Rejected Little Secret by Lisj

Chapter 48 

As the journey with Nadia continued, I realized it was far more challenging than I had initially thought. 

With each step we took through the wilderness, Nadia’s litany of grievances became a constant soundtrack to our trek. Despite the already arduous trek, she insisted on bringing numerous bags, weighing herself down and making the journey even more difficult. 

“Maya, do you mind giving me a hand with these bags?” Nadia asked, her voice dripping with insincere kindness as she practically shoved her overstuffed bags into my arms. “The weight of them is too much for me to bear.” 

With an inward sigh, I resignedly accepted the bags from Nadia, fully aware that engaging in a dispute would only exacerbate our frustration. As we pressed on, the sensation of Nadia’s bags digging into my shoulders became more pronounced, slowing my pace compared to the others. 

“What’s even the point of bringing these damn bags? We can’t shift into our wall forms with these bags, and you know it,” Muttering quietly, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of frustration at the inconvenience of it all. “They’re just too bulky and impractical” 

Before us, some of the other wolves of Axton’s pack had already gone ahead, their pawprints leading the way. Those who had the same kind of bags as Nadia, the ones that couldn’t be strapped onto wolves, were left with no option but to embark on the journey barefoot. Although the estimated duration of the entire trip was three days, it seemed like it would take us at least a week to reach our destination based on our current pace. 

Fortunately, Axton mentioned a couple of clearings where we could take a break and regroup. The plan for the day was to make it to the first clearing before nightfall, where we could set up camp and take a well–deserved break. 

*Maya, just hand over a few to me.” 

Sammy’s voice was filled with concern as she saw me struggling, and she immediately offered to help carry the bags. I stubbornly waved her off, convinced that I was perfectly capable of managing without assistance. Even though I was exhausted, I made a point to carry Nadia’s belongings myself, not wanting to inconvenience anyone else. 

As we pushed forward, Axton approached me, his eyes filled with understanding as he reached out to lend a hand. “Chestnut, let me help you with 

those 

There was a moment of hesitation as I weighed his offer, considering Nadia’s potential response. Considering the significant size difference between Axton and myself, I was on the verge of removing a few things from Nadia’s bag and giving them to him. 

As expected, Nadia caught wind of our conversation and responded with a scoff, her voice oozing with disdain. 

“Oh, but Maya can manage on her own, thank you for your thoughtfulness,” With a smile on her face, she declared, her voice betraying a touch of suspicion. With a quick stride, she approached me, swiftly pulling my hands away from the straps of her bag, creating a barrier between me and Axton. “1 apologize if this comes across as impolite, but I am unsure of what you intend to do with my bags. My bags are filled with priceless treasures, items that could easily bankrupt a small pack. In this day and age, you can never be too sure that someone won’t steal it, so I’m hesitant to let it out of my sight.” 

A meaningful look passed between Axton and I, a wordless acknowledgment of the offense that Nadia’s insinuation had stirred within him or his pack mates. Though he remained composed, a subtle hint of irritation flashed in his eyes, his wounded pride masked by a courteous grin. 

“I hope you understand that you’re going to be staying at Blackacre for a month,” Axton’s voice remained steady, but there was a subtle undertone of disappointment that couldn’t be ignored. “Trust the people who are welcoming you and offering you shelter and food – it’s the least you could do,” 

Nadia shrugged once more, her smile remaining steadfast as she brushed off Axton’s words. Axton’s calm and respectful demeanor couldn’t sway Nadia’s unwavering distrust; she held onto her skepticism tightly, as if it could shield her from the unknown. 

“I’m just being careful,” Nadia insisted, her voice calm and composed, though an underlying tension hung in the air. With another smile, she created more space between Axton and me, moving closer to him with each deliberate step. “Blackacre is a foreign land, after all. It’s natural to approach things with caution” 

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at Nadia’s flippant response, feeling a wave of imitation as her refusal to let go of her suspicions continued to grate on my nerves. I tried my best to stay patient, but with each passing moment, my frustration grew stronger, like a fire slowly spreading through dry wood. It seemed that only I was irritated, but Sammy made her presence known by intentionally bumping her shoulder against Nadia, causing her to stumble. 

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“Maya’s right,” Her voice, firm and resolute, Sammy chimed in and met Nadia’s gaze with a glare. “lackacre extended a warm and inviting welcome to us. Treat them with the same respect you demand. You do not have authority over all of us” 

Nadia’s response was a nonchalant shrug, but her smile wavered for a moment as she surveyed our surroundings. 

“While I do appreciate the hospitality, I have to admit that I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed,” with a slight softening in her tone, the conceded, her words carrying a hint of resignation. “I’m just being cautious, that’s all.” 

As exchanged a glance with Axton, our eyes spoke volumes, silently expressing our shared frustration with Nadia’s unwavering suspicions. Even after his earlier offense, Axton managed to keep his cool, maintaining an unreadable expression as he studied Nadia with a combination of curiosity and apprehension. 

