His Rejected Mate

Chapter Two: Ancient Gods

Hayden Davis.

Blue Reef High.

He didn’t feel what I felt?! Does he not know what this means? Didn’t he realize that we’re mates?

"Mr. Davis, which way?"

Disappointed, I nodded for him to follow me. This isn’t how I imagined my first meeting with my mate would be. I heard stories from others about how they first were confused and overwhelmed by the feeling, then a sort of blessing surged through their bodies. A sense of calmness and serenity fell upon them.

Then why am I not experiencing the same?

I heard him giggle behind me, which made me look back at him in question. This time, he wasn’t looking at his phone, staring in what looked like amusement at me. A hint of a haunting smirk played on his lips, which got me wondering. If he’s my mate, could he be the hunter everyone feared? Could this frail boy be the dangerous killer everyone is preparing to kill?

He has hunters’ blood surging through him, but he didn’t inherit the powers. Technically, he’s just a human. The possibility of him being Therot is high, yet there is something about him that makes me disregard this theory. He doesn’t show any signs of bearing great powers as everyone claimed. The probability of him being just a normal human is high too.

“Mr. Davis?” He called, and god how much his voice resonated deeply in my ears, shaking my core. I must’ve looked like an i***t as he shot me a demeaning glare.

“Isn’t this the Elite classroom?”

I stared at him, baffled that he knew about this classroom, but mostly about how his sharp yet soft voice suited him. And as if he read my mind, he pointed at the door. “The principal told me that I'd attend this class. And that shiny ‘Elite’ plastered on the door is a dead giveaway.” He said somewhat mockingly.

I couldn’t help but laugh at my idiocy and cleared my throat in discomfort when he glared intently at me. I don't know how to explain it, but I think he hates me.

“Yes, this is the Elite class. Mr. Summer didn’t inform me that you'd be joining this class.” But it makes sense for him to join it. He's technically the only human in this school, and there is also the fact of the vulnerability of his situation. So yeah, Carl Summer was right to assign him this class.

“Well?” Michael quirked an eyebrow at me, tapping his foot on the tiled floor in clear indication of his lack of patience. A typical teenager's behavior, yet something about those soulless eyes of his reflected the wisdom behind them.

Still, I couldn't help but frown again at his sharp tone of voice, forcing myself to show a friendly smile as the only adult in this hallway. “Right now, there is a class in progress. They’re all seniors, and I believe you’re still a freshman. Your class should start after them.”

He snorted, slipping his phone in his pocket as he faced me. “Mr. Davis, I think there is a lot that you don’t know. I, to begin with, am a senior this year. I skipped a couple of grades, and I’m pretty sure my old teachers called me too advanced for their tedious classes. So, long story short, Mr. Davis, I am joining this class.”

I gulped, feeling flustered all of a sudden and taking a mental note to read his file later. But the funny thing is that all my wolf was rambling about is how our mate is a genius.

Michael looks fifteen, and he must be, being that his parents have just recently died. And didn’t his uncle say that they died on his fifteenth birthday? It’s quite an accomplishment for him to be a senior in high school at this young age.

“I see.” I smiled, opening the door to the classroom for him. “I guess you can go in.”

I walked inside the classroom, meeting the bewildered glares of my students. Michael didn’t seem fazed at all, standing next to my desk, and from the looks of it, he was waiting for me to introduce him.

He’s really conceited. So adorable.

Focus, Hayden!

“Everyone,” I went on, smiling at the confusion of most of my students. The Alphas and noble vampires in the class must've found it weird that they can't sense Michael's nature, as I was when I first saw him.

“Meet Michael Reese, who’ll be joining our class from now on. . .I’ll leave the room for him to introduce himself.”

I smiled at Michael, and he just sighed as if he really wasn't looking forward to being on the spot. His cold eyes fixated on my students, wearing the beginning of a condescending smile, his head held high in pride.

For a small boy, he evidently has this weird vibe about him, as if I’m in the presence of an elder. It could be because he is, as he referred to himself, an intellectual genius, or maybe because of the things he’s been through. Whatever it is, Michael seems more of a wise adult than a teenage boy.

With a lilt of provocation in his tone of voice, Michael started. “I’m Michael Reese, the son of Thomas Reese, the hunter. I’m not here to make friends, not like any of you would want to be a friend of a hunter.”

That’s quite an introduction! Well, at least he didn’t say he hates our kind.

“Also, I hate stupid mutts.” Michael looked back at me with a meaningful smile before glancing back at the rest of the class. “I despise them so much. With that said, please take care of me.” He smiled cheekily.

