Forbidden Mate: Awakening

Without looking at him, I replied, “No.”

I tried to move through the door, but he blocked the way again, “I won’t beg you.”

“And I don’t want you to.”

“Why are you being difficult?’

“Just let me pass!” I jerked his hand off the door rail but he banged the door behind us, making me flinch back.

I glanced at him, my gaze piercing. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Is this how you want things to be from now on between us? Weird? Awkward? Toxic? Shitty?” The words came out of his mouth like garbage.

“You made it this way…” My voice broke with every syllable.

He sighed and looked the other side. I walked back and folded my arms, eager to get this over with and get away from him. “Talk.”

He hesitated, “Lily, I understand that our breakup was difficult for both of us, especially you…”

“Oh gee, look who’s just finding out.”

“You won’t even let me speak.”

“Look, to be honest, I don’t even want to hear anything. You’ve said all I needed to hear already. We just need to find a way to move forward…”

He scoffed, his eyes narrowed. “Move forward? Seems like you’re already doing a great job at that, Lily. Can’t say I’m surprised.”

My brows furrowed, “What do you mean?”

Tyler’s voice carried a hint of accusation as he continued, “I see the way you look at him, Lily. That hunter guy. It’s only been a short while since we broke up, and yet you’re already moving on?”

I shook my head “Adrian saved my life, and I’m simply trying to repay him. There’s nothing more to it.”

He scoffed again, “Right, just trying to repay him. I’m sure that’s all it is.”

My voice trembled with frustration, “You know what? Think whatever you want. I don’t give two shits about what you think of me again. It’s not about you anymore. Live your life and I’ll live mine.”

The silence between us was heavy with the memory of our past love and the resentment we felt now.

Tyler’s voice softened, his gaze meeting mine. “I guess it’s just hard for me, Lily. Seeing you with someone else so soon after our breakup, it stings.”

I couldn’t contain my anger any longer. “What the fuck are you even talking about? You fucking cheated on me and embarrassed me in front of everyone. You’ve moved on, dummy, and you expect me to wallow in sorrow like some hopeless person?!”

His countenance changed, “There is no need for you to be so cruel with your words. I was just telling you how…I mean I was just looking out for you.”

“You were more cruel to me that day, Tyler. You literally just changed and turned to something else – a heartless monster. And news flash, I don’t need you to look out for me. Go do that for your new bae.”

I voluntarily ended the conversation by bolting the door open and sprinting through the corridor, as far as I could from him, the only person who’s caused me so much pain in such little time. I was overwhelmed by all the thoughts in my head of the things we shared and the things we never said. I had a lot to say but the more I tried to face him, the angrier I got. I didn’t want him to make me feel so useless, so gloomy… but look at me now.

I was crushed by the reminder of our broken bond which he made me relive, and I dropped to the floor with tears streaming down my face. My heart was aching for being such a gullible fool for love. My first ever love had turned toxic and I singlehandedly caused this because of ever giving him a place in my heart.

I would never love so easily again.

Never.

••••••••••

The next day came, and the very first thing I wanted to do was go and see Adrian. I was anxious to see how he was doing. But just as I was about to head out, my dad called out to me. He was standing by the staircase and happened to have seen me walk out my room. He walked up to me, taking his steps lightly, and I had a notion he came with an intent which made me nervous.

My father normally didn’t greet so he straight up asked, “Tell me the truth, Lily. Who is that boy who claims he’s a werewolf hunter?”

And my throat went dry.

I was trying to figure out how to explain why Adrian was there without revealing his true identity. I was panicking trying to come up with an answer that wouldn’t put him in danger and I was trying to keep my face from showing my fear.

I maintained my stance. “Dad, I’ve told you Adrian is a werewolf hunter. He saved me last week when I was strolling in the woods. You should talk to him yourself if you have any other doubts. You know I would never lie to you.”

My father’s brows furrowed, his doubt still evident. “But Lily, he looks… different. There’s something strange about him.”

“I think it’s better you talk to him yourself to clear your doubts.”

“I certainly will but the way you were so keen to beg for me to spare him last night… I haven’t ever seen you that passionate before.”

“Dad, you have always taught me to fight for our own and the pack comes first. That’s what I exemplified last night. He is our own, part of our people…and I’m sure he has a good heart. If not, why did he save me then?” The more I spoke, the more I believed my own fabricated tale.

