Rejected Protector

I am a true pureblood Gamma. I come from ten generations of Gammas. To most people, that means nothing. To me, it means everything. I am a warrior. I was born to be a warrior like my father and mother, their fathers and mothers, and so on, as far back as 10 generations. My bloodline is pure. Our warrior gene is one of the strongest in the werewolf kingdom. My family has been the Gamma couple and lead warriors since the pack was founded over 1000 years ago. At seventeen, I am one of the strongest wolves in our pack. I can already best fully grown males and she-wolves.

So far, my parents and the Alpha are the only ones who have only bested me. The Beta and I are pretty even. Though I lose against him more than I win. Most members of the pack are proud of my strength and know that I will always use my strength to protect and train my pack. The future alpha does not like that I am more skilled and possibly stronger than him, especially since I am a female werewolf, better known as a "she-wolf" in the werewolf world. My wolf and I think he should get over himself. I am who I am, and I am proud of it. My name is Seleste, future Gamma of the Blue Moon pack, the youngest lead warrior in the history of our pack and assistant warrior trainer. I am a part of our pack's elite forces, The Elite 12; one of the first and youngest females. My grandmother was the first female member of the Elite 12.

I was born with the symbol of the protector on my shoulder. It's a crescent moon with a star in the center. What most people don't know is that my family are direct descendants of Fenroe, the original Gamma. He was the first protector and one of the original werewolves created by the moon goddess. My grandmother told me the history of our family on my twelfth birthday when she passed down the Crescent Moon pendant, which is usually passed down to the firstborn of every generation. For our generation, that's me. I was born one day before my cousin Mona.

According to the history passed down by my grandmother, the moon goddess initially created six werewolves; three mate pairs. They were her representatives in the supernatural community. All six wolves were alpha wolves with unmatched skills and strength. Each couple had a specific task to perform. The moon goddess tasked one pair with planning and overseeing her agenda on the earth; one couple were master negotiators, hunters, and trackers; and my ancestors Fenroe and Tomyris were the warriors and protectors of all were kind. Fenroe bore the original protector symbol. The supernatural council called him whenever there was trouble or a threat to the supernatural community. As the werewolf community crew, the original pack was formed. Although the original six were all dominant wolves and were not subject to each other, they shared the management of the pack by assigning different duties based on their skill set. The couple that were the overseers; Rommel and Zenobia became the alpha couple and the negotiator and hunter; Takeko and Nakando became the beta couple. Over time, the moon goddess created more packs, sending the ancestors of the original wolves to different areas and packs to keep the werewolf kingdom strong and diverse. The ancestors of the originals have the same strength and skills as their ancestors. Their wolves could also be considered alpha wolves, though the beta and gamma families choose to stay true to their heritage. My great, great (well, I don't remember how many greats) grandfather connected with the alpha of the Blue moon pack over a millennium ago and helped him form this pack. Since the beginning, my family, the alpha family, and the beta family have remained closed. We are the foundation of this pack. All three families committed to continuing to serve the pack together. To date, neither family has broken that commitment. We have always chosen to stay loyal and submit to the alpha family.

The role of the protector has remained with my family. Traditionally, the firstborn child of every other generation becomes the proctor at the death of the previous protector. The chosen protector trains the future proctor when they turn 12 years old or have their first shift. All protectors have a birthmark on their left shoulder to show their status. My grandmother was the previously chosen protector. The role now falls to me. So far, the council has not called me, but I am well prepared. The proctors have several roles in the werewolf community, as well as in the pack. We serve as Gamma, Lead Warrior, and trainer.

I am now the assistant trainer for the pack. My parents are so proud of me. The alpha chose me because I study different combat forms. Over the last five summers, I have traveled to different packs and trained with their elite warriors. I have also trained with many human combat masters. I take my role as Gamma and protector seriously. You can say it's my destiny. For now, I train self-defense to the pups who have not shifted yet and advance combat to the high-ranking warriors. I love what I do. I want to make sure that my pack is the best trained one in the country. The alpha recently spoke with my parents and me about me training some of the smaller packs in our state. This will be a great opportunity to meet more people and possibly my mate if he is not a part of my pack. I really hope my mate will be another Gamma or an elite warrior.

