The Rejected Tribrid

"Rise and shine, it's time to get up and get ready for school," mom softly utters as she gently massages my back to wake me up.

Reluctantly, I shift to my side and meet my mom's gaze, murmuring, "I really don't want to go to school today, mom. I'm not feeling well."

Concern etched on her face, mom places the back of her hand on my forehead and asks, "What's the matter, sweetheart? You don't have a fever."

Tears well up in my eyes, I confess, "My stomach is aching, and I have a bad feeling about today."

"Honey, everything will be ok, I promise," Mom whispers as she kisses me on the forehead. "Now get up, birthday girl. I made your favorite breakfast of blueberry and banana crepes, along with french vanilla coffee."

Just the thought of food makes my stomach grumble, causing me to squeak before we both start laughing.

"Looks like your stomach agrees. Now up with you," mom demands with a laugh while standing up and heading out of my room.

Groaning, I glance at the clock and realize that it's only six thirty in the morning, causing me to huff while tossing my blanket off and getting out of bed. Before stomping to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day.

Standing beneath the warm stream of the shower, I allow the water to envelop me as the bathroom becomes filled with steam. This creates a misty atmosphere that surrounds me as I attempt to push aside the foreboding thoughts that creep into my mind.

Hastily getting dressed in my go-to attire, a cozy combination of a hoodie and jeans, I descend the stairs to the tantalizing aroma of blueberry and banana crepes wafting throughout the house. Taking a seat at the kitchen table, I pause for a moment before indulging in a bite, relishing the usual sweetness that brings me immense pleasure. However, today, even the taste of my beloved breakfast seems somehow off, leaving me with a sense of unease.

Mom watches me with concern etched on her face as I pick at my food. "Sweetheart, is everything alright? You've barely touched your breakfast," she says softly, reaching out to touch my hand.

I force a smile, trying to hide my unease. "I'm just not that hungry, Mom. Maybe I'm more nervous about today than I thought," I say, mustering up a small chuckle that sounds hollow even to my own ears.

Mom's brow furrows as she regards me, her eyes filled with maternal worry. "Is it because of your birthday party tonight? You know it's going to be amazing, right?" she says, trying to reassure me.

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I push aside my half-eaten breakfast and stand up from the table. "I think I just need some fresh air, Mom. I'm going to go for a walk before school," I say, forcing a smile despite the tightening grip of anxiety in my chest. Without waiting for her response, I grab my jacket before heading out the front door, the cool morning air hitting me like a welcome embrace.

As I stroll through the well-known streets of my community, everything appears to be ordinary - children eagerly waiting for the school bus, neighbors strolling their dogs, and the constant hum of passing cars.

"Hello, Savage," a voice whispers, sending chills down my spine. "I've been waiting for you."

Fear grips me as I take a step back, my heart pounding in my chest. "Who are you?" I choke out, my voice barely a whisper. The figure takes a step closer, the shadows seeming to swirl around them ominously.

"I am the harbinger of your destiny," the voice replies cryptically, sending an icy shiver down my spine. "There are dark forces at play on this day of celebration, forces that seek to disrupt the balance of your world."

I feel a wave of panic wash over me as I struggle to comprehend the stranger's words. "What do you mean? What forces?" I demand my fear, giving way to a newfound sense of determination.

The figure shifts, and for a second, I glimpse piercing eyes gleaming in the darkness. "You possess powers beyond your wildest imagination, Savage," the figure continues, their voice low and haunting. "Powers that have been dormant within you, waiting to be awakened."

My head spins with confusion and disbelief. Powers? Me? It all feels like a surreal nightmare unfolding before my eyes. "I...don't understand," I stutter out, my mind reeling with a mix of fear and curiosity. The figure takes another step forward, their presence exuding a strange mix of danger and intrigue.

"You are not just an ordinary girl, Savage," the figure intones, their voice resonating with an otherworldly quality. "You are the key to unlocking a great power that has been hidden within you since the beginning of time."

I feel a surge of energy coursing through me, a tingling sensation that starts from my fingertips and spreads throughout my body. It's as if every nerve ending is awakening to some new awareness, some unseen potential waiting to be tapped into.

