A/N: I strongly implore you to read my Author's Note at the end <3

Matthew was incredibly skeptical about King Aiden's proposal. Once the King offered to make us mates, I could feel the tension in Matthew's body. His eyebrows had furrowed like he thought the King was playing some sick joke. My wolf was reeling, but truth be told, the prospect of being "mates" didn't seem like something so official for me. I already feel like Matthew's Mate. Could the actual bond really change that?

Matthew thought the exact same thing. He initially didn't care much about being "official" mates. We already love each other and that's enough for us. But the King insisted. Telling us that there could be benefits to the official bond. Particularly, no one ever questioning our love ever again.

A short conversation with the King about binding us has now led Matthew and I on a small visitation to the Royal Palace. Ezra was adamant that we leave as soon as possible for the Royal Palace. Citing his concern of Rebels finding out the King is here. It meant that Matthew and I didn't have time to return to the pack to reassure everyone that we were alright. The only thing I really had time for was putting on some new spare clothes.

It also meant briefing River and Tyler. Tyler's sudden role as Beta becoming incredibly important but the determination on his face to reassure us that everything would be alright was enough to relax Matthew.

Because King Aiden can't shift, we climbed into one of his cars that brought him here. Ezra taking the passengers seat, a guard taking the drivers, and the three of us climbing into the back. I'm surprised to see that the space in the back of the car is ginormous. The seats facing one another, and a table equipped in the middle like we're about to host a meeting in a moving automobile.

Before Matthew slips inside, he turns to River and Tyler. Matthew won't let go of my hand, putting me in an awkward position of holding up my arm as I wait for him to get into the car. He instructs both River and Tyler about some Alpha duties. Turning to Tyler, he tells him to get comfortable in our house if he wants to live in the castle. With a soft smile, Matthew let's go of my hand briefly so he can embrace both of the men.

There's an energy around Matthew that's somewhat excited. Although he didn't initially want this "formality" of being mates, I can't help but think that his wolf is enthusiastic. Even my wolf is skipping around in my head like it's the best idea she's ever heard.

Matthew sits beside me in the car, closing the door for the three of us. Ezra takes that as a cue and the driver pulls forward. I clutch onto Matthew's hand as we watch the trees outside fly by faster and faster. King Aiden is sitting across from us. He clicks on the button on his door that lifts a partition between the two men in the front and the three of us.

Aiden's body relaxes into the seat. I watch with intrigue as he starts unclipping his royal gear. He's been wearing it for so long—I can only imagine how good it must feel to take off so much war gear. Like a bra at the end of a long day. He sets his armor on the ground in front of him. Placing his crown just beside his leg. A thin layer of sweat coating a thin undershirt he's wearing.

None of us speak. In fact, we all look exhausted. Matthew still has a few cuts that are healing on his face. My body feels sore from the war that's been fought. My mind fatigued from the emotional turmoil I received in the Foretell. It's dark outside which doesn't help the fact that my eyelids start to close. Matthew's arm is holding me close to his side, my head leaning against his warm body. It might as well be a pillow. I can feel Aiden's eyes on us as my head droops against Matthew.

Matthew presses a small kiss on the top of my head and I'm sure that I drift off for a few minutes. Maybe hours. The next thing I remember was hearing them talking. Catching them in mid-conversation. I don't know what's been spoken prior, but the two seem to have been in conversation for a while. Seemingly having resolved some of the tension that I felt earlier when we got into the car.

"Do you think there will ever be a day you can completely forgive me?" Aiden asks Matthew. His voice in a small whisper as to not wake me up. I decide to keep my eyes closed, letting them try to resolve and mend their friendship.

Matthew sighs, his voice coming out gently. "Apologize to me again once you've found your mate, Aiden. Then I'll forgive you entirely."

"Done." Aiden's voice seems more hopeful. "I do value our friendship, Matthew. For whatever it's worth. Our band was the closest thing I've ever had to a normal life."

"You really won't tell me why you changed your mind?"

"No, little Helen has to tell you why. It's not my place."

