It was the only way Andrea was welcome over at the house if she came with others. Alpha Scott didn’t want her coming alone because he knew of her affections for Denny. But if she came with a group, what could he say? So now, I could sneak away into the kitchen with her here. Which I gladly did. There was some weirdness right now with Denny, and I didn’t want Andrea to pick up on it.
As I mixed up the batter for more pancakes, I reasoned with myself that this is probably normal. We both felt those strange desires and the connection between the two of us. It is still fresh in our minds so as time goes by, the memory of it would disappear. Though rejecting a fated mate was rare, it still happened. Usually, it was an omega getting rejected by whoever was higher in rank. In fact, I remembered an omega female getting rejected not that long ago. However, they both stayed happy with their current boyfriend and girlfriend. So if anything, I should be the one suffering the most through all of this. Not that I am trying to justify who is allowed to hurt more… okay maybe that is exactly what I was doing.
That is utter nonsense. We are individuals who both treat pain differently. I bet he is worrying about me and that is the problem. Because he knows he has someone else. I just need to reassure him that I will be just fine. I may binge Netflix at night and live like a lonely spinster, but I’ll be fine. I might as well start going cat shopping now. The writing is on the wall. I stacked up the pancakes high on the plate and went through with the same routine I did earlier making them.
I took in a deep breath and walked back out with the pancakes. To my surprise or well, I shouldn’t have been surprised but Denny and Andrea weren’t there. I sat the pancakes on the table and pointed my finger at Joey who came over to steal one.
“Don’t you dare, or I am making you make the next batch.” I wiggled my finger at him as he pouted.
“Clover… will you make pancakes for me on my birthday?” Joey gave me a sad pouty face to which I could only smile and shake my head at. Children. I was living with children.
“Yes, on your birthday, I will make you pancakes. Happy?” I giggled as I grabbed the empty juice pitcher on the table. I know I didn’t have to, but it felt natural to refill it and help out. I didn’t like calling for a maid for every single thing that needed to be done. I turned to walk back to the kitchen when I felt a leg come out and kick my foot knocking me off balance in mid-step. I knew who it was. And I don’t like to use this word, but it was the c word. The word that rhymes with bunt.
I tried to save the pitcher from landing on the ground. If it hit, it would smash to pieces, which would mean more work for the maids. So, I turned my body slightly to allow myself to hit the floor. I, unfortunately, gripped the handle too hard, and it ended up smashing anyways. This is what happens when you use real crystal. The cheap stuff would have persevered. The moment before my impact, I felt arms grab my waist, lifting me up into a warm chest.
I tilted my head to see Joey looking down at me with concern. And that was when I felt the stinging sensation on my hand and arm. I had a glass shard wedged into me. Perfect! I had a mental wound so let’s just add a physical wound to it. Sounds about right. Thanks, world. You never let me down.
“Taylor what the hell!”
I listened to Joey roar out. I thought the words were my own for a split second because I was thinking it. Joey is a mind reader. Those were my exact words.
“What is going on?!” The door flings open, and Andrea comes in with messed-up hair and a flushed face. Yep, I know what was going on there. Right behind her Denny walks in with slightly tousled hair as well. His eyes land on me and then on Joey. His eyes grow dark as he stares at Joey’s hands on me. I am not imagining it, right? He is definitely more upset right now that I am in Joey’s arms.
“Taylor tripped Clover. And look at her hand!” Joey growled out.
“It was an accident. Wasn’t it, Taylor?” Jude said, patting the girl’s shoulders. Taylor was putting on a show with waterworks instantly.
“I would never trip her on purpose. I can’t believe you think like that about me.” Taylor whimpered and turned her nasty fake plastic body into Jude. Did I mention that I hate her?
The whole situation was more than awkward. Joey and Jude were in an intense stare down. Meanwhile, I am still in Joey’s arms and Denny is shooting possessive eyes my way. Which how dare he? It’s okay for him to go and do gods knows what just now but it wasn’t okay for me to be in another man’s arms. Even if it is completely innocent.
