Seeking The Past

Chapter 8 - The Choice

I crossed my arms and didn’t say a thing. I wasn’t looking forward to seeing Lee right now. I wanted to talk with James. To my relief James got out the other door.

“Lee don’t refer to my mate that way.” James said with a sigh. He looked at me, there was something soft about his expression and I relaxed at the sight of him. “I’m sorry Hannah, Lee insisted on coming with and I got tired of fighting him.”

“James I really wanted to talk to you privately.” I looked into his eyes, not able to turn away. Lee seemed uneasy at our conversation. I could tell he wanted to be included. I sighed “Let’s all just go somewhere quiet where we can talk.” Lee smiled and held open the door for me. We walked to the car and got in.

“I know a good place where it’s quiet.” James said starting the car as Lee hopped into the back seat. As we drove into the outside pack lands I started to rehearse what I planned to say in my head. I closed my eyes because I wanted to ask so many things. I felt someone rub my shoulder. I looked back to see Lee giving me a half grin as if to reassure me things would be ok. We pulled off the road and started down a rough back road.

“You’re going to love this place Hannah, it’s just a quiet creek. James and I used to come out here to catch newts when we were kids.” Lee was talking but I looked at James for any type of communication. Wanting the verbalization of what was going on to come from him. As I looked at him, I started to study his face. His chiseled features were enough to make any woman swoon. It must’ve been the dream of many young woman to be the mate of the alpha. The car slowly came to a stop. James and Lee got out, but as I went to get out the boys rushed to my door fighting over who got to open it. I was getting slightly annoyed and pushed the door to signal I was getting out wether someone helped me or not. They both got quiet and stepped aside.

“Real smooth brother.” Lee said slightly annoyed.

“I do not need your help with MY mate brother.” James glared at Lee who crossed his arms and glared back.

“This was why I wanted to come just us. I don’t want this to be just you guys fighting while I sit back uncomfortably and watch.” I started to walk off towards the creek. I walked over to a pile of large rocks, sitting down listening to the water running. The birds were chirping and little peeks of sun were shining through the trees. It was so peaceful here.

“I apologize Hannah.” James stood behind me. I could feel the heat from his body. I turned slightly to look up at him and he looked at me. I could feel sparks from just his eyes. He leaned down and before our lips could meet, Lee cleared his throat. We both looked at him walking up slightly almost looking disappointed in us. I felt so upset that Lee had come, I was starting to get mad. James placed his hand on my back for a moment and my body began to calm from his touch. I looked toward Lee and I motioned to him to come sit with us. Lee didn’t budge.

“I’m sorry things have been so crazy since the birthday party.” I said looking back to James. “To be honest, I always wanted to leave and study abroad. I’ve never felt… like this was my home. After running with the elites, I did feel differently. Almost as if I could stay and be apart of the elite group.” James didn’t take his eyes off me, he was so engaged in our conversation. Lee how ever stared at the ground, my words seem to bother him. “I’m sorry but I’m still unclear if this is what I want James.” He reached out and held my hand. Sparks emitted from his finger tips, his hands felt like this was all I’ve ever wanted. A little voice in my head started questioning, ‘Do you? Do you want to be with him?’ I looked at James’s fingers. His hands were soft and he lifted my hand to his mouth giving it a soft peck.

“Hannah I understand. I just want you to be happy. I want to be the one that makes you happy. I can’t deny my feelings seem to be stronger then yours. I know you’ve yet to turn 18. The mate bond will be much stronger after you turn 18, you know that right?” There was such sincerity in his voice. He was being so gentle with her words.

“I’ve heard once both people turn of age, the mate bond can almost be irresistible. Especially in our pack.” My mother had informed me many times. James rubbed my hand with his thumb. My heart skipped a beat.

“Hannah, if you truly want to leave and explore the world. You can reject me.” My eyes welled with tears at the thought. He took a moment to catch his own breath, it was hard for him as well. “I do however feel the Moon goddess brought us together for a reason. I know I shouldn’t have been so cold when we met. I knew when I saw you that you were going to be my mate, I felt it. The mate bond wasn’t as strong then and I was mad at the Moon Goddess. It wasn’t because I didn’t like you, I felt my life until you walked into the diner was to be alone because … Madison.” His voice trailed off. I know Madison was his first love and I felt for him, but I knew Madison’s side. Knowing she never felt as deeply as James did. Lee walked over and touched James’s back. James turn to him and gave him a nod. “I promised Lee we wouldn’t bring her up again to you.” James looked back at me. “Until your 18th birthday Hannah. You have until then to reject me, or create our mate bond that will last forever.” I swallowed hard. I had a lump in my throat that wouldn’t go down.

“That gives me two months.” I said in a low voice.

“Until then, maybe we can go on a few dates? Spend some time together perhaps? This way you can know if being with me is what you truly want.” James stood up still holding my hand. I stood as well. Lee never said a word during our quiet conversation. It was unlike him to not make any witty comments or sassy remarks. Maybe he was there to just be moral support for his brother? At least that’s what I wanted to believe.