I feel Matthew's intense eyes look down at me. His hand shifting slightly to run down my arm. It's endearing and comforting. A light kiss being pressed against my head again to keep me from waking. Matthew turns to King Aiden, "So any luck on finding the Queen?"

"No." Aiden sighs out sadly, "I'll be hosting a ball this year though. Kind of like the one my father had when he met my mother."

"You always have been a hopeless romantic." Matthew smirks.

"As are you my friend," Aiden chuckles. "It's the reason we got along so well. Until you went through your man-whore phase."

I try not to let out a laugh. Keeping my face as monotone as I can. Biting the inside of my lip to stop from smiling. Matthew has always been open with me about his phases, but this conversation actually warms my heart. Two old friends reminiscing. I can't even be bothered. Even my wolf isn't upset. We all have a past, and I've never been the kind to get angry over Matthew's. Besides, I'm carrying his child. Nothing can reassure me as much as that.

"That was hardly my fault." Matthew argues. His voice lower like he doesn't want me to hear. "You know Wayan dragged me down."

"It was your responsibility not to let the man-whore get into your head." I can practically see King Aiden roll his eyes, "And you're so full of shit. We all know it was Kole's fault."

"Goddess," Matthew shifts, and I can imagine his hand covering his eyes. "Wayan is the match and Kole is like the goddam gasoline. She's insane. How are they anyways?"

"Same old, same old." King Aiden seems to shrug it off. "I went to visit them. They accidentally left the door open to their sex dungeon. I think Kole was trying to get me to join in on a three-some."

Matthew can't help it, he starts laughing softly. His chest rumbling slightly as he tries desperately to suppresses it. Trying not to stir too much on my behalf. But even King Aiden can't help it. He starts laughing too. The both of them covering their mouths to keep as quiet as possible as they silently laugh. At one point, I feel a wet drop on my forehead and realize that Matthew is crying with laughter.

"Oh my Goddess, please tell me you're joking." Matthew whispers through gritted teeth. He whispers, "A sex dungeon?"

"Mirrors all over the ceiling." Aiden tells him as they continue to suppress their laughter.

"I always thought Alexander would be the one to have a sex dungeon." Matthew snorts. "What about you, Aiden? Still waiting for her Majesty?"

"One of us had to stay loyal." Aiden sighs, their conversation quieting down. For a few minutes they go without speaking. The energy between them seems resolved. I don't know what they talked about beforehand, but it's not tense. It's rather comforting. I'll never understand how men forgive each other so quickly.

"What do we need to do when we get to the palace?" Matthew asks quietly. "For this ceremony?"

"Nothing really. I'll need to perform the ritual on Bren first. Severing his tie to the Moon Goddess and Mia. Then she's practically an empty vessel with no Mate attached. And I killed your Mate, so you're up for grabs too. Oh, I apologize for killing her."

"Don't. If you hadn't, I would have." Matthew let's out a breath. His arm squeezing me to his side.

"Well, if it's any consolation," Aiden smirks. "The boys and I have been wanting to kill her since the day she rejected you. We had this whole plan and everything. It was a plus that she happened to be a Rebel."

"Any word on the Rebel movements?" Matthew asks.

Aiden pauses, I can imagine he's frowning. Probably wondering how to answer the question. "We can talk about office politics later."

"That bad, huh?"

"They keep growing. The situation is complicated to say the least." I hear Aiden shift slightly in front of me. Peeking open an eye, I see that he's bundled up a spare sweatshirt into a ball. Putting it against the window of the car. His eyes close and for a moment, he doesn't look like a King. With his gear off, normal attire, and the tiredness on his face—he looks like a normal man.

"Get some sleep, Matthew." Aiden yawns, "We'll be at the Port by sunrise."

Matthew nods but doesn't move. He waits until King Aiden's breathing shallows and his body relaxes. I feel Matthew brush his finger against my cheek, hearing him through the mind link. I know you're awake, gorgeous.

I smile against him, giving him a small squeeze to let him know that I am awake. He pulls my chin up with his forefinger and I finally open my eyes fully. His green gaze meeting me with the utmost euphoria. There's a softness behind Matthew's pupils. He looks so tired but so content. So at peace.

