The Rejected Mates Children

"Keep it classy and cool," Dad instructs, pacing around his office. His usual neat hair looks like a crow's nest, and dark circles have taken up residence under his eyes. The usual crisp executive look is gone.

I roll my eyes inwardly as I saunter over to his desk. The man hasn't had a good night's sleep in weeks. A recent demise in our pack coupled with the looming anniversary of Mum's passing didn't make for a peaceful slumber.

"Who's gracing us with their presence, Alpha?" Andy inquires with a touch of deference. The lad never lost his formality, even with Dad. He was heir apparent, and I must admit, the prospect of him ruling was an entertaining one.

"But he won't hold a candle to Dad," comments Eve, my inner wolf.

"You're darn right, no one can fill Dad's shoes."

Dad pauses, rubbing his forehead before responding. Seeing him worn out and deflated tugs at my heartstrings.

"The Alpha duo from the Red Moon pack," he reveals, his voice as calm as a still pond, but the shiver down his spine speaks volumes about his inner turmoil.

For a beat, the room falls deathly silent, before erupting into chaos as my trio of brothers kick off a verbal riot.

"What the...!" exclaims David, his fists balled in suppressed rage. On the other hand, Hank, the baby of the family, takes the news a tad differently.

"They can't drop in on us. They...they'll wipe us out!" He breathes in deeply, attempting to mask the panic written all over his face.

My gaze drifts to Andy. He's lounging in a chair, eyes glazed over, gears turning in his head, plotting out strategies. Rising from his seat, he shakes his head as if to clear the fog.

"They're not going to decimate us," he proclaims, his voice echoing power and authority. "If the Alphas want a showdown, we'll give them one."

David and Mark take a moment to digest Andy's bold proclamation before diving headfirst back into their squabble.

Having had enough of their incessant bickering, I turn my attention to Dad. He's leaned back in his chair, arms folded neatly over his chest, watching his sons' theatrics with a patience that's wearing thin.

Like Andy, Dad rises from his chair, and I quickly avert my gaze, bracing for the storm.

"Enough!" he roars, instantly commandeering their attention. "They're not coming for a rumble. They're coming to find their mate."

"What?!" I yell at my Dad. "They can't! They just can't!"

My thoughts race as I try to make sense of his words. I didn't sign up for a mate. What if they show up and decide that I'm the one for them? No, I won't let that happen. Eve cuts into my thoughts.

"I hope they're our mate," she chirps excitedly. "I can't wait to meet our mate."

"I don't..."

She cuts me off before I can finish, severing our connection. Over the past year, she's been bubbling over with excitement about finding a mate. I, however, wasn't quite sold on the idea. Deep down, I liked the idea of someone looking out for me, cherishing me.

But the fear of him being domineering and aggressive, of him wanting me only as a sedative for his wolf, or worse, of him rejecting me, kept me on the fence.

When Mum was around, she would assure me that my mate would love me unconditionally. But she wasn't here anymore to soothe my fears.

Lost in my whirlpool of thoughts, I barely notice my brothers forming a protective circle around me.

"We won't let them lay a paw on you," David reassures me.

"Damn right!" my other brothers chime in.

A small smile plays on my lips. I'm touched, but I won't let them get hurt if the Alphas turn out to be my mates.