CHAPTER 5: Rejection

“We never truly believed in Janet’s little challenge. She needed time to think, and the game was just a way for the group to approach her without feeling awkward. Now, the moment of decision has arrived, and I feel as though my heart might drop out of my chest at any second.” – Beta Bill.

=== JANET’S POV ===

“Well, look who it is. Our crafty little mate.” Ray leaned against the railing with a nonchalant air, his eyes shining brightly.

“That’s right... it’s me... the most beautiful, wonderful, and perfect lady in the pack.” I performed a small curtsy. My heart was pounding like a drum.

“Did you run into Emmett on your way here?” Leo narrowed his eyes, pulling me toward him.

Aww... was my possessive Alpha worried about me? How adorable. “Yes, I ran into him.”

Alpha Emmett was an uncle Leo deeply respected. I felt it wasn't right to make things difficult for him, so I didn't tell Leo what had actually happened.

“He... are you okay? He wasn't exactly thrilled about the recent changes.” Frank tilted his head to the side, studying me.

“I’m fine,” I said, calming my group of men down.

I took a deep breath. The situation had turned much more serious. Every man in front of me was visibly tense.

“I know you all gave me time to think. And you won—I feel like all of this... is great, and very necessary for our pack.”

“Get to the damn point, Janet,” Leo growled. I knew the scent of another man on my body was making him lose his temper.

“Since you won, I’ve made my decision. I reject the mate bond with all of you.”

“What did you just say?” Leo pulled me even closer to him.

I struggled to break free but failed. I let out a sigh. “I said, I reject you all.”

Ray let out a loud laugh and turned to look down at the courtyard below. He placed both hands behind his head as if trying to keep his composure.

Frank pulled out a cigarette and flicked his lighter.

Bill crossed his arms, his lips pressed into a grim line. Meanwhile, Neville offered a sympathetic smile. Why did my Omega guy always look so damn calm?

“Is there any reason...” Leo asked, his voice trembling slightly.

I shook my head, feeling my heart constrict. “No, there’s no reason at all... After seeing Eli try to mark me... I realized I’m afraid of being bound. And I’m sorry, Leo. I don’t want to be your Luna. There’s too much responsibility, and I...”

I swallowed hard. “I just can’t.”

They couldn't possibly know how hard it was to reject one’s fated mates. It hurt like hell.

I pried Leo’s hand off my body and stepped back, away from them all.

“So what about your game? The challenge we just won?” Frank exhaled a hazy cloud of smoke in front of his face.

“I just gave you my decision, didn't I? I said if you won, I’d make a decision, right?” I crossed my arms and smirked, knowing I had created a loophole in the rules from the very beginning. “The decision is that I’m rejecting everyone.”

“We aren't your toys, Janet,” Alpha Leo roared. I could feel the wolf inside him clawing to get out.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve thought it through, and I reject it.”

“You don't need to repeat it so many times; hearing the word 'reject' over and over is irritating,” Bill grumbled. “Does this have anything to do with the seizure this morning?”

“No.”

“Liar. It clearly does,” Bill called my bluff.

“If there’s anything you want to share...” Neville said softly.

I shook my head. “I know things might not be pleasant for any of us. The final game was just to keep one last memory before I leave.”

“Wait... you’re leaving?” Ray spun around, pointing directly at my face. “YOU’RE LEAVING THE PACK?”

“No, I’m just not staying in this area anymore. Alpha Leo, I hope you’ll grant me a favor.”

“No.”

“Our pack is currently developing another town in the eastern region. I’m requesting permission to transfer my work there. The reason is my expertise in setting up supply chains for specific resources—as you know from when I assisted you on your journey to becoming the Alpha Leader. I also have several connections with neighboring packs for trade and mediation if disputes arise.”

“I’ll think about it,” Leo murmured, falling into a pensive silence.

I had done my research. He needed someone trustworthy who hadn't yet received proper recognition to go to the new town. I was his comrade, the only one whose rank didn't yet match her abilities.

Moving away from my group of Alphas would help my personal reputation become more convincing to the rest of the pack. Leo owed me that much.

“Are you kidding me, Leo?” Ray burst out again.

“Janet has been by my side for years without an opportunity for me to honor her. If she represents me there to build the new town alongside Trent and Kristy, then...” Leo reverted to his role as Alpha Leader.

“She wants to run away from us! Are you insane? I’m not letting my mate stay in a place full of Alpha hormones where someone could go into a rut at any moment!” Ray practically spat on the ground.

“Is it because of this? You’re afraid that if you accept us, the pack will dismiss all your hard work? Like Eli did?” Frank asked me, his cigarette now half-burned.

“No. I reject you. Now and forever.”

“Oh my god, she said it again! She said it again!” Ray threw his head back and groaned. “You guys are a bunch of idiots.”

“The law has been enacted, hasn't it? You’re the Alpha Leader who made the law. You won't embarrass yourself, will you, Leo?” I raised an eyebrow, smirking at the victory within my grasp.

“Say whatever it is you want to say, Beta Janet,” Alpha Leo said pensively.

“I want Rachel and Ava to come with me. They have experience in technology. Not only that, but Rachel is also taking a course in nursing. She’ll be the first tech and medical resource there. Kristy told me that every day, an Alpha or Omega gets injured and needs first aid—and all they do is apply ice and crude bandages.”

This time, all the men went silent. I closed the deal with something I knew would put my "almost-mates" at ease. “And I can swear to you that I won't bind with anyone else. However, I truly don't mind if you choose someone else as your mate... manually.”

“That sounds like the most ridiculous thing in the world,” Ray muttered.

“When will you go?” My Alpha Leader looked me straight in the eye this time.

“When you give your permission.”

“And when is that?” He thrust his hands into his pockets, a mocking smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You’ve decided everything already, so why don't you tell us poor fools when you’re leaving?”

“Tomorrow. Neville helped me pack my bags.”

For the first time tonight, every gaze shifted toward the Omega. His face turned deep red as he stammered, “I’m an Omega; I couldn't ignore her request.”

“So that’s that. I’m leaving tomorrow. Goodbye, my sweet men.” I threw out a cheesy line and turned to walk away.

A sudden, sharp thud echoed in my ears. My vision blurred. I stumbled, my legs giving out as I fell into someone’s arms.

“I’m tired of you making all the decisions, Janet,” Alpha Leo’s voice whispered in my ear. “You’re mine. That’s all you need to know.”

Oh, dammit. This was so wrong, but I loved Leo’s deep, warm voice and his obsession with me.