“Yes, Alpha.” Sab has been to their house many times in the past, what with being best friends with Ice and friends with Clyde. She’s used to their imposing presence. She’s not at all intimidated as she has witnessed them being approachable and kind. She managed to look him directly in the eyes.
“You are saying you are Clyde’s mate and you can feel the bond?”
“Yes.”
“Since you came of age?”
She nodded this time, then sniffed. She used the back of her hand to wipe her snot away. Gross. Not her best, but right now, she couldn’t care less.
The Luna went to get some tissues for her, for which she’s grateful.
“Why didn’t you say anything then?”
These are the same questions Clyde wanted to ask, so he kept quiet, waiting for her answers. Sab teared up again.
“I waited for him to say something. When I found out, I couldn’t understand why he didn’t tell me. He had his birthday months before I did. He should have known then that I’m his mate. That confused me. Why didn’t he say anything? Then I thought he must not like me. That he’s probably going to reject me. But then he came to me that night, to give me a present. He wished me a happy birthday but he didn’t say anything else. Not an acceptance. Not a rejection either. So, I waited it out. Maybe he’s still thinking or something. I didn’t want to embarrass myself, in case he doesn’t want me, so I didn’t say anything. I just… waited.”
Their parents exchanged a glance. Clyde was also in deep thought. He has known Sab since they were children. They grew up together and they’re friends. He could imagine what her feelings must have been as she narrated her story. Confused. Hurt. Hopeful. Hurt again. But still, he couldn’t believe it. If she’s his mate, why isn’t he able to feel anything towards her?
Sab continued after taking inhaling deeply, “After a while, I realized what’s happening. Clyde still kept talking about his mate so I figured he still wants his mate. But I was just there, I realized he must not be feeling a mate bond. That further confused me. Why am I the only one feeling it? Why isn’t he?”
Ice recalled the period of time she kept asking about that possibility, “You asked the mentors about it and everyone said it’s not possible. Didn’t you also ask mom and dad? They didn’t have an answer for you, did they?”
At his reminder, everyone else in the room also remembered it.
“I couldn’t tell anyone. Everyone said it’s not possible. Both mates should be able to feel the bond. What am I supposed to say? How am I supposed to prove that what I’m saying is true? You’re all going to think I’m lying. Tell me, you’re all thinking I’m lying right now, aren’t you?” She still tried to laugh it off, but her despair was also clear.
They all knew she’s a smart girl. She must have acted the way she knew was best for herself. After all, they either watched her grow up or have grown up with her.
“Then, why are you saying it now?” The Alpha asked, more gently this time.
Sab glanced at Ice, then at Clyde, before looking down again.
“Ice came to see me this afternoon. We were chatting, and he mentioned that Clyde is probably going to marry an Alpha’s daughter if he can’t find his mate. That it would probably happen within the month. I panicked. My wolf and I became restless. I felt that I needed to do something. Then, I realized… I didn’t want to regret anything. I need him to know before he decides to mate with someone else. Or maybe I felt that he deserves to know before he decides to mate with someone else. I just need him to know that he has a mate and it was me. Whether you believe me or not, that’s up to you. I did my part. I did my best. I can’t prove anything if you’re not feeling anything. So, I understand if you don’t believe me. I’m just taking my chances. As I said, I don’t want to live in regret. Wondering if things would have been different if I said it. So, I just said it now.”
Although she knew they probably won’t believe her, the burden in her heart seemed to lighten. There’s no longer a secret to be kept. She’s relieved. In a way, she already expects to be rejected, so… Her hope for an acceptance is quite low, but she can’t deny that it’s still there. She took a deep breath, right then and there.
“Then, I should probably leave now.” She looked at each of them in turn, even Clyde.
“I’ll take you back.” Ice offered, which kind of annoyed Clyde.
“Why do you need to go with her?” He hasn’t properly analyzed the situation yet, but the thought of them together doesn’t sit well with them. He narrowed his eyes, recalling that they have always been close.
“Oh, I don’t know. She may need someone to talk to. You guys can talk among yourselves. Let’s go, Sab.” He helped her up and she lightly bowed her head towards the others.
“We’re leaving, then. Thank you.” Her voice turned low this time. She grabbed Ice’s arm as they went out the house.
They were quiet for a while.
“Feeling better?” He asked, once he assumed they were far enough to start talking.