I didn't want to intrude on your locker room talk, I tell him with a smile.

Matthew chuckles under his breath, his eyes turning quickly to the King to make sure he hasn't woken him up. Instead, we're both greeted by a small snore from Aiden. I let Matthew brush the back of his finger against my cheek. His eyes scanning over my face and the small strands of hair that are probably misplaced. It looks like he's trying to memorize every detail. He's so gentle and adoring.

I thought..., he tells me sadly. His eyes meeting mine. I can see the pain behind them, so I grab his hand, holding it against my cheek and kissing his palm. I thought I was going to lose you, Mia.

I thought I was going to lose him too. My wolf whines in my head. I don't want to think of it ever again. I don't want to remember the images of the Foretell or the pain that Matthew was in when he battled the King. I just want to think of the future. Our future. Of little baby Juliet.

You should know by now, I tell him with a smile. The words I spoke to him not too long ago. That I'm not going anywhere.

Matthew smiles brightly—his aura glowing with so much love and tranquility. There's a calmness about him like the ocean after a storm. Pristine and beautiful. Matthew tilts my face towards him—placing a tender kiss on my lips. He doesn't stop kissing me for a long time. Small, delicate, warm kisses that consume us with devotion more so than lust.

My body finally feels like it's coming down from an insane troublesome high. The anxiety and panic I've experienced these last few days has been surreal. A part of me still can't believe we're able to stay together and I'm...happy. The thought of raising a family with Matthew. Seeing how beautiful our children turn out. Feeling how at ease my wolf is. There aren't words to describe it. I'm sure Matthew can feel it.

So tell me, Matthew breathes out once he's pulled away. His devilish smile returning. Goddess, how I missed that smile. Why did the King change his mind? What did you do?

I lick my lips, wondering when best I should tell him. I can't tell Matthew about the Foretell, but I could tell him about our pup. My wolf is begging me too. She wants him to know so he can feel how we feel. Ecstatic and protective. Despite not wanting to keep this secret, I cannot imagine breaking this kind of news to him in a car when we can't speak. With Aiden's snoring as our background music.

I hold onto Matthew's hand, smiling brightly at him. Can you wait until we arrive? I'd rather not in this car.

I flick my head towards Aiden. Matthew raises his eyebrow slightly, his eyes shifting quickly to the King and back at me. He frowns, Is it bad?

Not at all. I would just rather tell you behind closed doors.

Matthew grins, leaning down to kiss me again. Only this time, he drags his nose against my neck. Setting an array of kisses surrounding my Mark. My eyes shut as a shudder runs down my spine.

You'll have to beat me to what I have planned once there are closed doors, Matthew's voice is laced with sultry and deviousness. I bite down on my lip, trying to prevent myself from getting too turned on. Matthew notices, his mischief returning to his eyes.

I decide to shove him playfully. The both of us containing a gleeful laugh as we try not to wake up the snoring King. Matthew kisses my hand. Clutching onto it happily as his eyes wander over my face and body. Even his own eyelids look like they're growing heavy the second.

You should get some sleep, I tell him gently as I brush a strand of his dark hair away from his eyes. He nods, pulling me onto his lap and tucking my head under his chin. Our bodies instantly relaxing to the warmth we feel from one another.

I close my eyes again and somehow, in the back of this car with the humming of the engine and the sound of Aiden's snoring, I manage to get the best sleep I've had in days. Feeling surrounded by love instead of fear. I knock out like a light.

------

Hours later, I start feeling the rays of the sun stream into the car through the windows. Aiden's voice coming out hoarse as he yawns and stretches, "Helen, Paris. Time to wake up, you lovebirds."

I rub the sleep out of my face, looking out the window. I feel Matthew shift, a small groan insinuating as he blinks his eyes open. Aiden smiles at us—particularly at me. He tilts his head towards the window like he's asking me to look. Sure enough, I turn to see the ocean. In fact, it's the first time I've ever seen the ocean. I lean against the car door, my eyes staring out at the sea. A childlike excitement fulfilling me and my wolf.