We are a warrior pack. We train hard and pride ourselves on our skills and are always learning and developing our fighting skills. I have been sparring with Beta Vareen since I was 12 years old. I have not had a clear decisive win against him since he taught me how to do hand-to-hand combat. Today, we are introducing some new moves I picked up while training with a pack in Asia. Beta Vareen volunteered to be my partner for today. It turns out to be a full challenge between the two of us. Beta Vareen is the best fighter after my parents, so everyone loves to see us training together. This is the first time we've challenged each other in a couple of years. Beta Vareen has been pushing me to accept challenges again. I have focused more on the teaching side of training over the last year. Since my match with Trevor, I have avoided sparring with anyone other than one of the Elite 12. With the Elite 12, I am free to be myself and not worry about being judged for showing my skill. I know the alpha and Beta Vareen worry about me and try to push me every chance they get.

"Come on Seleste, focus!" Beta Vareen yells at me.

"Sorry Beta. I'm ready." I answer, shaking off his last hit.

"Seleste. I'm not him, I can take a loss if you can give me one." Beta Vareen links with an understanding nod. Beta Vareen and I talked about how I have been hesitant to fight other ranked wolves outside of the Elite 12 after what happened with the future alpha. I don't want to make any more enemies because I'm blessed with superb fighting skills.

"ok. You asked for it."

We get back in our fighting stands and... add another win to my list.

Yes, I put the Beta on his butt this morning.

"Good job Seleste. Just like I taught you, wait, watch and execute. Wait for the opening. Watch for a tell or weakness, then execute your advantage. Now you can say, you have finally bested me in a challenge. I'm so proud of you. Remember, you don't have to dial down your skill for anyone. Just be who the goddess made you. Now go get ready for school."

"Thanks, Beta Vareen," I say as I grab my water bottle and head to our home.

The members of the Elite 12 and my circle of friends; well at least nine of them were there cheering me on.

"Congratulations Seleste. You were awesome. I loved the way you put my dad on his butt. Where did you learn that tricky move from where you slid under him and jumped over his back to trip him?" Ben asked.

"That was a little something I picked up during one of my summer trips," I answered.

"I hope that will be added to the advanced combat training." Timothy, one of the Elite 12, stated.

"I guess I can add that move and a couple of others that I have not pulled out for you all yet."

I love that my fellow warriors are excited about learning new techniques. Tamaska is so proud of the attention and praise that we get from the warriors. She is literally running through my mind doing her little happy dance. This was the first time we have had a decisive win against the Beta Vareen.

My mom and dad greet me as I come in to get ready for school.

"We heard about your win today.' My dad says. "We are so proud of you. Your grandmother would be over the moon that her grandbaby beat the unbeatable Beta."

"Thanks, dad. I really miss my grandmother. I wish she could see how much progress I have made.'

"Oh honey, she is up there with the moon goddess and our ancestors watching over her baby girl smiling and bragging." My mom says while hugging me.

"Now go shower, you smell," my mom says.

I grab an apple and run upstairs to my room.

"Seleste, are you ready yet? We're going to be late for school. You know how Mr. Simms gets when we are late for first period." Talia yells up the stairs.

"Coming, Talia," I yell while running downstairs. "Seriously Seleste, I don't know why you take so long to get ready for school? You don't even wear makeup," says Talia, rolling her eyes.

"Really Talia, I have to shower after training, then get ready. I know you don't want to ride in the car with me all sweaty. Come on, let's go. Don't want to be late." I say, smirking at Talia.

"Bye, mom and dad. See you all later."

"Bye girls," my parents yell, and Talia and I leave the house. Talia and I have been riding to school since Talia got a new car on her 16th birthday. Most of us got cars that year, but I hate driving. I'm usually too hyped from training to focus on something so small as driving.

