Rejected Warrior Book 3
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Melanie Gomez
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In a world where mate bonds can mean life or death, Riley finds herself entangled in a web of love, betrayal, and supernatural forces. As her relationship with Jack crumbles, she is drawn closer to Michael, who harbors secrets that could save or doom them all. With enemies lurking and a dangerous plan unfolding, Riley must navigate her feelings and the perilous path ahead to protect those she loves.
Chapter One
Book Three
RILEY
The training has been in full swing for the last four years while the kids grew up enough to at least walk well.
We made the unanimous decision to start training at the age of two and a half, hoping they would be able to pay attention for even a short amount of time.
Needless to say, they trained from nine to eleven in the morning, then after naps in the afternoon from three to five. The schedule seemed to work pretty well.
The mates all trained together. We tried just the girls and the boys separated, but it became nothing but toddler fights.
So we decided it would be better if the mates help train each other. Letâs just say the boys did not make it easy for the girls, but they were able to hold their own against them.
As parents, we were always there taking photos because they look so darn cute, and who could really blame us?
In between training, I wanted my girls and boys to stand with Jack to take a photo.
I snap it and look at it, and you can just tell he isnât happy. I donât get it? He has been acting differently lately and I donât understand why.
Once the staff exits with the kids, he starts to walk towards another door when I run and stand in front of him.
âWhat is it, Riley? I took the photo as you asked.â
âWhy Jack, why are you acting like this? Are you not proud of our kids?â
âThey have been doing so well with their training, and you canât even praise them? What has changed? You act like you want to be here, but your actions say otherwise!â
âWhat do you want from me, Riley? I am trying to make you happy!â
âNo, youâre not! You ignore me completely, Kane will barely talk to Ana, and when I ask for anything itâs a quick moment and then you leave.â
âLast night you didnât even come to bed? Where did you sleep?â
âIn another room. Youâre fine, and are being taken care of, are you not? Kane is just tired a lot because he has a lot of stuff on his mind.â
âWell maybe if you would talk to me I could help?â
âNo, you canât help! Now just let me be, please!â
He storms past me when I just stare after him. I cover my face, just sobbing because I donât understand!
First, it was Kyro not wanting me, and now itâs Jack and Kane. I try so hard to do everything I can to make him happy.
I just fall to my knees, sobbing when I feel arms wrap around me. I look up and look directly at Michael.
I quickly back up, staring at him when I see tears falling down his face. I scoot back over, wiping his tears away when I just look at him.
âMichael, this isnât a good idea. Iâm mated, and you have already said that you canât have me as a mate.â
âI know what I said, Riley. I just want you to listen to me. When the time comes, I need you to trust me. No matter how crazy the request is, you will need to listen to me.â
âI promise everything will work out, but you will have to listen to me.â
âWhat are you talking about, Michael? Whatâs going to happen?â
âI canât say because itâs not the time, just promise me, okay?â
âOkay, Michael, I promise!â
***
KANE/STERN
I stormed off because I just canât be close to her anymore. I know what will be coming soon and want to keep her safe.
I know I am probably not going about it the right way, but I donât know what else to do!
âJack!â Morax yells at me.
I stop dead in my tracks and turn around, watching him storm towards me. Kane quickly pushes forward to take over.
âWhat are you doing? You are already trying to cut the bond and itâs too early!â
âI canât pretend that Iâm happy! You said I would have had more time with them! I get five years! Thatâs it, and now we are in year four! I have less than a year to get everything in order!â
âThe whole time Riley has no clue why I am acting like this. Why? Because you want her to be kept in the dark.â
âInstead of having reassurance from her mate, she is getting it from Michael!â
âSo let her! She has feelings for him, so why not!â
âYou know thatâs not the plan! That is not how this was supposed to go!â
âYeah well, Kane is tired and slowing down!â
âJust be with her until it gets close to the time. Thatâs all Iâm asking. You may lose her before then if you arenât careful!â
I just huff, snarling, and walk away. I donât care anymore. I was going to try to even cut the bonds with the kids, but that is harder to do.
Jack doesnât want to really do that either, but he knows what will be coming and understands. I am trying to have the end not be so hard on any of them.
I go for a quick run to clear my head, and when I come back, shifting and throwing on shorts, I see Michael standing there.
âLook, Jack, I shouldnât be the one comforting your mate! Kane knew what the deal was going into this when we sent him to replace Kyro.â
âIt gave you extra time that you wouldâve never had. Now, this is how you want to spend it? Pushing your mate and your kids away? What will happen then?â
âIâm sure you will figure something out! You guys came up with a great plan!â
I storm past him and head up to our quarters.
When I walk in, I see Riley laying on our bed. When she quickly sits up to look at me, I just turn my head and go to another room.
I do love my mate and would do anything for her. Thatâs why I am trying to make this transition easier for her.
I enter the room, shutting the door, and I hear the other slam shut. She starts screaming at me, and I canât help but let the tears fall down my face.
If she only knew what was coming, she would understand why Iâm doing this.
âI hate you, Stern! I shouldâve rejected you and left you when I had the chance! I have done everything to make you happy, but it was never enough!â
I fling open my door, storming over to hers. I enter the room and storm right up to her, getting right in her face.
âYou want to reject me, then do it! Save yourself the drama then!â
âWhy are you acting like this? No, I donât want to reject you! Youâre my mate, my other half! I have tried everything to make you happy!â
âMaybe you shouldâve kept Kyro! I donât know whatâs worse! Being ignored by you, or getting beat on by Kyro!â
I take a step back in shock. âYou canât really mean that!â
âI donât know whatâs worse, Jack. At least I still had your love then, even when Kyro hated me. Now I donât have anything but our pups since now both you and Kane donât want me.â
I let out a sigh, trying to figure out what to say. âRiley, there is a reason this is happening this way.â
âWhy wonât you tell me why?â
âItâs not my place, Riley!â
âGet out of my fucking room! Donât ever come in here again! Donât ever talk to me again unless you are going to answer my questions! I at least deserve that!â
I storm back out, slamming her door while I walk into mine, slamming mine.