It's so beautiful, I tell my wolf. We're weaving through some snow-laced forests but every so often, I get a glimpse of the ocean. Matthew grabs my hand watching my reaction happily. In just a minute, I see a light house in the distance. I feel a magical pull. An energy that's radiating from the light house.

What is that? My wolf feels it too. Something odd like we're attracted to the light house. Kind of like that tense feeling you get in your stomach before riding a rollercoaster. Both excited and nervous.

"It's a spell." Aiden explains to me—quite sure he can read my mind at this point. Maybe that's one of his many gifts as King.

Matthew grins, "If we didn't have to worry about Bren taking you away, I'd have gotten to this lecture. The Port's lighthouse is like a beacon to the supernatural. But it also expels an energy that drives humans away."

"Really?" I frown curiously. "How does that work in practice?"

"Well, if a group of humans is road tripping up the coast, they might decide to take a different turn. Or incidentally get a flat tire and stop by a different place." Aiden explains.

"And that works?" Even with the new daylight, I can see that the top of the light house is still spinning around. I guess it's never shut off. "I mean...still seems risky."

"We've never had any issues." King Aiden shrugs, "But that's Alpha Wayan's problem to handle. He's the keepsake."

It's my first time in the Port. As we pull in, I can't help but notice how busy and bustling everything is. It's what I would expect from a small town in the Pacific Northwest. Shops and movement. A beautiful forest that surrounds it. The busiest part being the port itself. There are so many boats you'd think it was a fisherman's town. But it's all trade and transportation. Several ferries docked or leaving with people on them.

The car stops just next to a black ferry. I can instantly tell it's not one of the commercialized transportation ferries. There are Royal Guards that are stationed on it, the Royal flag waving in the air. It must be King Aiden's personal little ferry boat.

The screen that separates the three of us from Ezra and the driver comes down. Ezra turns to us, "You guys might want to stretch your legs and go to the roof top. It's the best view you'll get as we reach the Island."

Matthew and I turn to Aiden wondering if he'll join. He pulls back the seat next to him, revealing a secret compartment with some clothes. I guess as werewolves, it's always convenient to have clothes on the go. He tosses a sweatshirt at Matthew and hands me a puffy winter coat that's far too big for me. But I take it anyways.

"You guys go ahead," Aiden says as he pulls out what looks like a royal outfit. He swirls his crown on his arm, hazily toppling it on his head. It's the same one he wore on the battlefield. A band that goes around his forehead and has a crescent moon on the front. Not like the golden crown I remember seeing him in when he Dream Wandered.

"Good luck getting dressed, Princess." Matthew laughs as he steps out of the car. A rush of cold air hitting us entirely. He holds the door open for me as Aiden shoots him daggers, but I step out as well—trying my best not to giggle at the comment.

Taking my hand, Matthew leads me to the end of the dock. The car is waiting to board onto the ferry as Ezra hops on the deck to talk to the captain. My senses are completely hit by the smell of saltwater, and I can't help it. I stand by the water, inhaling deeply. I've always been surrounded by freshwater and it's not like Sparta ever took us on a fieldtrip to the Port.

A few werewolves and I guess—other Supernatural's—are staring at us. I think I catch a glimpse of a Nymph and warlock. Part of me is absolutely intrigued by this insane hub. Our packs are always so closed and sheltered; I can't imagine being the Alpha of a wolf pack that also has to harbor so many different supernatural beings.

Matthew hugs me from behind. His arms lying just underneath my chin. I smile gently, his chin pressing to the top of my head as we look out towards the horizon. There's a bit of fog but even so, I can see the island not too far away. It's glistening like it's made of volcanic rock and gold. It's our mythology that the Island is made out of a piece of the moon. The Moon Goddess had sent it as a place of refuge for wolves in case we ever needed safety.

I take in the rustling of the city. The sound of ship horns and seagulls. Even in the winter, there's a lot of movement. We hear Ezra give orders to the ship crew members on Aiden's ferry. I close my eyes, enjoying the warmth that Matthew gives me.

