Stranded with my mates: Rejected & Claimed

Chapter 69: Chapter 69

It had been so long since Grayson had been a jerk, I forgot it was even in him. It wasn’t the first time he had told me what I was good for in his mind but things had changed so much that it hit differently this time.

His rule as alpha was turning him back into the Grayson I had first met at his manor, the kind of person who cares little for my feelings and only sees me as an object to please him. The hurt of his words felt like rocks in my shoes, maybe Julien joining us would make him worse.

That night, I slept with Jax and Marek. Grayson had won the fight for now, but anger kept me up as I schemed on the ways I could turn out on top of all of this. He didn’t argue. The smug bastard even seemed relieved that I wanted nothing to do with him.

Dominic may have been selfishly mean to me, but at least he demanded my attention whereas Grayson seemed to want nothing more than his solitude. The following day I resorted to a cold shoulder tactic that left me painfully disappointed.

Jax watched our behaviours carefully but stayed out of the conflict. I could see the split in him over caring for me and fearing him. Dragging him or Marek into it felt cruel, their loyalties divided, I didn’t want to force them to choose a side.

I had to settle this with Grayson myself and his cold-blooded and uncaring mindset left me spending the entirety of the day planning my next steps carefully. Revenge filled my thoughts with every passing minute, leaving Julien still sleeping out in the cold.

Grayson could feel my anger, I let it radiate from me with every glance I gave him. Dominic watched it carefully as well, smiling in the shadows at the upset within our new pack. If Grayson knew how close Dominic was inside my head then he would want Julien on our side.

Every step I took needed to be carefully planned. There would come a time when we would face Dominic again, I could feel it in my blood. But for now, the only thing I wanted was to smack the dirty words out of Grayson’s mouth.

The idea formed within that thought. Grayson had been catered to in his previous home, his every want and desire at the tip of his cock. Women were his playthings, and that’s all he saw me as. Suddenly, the enchantment holding my garments in place felt like a blessing.

If he thinks I’m only good for one thing, then I’ll give it to him until I decide he’s had enough. The realization that my mysterious powers weren’t my only weapon gave me a rise that made Grayson eye me from across the fire.

I let the build be subtle, spending the second night cuddled with Jax. The next day, Marek built a bed big enough for ten people. No more single cots for this pack, and I let my attitude cool significantly. Grayson looked suspicious but didn’t argue as I brought him his breakfast.

I needed him to warm back up to me, to let me back in as his mate before I could carry out my plans. I sat with Jax, who petted a large round bird in his lap. Marek had managed to capture a few, keeping them in a pen for our breakfast eggs.

The creature seemed hypnotized as it nestled in the crook of his arm and Jax seemed unbothered by how odd it was to want to tame such an animal. He set the bird aside once I handed him his plate. He had been quieter since my confrontation with Grayson and I longed for his wild commentary.

"Do you remember the lake above where we found Marek?" I asked Jax.

He turned to me with growing interest and nodded.

"Let’s go there today."

Grayson’s eyes darted to me but he remained hovering over his food. Our new camp lacked a heavy water source, a short walk was needed to the nearest creek for collecting or bathing. A lake the size that we saw would offer some much needed fun along with a good washing.

Jax looked to Grayson for approval like he was checking with the other parent and I groaned inside. Grayson took his time but ultimately grunted in approval, giving his permission and Jax bounced with joy.

The promise of adventure caused a glee that became contagious. Soon we were all readying packs with what we deemed essential. Jax brought his whittling gear in case he became bored, along with our entire reserve of smoked meat. For being the smallest male he seemed to eat more than the rest of us.

Marek packed his traps and tools, commenting on different ways he could fish in this strangely beautiful lake Jax told him about in great detail. When we finally set off, I took Grayson’s hand in mine. His brow furrowed but he didn’t pull away.

We trekked through the forest, following a path that they seemed to know by heart. Marek led the way until we reached the cliff edge. My heart skipped beats at the challenge of the climb. Marek’s smile spread over his face as he offered his hand at my anxiety.

Taking it, he turned to present his back with a gesture to climb aboard. I imagined riding on the back of a giant bear as he began our ascent. His hands stuck to the side of the cliff as though he were simply walking on his hands and feet against the ground, like gravity held no weight over him.

At the top, I dismounted on the grassy bank. The lake mirrored the sky above, making it look like an extension of the heavens. Jax took no time in waiting, running into the water and diving as it quickly got deeper.

I stepped into its water, testing its warmth before venturing further. Looking behind me, Grayson watched me with a familiar hunger causing me to let a dubious smile spread.

I turned back, picking up handfuls of the lake to wash over my skin. The water settled against my knees when a strong hand swept underneath me. I yelped as my body rose into strong arms. Grayson’s pheromones bore heavily into my body, trapping me in his essence.

His lips quirked to the side before a movement of his hands left me reaching for air. I landed in the deeper part of the lake, bobbing up for air against the shock of his throw. His hands wrapped around my ribs then as he dragged me further into the open water.

I splashed at him and his stupid smile, then pulled myself closer by the back of his neck. My legs rubbed against his as his kicking slowed. I moved to grip his waist with my legs, crossing my feet behind his back and letting him keep us balanced above the surface.

His eyes locked on my lips, and I enticed him further with the twirls of my fingers at the nape of his neck. I could feel his lust. The way he wanted me, even in the presence of the others was distinctly fixed in his mind.

I tilted my head and bit my lip, riling him up as I knew seducing him would be easier than I thought.

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