One Mate and a Rejection

Blades pov

I stared at her for a long time, watching as she purred and rubbed her nose against me.

My wolf shook with lust and compassion, begging me to let him release all his love physically.

I wanted to shift. It’s not as if I didn’t want to.

In fact, it took all my self control to remain from knocking her beautiful wolf into the ground and having my way with her.

But I couldn’t. Revealing myself to her would just create complications and unwanted drama.

How would she feel being mated to an enemy?

How would my father feel if he was alive?

Everything he’s worked so hard to built up would all come tumbling down.

My life was too busy for a mate anyway.

The pack has been getting ready for a rouge attack, and the guy that had attacked Emerald was a sign that they’re close.

Having her near me would only provide her with danger.

Besides, I’m positive she would reject me as soon as she found out my true identity and I wasn’t sure if I could take any more rejection.

I gave her one last kiss, staring into her enchanting green eyes while tying my shirt to her knee and took off running, knowing she would follow me.

It was wrong, and strongly forbidden to leave your mate the night they shift but this situation required it.

As much as I hated the distance I was putting between us, it is needed to be done.

She was merely a fledging so it didn’t take that long to lose her and when I did, I hung my head low and went home.

Emerald’s pov

Sunlight poured down on my face, making me squint my eyes and wake up.

My vision was blurred for a moment but eventfully became clear, providing me with sight.

I looked around, taking in my surroundings with my improved senses.

I was in the forest, lying besides a tree, alone.

I looked down at my body and noticed I was naked and covered in mud.

Confused, I noticed a blue t-shirt tied to my knee.

Everything from last night came rushing into my mind.

The date with Ben.

Walking into the forest.

Shifting.

Finding my mate, only to have him run off.

I struggled through my tears and put on the shirt.

How thoughtful of him, I thought, sarcastically.

I was never expecting to find my mate, nor was I expecting myself to be so attracted to his night shade black wolf.

Just thinking about it, I wanted to run my fingers through his thick fur, savoring the feel of every single one.

I sighed, swallowing back the lump in my throat.

My nose came down to smell the shirt I’ve worn. It smelled like dirt and trees.

And something else.

Something that’s meant only for me. And I loved it.

I ripped the top of the shirt away from my face, already feeling dizzy and light headed with the intoxicating smell.

I suddenly wanted to know who he is.

How handsome must he be? As handsome as Jared?

Or maybe more handsome?

Could it be possible that someone out there is more beautiful than him?

I sighed again and decided to clear my thoughts of both Jared and my stranger mate.

I grew curious towards why he rejected me.

Maybe he didn’t want a mate. Or maybe he just didn’t want me for a mate.

This is stupid, I thought, I’m only bringing more pain to myself.

But as I walked the long way home, I couldn’t help but think, was there something wrong with me?

Thirty minutes later, I approached my house, rolling my eyes when I saw mom and dad seated on the porch.

Mom sprang up and ambushed me in her embrace, shouting out words I couldn’t understand while dad stood besides us, smiling proudly.

“You made it!” screamed my mom,” Your a wolf!”

I laughed,” Mom, lower your voice, there are neighbors.”

“Oh oops,” she giggled, holding me tighter.

“Your gonna kill me!” I choked out.

She finally let go and turned to my dad,” Make sure to thank Ben for helping my little baby.”

“Defiantly,” said dad.

“Ben didn’t help me,” I said.

They turned their shocked gazes at me,” what?”

“I didn’t ask him to. I just told him to drop me off by the forest.”

“Why would he agree-”

“I lied and said I’m going to my friend’s house. It isn’t his fault.”

“Than who helped you?” dad asked.

Images of my mate flickered in my vision but could I tell them? Was I ready?

“N-no one. I just managed.”

I left them staring at me as I walked upstairs, hoping I didn’t smell of my mate.

I decided to take a nap seeing as i spend most of the night searching for my mate who decided he wanted to play hide and seek, but just two hours later, I awoke from loud banging on the door.