We made it to school in record time. I may or may not have been speeding. First period is not my favorite. Mr. Simms is always tough and does not let us get away with anything. Mr. Simms is more than a teacher, he is a member of the Elite 12, so he is tough on me and one of the crew. Talia and I make it to class just as the bell is ringing. "So glad you ladies can join us". Mr. Simms says, looking at us and his watch. Being right on time is late for Mr. Simms. Talia looks at me as we take our seats.

"It's my fault, Mr. Simms. Training went a little late this morning". I explained, trying to look sincere. Well, it was my fault anyway,

"Well, Ms. True, you know what they say about excuses and incompetence? Since I know you are not incompetent, I'll pretend you did not give me an excuse."

"Don't forget, I was at training with you this morning, so I know what time you and the Beta ended your match." Mr. Simms linked me and had the nerve to smirk at me.

The students sit there trying to cover their laughter. Mr. Simms looks around the class.

"Now class, let's begin. Please pass your homework assignment to the right."

We all passed in our homework and started working on our assignments.

The rest of the class was pretty quiet. Mr. Simms runs a tight ship.

"Girl, Mr. Simms got you good," Talia says as we walked out of class."

"Yes, he did, but I knew better than to give him an answer."

"I don't know why you used training as a reason. I mean HELLO Seleste, Mr. Simms is a member of the Elite 12! Of course, he knows when you got out of training."

"I know Talia. It was the only thing I could come up with on short notice. Where are Mona and Rose today? They usually meet us after first period."

"You are right. They should have been here by now. Let me text them." Talia said.

We continued walking down the hall to our next class. Another typical day of senior high school.

We met up with Rose and Mona before going into our 2nd-period class. We all have several classes together. I and Talia have all but one of our classes together. Most of the boys are on a mirror schedule to ours. When we are in English, they are in math. We all have Science together right before lunch. Science used to be a time we all enjoyed because it was the one class all 10 of us had together. We used to do our projects together, but not so much nowadays.

As Talia and I are walking alone, I take the opportunity to ask her about something that has been bothering me lately. I don't know why, but my wolf has been acting a little differently lately. She goes from excited to being irritable. I'm not sure what is going on with her. It is like she is expecting something to happen. I hope it is not anything bad. Our pack has had decades of peace. We are one of the strongest packs in the whole werewolf world. "Talia, have you noticed anything weird over the last couple of days?"

"Not really. Weird, like how?'

"I don't know. Tamaska has been on edge for the past couple of days and I don't know why."

"Well, Seleste, your 18th birthday is in a couple of days. Could it be that she is sensing your mate? This is so exciting. I can't wait to see who will be the lucky male to get to have the strongest she-wolf as his mate."

"I don't know if I'm ready for that. What if my mate can't handle me being a warrior?"

"Seleste, anyone would be more than happy to have you as their mate. You are beautiful, honest, and sweet, as well as strong. So, who do you think it will be?"

"Honestly, Talia, I do not know. I used to think that I and Trevor had a connection, but that changed when I got the best of him in training last year. Since that time, he has made it known that he does not like me."

"Girl, for an alpha to be, Trevor is a big baby. I can't believe he is such a sore loser. He is still holding a grudge against you for being who you are. He's not the only ranked wolf you have won against. Trevor needs to get over it. It's been a whole year. I hope he grows up before Alpha Connornan gives him the title or this pack is in trouble."

"Honestly, Talia, I don't care who my mate is as long as he loves and accepts me and Tamaska. Not everyone can handle us." I stated.

Talia gave me something to think about. I spent the rest of the day thinking about the possibility of finding my mate. I wonder if Trevor and I are really fated. I know he will reject me. I have already prepared myself for that possibility, although I hope it never comes to that.

"Stop worrying, we are awesome! Our mate will love us and if not, we will kick his ass." my wolf growled. The scary thing is that I know Tamaska is 100% serious. She does not take any crap from anyone.