“He could’ve saved you for many reasons, one being to infiltrate this faction…”

I knew my dad would always hold suspicion against Adrain. That is how he was and that’s why he’s the leader of the pack hunters. Still, I didn’t want to believe I had reached a dead end with trying to convince him of Adrian’s genuineness.

“Trust me, Dad. I would know who is who…I’m not a child anymore.”

“No, you’re not, but you are still my child…”

My father’s suspicion lingered in his gaze, but he didn’t say anything else about it. Instead, he asked. “Where are you off to this morning?”

“I want to meet up with Sandra,” I replied with eagerness.

With a solemn expression, my father replied. “Hasn’t your mom warned you about hanging around that girl? You have to be very careful, Lily.”

“I will, Dad and I promise, Sandra is the last harm that can come my way,” I assured him before giving him a little hug and making my way towards the chambers downstairs.

As I reached the lower chambers, I stopped in my tracks. Adrian was nowhere to be seen. Why did he always disappear from where he was meant to be? Seeking answers, I approached a nearby guard and urgently questioned him.

“Excuse me, where is the captive?”

The guard met my gaze and responded promptly, “Trevor and Jaxon took him to train in the field with the others.”

Without wasting a moment, I hurriedly set off to join them. I ran towards the field, pacing through the garden trail as fast as I could.

As I made my way to the field, I saw Jaxon training alongside Don, the second douchebag and Tyler’s lab dog. Don had a knack for insulting and annoying me at every chance he got. I felt like his purpose was to make my life miserable. I tried to make myself slightly invisible in the open space. I didn’t want anyone to push my buttons.

Amidst his taunts, I knew I had Jaxon, the only dude who seemed to have compassion in their rank.

“Look who’s arrived.” Don’s taunting voice made my blood irk. “Looking for a beating after a break up unh?”

“Just let her be, Don…. sheesh.” Jaxon retorted and waved a “hi” to me, and I reciprocated.

As I scanned the area, my eyes landed on Adrian, diligently cleaning the body gear. Feeling relieved, I hurried over to greet him. “Hey, Adrian! What are you doing here?” I asked.

He looked up at me with a warm smile on his face. “Morning, Lily, Your father asked Jaxon to take me out and test my strength,” he replied.

I was totally baffled. Why would Dad make Jaxon do that? I just couldn’t wrap my head around why he did certain things.

Just then, I heard Tyler’s voice, and I turned to see him with Audrey, entering the field, their hands all over each other making me so sick. Ignoring their presence, I focused on Adrian.

“Little Miss Lily, how is your miserable life going?” Audrey couldn’t resist calling out to me. I sincerely felt her and Don where moulded from the same clay.

I decided to just pretend she wasn’t there and focused back on Adrian, finding comfort in being around him.

But alas, how would I expect so much in the midst of scumbags? Don came out of nowhere and swung his stick to strike Adrian, causing him to fall to the ground. Laughter erupted from the onlookers, except for Jaxon and me. Don’s arrogance knew no bounds and I swore, I wanted to punch him so hard. Who did he actually think he was?

“Get up, lad. You want to fit in with the grove, hunh? Mr hunter? Take up a glove and prove to me you’re actually the shit.”

Don just challenged Adrian to a fight. What is wrong with this dude? Why does he like asserting dominance over anything and everybody?

Someone really needed to teach him a lesson he would never forget, cus he’s mostly all talk and nothing else. He might be the front tier leader for reasons I don’t understand myself, but he was as soft as a marshmallow.

I couldn’t stand by and watch this. I interjected. “Stop, Don! That’s enough!”

Don turned his attention to me, his eyes filled with disdain. “Why don’t you go sit aside and watch how I beat the hell out of this werewolf hunter who supposedly saved your life?” He sneered.

Adrian reassured me, his voice gentle yet firm. “It’s okay, Lily. I’ll be fine.”

Reluctantly, I moved to sit aside, away from Tyler and Audrey. Tyler’s jealous gaze continued to linger on me, fueling a sense of discomfort within me. I looking forward and Adrian and Don were already standing squared off from one another. Adrian glanced at me and my heart could only skip a beat.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

What the hell is about to happen?