I groaned andthrashed around my bed, “Someone get the door!”

No answer.

I decided to shout louder,” Mom! Dad! Get the door!”

I sighed and mumbled some muffled words before getting out of bed, wishing for the pounding on the door to stop.

Downstairs, I caught sight of a note hanging on the fridge.

’Pack meeting!

-mom and dad’

I threw the note in the garbage and opened the door, only to be met face to face with the one and only.

“Jared?”

But he didn’t answer. Instead, he shoved me in his arms and embraced my as hard as he can.

I began to choke, pounding on his back.

“Move!” Ichoked out.

He left me go instantly, keeping his hands on my shoulders,” Your alive!”

“No, I’m a ghost,” i muttered sarcastically.

“How did you do it?” he breathed out, letting himself in.

“Shifting?”

“Yeah, your mom and dad were at the pack meeting and said that you shifted alone.”

“Yeah, well,” I mumbled, in war with myself as to telling him the truth.

I didn’t want him to know that i was rejected by my own mate. He’ll pity me and provide me with an overwhelming amount of sympathy that I just didn’t need at the moment.

“I just managed,” I finally answered.

He didn’t try to hide the shock forming on his face,” Emmy, that’s amazing.”

I felt a tight smile forming on my face,” Thanks.”

His gaze softened and he stared at me. His eyes dug holes in my face, intoxicating me with their intensecolor.

All of the sudden, I felt dissipated.

The feelings from drama class returned, and I just wanted to feel at home again.

I wanted to be captured by his lips and locked in his embrace both physically and mentally.

I urged with the compassion to explore his body as he does the same to mine, letting out lust and love come together as one.

Despite everything that’s happened, I still wished me and Jared could be together.

If i could, I’d change it so that he’s my mate.

Jared’s hands fell from my shoulder as he whispered,” I’m so sorry.”

I let my eyes fall, suddenly cold and soaking in misery. That’s all I’ll ever be to him from now on.

A person he takes pity on.

A once upon a time lover that he hopes to be friends with, despite knowing it will never be normal.

I wondered if he’s as heart broken as me?

Images of him laughing and kissing jasmine flashed like headlines in my head.

I doubted it.

When a heart breaks, it doesn’t break even, I thought, quoting the script.

“I’ve just realized how badly I’ve wounded you. To say that I’ve broken your heart is the biggest understatement.” Jared whispered, his breath touching my face.

Somehow, I couldn’t find my voice. But I knew, even if I can speak, I wouldn’t.

What could I possibly say? How was I to respond?

So I just avoided looking into his eyes and took a seat on the couch.

Jared mirrored my actions, letting his eyes drift in the silence.

“Have you made your decision yet?” he asked, setting his puddles of chocolate at me,” about us being friends?”

I almost choked on the lump in my throat. The sob that threatened to come out only made it harder to speak as I muttered desperately,” I need more time.”

Jared let out a sigh but nodded. He was never the one to rush me. Always patient and understanding.

It made me realize how much I wanted to hate it.

If I could just hate the little things I loved about him like his personality, and his honesty, than eventually I’ll grow to hate him.

That has to be better than being head over heels in love with him.

“Do you think you’ll ever forgive me?”

“I’ve never been mad at you. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

Jared sighed, as if that wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear,” Will we ever speak like normal friends to each other?”

My vision became blurred with tears,” I’m thinking of what’s best for me at the moment and I think I’m better off far away from you and hating you, than being your friend.”

Jared looked at me like I’ve just shot him,” I understand, I guess.”

I watched as he sank into the couch, a hair-string coming loose and drifting over his left eye.

I felt my fingers twitch and pressed my other hand against them.

Suddenly, the room was engulfed with a cheesy pop song. Confused, I looked around for a phone.

It couldn’t possibly be Jared’s. He hated pop.

