Will Rejection Hold? novel Chapter 1

Lexi's POV

The warmth from the retreating sun beat on my back as I ran the territory line between my pack's land and The Moonshine pack. My paws pounded into the ground underneath me as I ran further than I typically did. My hind legs dug into the dirt, pushing me to go faster.

Lately my wolf wasn't satisfied with a leisurely jog, she wanted to test my limits. I didn't mind. Running always cleared my head. The fresh air and the silence allowed my thoughts to wonder and untangle themselves.

After my parents died, I kind of ended up on my own a lot. This was when I figured out my love for running. Before I was able to shift, I would run in human form. It built up a stamina not common for a female wolf. Though I was not a high ranking wolf, I could probably sprint laps around majority of them. My wolf and I prided ourselves on this fact.

Growing up, my brother and I had never been close, so when my parents died I never leaned on him for emotional support. Instead, I ran out here a lot. No one noticed when I was gone anyways. I was always the loner in the back. No one really paid any mind to what I did, so I learned to just keep to myself and keep my mouth shut. It wasn't like I was some outcast. I wasn't bullied or picked on necessarily, I just didn't have many friends.

The further the sun set, the more the stars began to come out. I finally decided to make my way back to the pack house. I couldn't run all night like my wolf and I craved to, because school was looming in the morning.

I shifted at the tree line right before I reached the house. I slipped back on my clothes that I had hidden when I shifted, then I trudged up the lawn, until I reached the front door. I paused, not ready to face real life again. I took in one last deep breath of fresh air, then I slipped in silently, and went straight to my room. I showered, pulled on my pajamas, then crawled into bed. I fell asleep dreading the day in front of me.

I woke up to the normal ruckus of the pack house. I sleepily made my way over to my closet. Pulling out a loose fitting sweater, and some jeans, I looked into the mirror to see my natural wavy blonde hair hanging to my ribs. I reached up on my dresser for my brush, and detangled my hair. I quickly brushed my teeth, checking the clock.

"The bus is here!" I heard our Luna, Mrs. Jackson, call out. I could hear frantic footsteps rushing down the stairs. I grabbed my bag, and slung it over my shoulder. Rushing down the stairs about five beats behind everyone else, I pulled some of my hair back with a barrette.

Double checking that my glasses were in place I almost tripped on the stairs. Distracted on my way down the last bit of stairs, I ran into my Luna. "Hello Lexi, how are you sweet girl?" She hugged me. Luna Jackson had always liked me. When my mother died, she was the one who wiped my tears. Now even though I'm 17, she still checks up on me occasionally. I know it's basically her duty as Luna, but I would like to think she just has a soft spot for me.

"I'm good, thank you Luna." I smiled at her. "But I need to go!" I laughed, rushing down the remaining stairs, only pausing a second to wave back to her. She just shooed me away smiling.

Alex's POV

As I walked into school, I was getting 'congratulations' and 'happy birthdays' left and right. The girls were all over me, even more so than usual. As happy as everyone is for this day, I'm not.

I don't want a mate. I don't want to be Alpha yet. I like my freedom. I like being able to have fun with the guys. I like sleeping around. I like not being tied down. I don't want to feel guilty when I make out with another girl. I want my freedom. I'm not in any way ready to look after the life of others when I'm not even sure where the hell mine is going.

I could feel my wolves agitation with my lack of excitement. He was in every way ready to take over our pack, and took pride in the fact that my father was handing it over without a fight.

My thoughts clouded my mind, and I wasn't really paying attention to anything, hence the reason I almost ran into a dudes locker until Matt shoved me to the side. I caught my balance and laughed it off, looking over to my future Beta, Matt.