You Rejected Me. Remember?

Astrea

I hurriedly closed the door and leaned against the wooden frame. Panting, I traced my lips with trembling hands. I could still taste him. I felt that it was the best moment of my life. I wish it lasted longer.

It was just a dare. It meant nothing.

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat. Oh, how I wished that it meant something. My heart was erratic and my body craved to be held in his strong arms. All I wanted to do was run out of the room and into his arms. I wanted to confess my feelings, regardless of how stupid I sounded. I would have if we wolves weren’t supposed to find our mates sooner or later.

Heaving deep breaths, I counted up to ten. I needed to relax. I had to get over this. I must do something before things start to go out of control.

“This has to stop,” I mumbled under my breath. “I must… I can’t do this…” I trailed off. “Ash. Help me.”

Tears gathered in my eyes. I wished I had better control over my emotions. I didn’t want to cause any trouble. And falling for someone other than your mate only causes heartache and turmoil.

“What can I say, Astrea? I… ” she paused. “Wait. What if we figure this out once his lycan wakes up? Maybe things will become clearer then?”

Ash sounded hopeful, yet a hint of uncertainty laced her voice. I wanted to believe her, but I was scared. What if we realise that we were truly not meant to be? What if he falls in love with someone else? Or worse, what if he is mated to another wolf?

I felt my chest constrict. I wouldn’t be able to bear it. I sat on the floor and leaned my back against the door. If this was how I felt now, I wouldn’t be able to handle it if he finds another love once I fall deeper for him. I had better try to stop loving him.

But how could I do that?

The rest of the night passed by with me thinking about him while I lay on the cold tiles of the floor. I was exhausted and it was already late. Slowly, I felt my eyelids grow heavy.

I really should try to forget…

I suddenly woke up, feeling cold. I had fallen asleep on the floor. My body ached a bit, perhaps because of sleeping in a crouched position at the entrance. Sighing, I stood up and checked the time. It was already 10 in the morning. Since we were given a three day break, it wasn’t going to be a problem, but I didn’t feel like going back to sleep anymore. So I freshened up and walked downstairs to start the day. After thinking a lot, I had made up my mind. I would try to forget my feelings for him. I just hoped that I succeeded.

***

The three day break was over sooner than we anticipated. It was fun hanging out with our friends. I would say that we bonded pretty well during this short vacation. Especially Sarah, Elena, Rafael, Arnold and I. Xander and Leo, too, joined us at times.

Did I succeed in distancing myself from him? No.

How in the world was I supposed to distance myself from someone I grew up with? I couldn’t do it just because I felt something new towards him. Nevertheless, I stopped fantasizing about his k**s when I was alone.

It was the last night before we were supposed to start the second round of the training. Our new trainer had arrived during the day and I was looking forward to learning from an expert. Yet we would also miss the fun we had during our leisure time. So we decided to spend a few hours together before we went to sleep. There was no way we would be allowed to go out of the Palace region.

While Xander, Leo, and I waited for them in the game room, I heard Xander whisper something to Leo. I looked up from my phone just in time to see Xander pushing him towards me. I raised an eyebrow.

Astrea

I hurriedly closed the door and leaned against the wooden frame. Panting, I traced my lips with trembling hands. I could still taste him. I felt that it was the best moment of my life. I wish it lasted longer.

“Hey,” I called out to let them know that I was watching them.

Leo scratched the back of his neck while he smiled sheepishly.

“Go,” Xander pushed.

I looked at them with a raised eyebrow. I couldn’t understand why Leo was being so hesitant. And why did Xander have to push him to approach me? Leo could come and say whatever he wanted. When he finally sat beside me, I gave him my full attention. Maybe he wanted to say something important.

“Did something happen?” I asked.

He let out a deep sigh and leaned forward. After remaining silent for a while, he shook his head.

“Actually… no. Nothing happened,” he said.

His answer increased my confusion.

“Well, if so, what were you guys being so secretive about?” Frowning, I tilted my head to one side.

“It’s… uh… nothing to be worried about. Just some…” Leo threw a glance at Xander who was watching us intently and then g*****d as he covered his face.

“It’s Xander! He has his eyes on this girl!” He blurted out, surprising me a little.

“Huh?” I grinned. “Really? Who is the lucky girl?” I asked.

Rolling his eyes, Xander approached us. “A girl I met in training. I’m not keeping it a huge secret and I will talk to her as soon as I complete my transformation. I’m not chicken, unlike some people,” he said, glaring at Leo.

I frowned.

Xander sighed. “Leo is going bonkers over a girl,” he stated, and I felt my heart plummet. So my worst fears were coming true.

The sound of laughter made us all turn towards the entrance. The gang had arrived. The conversation with Leo and Xander would have to wait. Our friends were teasing Rafael as they walked in and it was obvious why. Rafael’s blond hair was bright pink.

