Chapter 67: Rejection Ceremony.

Bella’s pov.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” John asked quietly, his voice rough around the edges as he spoke.

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, John. I need to do this, I need him out of my life, for good,” I whispered back, fixing my hair for what felt like the millionth time.

He sighed but didn’t say anything else, putting his arm out towards me.

I took it gladly, letting him guide me towards the field where we’d be holding the ceremony.

I had a little tent set up for me with all of my things inside. It made it easier to get ready, I wanted to be more prepared for anything today.

“Don’t be afraid,” John whispered calmly, his eyes meeting mine for a second before he looked away, searching the area.

I didn’t know why I cared what I looked like but for some reason I did.

Maybe to make Garrett see what he was missing, what he'll never have again.

“I’m not afraid,” I whispered, searching around and spotting Garrett instantly. Standing beside Rose… and his son.

I took a deep breath. Closing my eyes, trying to get rid of the feeling I had in my guts.

Just breathe Bella. You got this. You don’t need him.

“Alpha…” Elder Elian said calmly, bowing to me in respect.

He took my other arm, helping John guide me towards the higher elders. Ready to reject the bond that tied me to Garrett.

“Are you sure this is what you want to do, alpha?” The only female high elder named Abby asked calmly, a hint of a smile on her face as I looked into her eyes.

I opened my mouth, about to speak when Garrett’s squeely voice talked first instead.

“Let’s just get this over with already! I don’t want to be tied to that whore any longer. Just do this! Get rid of her for me, I’m so sick of Bella this and Bella that! I haven’t even been able to fuck Rose because of that bitch! Oh, it hurts? Why would I care? Why should I care? The only reason I stopped was because the higher elders demanded it, I didn’t do it for you,” he sneered, looking directly into my eyes as he spit venom at me.

Tears tried to fall from my eyes, but I glared at Garrett. Sucking them in, lifting my chin high, not letting him see the cracks in my emotions.

“Let’s do this. I’m ready. I’m sure. I don’t want anything connecting me to this excuse of a man any longer. I don’t even want to think about him or his name, I never want to see him again,” I said through clenched teeth, just as much venom in my voice as his.

His eyes widened slightly before he masked it. Turning away and walking fast with a growl.

Rose glared at me, her eyes glowing faintly before she also turned and walked away.

Their son stood there for a moment, staring at me curiously.

I waved with a small smile, feeling extremely uncomfortable under his criticising stare.

He looked at me one more time before he went to walk away, but he paused, walking closer to me and whispering, “I know you are good. I can feel it from your soul… you deserve peace. Don’t let Garrett win… please.”

“Lucas! You get over here right now!” Rose shrieked with wide eyes as she noticed her son speaking to me, running over and snatching his hand before practically dragging the boy away.

Lucas…

I don’t know what this feeling was that I had, but something is up with that boy… he’s no wolf.

“Did you hear what he said?” I mumbled to John, looking at the side of his face as he watched Rose freaking out at Lucas.

“I did. He called him Garrett. Not dad, which I find suspicious,” he mumbled back, his face tight as he fought himself to not go over there and demand answers, “let’s just do this. I don’t know what’s going on but we’ll find out soon. I promise.”

I nodded my head once before sighing and continuing to walk towards the higher elders temple, where they are most connected to the goddess.

When I got to the entrance I paused, taking it all in for a second before I finally ended the bond between Garret and I.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I whispered, feeling John's hand squeeze my own.

“It is…” he whispered back, looking at the side of my face while smiling, “almost as beautiful as you.”

I looked towards his face quickly at his words, blushing furiously.

My mouth opened and closed as I fought to find the right words.

My stomach flutters with butterflies.

He chuckled at my flustered state and started walking inside of the temple, pulling me along with him.

I gasped as I looked at the water falling from the top of the temple. It's a clear blue hue, almost magical looking.

Vines crawled up the walls around it, its life force depending on the water that was falling.

“Let’s begin…” Abby said while clearing her throat, standing underneath an opening from the top, the sun shining down onto her, “the goddess will be watching, and she will decide if this is the right thing to do…”

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I left John’s arms, his warmth disappeared as I made my way beside the higher elders… beside Garrett.

He sneered at me as I stood beside him, keeping as much distance between us as I could.

I glared at him back, because I didn’t want to be here just as much as he didn’t.

But I wouldn’t allow myself this pain, this anger any more.

I didn’t deserve to be tied to a man that didn’t want me…

“Goddess, listen to our prayers, our needs… we are gathered here today to witness Garrett and Bella’s rejection. They wish to untie themselves from each other, to let their wolves free. They wish to go their own ways, for their marks to disappear from their necks. If you hear us, answer our prayers. Shine your light down on these two and let us know if you agree… we do not seek anger, we seek acceptance. We seek guidance. Help us find the right way, the right path. If you see these wolves, let them see what to do. Let them go their own ways!”