my arms again. For the first time since I lost my Roger, I sobbed. No matter what I tried, I just could not stop. I would not be able to save her. I would be able to protect the pup I promised to shield.

"Nona, please stop thinking like that. You have protected Leyla, you done what you were destined to do. You saved her since the moment I created the bond between her. Your destiny was to teach her what she needed to know to survive. You Nona, have done everything and more than you needed to do for her." Selene responded. 

I refused to look at her. I couldn't, it was torture to hear her voice. How could she separate me from aiding her further. My heart was torn, I loved her so much. 

"Your love will continue in her heart Nona. Just because you are no longer attached to the mortal world, does not mean that you are not with her." Selene said in a comforting tone. 

"Your sacrifice is of pure love Nona. Your sacrifice will allow Leyla to take her place in the world. Her rightful place. Your wolf told you she was your Warrior Queen and that is what she will become. With time." Selene had placed her hand on my shoulder. 

"Is it done then?" I asked. Dreading the words that would soon confirm that the prophecy will begin. 

"Yes Nona, it has started. I'm afraid the prophecy has been enacted. My power was unable to stop it. It was the fates decision." Selene said sombrely. 

I sighed. I do not know the full account of the prophecy but my wolf warned that innocent blood must be spilt for it to have started. It was then that I knew it was a choice between me and Leyla and I knew that I couldn't let her die. My motherly instincts were at it's highest and my wolf told me of the sacrifice we had to make. 

I didn't want to say goodbye, but I had fulfilled my role in the mortal realm. I didn't regret my decision, I just regret I couldn't help her more before I died. I knew that she would feel it and I knew she would feel the pain of the bond snapping. 

"Come Nona, there is someone who is waiting to see you." Selene ordered. I turned towards her and she was walking away into the source of light. It was then that my eyes started to hurt and the tears started to gather in my eyes. 

"Is it really you?" I whispered. 

There stood a tall man, his eyes were dark green, they were the colour of the deepest forest. His skin was tanned as it had been gently kissed my the sun. His lips looked soft and curved into the most beautiful smile I had every seen. His brown hair had grown out and now reached his shoulders. All I could imagine was running my fingers through it. He stood confidently and I felt my heart skip a beat. 

"My love." He spoke. I closed my eyes wanting dance in the joy of his husky voice. He spread his arms open, welcoming me home. 

It was then that I pushed forward and wrapped my arms around him. I tightly squeezed him, scared he was going to disappear and leave me again. It was when I was in his arms that my sobs of sadness turned to tears of joy. It was bittersweet but I finally had him in my arms again. 

"Roger" I whispered. Honestly, the sound I made came out like a strangled laugh. He was really here, I was with my mate. I was in the arms of the one I longed to be with. He wrapped his arms round my shoulders and caressed my back gently. For a moment, I found peace and acceptance with what had happened. 

"I am so sorry for leaving you love, but I am proud of you." He said as he hushed my sobs. "You have done more than you realised. I was always with you love. Leyla is a beautiful pup and I love her as much own."

As I basked in the happiness of my mate, a slight pain came to my chest when he mentioned Leyla. How could I be happy when I left her all on her own. "She is not on her own love. She will be survive and she will prosper. Have faith in her, like I had faith in you." Roger soothingly said. 

It was those words of comfort from the man I had loved my whole life that gave me the peace that I needed. I knew deep down, although it will be hard, my Leyla will come out fighting. "Come love, it's time for you to rest." He whispered as he pulled me further into the light.

Fight my pup, you are strong, I will always love you. I whispered into the wind.