The Mate He Couldn’t Control (complete)

Chapter 33

I sent Jacob a less-than-pleased look from across the hall while talking to Dalton and Angelina about last night's events. They told me the condition Jaylon was in and I went over the dinner details. Noah couldn’t make it for a reason he would explain later. But it ended up being for the best because while I was sleeping, Jacob came over. Loose Lips decided that it would be the perfect time to mention me magically sedating Jaylon and locking him in his room. You can imagine how my night went from there.

“Hello, Alison,” Dalton waved his hand in front of me to bring me back to the conversation.

“Sorry. It was just as chaotic as you could imagine. But he was sober this morning, right? No one snuck up to his room last night?”

“No, he was sober. Pissed, but sober,” Angelina reassured.

“That’s all that matters.”

“There you are! You totally bailed on tutoring last night,” Loren complained as she and Bridget stopped in front of us.

“I wouldn’t have if you weren’t feeding my mate again,” I glared coldly at the two.

“Feeding him? What do you-” Loren froze when she realized what I was talking about.

“Look, he asked. All I did was give it to him. It’s not like I forced it down his throat,” Bridget defended.

“Why did he ask?”

“I’m sorry Ali it won’t happen again,” Loren reached up and pulled me into a hug as I looked at Dalton and Angelina wide-eyed. Terrifying.

“I don’t care if he breaks everything in sight. Do not give him anything else,” Dalton warned.

“Promise,” Loren beamed and Bridget rolled her eyes. There’s something wrong with her. She’s different from her normal self. I mean she’s always like this towards me, but like I haven’t seen a single ounce of happiness in days. It was concerning.

“Bridget, are you feeling okay?”

“Don’t you have an annoying little group of friends somewhere to babysit?”

“Now that you mention it, I see a few of them coming in now.” If Bridget ever opens up, it definitely won’t be in public, so I took it as an excuse to get out of Loren’s grip. “I’ll see you later,” I turned back to the group before walking over to Jacob. “Traitor.”

“I told you I’m sorry, Ali,” he pleaded.

“I guess I’ve been mad at you long enough,” I jokingly rolled my eyes before a smile came to my lips.

“Way too long.”

“What’s going on with her?” Nick mind-linked me, glancing over to Loren. “It’s gotten worse.”

“I’m not exactly sure.”

“And you trust it? The girl tried to poison you.”

“Yeah I know, but I’m trying to see the good in the situation. If she gets in trouble again, she’ll be put down,” I replied, giving him a look.

“Well, the pack is concerned about why you haven’t put her down.”

“That is never an option for me.”

Julia turned her attention from Seth and began talking to me. Penelope just stood there watching us. Her mood hasn’t left, but now it's spread to more than just me. I tried talking to her, but she insisted that she was fine and that she was acting normal.

Suddenly I was lifted and my lips were attacked. “J-Jaylon, what are you doing? Put me down!” I demanded, pushing his face away from mine. He obeyed and tried to bring his lips back, but I placed my hand on his chest.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Jaylon breathed out, sliding my stray hair behind my ears.

“Why would you miss me? I’m too much for you, remember?”

“No, you're not. I didn’t mean to say that, I’m sorry. I love when you cling to me. I realize that all I need is you, baby.”

“Do you realize how many times you’ve said ‘I’m sorry’ over the past three months? It’s always something with you,” I complained, pushing him off and quickly walking past all of the intrigued eyes. Everyone is watching and listening.

Jaylon didn’t give up this time. He followed me down the hall to our class as the bell rang above. “Alison, I swear to you I won’t do it again. All I need is you. The past few weeks have been the happiest in my life. It’s all because of you,” he pleaded as I sat at my desk.

“I don’t believe you.”

“I have never been more serious.”

“How am I supposed to know? You make promises and swears all day every day. Obviously, they’re just words to you because you never follow through with any of them. You just like having control of me.”

“No, please listen to me.”

“Hmm, so I make you happy?” I asked curiously, carefully studying his features.

“Completely. Happiness comes as easy as breathing with you.”