But much to shock, his hand reached inside his pocket and unlocked his phone.

“Hello?” he muttered, his voice kind and soft.

Like he was talking to a baby, or a puppy.

Or the love of his life.

“No, I didn’t forget. I’ll be there in twenty...I love you too.”

He hung up the phone and glanced at me uncertainly.

I rolled my eyes. Did he think that lowly of me? I’m not that pathetic.

Oh but I am, otherwise I wouldn’t be sinking into the charcoal forming ocean of my misery and despair.

“i have to go now,” muttered Jared and stood up,” I’m late for an appointment.”

I almost laughed out loud. An appointment, right.

I walked him to the door and was surprised when he hugged me one last time.

He rested his chin on my shoulder as he muttered,” I’m so sorry.”

Jared, if you could somehow choose your mate, would you choose me or Jasmine?

But I didn’t say it out loud. I was too afraid of the answer.

Jared let go of me and walked to the door, but he couldn’t do this to me.

He can’t come into my house, make me fall in love with him all over and than just leave.

My body shook with the urge and sadness to be with him again and I realized just howdesperate I am.

I watched as Jared left the house without sparing me a last glance, entering his car and driving away, my heart, on a rope, tied to his car, trailing behind him, ripping and bruising against the jagged pavement.

I spend the rest of the weekend dreading Monday, knowing now that I’m a shifted werewolf, I can sense whenever my mate is near.

But most likely he probably doesn’t even go to our school, therefore I should worry about accidentally bumping into him or anything.

Monday rolled around pretty quick, much to my displeasure and it complicated even faster.

I parked my car in it’s new spot, far away from everybody, but Jasmine.

She stepped out of her car, Jared following after like a lost puppy.

He had his own car to use, why not drive it?

Without control, I imagined myself taking Jasmines pretty car and spilling acid all over it.

I let out a sigh and waited until they were safely out of sight before entering the school.

Lunch rolled around and I found myself effortlessly floating from one place to another.

Somehow I had end up in a table with Lisa and John, smiling slightly as Ben approached.

“Hi Emerald,” he greeted, bowing his head.

“Ben-hi,” I forced myself to let out.

“I just wanted to say that I had a really nice time and maybe we can do it again.”

Despite my nosey gut that screamed ‘no, you’ve got a mate!’, I nodded my head and said,” Defiantly.”

I watched as he walked away, hoping

Lisa and John wouldn’t pry.

But of course, they did the opposite of what I was hoping.

“You went out with Ben?”

“When did this happen?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Guys,” I weakly shouted, “Let me explain.”

They both crossed their arms and stared at me.

I let out a sigh,” He asked me out, I said yes. End of story.”

“No, you are not getting off the paw that easily-” Lisa snapped.

“Isn’t it off the hook?” I asked, hoping for change of topic.

“Emerald! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because,” I muttered,” it was last minute. I don’t even like him. I needed someone to help me shift-”

“I thought you shifted alone. That’s what your parents said at the pack meeting.”

“I did. I asked him to drop me off near the forest.”

“Does he know your a shifted werewolf now?”

I shrugged,” He should. Was he at the pack meeting?”

“I don’t know, but you have to be there if your part of the pack, unless you’ve just shifted.”

I shrugged. Wonder why he didn’t mention it.

I left the lunch table early and decided to head to class. It wasn’t until I reached the hall where I’ve been attacked by a complete stranger, when I started to feel weary.

I felt as if someone was watching me, following me silently in the shadows.

I watched my sides, making sure nothing would poke out of the doors and grab at me.

I heard footsteps and turned around to find no one.

This is silly, I thought to myself, I’m paranoid.

I wished to block out my imagination of hands buried deep within the walls and faces lurking in the corners.

I felt the sudden atmosphere change that filled me with mysterious pleasure, comfort and want.

I looked around me and discovered nothing.

Than why did I have a feeling that something...wonderful was about to unleash?