"T, we can't go around beating people up because they don't like us"

"Why not,"

"Because it is against the laws of the pack. Violence is not the answer to everything." I say, making a duh face.

"Hump. We'll see."

My wolf is right about one thing. There is no use in worrying. Our fate is already sealed. I have to believe that the moon goddess does not make any mistakes. What will be will be no matter what, I will survive.

"That's what I have been trying to tell you, we are awesome."

My wolf always wants the last word. I believe the moon goddess has a plan, and she never makes a mistake, so I have to believe that the person she made for me will be perfect, even if it is freaking Trevor Munroe.

Trevor and I used to be friends. Our parents used to tease us about being mates when we grew up. We used to laugh about it, but all of that changed last year during sparring practice. I have beaten almost everyone that I spared, except the alpha and my parents and sometimes the beta. Trevor challenged me once last year since he was an alpha wolf. Trevor thought since I was a gamma wolf and female, he could take me down easily. He prides himself on being the strongest wolf. Initially, I was going to let him win. My mother had told me a while ago about the fragile egos of the males in our pack.

Secretly, my mother is stronger than my dad and probably the alpha, but she always gives them a narrow win to keep the peace and balance in the pack. I was going to do the same, I swear I was. I was also going to take this opportunity to help him improve some of his fighting skills. Trevor has a tell when he is fighting. He tends to lead off with his left leg every time he is going to get a power punch with his right hand. He favors his right side as his power side. To be a well-rounded warrior, you have to be powerful on both sides. If the one side is weaker, then you work on strengthening it. I had a training plan in mind for Trevor that would have made his moves unpredictable and made him almost unbeatable. You know what they say about the best-laid plans? Trevor never gave me the chance to go over the fight and point out areas he could work on.

As we began to spar, Trevor started attacking right away. I can tell he was trying to overpower me. One of the first lessons Beta Vareen taught us was to watch your opponent and find an opening to hit them where they are weakest. I noticed Trevor kept shifting to the left before he tried to kick me in my midsection. I kept sidestepping him. I can tell he was getting a little frustrated when he could not get a hit on me. So I waited for his left shift, then I moved, but not enough to completely avoid the kick. His food made contact with my right thigh. Yes, I took an indirect hit and let Trevor get me down. I tried to make it look real like I've seen my mom do when she spars with my dad. Trevor then tried to pin me and put me in a submissive hold. I would have submitted, but as we were on the ground, he whispered he knew that I let him hit me and wanted a fair win, so I got back up and fought a little harder, but still was not using full strength and let him get a few good hits in, but I fought hard. I was able to best Trevor with ease, but I am a natural-born warrior, after all. At first, he seemed ok. Then, all of a sudden, he got pissed about losing to me. I don't understand why. I mean, almost everyone loses to me, so I don't see a problem. Most of the pack members measure their success and progress on how long they can stand against me before I take them down, not on winning or losing. You see, most warriors understand that I have an advantage when it comes to fighting. I have been training since I was a pup. Most wolves don't train until they shift at 12 or 13, but my parents started training me when I was five. That's a tradition in our family. I have been receiving specialized training since age twelve and have been learning from other packs and species for the past three years. Everyone in the pack knows this and appreciates the insight I can give them. I mean "Hello," that is my job as Gamma and trainer.

After the match, I went to help Trevor up and he pushed my hand away from him. I was so surprised, all I could do was stand there. Trevor told me I was playing with him and trying to make him look bad. He accused me of not being a genuine friend to him. He said that I treated him like I thought he was weak and couldn't handle me in a fight. I mean, obviously, he can't. I wasn't even trying to win. But that is not the point. I did not do anything to him and I fought him hard. It is almost like he is mad that I didn't fight him like he is an enemy. I mean, why would I go overboard; this was a sparring match. I honestly don't know what his issue is. It was a good fight. He started out overconfident and relied on strength alone. He did not focus on technique. I was planning to tell him how to improve the next time. That's what I usually do with the Elite 12 when we spar. That is how we get better. Trevor just stormed away, telling me to stay away from him and that I was no longer his friend.

