The Luna’s One True Mate

Bound by Two, Claimed by None

Chapter 4

Xander's POV

I sent Victor to retrieve Charlotte somehow, and tell her the reason she'd be coming. I didn't want to see her and she probably didn't want to see me either.

This had nothing to do with the mate bond. It just had to deal with me getting rid of her.

Stanley was seated in the private dinner room I paid for by noon. It was exquisite and some things were already served.

I grew tired of waiting for so long, so I stood by the window.

"Who exactly is this Charlotte girl and what did she do to make you want to kick her out?"

"We're not friends," I told him. "I don't need to explain anything to you. You'll meet her yourself."

Diplomacy was always needed in these situations. To me, it felt unfair. But there's only so much you could do with a lot of people against you.

I could always be the savage people rumored I was and get certain things over with, but I had to think about my pack. My people. Unfortunately.

He let out a gentle laugh. "You're so cold today. Not like there's any day when you aren't. But it's fine. I still think you're very awesome."

I hated his eyes that always seemed to convey a type of innocence. He wasn't innocent. He wasn't a good person. But if I killed him now, I wouldn't be able to prove it.

So I smiled. "You're lucky I'm being nice today."

He raised his hands up in surrender. "I didn't even do anything and you're threatening me. Sometimes I wished you were more like me. Chill and with not much worries in the world."

"I'd rather die," I replied coldly.

He offered a surprised look. "Careful what you wish for."

The door was pushed open, revealing Victor and then Charlotte. I held my breath when our eyes met briefly. My heart rate was unusual again and I was bothered by it. Why wouldn't it stop?

I was momentarily distracted by Stanley's gasp.

"My, you are a beauty," he started, moving towards her.

They froze in front of each other.

"Mate," he growled. And Silence fell.

***

Victor and I exchanged glances, with him mostly gaping. Right before he left.

I didn't react outwardly. This was unexpected, and my heart was absolutely shook by the discovery, but what could I do? I had to see this through and find out what's going on.

Two mates? Is that possible?

Charlotte glanced between both of us.

"Is this a joke?" she whispered. "Another mate?"

I didn't have an answer to her question because I was wondering the same thing too.

Stanley's smile disappeared and he had a curious look on his face now. He tapped his chin after looking at me. "She's your mate, too? Why didn't you say anything?"

"I-"

"He rejected me," She answered coolly. "So there's no reason for him to tell you."

She wouldn't look me in the eye and I had no choice but to hold my words.

I heard a chuckle beside me and I didn't react. Stanley was really doing his best to piss me off.

"Ah, then..." He took a step forward. "I accept you."

Charlotte appeared uncertain all of a sudden, the opposite of how she just spoke to me.

"Um... I don't know about that," she began. "We just met and this is all a lot for me at once..."

Stanley was unperturbed. "You prefer a slower pace. That's fine by me, my love."

He took her hand and kissed it.

I balled my fists.

"Why exactly are you here?" he asked.

"My father, Finlay Starry was here. So I came looking for him," she explained.

"Eh. He should be fine," Stanley brushed off.

I raised a brow, while Charlotte had an excited look on her face.

"Really?"

He was still holding her hand while he nodded. "We've met before. He's great and super careful. You shouldn't panic. You'll probably see him in a few months. He always goes into hiding, right Xander?"

"Right," I said slowly, trying to understand what was going on while keeping control of my emotions. Until he kissed her hand again.

I stood rigidly, anger growing in me as she blushed. I didn't have the right to be even remotely jealous, but I couldn't help it.

"Can I have your phone number at least?"

"Y- yes."

I avoided looking at them and stared out the window, waiting for them to be done.

"I'll be going, my love," Stanley finally says. "Leaving your mate is quite hard, but now that I've touched you, I feel like I can hold on a bit."

I swallowed my anger and annoyance, and stormed out. It was ridiculous. I was being ridiculous, and I hated it.

I leaned on the wall and took in deep breaths.

I heard footsteps and a familiar scent come close.

"What do you want?"

"Nothing. Just for my mate to be happy and safe," Stanley answered. "Since you're not interested, as this is your city, you could help me out, right?"

I didn't respond.

He made no further comments and quietly walked away.

I closed my eyes for a bit, trying to calm my heart and its reactions, and to assure myself of my decision.

I was right to reject her. If not, I'd be put into such a stupid situation of fighting over her. My mate was supposed to be meant for only me.

I ignored my heart.

Hopefully, this was a test.

I heard footsteps coming and I pretended I couldn't, but the figure didn't leave when they stood in front of me, so I was forced to open my eyes.

Charlotte stared up at me silently. She looked so beautiful...

"So he said I can stay," she said softly. "Therefore, you should leave me alone."

I didn't speak.

"Goodbye." I watched her walk past me, my eyes on her frame.

I opened my mouth to say something or call her back. But then I stopped myself.

What was I even going to say? I wasn't going to beg her. Who was she for me to beg? This is my city. She couldn't just do whatever she wanted.

And so I snapped out of it.

I strode out after she'd left.

Victor sneaked looks at me in the car, until he couldn't anymore, asking me a question.

"Do you regret it?"

"No," I said bluntly.

He hummed. "I think you should. If you don't now, you will later. You'll definitely come crawling back to her."

"I won't," I rejected him. "I will never.”