Page 99 of Rejected By the Alpha

“The people who’ve already lost their mates, no. The others, probably.”

“Why?”

“Because we care about Davix as much as he cares about us and we want to see him happy and strong. And he can only be truly strong with his—with someone like you by his side. Besides, I don’t think⁠—”

The quiet forest was suddenly flooded with the echoing of a branch snapping. While it snapped to my right, I looked to the left, my gaze meeting blazing red eyes. The ones that had been watching me, the ones that belonged to the man who had taken me.

Warmth spread throughout my entire body, and I released Hazel’s hand, wanting to walk right over to him, talk to him, ask him why he had brought me back, why he didn’t want me. Sure, I was caught up on Davix not wanting me, but neither did he.

The mere thought stung.

Why had he brought me back? Why hadn’t I been good enough for him?

He didn’t move, but continued to watch me, his gaze never leaving mine once. After scanning the area and not seeing Mr. Red Eyes, Hazel grabbed my hand once more and headed toward my house.

While we were walking in the opposite direction, I could feel him following us. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, my heart racing hard inside my chest. I grabbed Hazel’s hand even tighter.

What is he doing? Why is he still watching me if he doesn’t want me?

Once we made it to my property, Hazel watched me walk into the house. I closed the door behind me and looked out the window to the right. Maybe he wasn’t following me, but following her. Maybe he wanted her.

Just like Cade had.

After a moment, I leaned my back against the window and blew out a breath.

Why does everyone always want her and not me?

Cade paced the living room, running his hand through his hair. “Fuck.”

I looked up at him, brows furrowed together. “What are you fucking about?”

“It’s nothing,” he said, moving past me toward the door. “Just don’t leave the house.”

I grabbed his arm. “Why? What’s going on?”

“Nothing, Ember.” He tensed, but didn’t leave yet. “But someone has been taken. Two people have been taken from opposing packs.”

“Who?” I asked.

“A leader of my … my … people. And our enemy.”

I furrowed my brows. “Your people?”

“A leader of Braveclaw,” he said. “And someone from the Crimson Order. And if I don’t find them both soon, a war is going to break out between the two strongest packs in the world.”

Chapter Fifty-Four

Cade

I ran a hand through my hair, unable to fucking believe this was happening. Yesterday, everything had been completely fine. Today? A mess.

A fucking mess.

“Can you please stay home?” I asked Ember. “If I’m still gone by morning, have Pavel take you to the doctor.”

Ember pressed her lips together for a few moments, staying quieter than usual, which meant that something was definitely up.

“What?”