“Very well,” Axton’s voice, measured and deliberate, finally spoke as he turned to address Nadia. With his hands raised in surrender, he cautiously walked backwards, keeping his eyes on his other packmates. He nodded at me, his eyes flickering briefly to Samery, before reluctantly glancing at Nadia, It’s easy to see that his smile is insincere – there’s a lack of warmth in his eyes that gives it away. “If there’s ever a comment when you need something, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to help.” 

In response, Nadia mustered a forced smile, her eyes betraying a glimmer of fake gratitude as she nodded to show her acknowledgment. With a forceful shove to my back, she compelled me to start walking, causing me to lose my balance for a moment. 

“Thank you, Alpha Hunt,” Softly, she said, her voice dripping with insincere sweetness. “I’ll keep that in mind.” 

The dusty path towards Blackacre was grueling under the unforgiving sun, its blistering rays leaving us drained of energy. Nadia, who usually had something to say about everything, seemed too worn out to utter a single word, her breaths heavy and filled with audible grunts and tired sighs. The weight of exhaustion draped over me like a suffocating blanket, making my movements sluggish and turning even the slightest incline into a challenge. 

As our journey grew more arduous, Axton, ever the gentleman, saw our fatigue and selflessly offered to take on the burden of mine and Sammy’s bags Feeling guilty about burdening him with our belongings. I hesitated for a moment before finally accepting his offer. However, Axton’s words put my worries to rest as he insisted that he was well–acquainted with the demands of trekking and that it posed no difficulty for him. With reluctance, I handed over my bag, feeling grateful for his kind offer of assistance. 

Once Axton had taken up our burdens and moved ahead of us, the heavy silence was shattered by Nadia’s accusatory voice, piercing the air like a knife. Her voice dripped with suspicion as she demanded a question. 

“Maya, I find it a bit strange that you’re flirting with an outsider, especially considering they’re not a member of our pack or your mate.” 

Stunned by Nadia’s unexpected accusation, I froze in my tracks. Before I could collect my thoughts to respond, Sammy’s voice erupted with frustration, shattering the silence like a piercing knife. 

“Flirting is fine, Nadia, With irritation seeping into her tone, Sammy snapped. With sweat dripping down her face, she approached Nadia and gave her a shove. “The problem lies with women who cunningly snatch boyfriends away from others. Maya doesn’t have a mate, remember? He was taken from her by a wannabe, who believed they should be the Luna for Thorholde.” 

Sammy’s outburst took me by surprise, and I blinked in astonishment, not anticipating her fierce defense of me. The weight of her words resonated within me, stirring up the buried emotions of pain and anger that lay just beneath the surface 

It was true- I didn’t have a mate, not anymore. 

Sammy’s words caused Nadia’s defiant expression to fade, replaced by one of shame as she fell silent. I shot Sammy a thankful glance, feeling a wave of gratitude for her steadfast support amidst Nadia’s accusations. Despite our contrasting personalities, Sammy remained a steadfast companion, always there to lend a helping hand when times got tough. 

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the passing scenery as we neared our destination. With the sun descending in the sky, its golden rays created dramatic shadows that danced along the dusty trail, guiding us towards the first clearing near Blackacre. As we advanced, the tall trees towered above us, their branches reaching out like watchful softinels 

The air was filled with the scent of damp earth as we trudged onward through Blackacre’s territory, surrounded by the warm, glowing colors of the sunset. It was a breathtaking sight, a tranquil pause in the midst of the chaos and unpredictability that had haunted us in recent times. 

Lost in thought, I found myself stopping in my tracks, captivated by the beauty of the setting sun. It was then that Auton appeared beside me, his presence comforting in the stillness of the evening. I felt his arm around my shoulder, drawing me in as he gave me a tender kiss on the side of my head. 

“What do you think of this place, Chesnut?” 

As I turned to look at him, I couldn’t help but feel a small smile forming at the corners of my lips. 

“It’s beautiful,” My response was sincere as I watched the sun sink below the tree line, my gaze lingering on the captivating sight. “There might be sunsets like this in Thornholde, but they don’t compare to the freedom I feel seeing them here in Blackacre.” 

Axton’s understanding was evident as he nodded, his thoughtful expression confirming that he was absorbing the meaning behind my words. As we stood there, a peaceful silence enveloped us, allowing us to fully appreciate the mesmerizing display of colors painting the sky. 

“Let’s go to that clearing. Chesnut. It’s important for you to take a break and refuel with some food. I don’t want that arrogant Alpha of yours thinking made you hungry. He’s already insufferable enough as it is.” 

My face scrunches up in a frown at the mere mention of Zeke. 

“Thanks. I just lost my appetite.” 

With a playful chuckle, Axton leans in to kiss the side of my head, filling the air with warmth and laughter. Walking alongside me, Axton acted as a steady anchor, offering a sense of security in the midst of the darkness. His arm stayed around my shoulders, offering a silent source of support as we made our way through the unfamiliar terrain. 

After a few minutes, we finally arrived at the clearing 

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