The Blue Blood Alpha

Chapter 28 - Rejection

Fragrant pine and the scent of morning dew hits Caden's nose, as he exits his jeep. He left Mystic Falls early, making the hour-long drive, to arrive at Silver Moon just as the sun is rising. As he walks up the cabin's entrance, Jaxon's words were playing in his mind. The Beta was the only pack member up early enough to see his Alpha off. They had briefly discussed what was to take place today.

"Remember you need to make the rejection believable. If she senses any weakness in you at all, she'll know your heart isn't in it. You will have to be cruel to be kind. What is worse for Lily, the pain of rejection or death at the hands of the CBC?" said Jaxon as he clasped his Alpha's shoulder, giving it a squeeze in show of support.

With shaky hands, he reaches for the cabin door handle. Could he really do this? Caden's wolf was already stirring, sensing something was off. He knew his wolf would try to ascend, and he was keeping him firmly muzzled in the back of his mind.

The sweet scent of his mate grows stronger as he enters the cabin. He quietly walks through the small lounge area towards the bedroom door, and carefully opens it to see Lily asleep on the bed. Standing beside the bed, he gazes down as this beautiful woman. How peaceful his little mate looks, sleeping quietly, with her beautiful brown hair cascading across the pillow. He would love nothing more than to shed his clothing, slip into bed beside her, and rub up against her soft curves. Caden clenches and unclenches his fists at his side, he struggles to keep calm, knowing this peace will soon evaporate like the morning dew.

Lily begins to stir, as if sensing her mate is present. Slowly opening sleepy eyes, she peers up at Caden, blinking a few times.

"Caden?" she says it questioningly, like she can't quite believe he is standing there.

"Good morning my little...Lily" He must refrain from referring to her as his mate. After today, she will no longer be his mate, his heart aches at the thought.

"My love you're here! I didn't think you would arrive this early" Lily jumps up from the bed covers and flings her arms around Caden's neck, she peppers his cheeks with sweet little kisses. She places a soft kiss against his mouth. He keeps his mouth slack, not returning the kiss and his arms remain loose at his sides, not hugging her back. He feels her body stiffen, as though she can sense something is wrong. Reaching up, he unhooks her hands from around his neck and places them down by her sides.

"Lily I have come here to discuss some important matters with you. I can't stay long, as I need to get back for Ava's funeral. There is much to be done at Mystic Falls today" he is trying to speak calmly without showing any emotion.

"Is everything alright? You seem tense, here come sit with me. Tell me what is wrong, maybe I can help" Lily clasps Caden's hands, leading him to sit on the edge of the bed with her. He clutches her hands so tightly, to the point he can see her wince in pain. He quickly let's go of her hands and stands back up, pacing the bedroom.

"Soon news will reach you, that Ava was not just my Delta, but my hidden mate" Caden goes on to explain in detail to Lily, all that has transpired with the recent CBC abductions, and how the CBC along with his pack now believe Ava is his true mate.

"Lily I've decided to honour Ava's memory, by accepting her as my mate, even in death. This means that you and I can no longer be together. I've decided to reject our mate-bond, and you need to accept the rejection". Lily gasps in shock at his words, standing from the bed to face him. There is a look of hurt and confusion on her face.

"Caden no! You can't be serious? Ava was not your mate! You cannot claim her in death. This makes no sense?!"

He looks at Lily standing there, he only now notices she is wearing a long flowing nightgown. It is white in colour, with little pink and red roses embroidered along the neckline. The image from his nightmare, of her in the white flowing dress, chained to the oak tree flashes through his mind. He thinks of her dead in his arm lying in a pool of blood, with their lifeless baby in his other arm. The thought makes his stomach churn, and he has an urge to be sick. She can't end up like Alpha Knox's mate, he refuses to let that be her destiny.