"Vale!" Someone shouts behind us. We both turn to look over our shoulders. A man with caramel skin, deep hazel eyes, and a well-trimmed beard is making his way towards us. He's smiling brightly—so much excitement on his face. A few wolves bow their heads at him as he makes his way towards us. His Alpha aura hitting me like Matthew's did the first time I met him. I recognize him instantly.

As soon as Wayan makes eye contact with Matthew, he starts laughing and running towards us. Matthew pulls away from me, bracing as Wayan launches himself, suddenly gripping Matthew around the torso and picking him up in a bear hug.

"I could smell you the moment you crossed my borders." Wayan cries with glee. Matthew laughs softly, waiting until Wayan sets him back down to give him a proper hug. "Son of a fucking bitch, what are you doing here?"

"We're headed to the Palace." Matthew answers him curtly. The smile undeniable though. It warms my heart to see him so open with his life-long friends.

Wayan's eyes land on me. They drift to Matthew's Mark and then back to me with a devious smile. "Oh," Wayan's grin is that like a Cheshire cat. There's something naughty behind his gaze. Playful but risqué. "You're the little troublemaker."

"I'm Mia." I smile at him, taking a place by Matthew's side. "It's nice to finally meet you Alpha Wayan."

"Oh trust me my dear, it's my pleasure. Luna." A flirty smile spreading on his lips. "You're quite radiant. It's no wonder Matthew fell head-over-heels."

What a charmer, My wolf laughs in my head.

More like a lady's man, I tell her trying to contain my amusement to myself.

Wayan takes a step closer to me, ducking down like he wants to tell me a secret. Even though Matthew is carefully watching with a raised eyebrow. "You know," Wayan says just above a whisper. There's something so entertaining about him like he's the life of the party. "If he's not satisfying your every need, I think I know someone who could."

Wayan manages a single wink as Matthew growls, grabbing Wayan by the hem of his shirt. In a swift move, Matthew has Wayan over the dock ledge. Wayan's feet just barely placed on the edge as Matthew holds him out over the water. If Wayan so much as breathes too hard, his feet could slip, and he'd topple right over into the icy cold waters.

Of course, Wayan doesn't seem to have an issue with it. He's grinning from ear-to-ear. Seemingly glad to have gotten this reaction from Matthew. "Oh come on Vale," Wayan laughs. "I'm only kidding. I know you're loaded, big boy."

Wayan winks again only this time Matthew rolls his eyes, "Must you be so crude all the time?"

"I like to think I'm sexually charged." Wayan replies.

"I can see you're both getting along as usual." I hear King Aiden say as he slowly strolls down the dock. His hands behind his back. Back much more straighten and his shoulders squared. His attire regal and more official. It's crazy to see his transformation between Aiden and Alpha King.

He takes a stance beside me, sighing softly as he watches the scene unfold. Looking down at me he mutters, "They've always butted heads. I think it's because they both play guitar, but Wayan got stuck playing the bass. He's been jealous ever since."

I can't help it and I burst out laughing. Both Matthew and Wayan staring at me curiously. Wayan's face sours and he stares daggers at King Aiden, "I heard that."

"Super hearing tends to work that way." Aiden calls out. "Come on Matthew, let him down. We're boarding."

Wayan turns his attention to Matthew. For a moment, it looks like they're having a conversation through the mind link. It makes me watch curiously and I glance at Wayan's hand. He also is wearing a wolf ring similar to Aiden and Matthew's. In a small movement, Matthew pulls Wayan forward, getting his feet firmly planted on the ground.

"Well, this has been a fun reunion." Wayan smirks. He walks up to me, taking my hand and placing a small—long—kiss on the back. With my spare, I cover over my mouth to stop from laughing too hard. Glancing at Matthew, he's rolling his eyes so far into his head I think they might get stuck.

"It was an honor to meet you, oh beautiful Luna Mia." Wayan smiles.

I narrow my eyes at Wayan, lifting an eyebrow, "Don't you have a Mate, Alpha Wayan?"

Even he can't help it. He lights up like a Christmas tree, "Yes. I'll make sure you meet her next time. She's busy helping at the orphanage today."