The whole class stared at me in question, while Rick Dawson showed some hostility about having a hunter in the room, who was loud about his hatred towards wolves. Had I known Michael would reveal his father’s identity and say unnecessary things, I would’ve made the introduction in his stead.

He smirked at me, showing insubordination, which made me frown. I forced a faint smile as I faced the class, hoping I could calm them down. “There is a good reason why Michael is joining our class." I explained, pressing my clammy palms on my wooden desk. "I’ll answer your questions later. Right now, let’s welcome him to our class.”

None of them showed any sign of yielding to my demand, making me feel sorry for Michael. After what he said, I don’t think anyone would treat him in a friendly way.

Looking back at him, I froze in place when I saw his patronizing grin. It’s so unnerving. He doesn’t seem to care nor looks afraid of being surrounded by supernatural beings.

Something is amiss here, and I need to have a long discussion with Alpha Summer and Dawson about this.

“Mr. Davis, where shall I sit?”

“Anywhere is fine,” I replied with a dry smile and was startled when Cameron Summer pushed Rick off his seat, smiling widely at Michael.

“This seat is free!” he yelled, not lacking enthusiasm.

“What the hell, Cameron?!” Rick protested, sounding the anger I was feeling now. It’ll be troublesome if Cameron shows that kind of interest in Michael. My mate is adorable with those big dark eyes of his, and those thin, reddened lips, and that dazzling smile. He’s attractive and can catch anyone’s eye. But he's mine, goddammit!

Cameron cheekily smiled, shooing his best friend away and patting the seat for Michael to sit. The latter didn’t take his invitation, making me sigh relieved, as he walked towards Sylvie and took a seat next to her.

Cameron chuckled, trying to calm Rick down, offering back the seat.

I should be happy that someone was trying to ‘befriend’ Michael, but I couldn’t control my anger. I glowered at Cameron, ignoring his stupid, puzzled face. If he weren't just a kid, I would've ripped his head off for daring to think of my mate that way.

Stupid kid!

I gulped when I felt Michael’s eyes on me as I went ahead with the class. “Where were we before we got interrupted?”

“We were discussing the fact that there are nine Horned Serpents.”

“Thank you, Oliver.” I felt myself sweating when I met Michael’s eyes. They were boring into my own as if he was studying me or calculating my every move.

“Yes, umm, recently, we’ve discovered that there are nine Horned Serpents. However, we’re still uncertain about the last two.”

Seeing Michael frown, looking confused, I figured he was probably unaware of this topic. I looked at Sylvie, saying, “Sylvie, can you list the names of the Horned Serpents we know exist?”

“Uh, sure. . . There is Uktena, Uktehi, Unktehi, Amahi, Keezheekonihi, nilch'ihi, and Unetlanvhi.”

She blushed when I praised her and looked down when Rick again said something to provoke her. This kid will never learn. So pathetic for him to go after her. Michael seemed to agree as he fixated his glare at Rick. I feared that he’d say something to provoke the hot-headed Alpha, but he just snorted a laugh, looking back at me as he raised his hand.

“I have a question.” I hesitantly nodded for him to speak, a bit reluctant about what he might say, and he went on. “You mentioned that you’ve only recently discovered the existence of nine Horned Serpents. Is this true?”

“You mean the existence of the Horned Serpents?”

“Heh, I meant that you’ve just recently discovered this.” He cut in, and that curt cynical chuckle he let out had everyone on edge.

I frowned at what he implied, still I was curious about what he had to say. “Yes," clearing my throat as I replied. "This was just a recent discovery. Do you mean that you were aware of their existence?!”

“You were?!” Sylvie jumped in, sounding her excitement, fixing her bright eyes on Michael, who smirked.

“You guys never fail to amaze me.”

His sarcastic tone of voice hurt my pride, and I wasn’t the only one. The whole class displayed what I can only describe as hostility towards Michael. Except for Cameron, who looked more infatuated with my mate.

Stupid kid.

“Don’t be so pretentious and stop acting like you're better than us. You must’ve heard about this before, but that doesn’t prove that it wasn’t from the same source.”

Seeing Sam target him, I knew this argument would eventually lead to something terrible. I could only intervene, trying to get control back over this discussion. “Sam, I don’t think Michael was. . .”

I trailed off when Michael chuckled, leaning back in his chair and sporting a condescending look as if we were all beneath him. It was obvious that I was losing control over my class, yet a part of me was willing to let this continue.

“Indeed, you could be right," Michael said, "but then, if you can answer my questions, I’ll sincerely apologize for thinking that you’re all stupid.”

“What the heck?!” Rick stood up, surely aiming for a fight. I can't blame him though. “You come to our town, to our school, and you insult us! Are you looking for death, dumbass!”