“Yeah. Thank you.”
“You could have told me much earlier. I would have believed you.”
Sab turned to look at him and seeing the sincerity in his eyes.
“You would? Thanks, Ice.”
“You waited because you like him. But really, you waited for three years?”
Sab knew he’s just teasing her, so she responded likewise.
“Says the guy who hasn’t made a move since he was fifteen years old.”
This is the main reason why they’re comfortable with each other. They truly treat each other as friends, if not as siblings. They don’t have romantic feelings for each other. Both of them already like someone else. A pity they’re unrequited.
“She still thinks I’m a baby. In vampire years, that is.” Ice complained.
“And now your twin is probably going to think I’m a liar.” She added her own.
They both sighed.
“Say, you haven’t rejected him, right? So, how are you able to control yourself around him? Is the bond muted? How come I haven’t heard you roaring mate back then?”
Sab punched his arm in irritation. She sighed before replying, “Oh, I tried hard. It’s good enough that we weren’t exactly close, so my interactions with him are already limited. What holds me back is the fact that he’s not feeling the same and I knew I will be judged by everyone if I declare that he’s my mate.”
Ice observed her sad and dejected expression.
“Have you ever considered rejecting him?” It would have been much easier for her. But then, she likes Clyde, so…
“I have, but I couldn’t. Maybe now that I’ve told him and if he says he doesn’t want me, then… I will.” Even her tone was filled with sadness.
“Good. You know he could be a jerk sometimes.” Ice hesitated. He didn’t want to tell her that Clyde is most likely not going to believe her words.
Sab smiled at him. He didn’t need to say it. She might not be close to Clyde, but she knew him well enough.
She feels anxious, though. She knew she should prepare herself to be hurt. Well, she’s already hurting, so there’s not much change, really.
She still wondered what Clyde could be thinking back at their house and how their discussion is going. Suddenly, she felt it’s a pity that Ice came with her. He could have stayed behind and tell her later.
Clyde and Ice were born different from the rest of them. Their mother, the current Luna, is half-werewolf half-vampire. Ice is the first-born, but he was ice cold when he came out. He was a full vampire. Clyde is the younger twin, but he was a full werewolf. Hence, the next Alpha was decided to be Clyde. Their parents went out of their way to find a vampire that would mentor Ice. Liana was her name. She’s quite young. Only about 300 years in vampire terms. She was extremely wary of everyone. When she came to the territory, she remained with the Alpha’s family to care for young Ice. She doesn’t go out much, especially during the day. Oh, right. That’s what’s different with Ice. He can walk and bathe in the sunlight. And he can consume other food, beyond blood. Not many has seen Liana. She does go out at night. When Ice was younger, she would often take him out to teach him the ways of the vampires. When he got older and grew up the same pace as his twin, she began thinking she may no
Sab tightened her hold on him as she started feeling more and more. The mate bond is a curious existence. Still, she didn’t think she would actually be able to somewhat keep it under control. However, as they continued to walk, she started feeling it more intensely. Ice didn’t comment on it. Her tight grip barely hurt him. They soon heard a small group of people talking in the distance. Sab frowned but there was nothing. No urge to run in that direction. Ice brought her to his family’s house. She’s a frequent visitor there, given their close friendship. His parents have known her since they were children and they find her honest character likeable. His parents knew it’s Sab’s birthday. His mother prepared a gift for her. Going inside the house, Sab almost forgot how to breathe. It was only for a moment and her eyes constricted. Her inner wolf was going wild with glee. Her mate is close. But who could it be? She tried to remain calm and collected. “Sab, you’re here. Happy birthday!”