Matthew places his hand on my lower back, guiding me towards King Aiden's ferry. As we're boarding, I hear Alpha Wayan behind us, "If you two are interested in forming our own Swing Club, you let me know."

"Crude!" Both Matthew and Aiden call out to him. I laugh loudly, their interactions somehow making me feel warm. I didn't expect these Alpha's—these grown men—to act so childish amongst one another. All of them reverting to their younger selves.

I climb to the very top of the ferry. There's a little viewing spot just at the front of the boat. Aiden has gone into the captain's wing just below us. Only Matthew and I are standing at the top to get the best view. As the ferry starts to move, we see Wayan at the dock, waving at us energetically.

"Hey Matthew!" Wayan yells loudly from the dock. His hands cupping his mouth as he screams, "Don't think I forgot you made out with my Mate back when we were a band!"

An expression of absolute irate and mortification suddenly crosses Matthew's face as he snaps towards Wayan. Wayan turns around, laughing evilly as he struts up the dock and port. His hand coming up and middle-finger only further angering Matthew.

"I'm going to kill him," Matthew's eyes turn black. A growl rumbling deep in his chest. "I'm actually going to kill him."

"No, you're not." I smile gently as I cup Matthew's face so he's meeting my eyes. I press a warm kiss against his lips as the wind starts nipping at us while we're out in the open. "They're like your brothers."

Neither my wolf nor I are mad at the comment. In fact, she finds it quite amusing. Matthew has been open and honest since day one. It's not like we haven't talked about it during one of our many pillow talks. And I know that Wayan is only trying to get under his skin.

"If that's the case," Matthew's eyes narrow forward. "Wayan is the annoying one you wish you could send to military camp."

I laugh softly, opening Matthew's arms and nestling my back into his chest. Pushing my head back on his shoulder, I watch as the fog ahead of us starts clearing and the Royal Island slowly comes into view.

"Are you excited?" I ask Matthew softly. A few seconds pass by without him answering and I figure that my question has been lost to the sound of the wind. Matthew leans down, placing his lips just against my ear as we look forward.

"Yes." Matthew's arms squeeze me lightly, "Excited to have you to myself. Excited to become Mates—officially. Excited to go back home—to the Valley. To read books with you and play music while you listen so intently. To watch you dance when you cook. Watch that spark in your eye when you teach lectures. To wake up every day with you. Right beside me. Kissing me. Loving me. And maybe one day we can start a family. The future has never looked so exciting for me."

My heart skips a beat at the last one. Every little thing Matthew says makes me feel so full inside. Makes my wolf reel in adoration. Without him noticing, I press my hand to bottom of my stomach. I know it's too early to feel her. But I know she's there. And I can't wait to tell him.

Are we going to tell him now? My wolf rejoices.

When we're alone with him. I reply.

Mia...She practically whines and huffs.

I want it to just be him and me. I tell her, Me and him.

In just a few minutes, the entire island is visible. Matthew presses a kiss to my head as the view clears. The palace sticking out like if we just stepped foot at Disney. The entire island is full of buildings and people. It's much much larger than I imagined. And the palace...is stunning. Glowing brightly and triumphantly. My jaw basically drops.

Over the speaker on the ferry we hear the captain say, "Welcome to the Royal Island."

A/N: Hi everyone! I just want to take a moment to thank you all so much for your constant support and love for my story. Two Rejects is sadly coming to an end, and I cannot begin to describe how sad I am writing the last chapters. I've literally cried realizing that I won't be writing about Matthew and Mia every night. This story has become a night ritual for me. I go to class, study at home, and then sit with a nice hot chocolate and write about werewolves and the supernatural.

Two Rejects is my first book in the Werewolf genre. Truth be told, I've only ever written Teen Fiction so this is something I decided to do for fun and didn't expect to have such an amazing response. I really hope that I was able to write something special for you all and that you'll return to read it again because you miss the characters.

I hope you'll read my next story too! I've started writing it to make myself feel less empty. I'll be posting it soon and would love any encouraging words for starting a new novel. This isn't the last you'll see of Matthew and Mia, but for now, we'll have to mentally prepare to say goodbye. Thank you all so much <3