Chapter 7: Beta James Michaels

The first week at Shadow Academy was set to allow all candidates to spend time with one another. It was the pack’s customs for everyone to get to know each other since they would be spending the next 2 years training alongside one another. Rain didn’t want to socialize with anyone, especially after she found out that Anthony Rivers was her mate. She was bonded to the most desired man in the school. What a fucking nightmare. As much as she tried to forget what was happening to her, she couldn’t. Part of her hated him and the other part of her wanted to be with him. It hurt her to be away from him, so she spent three days locked up in her room sulking.

She wanted to confront him, but she didn’t wanted to face the possibility of him rejecting her. That would destroy her.

One rainy afternoon she finally built up the courage to leave her dorm. Kylie had been trying to get her out of the room, but Rain always refused. Kylie left earlier that morning with some new recruits, so Rain set out on her own. She dressed in a skirt and crop top, letting her hair down for a change. Most of the hallways were quiet, most students remaining indoors due to the excessive rain. Rain knew that it was the perfect time for her to familiarize herself with the mansion, so she roamed the hallways alone.

She found a library in the back of the mansion and she smiled to herself. One hobby she always enjoyed was reading, so she was thrilled to find the place where she could escape her reality. Outside the library were empty tables, except one table where a powerful Lycan sat, deep in conversation on his phone. His aura was overpowering, Rain realizing he was one of the Elite wolves. It was clear he was someone of importance. To avoid disturbing him, she entered the library and gasped. It was incredible. She was surrounded by million of books, the library encased in gold. There were very few people present in the library and Rain found an isolated corner with lounge chairs. She wanted to be alone to think. She found a book on the Shadow Pack’s history and began to read. As she read, she wondered how she could find out more about her past. She knew she was an orphan and often felt rejected because she was abandoned. Even though she had a family that loved her, she knew there was also a family that gave her up. It pissed her off that she knew nothing about where she came from.

“Getting a head start on your studies Rain Miller?” A man asked and that was when looked up and noticed the very attractive Lycan that had been sitting outside the library standing in front of her. He had kind hazel-green eyes and light brown hair. Rain knew that she should great the Lycan formally, but she realized he had called her by her name which caught her off guard.

“How do you know my name?” She asked and he smiled. He studied her face in surprise at her question. He didn’t seem angry, just amused.

“ It’s important I know the names of all the new recruits at Shadow Academy. Welcome Rain. I am Beta James Michaels,” he introduced himself. Rain realized she made a mistake, quickly standing in his presence.

“My apologies Beta James. It’s nice to finally meet you,” Rain said softly and bowed to him.

Standing before her was Beta James, a very powerful Lycan in the Shadow pack. He was the Elite wolf who controlled the pack’s guardians and army. His fighting skills were known to be exceptional, and he was one of those Elite members that made history by his success. He was a Beta wolf by choice. From what Rain was told by Emma, Beta James could have been the Alpha of the pack, but he refused the title. No one knew why he chose to let Alpha Leo take his title. Beta James clearly had his reasons for making his decision after beating Alpha Leo in a challenge for the position.

Beta James shook Rain’s hand and he smiled softly.

“No need for formalities. Please have a seat,” he told her as he sat on one the couches. Rain did as he said, sitting beside him.

“Are you adjusting well to the mansion?” He asked her.

“As much as I can. This is actually the first day I am out of my room,” she said honestly. He was surprised by her comment.

“And why is that?” He asked. Rain knew if she lied to him that he would know she wasn’t telling the truth. She knew she had to be honest.

“Before the welcome speech, my mate bond activated with someone I didn’t expect to be bonded with. It’s been very confusing. And, I wasn’t ready to face him.” She explained.

“Is that so. Is it to someone too weak for you?” He asked and Rain couldn’t help but laugh.

“ He’s not weak at all actually. Having a bond with him is going to cause me much more trouble than I want,” Rain told him. That was when Rain felt that strong pull again that made her sway. Tony was nearby and her heart began to race. She felt his impatience. Something was bothering him and he felt almost frantic.

Tony walked in the library and he looked over at Rain. She knew he was looking for her but she didn’t understand why. The air around her weakened. Tony’s frantic feelings diminished when he saw Rain. She could feel his relief when he finally had found her. Rain eyes fixated on him as Tony approached. She was angry because she knew he recognized their bond and said nothing to her. Beta James followed Rain’s stare and froze when he saw Tony. Rain saw Beta James’s aura blaze a bright red. Why was he angry?

“Afternoon Beta James. Rain” Tony greeted both of them and sat across from Rain.

“Tony. Interesting.” Beta James said, looking at Rain and then at Tony.

“What’s interesting sir?” Tony asked.

“Your father hasn’t mentioned to me that you‘re mate bond has activated” Beta James said to him. Tony looked at Rain.

“I haven’t told him yet. I wanted to speak with Rain first” Tony responded.

“I have nothing to discuss with you,” Rain said and Tony froze. Rain knew he could feel her anger. Rain already knew he didn’t want to be bonded to her, and that hurt her. She knew he was in line to be the next Alpha and Rain was not a candidate to be his Luna. What could he tell her that would fix their situation? She knew he’d choose someone else to be his Luna and she’d feel nothing but pain for the rest of her existence. Every time he fucked anyone else, she would feel pain. If he got hurt, she’d feel the pain. Anything he did to reject her would be continuous pain. She suddenly hated him for that. How could he ask her to just endure pain while he got to live happily ever after?

“Rain,” he said softly as if he could feel her pain. He felt guilty for what he needed to do to her.

“Why are you here?” Rain asked him coldly.

“We need to talk.” He insisted.

“What for? You’ve already made your decision haven’t you?” Rain asked. She knew she had to accept that this would be her life. The mate bond could only be broken by death of one or both mates. She wasn’t willing to die because she wanted to be rid of him. She thought that there was a possibility that her coming to Shadow Academy would bring her happiness. She was wrong. Her luck was only getting worse and she was having a hard time accepting her fate.

She saw sympathy in Tony’s eyes, but she knew rejection when she saw it. Her whole life she had been rejected and had to endure being tormented by others. Now, she would be tormented by Tony for the rest of her life. He was at a loss for words, silence surrounding each of them. Rain stood up, Tony watching her. The sexual attraction was there, but he had nothing he could offer to her.

“It was a pleasure meeting you finally Beta James. Please excuse me,” Rain said softly. She was numb, hurt, and fucking angry.

“It’s been a pleasure Rain,” Beta James said, Rain smiling and leaving. She left the library and quickly walked down the hallway, tears burning behind her eyelids. She couldn’t catch her breathe so stopped at the end of the hallway, realizing that she was crying. She didn’t want anyone to see her cry, so she entered an empty classroom. After she closed the door behind her she began to sob. She couldn’t believe this pain would be the only feeling she ever felt for the rest of her life. She was breaking apart and there was nothing anyone could do to help her. All she felt was pain and then pure anger.