"But why me?" I whisper, feeling both small in the face of this mysterious revelation. The figure's eyes seem to bore into mine, searching for something deep within.

"You are the chosen one, Savage," they reply solemnly.

The next moment, the mysterious figure vanishes before my eyes, leaving me in a state of utter astonishment, struggling to comprehend what had just occurred. It's as if the figure's disappearance has unlocked a hidden realm within our own, and the surrounding air holds a lingering trace of magic.

The world transforms before my very eyes, as if a veil has been lifted, revealing a vibrant tapestry of colors and a symphony of sounds that were previously concealed. It is an awe-inspiring experience that leaves me standing there, unable to find the words to describe the profound impact it has had on me.

As I stand there, my mind racing to make sense of the unexplainable, I cast my gaze around, desperately seeking any sort of explanation. Yet, to my dismay, everything appears to be ordinary and unchanged. The world continues to function as it always has, oblivious to the extraordinary event that just unfolded.

To ground myself back to reality, I resort to pinching myself, hoping for a jolt of pain that would confirm I am not trapped in a dream. However, the lack of any reaction only deepens the mystery, leaving me questioning the very fabric of my being.

The encounter with the figure has left me in a state of profound as I grapple with the implications of this surreal experience. It feels as though a door to a parallel dimension has been opened, offering a glimpse into a reality that exists alongside our own.

The world around me seems to pulsate with newfound vibrancy, as if the encounter has unlocked a hidden layer of existence. It is a moment that defies logic and challenges the boundaries of what, I thought, is possible, leaving me with a sense of wonder and an insatiable curiosity to explore the mysteries that lie beyond our everyday perception.

"Hey, Savage, are you ok?" I hear Clair ask as I turn around, and she is standing beside me, causing me to jump.

"I didn't even hear you walk up to me." I say to her, trying to get my pounding heart to calm down.

"You were zoned out for the last five minutes," Clair says while looking at me oddly.

"I swear there is someone here talking to me just a minute ago." I say, while looking around.

"Weird," Clair says, looking around before turning back to me and smiling. "Well, let's head to school and hopefully, you will feel better. By the way, Happy Birthday Bestie, I cannot wait for the party tonight."

"Are we still getting ready at your house?" I ask her while we walk towards the school.

"Yes, I want to do your hair and make-up, so you look even hotter when you meet your mate for the first time. Or, at least, we hope you do." Clair says while giggling.

Reaching the school, I pull my cell phone out and text mom, "Made it to school with Clair. Going to her house after school to get ready for the party."

Mom, "Sounds good, sweetheart. Hopefully, you feel better before then. Dad and I will meet you ladies there."

"Sounds good, mom! I love you and thank you for breakfast. Sorry, I didn't eat more of it. I am just feeling off today." I reply to her text before putting my phone in my pocket and walking into the building.

Welcome to Obsidian High School, where only those in sports are important, or so cheerleaders and jocks think.

As I approach my locker, I take a moment to inhale deeply, preparing myself for the day ahead.

Retrieving the books and supplies for my morning classes, I suddenly feel a wave of unease wash over me. As I sense their piercing gazes, I pause and take another calming breath.

However, before I can even react, the notorious "slut squad" surrounds me, led by Wendy, who can't help but mockingly remark, "Well, well, look who graced us with their presence today."

"Just leave me alone, Wendy. I don't want to join the cheerleading squad." I mumble to her, waiting for the hit that is bound to happen by talking to her and denying her what she wants.

"Poor Savage, we just want you to enjoy this school year and have you be one of us," Sarah says with a laugh. While I roll my eyes because they don't want me part of the team, they just want to make fun of me.

"Sorry, ladies, but I am already on the basketball team. I can't be in two places at once." I tell her before I am smacked across the face by Sarah, while I gasp for air as they laugh and walk away.

While I make my way back to my locker, a sense of urgency washes over me, propelling me to quickly gather all the items before dashing off to combat class with Mr. Reed. The moment I step into the gym, the sudden sound of the bell startles me, prompting a surprised jump and a small squeak to escape my lips as all eyes turn in my direction.

"Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Savage," Mr. Reed's sarcastic tone cuts through the air, eliciting laughter from the rest of the class. "Now, swiftly change into your gear so we can proceed with our training." The mocking tone in his voice only adds to the amusement of my classmates, making me feel even more self-conscious.

Hurriedly, I hasten my steps towards the locker room to change before making my way to the center of the gym with my peers.

Keeping my gaze low, I focus intently on the teacher's directions as he guides us to pair up and practice defense and attack techniques.

With a sense of apprehension, I feel a knot form in my stomach as the teacher assigns partners, and my name is called alongside Tasha's. Despite my nerves, I mentally prepare myself to face the challenge head-on and give it my best shot.

As Tasha and I practice together, I push aside my initial worries and focus on honing my skills. With each move and countermove, I feel more confident and in control, while realizing that this unexpected partnership might just turn out to be a valuable learning experience.

Stepping back to create some space between us, I mentally prepare myself for defense while she gears up for an all-out attack. The tension builds as we face off, each of us trying to outmaneuver the other in a continuous back-and-forth. My adrenaline kicks in as we engage in intense exercise, pushing ourselves to the limit. Until the whistle blows and Mr. Reed yells, "Time to shower and get ready for your next class."

Gasping for air, I sprint towards the locker room and quickly make my way to the shower furthest from the entrance, eager to wash off the sweat before drying myself off. After freshening up, I change back into my clothes and return to the gym, positioning myself to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention as I wait for the bell to signal the end of class.

Standing to the side, I try to blend in with the surroundings, when suddenly Tasha emerges from the locker room and makes a beeline towards me. Just as the bell finally rings, signaling the end of the period, I breathe a sigh of relief and dash off to my math class, grateful for the timely distraction.

Math goes by so fast I don't even feel like I sat down before the bell rings, ending the period, causing me to jump. Quickly gathering my belongings, I rush out of the room to my locker just as Clair reaches me.

"How are you feeling?" Clair asks me while watching my every move.

"I feel better," I lie to her because I don't know how to explain the feeling in my stomach.

"Sweet," she replies as she wraps her arm around mine as we turn to head for the lunchroom.

Getting in line, we each grab a plate before walking down the line and piling our plates with an apple, pizza, salad, and a cupcake. Then we head to the check-out line and pay for our meals before we head outside and sit under the tree that we have claimed as ours while we eat in silence.

"Are you ready for the Basketball game against Cordell on Friday?" I ask Clair while I finish my cupcake.

"Hell yes, with me and you on the team, there is no way we are going to lose," Clair exclaims while moving her hands everywhere.

"Same, I am excited to finally beat them and knock them off their feet." I say with a laugh just as I receive a text.

Mom: Your dress just arrived, along with your shoe's sweetheart. You will look gorgeous tonight.

Me: OMG, I am so nervous and excited!

Smiling, I look over at Clair before saying, "My dress has arrived for tonight, along with my shoes. We will have to stop there before heading to your house to get ready."

"OMG, I cannot wait to see, miss. I don't wear dresses, actually wearing a dress tonight," Clair exclaims wildly, causing me to laugh.

"Hold your horses. We still have two classes left before we can even go home." I say as we stand up and head back to the lunchroom and dump our trays.

Heading our separate ways, I head to history, then science class while she heads to science and finance.

In history class, we delve into the ancient civilizations of the world, tracing their rise and fall through the sands of time. The teacher's voice fills the room, weaving tales of conquest and glory, painting a vivid picture of a past long gone but not forgotten. As I sit here, my mind wanders to the mysteries that lay buried beneath the ruins, whispering secrets of bygone eras waiting to be unearthed.

After history class, I make my way to the science lab, where rows of test tubes and beakers await us. The air is filled with the sharp tang of chemicals as we embark on our latest experiment. Together, we mix solutions and watch in awe as colors change and reactions occur before our eyes. In that moment, I feel a spark ignite within me, a passion for discovery and exploration that I know will shape my future in ways I can only imagine.

As the experiment reaches its climax, a sudden explosion rocks the science lab, sending glass shattering in all directions. Amidst the chaos, screams fill the air as students scramble for cover. With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I instinctively duck behind a lab table, my heart pounding in my chest.