Michael giggled and smiled at him. “Then prove me wrong. Do you have any idea who the Horned Serpents are and what they represent, or do you just think of them as saviors?!”

“They are our saviors!” Oliver jumped in, and I could sense his boiling fury. Rather, I could sense the whole class’s fury.

“Guys, settle down. I’m sure Michael didn’t mean what he said.”

I tried again to meddle and stop any unwanted fights. I mean, I don’t know which side I’d choose if that were to happen, but for sure, I wouldn’t let them bully my mate.

“Oh, I meant everything I said,” Michael countered with a smug look, causing the whole class to look his way, and making it difficult for me to protect him. The Alphas in this class looked as if they were having a hard time controlling their anger.

“If you know your saviors as well as you’ve implied, then answer my questions.”

He riled up the class, and I just stood there baffled, staring at this fragile boy digging his own grave. I tried my best to calm everyone down, and they eventually yielded to my request.

“Umm, the Horned Serpents are gods of the elements.” Sylvie hesitantly went on, making me smile. She was always ahead of the class when it came to our history. Not everyone knew that the Horned Serpents were gods.

“Before the existence of our kind, the Horned Serpent took the form of a beautiful and mystical dragon, and he was worshiped by humans. When he decided to rest, he divided his powers between his followers. Thus, humans with superpowers soon existed, ruled by each Horned Serpent.”

“Impressive,” Michael remarked in a low voice, offering a gentle smile at Sylvie. Seeing that smile made my heart burn with jealousy. I want him to genuinely smile at me, not those twisted and smug grins he always pulls when facing me.

“Impressive, indeed,” I added. “Some of the Horned Serpents wanted their legacy to persevere; thus supernatural humans such as vampires, werewolves, witches exist now.”

I looked at Michael with anticipation, a part of me hoping he’d be impressed by me as well and show me that beautiful smile. Yet, he didn’t seem to care, still staring at Sylvie, who was a blushing mess. But then again, I didn't add much to what she said.

Oh, no. Does he, perhaps, like her?

“See, now you apologize for what you said?” Rick demanded, and Michael chuckled as an answer.

“I said I would if you'd answer my questions and what’s so evident here. Knowing that the Horned Serpents are gods of the elements, you have just now found out that there are nine of them?”

Rick frowned, and so did I and the rest of the class, confused yet eager about what he’d say next. No teacher wants to get outsmarted by their student, but for Michael, I'll make an exception.

He sighed and dramatically pressed his fingers around the bridge of his nose. “Since you don’t seem bright enough to understand, let me enlighten you.”

“You better watch it, Reese!” Rick snarled while Cameron giggled.

“Chill, dude. Let the cutie talk.”

I couldn’t control myself as I glared at Cameron for clearly hitting on my mate. Although, is it appropriate for me to think of Michael like this? I mean, he’s just a kid and my student at that!

Michael gave Cameron a calculating look, then glanced at me as if he was expecting something before he grimaced.

“Sylvie, since you’re well-informed about the subject, can you cite each serpent god and their element?”

Sylvie looked at me for permission, and I nodded for her to answer Michael’s question. I’m really intrigued to know what he’s getting at.

“We all know that the basic nature elements are Fire, Water, Earth, Metal, and Wood. In addition to this, there is the element of Darkness and Light. The serpent gods each represent one of these elements. . . For example, Uktena is known for representing darkness, but some believe he possessed the power of light, too.”

“Good job, Sylvie.” I smiled, and so did Michael, his dark eyes shimmering as he stared at her. I didn’t let it bother me, acting like the teacher I am, looking at the rest of the class as I elaborated. “I know that this may be confusing for some of you. Uktena indeed has the powers of the darkness and light elements, but only because one of the Horned Serpents passed her powers to him. Amahi, the light goddess, is believed that she fell in love with a mortal, so she passed her powers to Uktena, who chose to live for the cause of protecting the supernatural beings. . .”

“And not any human, she dumbly fell in love with,” Michael added with a smirk. “Amahi was in love with someone you guys are very familiar with.”

“Who was it?!” Oliver seemed as interested as the rest of us as he asked.

Michael’s smile widened, his voice languidly echoed in the silent room. “Therot, the hunter.”

This can’t be possible! Does this mean Therot existed when the Horned Serpents were all alive?!

“That’s not possible,” Sylvie mumbled what we were all thinking, and Michael chuckled at her confusion.

“It’s possible because it's the truth. Therot, or Callus, as he was named at the time, was in a relationship with Amahi. She loved him and couldn’t imagine her life without him, so she chose to become a mortal.” Michael trailed off with a blank look, a hint of sadness could be detected in his eyes.

