Some Mate You Are...

The next day we had returned to the beach. After all, that was the reason that we had come here in the first place. Aida and I were tanning in the sun while Tyrus had joined a couple of Blue Moon guys in a game of beach volleyball. Kiara had left with her mate last night, only stopping by, briefly, this morning to let us know that she would be with Valentino today. Not that we were expecting anything else.

Aida and I were discussing how different things were going to be around the pack without Kiara. Neither of us really wanted to talk about something so sad, but it was on both of our minds. We knew that we would have to reconcile with this fact sooner or later. Our worlds were changing and we had to learn to adapt with it.

“Hello, ladies…” A familiar voice crooned, just as his shadow began to block out my sun.

“Hello, Alpha Timber.” We greeted in unison, causing us to giggle.

“What’s with all this Alpha stuff?” He asked, dropping down onto the towel next to me. “After our make-out session last night, I would have thought we would be on a first name basis.”

He leaned in close, running his mouth along my neck, mere centimeters from my skin, causing me to shiver.

“Well, I am not one to assume.” I teased.

“Assume away, Marvel. Assume away.” He whispered in my ear before nipping at it, lightly, causing me to jump.

“So to what do we owe the pleasure of your presence, Timber?” Aida questioned, interrupting the moment, which I was, mildly, grateful for.

Timber had been dropping hints the night before, and was already starting up again today, that he wanted things to move quickly between us. Whereas, I was not certain that we were going anywhere. I liked Timber, this was true. But we were from different packs. I technically had a mate and Timber had not found his yet. I did not see any reason to complicate things between us.

“Actually, I was wondering if I could interest all of you on a ride out on my boat? Thought it would be a fun way to spend the day.” He offered.

“That would be amazing!” Aida jumped up, excitedly accepting the invitation. “Let me go tell Tyrus!”

Aida rushed over to her mate, pulling him away from his game. Leaving me alone with this enticing and flirtatious Alpha. I was grateful that Aida and Tyrus were going to be with us. I was not sure that I trusted myself alone with him.

“You wanna go for a ride, Marvel?” He questioned, innuendo dripping from every syllable.

I answered yes, but there was a part of me that wondered if this was a bad idea. Though, it was too late to turn back now. Oh well, it was not as though as though it would cause any harm. Two, technically, single wolves enjoying a ride on the ocean.

We followed Timber to the marina, where his impressive speed boat was docked. Once we were ready, Timber started the boat and took off away from the shore towards the deeper parts of the water. I loved the feel of the wind whipping through my hair and the freedom of gliding so quickly over the waves. I was laughing and having the time of my life with my friends.

The only problem was that everytime I took in a deep breath, I smelt a cool ocean breeze, the salt being carried on the wind. It was refreshing, yes, but unfortunately, it reminded me of the problems that were awaiting me at home. As much as I tried to block thoughts of Enzo from my mind, they plagued me. Maybe coming to the water was a bad idea to help keep my mind off Enzo. I probably should have avoided it, knowing the scent would bring him to the forefront.

“Maybe we should have traveled high up into the mountains instead. Somewhere cold and harsh, something that smelled of anything but HIM.” I mused to myself as I looked over the horizon.

I sighed, feeling conflicted with all of my emotions. I wanted to hate him, everything inside of me was saying that I should. But I could not bring myself to do it. Not truly anyway.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I jumped in surprise as Timber approached me. I had not realized that he had stopped the boat and we were merely floating along. Too distracted by thoughts of a mate who paid me no attention at all. How many hours had I wasted dwelling on Enzo? I doubted that he had spent even a fraction of that amount of time thinking of me.

“Nothing of importance.” I answered, dismissing Timber’s question.

“Seems important. If it has someone as magnificent as you so caught up, then it must be important.” He reasoned.

I could not help but smile at his compliment. I appreciated his words. He had been very kind to me. I knew that was because he desired me, but was that not the reason that most unmated wolves were sweet to me?

“It is just some problems at home that I have to figure out.” I explained, rolling my eyes as my thoughts wandered back to Enzo…again.

“Well…you can always talk to me about it, if you want. I can offer a sympathetic ear.” He smiled at me softly. “Or…well…maybe I shouldn’t…” He paused, considering his words.

I watched him, intently, waiting for him to continue. But after several moments, it became apparent that he was going to need some coaxing.

“Maybe you shouldn’t…what?” I wondered.

“Well, I was thinking that I could offer you a way out of all your problems, but I don’t want you to think that I’m being too forward or putting my nose in where it doesn’t belong.” He explained.

He leaned his back against the railing, placing his muscled chest directly into my line of sight, presenting himself. I smirked at his show.

“At least someone wants me.”

It felt good to be wanted.

“What did you have in mind?” I asked, subconsciously leaning towards him, licking my lips in anticipation.

“Well…” He started, as he reached forward and grasped my waist, pulling me into him. “You could stay here for a while longer. There really is no need for you to rush back. Your friend, Kiara, would appreciate the company during the transition here.”

He paused again, beginning to place sloppy kisses on my neck, causing me to gasp.

“Who knows…if you like it here…maybe, you could stay permanently.” He breathed against my skin.

Those words brought me slamming back down to reality. Move here? Change packs? Leave my family? Leave Enzo? I would be lying if I did not admit that there was a tiny part of me that was excited at the prospect. I could start over leave Enzo behind with all of the negative thoughts and heartbreak.

But the rest of me was terrified at the thought. Could I really leave my pack even though I did not have to? Could I really leave Enzo and any possibility of being with my mate? My feelings for Enzo aside. Could I leave my parents? Was I ready for something like that?

If I had been leaving for my mate, I was certain that my drive to be at his side would have made it much easier to leave my pack. But because the idea was bred from leaving my mate rather than going to him. It made the whole possibility that much harder.