Not Rejected Just Unwanted

Once upon a time in a faraway land... Just kidding; this is no fairy tale. I'm no fair maiden who gets rescued by a handsome prince and lives happily ever after. No, I'm just a loner girl who dreams of finding her mate. And today, my dream will come true. It's my 17th birthday, and when a wolf turns 17 they find their mate. I wake up at 5:30 in the morning to get ready for school. I brush my teeth before brushing my dark brown hair and putting on some mascara.

Then I head to my closet to pick out my outfit for the day. I decide on a pair of black jeans with a dark grey sweater since it's December. Yes, I'm a Christmas baby.

Once I’m dressed, I grab my leather jacket, my boots, my snowflake choker, and my mother's wolf ring that she gave me before she died. I take one last look at myself in the mirror before heading downstairs. I head to the kitchen to grab a banana when I notice a note on the fridge.

“Raine, I had to leave early to do patrols before work. I don't know when I'll be back, so just make dinner for yourself. -Dad.” I let out a sigh before throwing the note away. I quickly finish my banana, start my black truck, and head off to school.

All too soon I am parked in front of the school. I’ve been excited about the possibility of finding my mate, but at the same time, my wolf can sense that something might go wrong. I grab my phone and headphones and start listening to my music.

After I take a few deep breaths, I grab my backpack and head towards the front doors. I suddenly have a feeling I should turn around a go home, but I push it aside as nerves.

***

Boy, do I wish I had trusted my instincts because what happened after I walked through those doors crushed me in ways I didn't think were possible.

Once I went into school, I smelled the most amazing scent I could have ever imagined. My first instinct was to follow it, so I did. I followed the scent to the other side of the school (thank God I got there early). I turned one last corner and I saw him: Elijah Woods, next in line to be the beta of our pack. I continued forward with caution because I didn't want to bump into him and make him angry. He was saying goodbye to his girlfriend of three years Rose Bell. She was gorgeous with long blonde hair and vibrant green eyes. Everyone in school thought they were mates, but no one knew for sure because neither one of them would confirm or deny it. Whenever anyone asked they just responded by talking about how much they loved each other.

After I got closer to them the smell became so strong, I thought I would choke on it. I stopped to look around, to see where it was coming from. I guess I was so distracted that I didn't realize Elijah was backing up until we had collided. I closed my eyes waiting for the impact of the cold tile when suddenly a warm, strong hand caught me. I let out a gasp as sparks erupted against my skin.

After the person who saved me helped steady my feet, I hesitantly opened my eyes. My breath got stuck in my throat as my gaze was met by a pair of beautiful brown eyes. I don't know who I thought my mate could be, but I certainly didn't even consider Elijah Woods. Another thing I didn't expect was the look of pity in his eyes. He let out a sigh before dropping his hand from me to run it through his sandy brown hair.

"We need to talk," he said motioning for me to follow him.

I nodded and silently followed while keeping my head down. I knew why he pitied me, hell I'd pity me too if I were him. It didn't take long until we were once again outside. He took us away from any questioning eyes and ears before turning towards me once more.

"What's your name?" he asked after a few moments.

"Raine, Raine Andrews," I answered with my head still focused on my feet.

He let out another sigh. A sigh that was filled with pity towards me. "Please look at me, Raine."

So I did. I looked at him preparing for what he was going to say. He took in my features for a few moments. Almost as if he was trying to predict how I would react. I should have known that my one wish would get twisted. I should have expected this to happen when I found him. But for some reason, some stupid reason, I hoped I'd finally be happy.

"I'm sorry Raine. I know that since we're mates, we should be together, but —" I didn't let him finish: "But you're in love with Rose. You want to be with her. I understand."

He stepped forward and attempted to place what he thought would be a comforting hand on my shoulder. I took a step back and hurt washed over his face before being replaced by pity once more.

"I'm sorry, I am,” he said again.

I took a deep breath before responding "Don't be, it's okay. I understand you've loved her for three years now."

He let out another sigh before nodding. I let out a little disappointed laugh.

"You don't want me. Don't worry, I get it." I said tears threatening to escape.

He went to say something, but I again interrupted him "Can you just do me a favor?" I asked as a single tear rolled down my cheek. He went to wipe it away but decided against it.

"Sure...what is it?" he asked, taking a step back.

"Don't reject me until tomorrow, please?"

"Wh—?"

"Thank you. I shouldn't keep from your class, excuse me." I said walking away from him.