Through the haze of smoke and debris, I see a figure emerging from the shadows - a mysterious, cloaked figure with eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light. Before anyone can react, the figure raises a hand and mutters an incantation under their breath. And just like that, the chaos ceases, as if time itself has been halted.

The room falls into a hush as we gaze in astonishment at the mysterious figure, who has just shown abilities that leave us speechless.

Their eyes meet mine, conveying a message without uttering a single word. Although I can't grasp the meaning behind it, I accept it without hesitation as the last school bell chimes, prompting me to hurriedly empty my belongings into my locker and eagerly await Clair's arrival.

Soon as Clair arrives at my locker, we make our way out of the building and hop into the car to drive over to my place. There, I quickly pick up my stunning dress and matching shoes before we make our way to her house to get ready for the event.

The excitement builds as we plan our hair and makeup looks, ensuring that we will both look absolutely fabulous for the occasion. The anticipation of the night ahead fills the air as we help each other prepare, knowing that we will turn heads and make unforgettable memories together.

As we finish preparing ourselves, the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the town. Making our way to the party venue, we find ourselves in a stunning garden illuminated by twinkling fairy lights and vibrant decorations. The sounds of laughter and music fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere that is contagious.

Clair and I step into the garden, feeling like characters from a fairytale in our sophisticated attire. Walking through the garden, we are met with warm greetings and happy birthdays from friends and acquaintances, adding to the already jubilant ambiance of the evening.

The night unfolds with energetic dancing, delectable cuisine, and an abundance of drinks circulating among the guests. The music reverberates through the air, encouraging everyone to join in the celebration and revel in the moment. Clair and I take to the dance floor, moving in harmony with the beat, sharing laughter, and spins under the twinkling stars above.

As the evening progresses, I notice a mysterious figure observing me from a distance across the garden. It's the enigmatic individual from the science lab, their gaze still holding an air of intrigue. Despite a sense of unease creeping over me, I politely excuse myself from Clair and decide to approach the figure. Navigating through the crowd, I make my way towards the shadowy figure, who seems to blend seamlessly into the darkness as I draw near.

"Who are you?" I demand, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice.

The figure tilts their head slightly; the moonlight glimpsing their face beneath the hood. Recognition sparks in my mind-it's Dr. Whitaker, the renowned scientist who had vanished without a trace months ago.

Before I can utter another word, Dr. Whitaker presses a finger to his lips, gesturing for me to follow. Intrigued and wary, I comply and slip away from the party behind them.

We navigate through the labyrinth of hedges and flower beds until we reach a secluded corner of the garden. It's there that Dr. Whitaker finally speaks, his voice low and urgent. "You're in danger. Seek your parents and get hidden before the attacking pack arrives." Before I can even ask about what he is talking about, he just disappears.

I stand frozen in shock, the weight of Dr. Whitaker's words sinking in. Danger? Attacking pack? My heart races as I try to make sense of his cryptic warning. Without hesitation, I turn on my heel and rush back towards the party, panic rising within me.

"Mom!" I rush for her just as Alpha Quinton catches me as I trip.

"Oh, hell no!" He growls out as I feel the shocks run through my body, making me gasp.

"Mate!" I whisper in shock.

"We cannot be mates. I refuse to be mated to trash like you!" Quinton bellows out before looking me straight in the face.

"I Alpha Quinton Larow of the Obsidian Pack reject you. Savage Marlow as my mate and Luna."

"No! Please don't do this," I cry out.

"Accept the rejection. NOW!" He yells as the crowd surrounds us.

"I Savage Marlow accept your rejection, Alpha Quinton Larow." I cry out as I collapse on the ground in pain.

As the world spins around me, I slowly notice the hushed murmurs and concerned faces of Clair and several others gathered around us. Quinton's betrayal echoes through my mind, leaving me feeling exposed. I can't shake the weight of Dr. Whitaker's words. Combined with the crushing rejection from my alpha, my world seems to spiral out of control.

"Are you okay?" Clair's voice brings me back to the present, and I blink up at her, tears stinging my eyes. She holds out a hand to help me up, and I hesitantly take it, allowing her to pull me to my feet.

