My Promised Rejection (Olivia and Ace) novel Chapter 121

Madelena POV

I smile as I roll the dough for the strawberry pies I’m making for dinner. With the bandages gone I can do the one thing that makes me feel useful to the pack. Baking has always been the best part of working in the royal kitchen. I look over my shoulder and watch as Madison cuts up the strawberries and apples. She really has shown she isn’t the girl that stormed into the kitchen to hurt me on Lisa’s orders. At first, I hated the idea of her working in the kitchen.

I know my mother planned to give her the shittiest jobs as punishment.

My mother loves me. She may not be the strongest wolf in the pack, but she is smart. The first day Madison reported for duty, she asked to speak with my mother privately. I figured she was going to gaslight and tell my mother how sorry she was to get out the grunt work. Not that I didn’t believe she was sorry, but I wasn’t sure how much it was because she was in trouble.

Flashback

“Maddy, can you come into my office for a minute,” my mother calls out. I can’t imagine why she is calling me into the office, but I do as she asks. When I step inside, Maddison has tears staining her cheeks. “Maddison would like to speak with you,” she says. I have already accepted her apology, so I can’t imagine what more needs to be said between us.

“Maddy, I know I’ve already apologized, but I want you to know how much I mean it. I know what the king said about my punishment, but I don’t think he should get to decide how long it lasts,” she says. I look at her like she has lost her mind. He is the king. Of course, he should decide. Who else would be appropriate? “I’m ashamed of what I did, as is my sister and father. Hell Myra is hardly speaking to me,” she says.

“Don’t get me wrong, I deserve it for hurting you, but knowing I’ve disappointed them is worse than any punishment the king could give me. I talked to your mom, and she agrees I’ll be your hands while you are recovering. Then she can assign me the worst jobs until you feel that you have gotten justice for what I did. If that means I work in the kitchen for a year, then so be it. You were the one I hurt and you should decide how long my punishment stands,” she says.

“You don’t have to do that, Maddison.”

“Yes, I do” she says, looking at my bandaged hands. I’m healing faster than a human but not as fast as a wolf. “Maddy, I think you should give Maddison this chance to make amends. Not only to you but to herself. She is trying to be a better wolf and I think we should help her,” my mother says. I look back at Maddison, who has a mix of regret and hope swirling in her eyes.

“Alright, you can help me make the desserts for tonight’s meal.”

“Thank you, Maddy. I know I don’t deserve this chance, but I appreciate it,” she says and follows me out of mom’s office.

End Flashback

“Maddy, do you think this is enough or do I need to cut up more strawberries,” she says. I turn just in time to see an unwanted guest step into the kitchen. Maddison follows my line of sight and her face transforms into a mask of anger.

“What do you want, Lisa,” she asks. “Is that anyway to talk to a friend Maddison? I know you were upset about getting in trouble, but it’s not like I forced you to do what I suggested” she says.

Anger bubbles up in my belly and I turn completely to face Lisa. “You are supposed to be in here. This isn’t the laundry.” Her eyes darken and the sight has me taking a step back. “You got your wolf,” Maddison says.

“I did. My birthday was yesterday. My dad was with me when I shifted for the first time, so I had a day off to rest. My wolf is beautiful and strong,” she says, her eyes never leaving mine. Her taunt implied.

“Good for you Lisa. Now if you don’t mind, Maddy and I are busy,” Maddison says, making me smile. “What are you smiling at wolfless,” Lisa growls out. “I’m smiling because I can. If you don’t like it, Lisa, you can leave.”

“How dare you speak to me with such disrespect,” Lisa says, but her voice is a bit deeper. “You are the one that came in here to start shit Lisa. We aren’t friends. We never really were. I’m sorry I ever listened to you. I’m sorry I hurt Maddy. She is my friend. Now leave,” Maddison says.

“I’m sorry I mean Ronan. Thank you for your help.”

“You’re welcome Maddy. Make sure you let someone know if she continues to harass you,” he says.

“I will.” He steps around me, heading to the fridge for a protein shake, which is probably why he was here in the first place.

“See you later Maddy,” he says before he steps out of the kitchen. Maddison’s squeal makes me jump. “Holy shit, that was awesome. He is so hot Maddy. Do you think he is your mate? Is that why he was so pissed she was starting shit with you,” she says.

I look at her like she has lost her mind. “First, he is an Alpha. Second, I don’t even think he is eighteen yet. Third and most importantly, I am a wolfless omega. Surely the goddess wouldn’t do that. He needs a strong mate like Della. Maybe that’s why he is here. He knows I’m her friend, so he stepped in and defended me.”

“Don’t let that bitch’s prejudices make you doubt the amazing person you are, Maddy,” Maddison says. “I’m not. I know who I am, and honestly I’ll be grateful if I’m given a mate, but if I have to fall in love like humans, then so be it. I don’t want to be anyone but me even if I don’t have a wolf.”