The dress was beautiful. It made her look feminine. Still, Sab isn’t used to wearing such and quickly took it off. She might wear it during formal celebrations.In her room, she sat on her bed and closed her eyes. What just happened today?She put one hand on her chest, just above her heart. The presence of the bond is there, she can’t have imagined it. This feeling is completely different and cannot be easily ignored. She had a hard time controlling her emotions early.But why did he not react? He has turned eighteen months ago. He should have known then that she is his mate. He hasn’t said anything. He hasn’t acted differently around her. Even tonight, when she’s certain he’s her mate and it was his scent, he acted as if he feels nothing. When he touched her skin, he remained unbothered and simply concerned.Why is everything different? He acted as if the bond doesn’t exist. As if he doesn’t feel it and he doesn’t know she is his mate.Her inner wolf made her presence known. She ass
Well, shit. No one ever said anything, Sab repeated that in her head. Yes, of course. She really wouldn’t say anything. How could she? She thought of doing so, but she knew it would be difficult to believe. She was already bullied before for being weak, she can’t give them a reason to persecute her more. She would be called a liar if she says anything she can’t prove was real. Her head began to ache, along with her heart. “You don’t look well. You’ve just finished training, you should rest.” “Hmm, thank you for your time. I’m sorry for bothering you.” Sab stood and bowed her head at the man. He smiled at her and nodded, dismissing her. The following weeks, she did this a few more times with the other elders. They all responded similarly. She hoped at least one of them would have something to say, but nope. They all haven’t witnessed or heard of such a thing before. A month later, she braced herself. She can only ask the Alpha and the Luna. They’re younger than the elders, but they
“Well, something like that. From whom did you hear it from?” She frowned, sure Ice wouldn’t have told anyone. Clyde shrugged, “Just the general conclusion, since you’re not with anyone after your birthday. It has been… what? A month?” “Yeah…” She replied weakly. But she did find him, only he seemed unable to “find” her. “Don’t be discouraged. We’ll eventually find our mates. You’re also joining the pack visits, right?” “Hmm…” Her mind is a mess already. She wanted to tell him, but she can’t. This conversation seemed wrong. She felt as if she was lying to him and that’s not good. “You’re here.” Ice arrived and greeted her. “Hello.” Just like Clyde, he chuckled upon noticing her outfit. “Damn, you a girl now? The dress suits you. You did something to your hair?” “I just tied it up as usual.” “You put something on your cheeks?” Sab couldn’t take it anymore. She puffed her cheeks as she squinted at him. “Oh, are you blushing?” He carried a box into a corner and went to poke her
Ice has the most excellent hearing among them, as a vampire. He actually heard how her heartbeat changed. Poor girl. She’s still affected by Clyde. He assumed she still likes him.“The other person may or may not believe him. So, how to do it?” Alice added.“Since it hasn’t happened before, it’s more likely that he won’t believe it.” Sab voiced out her fear.“Well, you’ve hit the nail on the head. That’s true.” Conrad didn’t mince his words. She’s right about it.There was silence in the room. Sab courageously peeked at Clyde to see his expression. He was looking down as he thought about it.“How to convince the other party when it hasn’t happened before?” Alice repeated the question for everyone.Ice was a simple guy. He just repeated his earlier statement. Then, added, “Even if he likes the other person, if he insists, it would only be seen with suspicion. Why are you adamant about it? Can’t you just let go? Why do you insist to be with that person? Even if you say it’s just because
“I doubt it. If she does feel a bond, won’t she have acted differently? Very few wolves can control themselves around their mate.”“There you go. Very few can control themselves. She may be part of that very few you just mentioned.” Ice was quick to shoot him down.Clyde frowned at him. He understands Ice is quite protective of Sab.“Hmm, it’s an intriguing situation but we still don’t know much. Your father and I will see if other packs have any information.” Alice decided to intervene before these two young men get into a fight.“I’ll be leaving first.” Ice got up and nodded at his parents.Clyde’s lip twitched as they watched him go. When he turned to look at his father, he saw his serious expression.“You’re quick to dismiss it as a hypothetical scenario. When you become an Alpha, you should keep an open mind. Just because it hasn’t happened before, that doesn’t rule out the possibility that it may actually happen. Anomalies happen from time to time. You can’t deal with it the way
Sab returned to her daily activities like nothing abnormal is going on. She studied. She trained. Ice continued to accompany her most of the time and she’s glad that he’s helping her take her mind off things. He used to tease her a lot about Clyde, but now… he rarely mentions his twin’s name. Whenever she sees her mate, her heart couldn’t help skipping a beat, but that was it. She would look elsewhere and try to ignore him and this bond only she feels. Others would come to speak with her from time to time, but those are short encounters. A short chat between acquaintances. She couldn’t exactly say that they are her friends. She’s on good terms with most pack members, but there are instances they would tease her. They would poke fun at her performance during trainings. She’s a little clumsy when she’s feeling conscious of other people’s stares. When she feels that they’re watching her, she tends to slip and stumble. She gets embarrassed but there’s nothing she can do about it. In a w