I turned around and traced my steps, walking towards the gap between two lockers where a person could easily have hid in.

The feeling of lust returned-not that it had ever left, but it grew stronger with every step.

I felt as if i was on the verge of discovering something wonderful and exiting.

I felt a smile uncontrollably lift the corner of my lips as I sank deeper into the comfort, wishing to be wrapped up and snuggled in it.

Blades pov

It was hard enough, trying to avoid her all day and to make sure she’s safe at the same time.

She was a magnetfor danger. Plus, with the rouge attacking her last week, it wasn’t a wonder why I followed her as soon as she left the cafeteria early.

I remained behind her, near enough to see her, but far enough so she couldn’t sense my presence.

Being two fully shifted mates, we could both feel when the other is near, so when she turned around to see if anyone is behind her, I jumped into the next hall, making sure to remain unseen.

I followed her further down the hall, ducking and hiding when I thought she’d turn.

I wondered why I was doing this again. Wasn’t my plan to just forget about her completely?

Than how did I end up being her invisible guard, whipped enough to follow her to class.

I convinced myself that I was simply keeping an eye on her so I’d know if any rouges decide to attack.

Than, I’ll inform the pack.

A couple of seconds later, she stopped.

I ran into a gap between two lockers, hoping she hadn’t seen me.

I felt her sudden presence and heard her footsteps as she came closer.

I fought my eyelids, making sure not to give in to the feeling of pleasure her nearness brought.

With sudden awareness, I wanted to reveal myself to her, physically and mentally, providing her with everything she wanted, needed and loved.

I imagined myself wrapping up the world in a pretty bow and handing it to her, nervous because I wasn’t sure if it was enough.

I felt her approaching still and dug myself deeper into the lockers.

Her feet came in view first and than her angered face as she placed her hands on her hips and stuttered with disbelief,” A-are you FOLLOWING me?”

I swallowed loudly and searched my brainfor the right words,” No,” I finally decided,” I was just checking...to see if your safe.”

“What are you, my dad?” she snapped.

“I’m sorry,” I stammered, trying to seem as if unaffected by how beautiful she was when angered. Her green eyes lit up like lanterns and held a threatening spark that showed she was capable of damage despite her innocent appearance.

“Look, I don’t know what happened the day that guy attacked me but thank you for saving me. I mean it, thank you. And for letting me...hug you I guess. But it’s over. I don’t need protection. I’ve shifted.”

With that, she spun on her heel and marched away, leaving me completely hooked on her line of lovers.

Emerald’s pov

The school day finished pretty fast after the incident with Blade Russell.

For some reason, I couldn’t get him out of my mind.

I reached my house, and found Amanda coming down the stairs, holding a big box labeled Books.

“Hey Em,” she greeted in her usual overly high pitched voice.

I felt my ears mentally bleeding and muttered,” Why are you here?”

“To help Jason move out,” she replayed, completely unaffected by my tone of voice.

I hated Amanda, and the way she dodged every bullet I send at her.

But the reason I hated her the most was for stealing away my brother and having him live away from his family.

I might be exaggerating but she wants him to herself completely.

She’s even planning to move to the UK right after university so he would only focus on their future marriage.

“Don’t fall and poke your eye out with one of the books, I’m sure Jason wouldn’t find you so attractive than.”

I smirked despite my disbelief when I saw an angry expressioncross her face but she quickly covered it up and smiled,” Your so right. Thanks.”

Annoyed that she dodged yet another bullet, I headed upstairs, still thankful that she hated me too.

At my room, all my attempts to get Blade Russell out of my mind were fruitless.

I didn’t want to admit the way i wanted to throw myself at him and just stay there forever.

The feeling I had gotten when I was near him, I didn’t want it to end.

But I was over whelmed and I knew I had to get out of there before I broke down and hugged him like last time.

I signed and laid on my bed, thinking of just how much I’d love for my mate to be the same.