Trevor has been mad at me since that day. We stopped hanging out together. Even when the Circle of 10 gets together, it ends up being a Circle of 9. Trevor will not take part in the activity if he knows I'm going to be there and if we are both there at the same time; he ignores me and acts like I'm invisible. That was very painful in the beginning. I mean, we once were best friends. We told each other everything. I knew all his hopes and dreams and knew mine. I knew how much keeping the pack strong means to him. He told me about how he wants to prove to his father that he will be a powerful alpha and lead by example. I thought we wanted the same thing for the pack. He wanted to be the strongest alpha, and I wanted to be the strongest Gamma. Together, we would make our pack unbeatable. I don't understand how one incident could change that. We were friends for life. I thought our friend bound was unbreakable, but I guess not if he can turn against me over something so small and petty.

I thought he would get over it in time. That I would let him calm down and then we would talk it over, but when I tried to talk to him a couple of weeks after "the incident," that didn't go so well. I saw Trevor leaving the training ground alone and tried to approach him to work things out. Our conversation went a little like this.

"Hi Trev, you have a second," I asked, walking up to him.

He cringed and looked at me clearly, getting angry for some unknown reason. "First, my name is Trevor. You don't have permission to call me Trev."

To say that the venom in his voice shocked me was an understatement. "Wow," I exclaimed.

"Second," he continued, "I made it clear that I had nothing else to say to you. We are no longer friends. You stay out of my way and I will stay out of yours, ok?"

"But Trevor, we have been friends for over 16 years, why won't you talk to me. Can't we work this out and remain friends. I'm going to be your third in command. We will need to work together."

"Look Seleste, you should have talked to me before you decided to fight me like a girl and make me look weak in front of all the warriors. Did you get a good laugh at me with them?" Trevor yelled in my face.

He really needed to take it down a notch. "I never tried to make you look bad. What do you mean I fought you like a girl? Um, Trevor, I am a girl. So, I'm a little confused. I thought it was a good fight. If you had waited, I could have told you the areas you need to work on to do better the next time. I mean, that's what I usually do with the other warriors. You have a couple of tells why you fight that could make a difference in a fight."

I started trying to explain the things I noticed, but I could tell that Trevor was getting madder. I honestly don't know what I did wrong this time, but Trevor had smoke coming out of his ears. He was so mad. A vein was popping out on his forehead. Everything in me wanted to touch him right now. For some reason, it feels like our touching would calm him down, but there is no way I would get that close to him right now.

"Seleste, are you hearing yourself? You want to tell me, the future alpha, what I need to do to improve. Well, listen and listen well, I will only say this once. I don't care what you do with other warriors. I am NOT THEM! I will be your alpha and you will respect me. I can't believe you think you have the right to correct me! Like I said earlier, stay away from me and I will stay away from you. As for you being the future Gamma, we can work together without having to interact personally. You just do your job!" Trevor yelled and walked off in a huff.

I just stood there with my mouth hanging over. How could such an innocent conversation turn into something like that? I don't know what to say to him. It seems like he is determined to be mad at me no matter what, so I will honor his request and stay away from him as much as possible.

I told my mom and the girls about the conversation I had with Trevor. They were just as confused as I was. Everyone agreed that I should stay away from him and just give him space. No one thought he would stay mad this long. This was not like him. I had never known Trevor to be so unreasonable. None of our friends can believe he is acting like this. He has always been one to put the pack first. That's how we were all raised. The pack is more important than the individual. Collectively, we are stronger. What Trevor is doing is dividing the pack. It's almost like he wants our friends to choose between him and me, but I refuse to put them in that position. I let them know I understand they will do things with Trevor, and I will stay away so that they can have a good time without the tension between the two of us messing up the fun. I respect his desire to not be around me. Honestly, with his attitude, I don't want to be around him anymore, either. Over time, I got used to not having him around and after a year, I barely missed his presence in my life. It's sad that one event that was not that serious could ruin a 16-year friendship.