“How do we know that this is all true? For all we know, you could be making this stuff up.” Rick chuckled when Michael was yet to reply, adding, “You hunters sure love making up your own version of everything. A goddess who fell in love with a human. Don’t make me laugh.”

Michael had a firm glare at him, sighing as he looked back at Sylvie. “Amahi did love Callus, and he did too. They lived a simple life, and they couldn’t have been happier when she got pregnant. But Uktena refused to allow this, he planned on killing Callus and getting rid of their unborn child.”

Michael balled his fists as if he were trying to control his anger, which had me wondering if we were wrong about this. If he’s really just a human. If he was the hunter we all dreaded.

“Then what happened?” Sylvie asked and blushed when Michael stared at her with a kind smile.

Just what’s going on here? I’ve just found my mate, and I’ll lose him on the same day? Did he really take a liking to Sylvie?

A threatening growl made me look at Rick. He looked as troubled as I am right now, making me frown. Don’t tell me that he’s attracted to my mate? Why else would he sound like a pitiful animal at the sight of Michael smiling at Sylvie?

Oh! Is Sylvie his mate? Is this why he’s acting like a stupid kid and bullying her all the time?

“Amahi saved Callus and sacrificed herself and their unborn baby. Callus, after learning the truth about who she was, and who Uktena and the rest are, sought vengeance. . . And ironically, his true powers emerged, proving that he was, as well, one of the nine serpents; a spirit god.”

“That can’t be true!” I wondered aloud, and my mate looked my way with a derisive grin.

“If you know the framework of the elements, you’d know that apart from the five main elements of nature, the sixth element proved to be the most powerful and dangerous of them all. The element of the spirit contain darkness, light, angels, and demons. The latter was Therot’s symbol, which is why he had access to the ancient dark arts.”

“That’s plausible!” Sylvie exclaimed, looking at me as if she was looking for confirmation. “The sixth element is what connects the main ones, and I wrongly assumed that it contained only darkness and light. That’s because I thought darkness and demons were the same, as well as light and angels.”

“Which is why Therot started fighting and successfully killing one of the Horned Serpents; the goddess of angels. He found a way to restore nature’s balance by transferring the powers of the spirit gods to himself. Uktena proved to be very powerful, as he was bearing the power of both light and darkness, and you all are aware of the result of his fight with Callus.”

‘That’s. . . That’s sad.” Sylvie muttered after a brief silence, her lips wavering. Her clear sympathy over this made Michael hold her hand, and both Rick and I growled at this sight. The whole class stared at us in question, their inquisitive glares fixated on Rick and me.

Saved by the bell. Everyone started leaving the class, whispering to each other, looking puzzled and overwhelmed by what they'd just learned. I know I am. I just stood there, watching my mate, who didn’t move, looking down at his desk. Once we were alone, I gathered the courage to walk his way, frowning at the troubled look he held.

“Is everything okay, Michael?”

I leaned on his desk, looking down at my beautiful mate. His thick, black eyelashes fluttered upward, and those breath-taking brown eyes glared my way, bearing a look that could only be interpreted as sadness and despair.

“Are you okay?” I lowered my voice to a mere whisper, fighting the urge to caress his cheek and comfort him.

He’s a kid, goddammit!

“Mr. Davis, isn’t it sad and unfair for a fated couple to always end up apart?”

“What?” I stuttered, somehow feeling as if his words were directed at me. Does he know that we’re mates and perhaps know of that stupid prophecy? What else would make him say that?

“Nevermind,” he mumbled with a sigh, standing up to leave the class. “Some people aren’t meant to be loved.”

Hearing my mate utter this, triggered the suppressed memories from my past, and I found myself holding him by his arms and glaring down at him.

“Every person deserves to feel loved, Michael. Everyone, no matter who they are, or what their past was like.”

“You mean it?” His glossy gaze did wonders to me, and I moved my hands away, afraid of committing a crime if I kept him close.

“I mean it, Michael.” I smiled at the deep frown he had on. “Just don’t try to push people away. You can always come to talk to me about anything. I’m here for you.”

I tried to sound as professional as I could, although I wanted nothing but to pull him into my arms and comfort him.

Michael stared at me for the longest, his saddened look morphed back to that stoic expression, his lips curving upwards into a twisted grin.

“It’s nice to know that you people can feel something else other than anger.”

He left me at that, and I just stared at his retreating figure, wondering if we were soon to judge his true nature. He’s my mate, that’s certain. The fact that he’s the infamous hunter is possible, yet not definite. His actions indicate that he’s aware of his heritage, and his aura shows that he bears hidden and dangerous powers.

There must be a way for us to be sure that he’s just a human, and with that, I found myself walking towards Mr. Summer’s office for a very pressing talk.