“I never thought you liked pink hair,” I commented when they took their seats. He grimaced.

“It looks great on me, don’t you think? It goes perfectly well with my skin tone and I think the pink brings the colour of my eyes out,” he dramatically batted his eyelashes, making me snicker.

“I doubt you would colour your hair bright pink, though. What happened?” I asked.

“Arnold happened,” Rafael mumbled. “He poured pink dye into my shampoo and viola! Look at me now!” He said.

Arnold grinned from ear to ear. “Finally!” he exclaimed.

“Yup! But this isn’t the end, pal. From the looks, I think we have a lot of time to spend together,” a smirk spread across Rafael’s face. Arnold just simply shrugged.

After much laughter and chit-chat later, we took turns playing video games. Time passed and our friends left before it got too late. Xander, too, had to leave to attend some of his special lessons and that left me with Leo. We were playing a game of Fifa on the PlayStation when Zelda arrived.

“Mom says to tell you that it’s time to stop and go to sleep,” she said.

“Yeah… almost…” I mumbled. Right after I beat him. I thought.

“And gooooal!” I screamed. “Yessss!” I jumped.

“Yeah, you beat me,” he chuckled, standing up and stretching himself.

“Hmm. Now it’s time to go back,” I stretched myself. I was about to walk away when I suddenly remembered about our previous conversation.

“So when are you going to tell me about the girl?” I asked him, feeling a little envious about that girl, whoever that was.

His charming smile abruptly faded and he looked at me as though he had a lot to say. Sighing, he turned so that he was facing me entirely. Despite the rising jealousy in my heart, I forced a smile.

“Well? Don’t lie. I can see in your eyes that you like someone for real.”

He knitted his eyebrows.

“Really?” He asked, frowning at me. “You can see that?” He asked.

Shrugging my shoulders, “well. Yeah. Now that Xander mentioned it,” I said.

He gulped forcefully and he held my shoulders. I felt his deep eyes burning into mine. That gaze was full of desire… or was in seeing things?

I frowned. No. I must be mistaken. He liked someone and my mind was tricking me.

“Yeah,” he finally said. “I like someone. But there is a huge problem,” he added.

My heart thudded frantically in my chest. He liked someone. I felt like crying, but I must be brave.

“Wh… what is the problem?” I stammered.

“She is a wolf,” he sighed, making me frown.

A wolf? That was his reason?

“Well, what’s wrong with wolves? I also am a wolf and we don’t have any problems getting along, do we?” I stated, finding it easier to find my voice.

“Yes. And you haven’t found your mate yet. Wolves need to find their mates. I wish you guys had the choice to choose whoever you want to spend your life with. Like us… you know,” he looked at his feet.

I was speechless. He was right, but I didn’t know what to say. Just when I was acknowledging my feelings for him, he had to drop the bomb. After mustering up all the courage I could, I placed a finger under his chin and made him look at me. He was my friend, and I would always be there for him… even if it hurts.

“Hey. You are a great person. I’m sure everything will happen exactly the way you want it to. Just be a little patient. Maybe when your lycan wakes up, things will get a bit clearer,” I paused to gulp down the lump in my throat.

“I believe he must wake up soon?” I asked. Smiling, he nodded in response.

“Maybe next month. Soon,” he said.

I gave him a reassuring smile. “There. That’s nothing to worry about. Just relax and let time take care of it, okay?” I told him.

An awkward silence followed.

“You still haven’t met your mate,” he stated.

I chuckled. “Yeah. I’m in no rush. I’ll meet mine when the time is right.”

I sounded more like I was trying to reassure myself. He exhaled a deep breath.

“That is why I’m hesitant about it. What if after I express my feelings, the mate shows up? Then? I’ll be left with a broken heart. And even with the narrow likelihood of her rejecting him for me, our lives would be far from serene. I… I want to live with the girl I’m in love with in peace. I want to give her a happy life. Not a life filled with chaos,” he blurted out. “Besides, I don’t want to break a friend…..” He trailed off and blankly stared at me.

“Friend? Is the girl a friend? Who?” I asked. I needed to know. If she was a friend of Leo and a wolf, chances were that I already knew her.

He hesitated.

“Come on Leo. You got to tell me,” I urged. “I am your best friend, right?” I pushed him further.

“You don’t want to know,” he mumbled and looked away.

“But why? You never kept secrets from me, Leo. Why aren’t you telling me who the girl is? I’ll help you,” I yanked at his arm.

He looked at me and I took my time to study his expression. He was undoubtedly conflicted. Perhaps this was a good way for me to forget my love for him. Maybe, if I contacted that girl and pushed her towards him, he would slowly drift away from me.

Maybe that was what we needed.

“Tell, me,” I pleaded.

“Fine,” he said. “It’s you,” he blurted out and I felt my entire body freeze.