All Chapters of Rise Above Rejection: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Chapter 12Carolyn's POVWhen I resurfaced from the depths of darkness, I found myself in a VIP ward in the hospital. It seemed normal at first but then I slowly started gaining my memories back. It's impossible for me to have a VIP ward for myself. I'm not the favorite daughter.In my past life, even during times when I was severely ill, my parents chose to get me admitted to the general ward. They said that the Alpha's family must mix in with the pack members; it makes them feel like they're all equal. But that rule, as you might have guessed, has always been for me. Because Adelyn always got a ward of her own.They didn't answer my questions either when I asked them why the rules were different for us both. Dad would give me a glare and I would shut down.Finding myself in a VIP ward filled my chest with many feelings. The negative ones like despise, contempt and anger topped the list. I attempted to sit up straight when a hand came to my view. It fell over my shoulder, pressing me

14Luna Taylor's POVFlashback cont'd...Cian heard about the milky waterfall from his friends a few weeks before his birthday. He was so fascinated by the milky waterfall that he started pleading with his father to take him to see it."No way, champ. Can't take you, sorry. Dark woods are dangerous. There are creatures that we don't want to encounter even in our nightmares. I can take you to watch the Niagara falls, though. What do you say?" Benson had told our son one morning during breakfast."Milky waterfall. That's what I want to see. If you can't take me there, I'll go by myself." Cian said stubbornly and pushed his plate of Omelette back."Cian, come back! You don't leave your breakfast like that. Hey!" I called after him but he ran out with his bag.Then I shifted my attention to my mate with a pissed sigh, "You could've lied to him, Ben! He's a young boy. He's got uncontrollable curiosity which isn't very good for an Alpha's son. I'll kill you if he really goes to the dark woo

16Carolyn's POVThat evening mom and I prepared food together. It was a precious moment for me. Cooking with my mother and writing down some of her recipes.I didn't ask her about dad yet. Or about Adelyn, my fake twin sister. I'm certain mom had taken care of them to give me this joyful evening."Here, try this piece." She held a piece of brisket in front of my mouth.I took it in my mouth. The flavours exploded on my tongue and I moaned, "Mmmm. Mom, this is yum."Although some things still nagged me, I cherished that evening with mom. When it was time to go to bed, I held her hand in the living room and stopped her from going to her room."Mom, you will really help me get out of here, no?" My voice was uncertain."Yes, Carolyn. I promise you. In fact, I've spoken with your father. We're thinking about where to send you." I smiled even though I was unable to believe her. Alpha Benson would never want that."Thanks, mom. I love you. Thank you so much.""No need to thank me, baby. You

18Alpha Benson's POVI couldn't breathe for a few seconds. The mention of dark woods triggered my anxiety. Though I was aware why she went there, it's dangerous. I wouldn't try going there alone. Dark woods are not safe. There are ugly rogues residing there. There are other creatures too. That place swallowed our son.Despite the throbbing in my body, I turned into my wolf. I ran to the dark woods with a team of best soldiers.I lost my son there. I wasn't going to lose my mate there. That jinxed place can't take my wife from me.I arrived outside the dark woods. My soldiers were standing guard.'Where is your Luna?' I asked one of them.'She's sitting by the acid marsh.' I stared into the darkness of the woods through my wolf's eyes.I shifted and wore pants the soldiers provided me. I grabbed the t-shirt he gave me and put it on on my way in. My hands were shaking. Taylor and I only came to the marsh one last time seventeen years ago, at the first death anniversary of our son. That

20Carolyn's POVA feeling of belonging spread in my chest. This was the first time someone didn't call me out for being fat or ugly. I wanted to cry and thank the moon goddess. But the rat in my belly stirred. My stomach growled as I tore out of my emotional state.I took a step ahead although my head was craned to the left, still staring in the direction the watchman left. And I bumped into someone."Ow!" My eyes jumped.Oh shit! I turned around and found a guy on the floor with a hand on his face. He was clutching his face tight and wincing in pain."Arghh! My nose.""Hey, you okay? I'm so sorry. It's my fault." I bent over him.The guy removed his hand and I froze there. Dear Heavens, he was gorgeous. He had platinum blonde hair just like a model's and pretty blue eyes. He had a tanned complexion, showing he stayed out in the sun. And given the muscles in his arms and other parts of the body, I could say he was an athlete and spent a good amount of time in the gym as well."I'm ok