"I don't know, Clair. I don't know anything about anything anymore." I whisper, my voice shaking with emotion.

"Come here, sweetheart," Mom whispers, while holding her arms open. Rushing into her arms, I let my tears fall. "Shhh, I know it hurts, baby, but I will help you through this."

The air is filled with chilling howls, causing a sudden jump from everyone present. An eerie silence follows as we all look around, our hearts pounding in our chests. Then, one by one, red eyes emerge from the dense trees, sending a shiver down our spines. In that moment, my mom's protective instincts kick in, and she grabs my hand, her voice trembling with urgency. "We need to hide you, sweetheart," she exclaims, her eyes filled with determination. Without wasting a second, she pulls me along, running as fast as our legs can carry us towards the hidden underground bunker where my dad awaits us with open doors.

As we reach the bunker, my mom pushes me inside, causing me to stumble slightly. I quickly regain my balance, before turning around to see her and dad standing at the entrance. Their faces are a mix of love, worry, and determination.

In a heartfelt moment, they both lean in to kiss me, their words echoing in my ears, "We love you, sweetheart." With a heavy heart, I watch as they rush back towards the danger, slamming the doors shut behind them, leaving me in the bunker's safety.

Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage and walk further down the stairs, reaching the second door. With a trembling hand, I open it and step inside, locking it securely behind me. The room is dimly lit, as I make my way towards the bed tucked in the corner.

As I lay down, tears stream down my face, a mixture of physical pain from the rejection of my mate and the overwhelming uncertainty of the situation unfolding above me. In the bunker's darkness, the events of the evening replay in my mind, each moment etching itself like a cruel movie, leaving me haunted by the howls and the piercing gaze of those red eyes.

I clutch the locket around my neck, a family heirloom that has always brought me comfort. Its cool metal against my skin grounds me into reality, reminding me of who I am and where I come from. But now, everything feels uncertain and dangerous.

Time passes in the silent bunker, each moment heavy with anticipation and dread. The muffled sounds of commotion from above filter down to me, intensifying my anxiety. I can only imagine what chaos is unfolding in the world outside these walls.

"We love you, princess. Never forget that!" My parents' mind-link me just as their bonds break, causing me to scream in pain.

"No!" I scream as I collapse back onto the bed in shock. As one after another, the pack bonds snap just as I smell smoke and the walls rumble around me.

"I love you, bestie! Find an amazing man and live for me!" Clair says through the link before it also snaps.

"Savage, you must stay strong. For you are the last of our pack," Alpha Troy demands just before his bond snaps.

In the chaos's aftermath, as the settling dust obscures my vision, I find myself ensnared beneath the weight of the crumbled structure. The air grows heavy with the pungent scent of smoke assaulting my senses, while an overwhelming taste of fear lingers on my tongue, a constant reminder of the dire situation I am in.

A surge of panic courses through my veins, making it increasingly difficult to draw a breath, as my heart beats with an intensity akin to a desperate drumbeat. Every fiber of my being yearns for freedom, for liberation from this suffocating prison that holds me captive.

Desperation fuels my actions as I frantically claw at the debris, my fingers becoming raw and bloodied. I search desperately for any glimmer of hope, any sign of an escape route. However, with each futile attempt, the pain coursing through my body intensifies, shooting through me like electric shocks, serving as a cruel reminder of my vulnerability and helplessness in this dire situation. Time seems to stretch on endlessly, the minutes dragging on like agonizing hours, as I lie there, trapped and isolated from the outside world.

I feel completely engulfed by the suffocating darkness that surrounds me, as if it's closing in on me from every direction. It intensifies my fear and despair, making it almost unbearable. The eerie silence that now fills the air, replacing the once comforting sounds of life, is a haunting reminder of the destruction that has taken place. The only sounds that break the silence are the occasional creaks and groans of the wreckage above, serving as a constant reminder of the devastation that has occurred.

"I am sorry, mom and dad. But I cannot live without you guys." I whisper as I give up on living. I mean, what's the point? My parents, friends, and pack are gone. With one last breath, everything goes dark.