I looked at my hand still oozing thick sticky red liquid. I’m a werewolf. It will heal soon enough. But I needed to get all the glass pieces out. And unfortunately, I was going to need some help since I wasn’t as coordinated with my other hand.
“You can set me down, Joey. I’m alright. I just need to get these glass pieces out so I can heal.”
He looked down at me as he gently eased me to the ground. He grabbed my arm so he could look over the wound better. I watched him shoot another angry glance over at Taylor.
Don’t let it bother you. It isn’t worth starting a fight over. This is Denny’s big day. Let’s not let anything ruin it. I quickly mind-linked him before he started another scene. It really wasn’t worth it. Taylor was going to lie, and Jude was going to defend her. Andrea would defend her friend. I could see the annoyance in his eyes over letting it go.
“What happened?!” The unmistakable commanding voice of Alpha Scott filled the room. I glanced up at the towering man. His eyes scanned over the room before they landed on my bloodied hand. “Well?” This time he was directing his question at me.
“The juice pitcher broke. I have some glass in my hand I am going to go and get it out now.” I didn’t want to elaborate more than that. I just wanted out of the room and away from the situation. So, with my head lowered, I made my way towards the door. I had to pass Denny, but I kept my eyes on the ground as I quickly moved past him.
“Wait for one second, Clover.” Alpha Scott said with his commanding voice. I inwardly winced wondering what he wanted. Then, I turned to look at him as his eyes landed on his son.
“We will not be having the alpha ceremony tonight.”
I could feel the tension in the room immediately after he said that. Oh gods, Denny was banking on this. Why would he postpone the ceremony?
“The northern packs are all gathering to go over territory lines and resolidify treaties. It is best for them to see a familiar face here. After the gathering, we will proceed with your ceremony.”
I looked over at Denny who only nodded his head slowly. Andrea though was fuming, and it was apparent. Because now she would have to wait even longer before becoming the official luna.
“Denny, I of course expect you to come to the meeting as well as your officers. This will be a good learning experience for all of them. Clover, go on and take care of that hand.”
His voice sounded kinder as his gaze met with mine. I’m not sure why but alpha Scott never mistreated me. And even though he could be firm he was always fair and kind to me. Which I know made Andrea bitter. I turned back around and walked away. Maybe this was actually a good thing. After the whole mate rejection, Denny could use some time to get his head right again. And so could I. During his ceremony is when we also get our official titles. I need to make sure things still weren’t weird between us. If they are… there is no way I can continue to be his delta. For both of our sakes. Yes, this delay is a good thing.
I stood in the upstairs bathroom, running my hand under the cold water. Sheena was ghosting me. She was angry with me for rejecting our mate. I could feel the extra room in my mind showing she had closed herself off from me. I wouldn’t push her though; I knew she was hurting too. She lost her fated mate also, but because she was closing herself off from me, it would take me longer to heal.
I tried to grab the slippery glass with my hand to pull it out. I winced as I felt it move slightly, only to have my fingers slip off of it. Damn, that hurt; I hadn’t asked for help before leaving, not that anyone even offered. It wasn’t in my character to walk back out there and ask for help either. I didn’t like asking for help. It would have been different if they offered on their own… but I never wanted to be seen as a bother.
Now I had a real problem as I watched the blood drip into the sink. I needed to figure out how to pull this slippery shard out of my skin as it was wedged in deeper than I thought. I grabbed a washcloth and was beginning to attempt to remove it when the door opened behind me.
I looked up and was met with green eyes. Denny’s eyes immediately landed on my hand, and he swore.
“Clover, why didn’t you ask for help?” He came over, taking my arm into his hands. He held my arm gently as he sucked in air from his mouth.
I gave him a weak smile. “You know me… Are you okay? After your father’s announcement?”
“Andrea is pretty upset, but there isn’t anything I can do about it. She will calm down. It is only a temporary delay. Soon she will be my luna and-” Denny winced, and his eyes met with mine. “I’m sorry. This is insensitive of me.”
“Denny, it’s fine. Now, my arm dripping blood isn’t.” I gave him a crooked smile and moved my arm slightly in his hands.
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