“Then why did you take them?” His face dropped as an irritated smirk came to my lips. “Why, if you were so happy?”

“I- I just really needed you Friday morning and you weren’t there.”

“I wasn’t there? For an hour? You couldn’t wait a f*****g hour? Are you kidding me? It wasn’t even that. You didn’t last the first THIRTY MINUTES before relapsing! Jaylon I was with you every minute of every day. You’re telling me that you didn’t have the self-restraint to spend thirty minutes without me? What are we going to do when we have children that need our attention? Are you going to relapse then too? I can’t be the only one that takes care of you. You have to learn to love yourself.” Tears came to my eyes as I looked at him so I turned to face the front of the room. “Why do you have to make loving you so hard?”

“No, please don’t cry. This will never happen again. You don’t deserve this and I realize that-” he eased, gently rubbing his hand across my lower back.

“Please just leave me alone,” I cut him off, wiping my cheeks and sitting up as if nothing was wrong while people made their way into the room around us. I swear we always argue in public.

I didn’t feel like sitting in the loud cafeteria today so I stayed in the library with my mini group. Jaylon left me alone as I asked but still lingered. Once the bell rang though, I quietly asked him to let me go alone.

I sat on the sofa across from Jheremy and Sarah, reading my Demonology book while Autumn tested out her braiding skills on my hair. This is a daily thing for her, but my sister is the same way so it doesn’t bother me. “So do you think Medimer will give us the quiz first thing, or will he go over it beforehand?”

“Sarah, do not procrastinate studying,” I mumbled, glancing up from my book.

“I didn’t say I was going to,” she argued.

“It sounds like you're pondering the thought,” Jheremy commented.

“Ali and Jher are tutoring tonight anyways, why not just go?” Autumn asked from behind me.

“Because everyone goes and then it turns into a gossip fest and it’s distracting,” Sarah explained, dropping back on the couch with an overdramatic exhale.

“No, Alison starts yelling at them in Latin,” Jheremy smirked.

“I guess I can go.” I turned my attention back to my book, reading curiously through the detailed pages. What I’m looking for has nothing to do with the test in two weeks. I’m looking for very particular demons. Shapeshifters maybe? Dream demons? Demons that may play a role in a mental prison perhaps? Every time I get stressed out, I’m terrified that I’ll send myself back. And if it does happen, I want to be prepared.

“Who is that?” Autumn peeked over my shoulder. “He’s handsome.”

“It’s the demon of illusion. This isn’t even his real face. I would guess that no one knows what he truly looks like. He could be an earthworm for all we know.” I would add him to my list of suspects, but it says that he stays in the mortal world, not the in-between.

“He’s handsome for a demon.”

“What makes you think demons are ugly? I mean I’m sure there are plenty that look like the thing in Insidious, but some can be beautiful. Think about it. Some demons like to lure in their prey, which they wouldn’t be able to do with fire on their face.”

“Then how do we know if you’re a demon or not?” Jheremy joked.

“I’m not sure if it’s this way in every circumstance, but when I was in the mental prison, I automatically felt it. It was Jaylon’s face and body. They mimicked his charming smile and gentle voice, but their presence was paralyzing. Their touch was cold and their eyes were soulless and filled with amusement. I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life. Not even the night I drowned.”

“You’re safe now. Right here with us,” Sarah eased as she and Autumn sat on either side of me, pulling me into a hug.

“I know.” I looked up at Jheremy who was giving me a warm smile.

The bell rang above us and everyone scrambled to pack up their things. Sarah and Autumn waved goodbye and I returned it before freezing. The whispering. My head snapped in the direction of the painting above the fireplace. Grandmother is hilarious. “What’s wrong?” Jheremy asked from behind me as I slowly walked up to it. This set must be important because the light coming from my necklace is about to blind me. “Oh no,” he commented, looking down at my chest.

I looked deep into his eyes so that he’d take me seriously. “Go to class, I’ll be right behind you.” Suddenly he leaned back confused and left immediately. Did I just-? Wow. That was effective. Now, what do we do about the painting?

I blinked into my herbology class before the last bell rang, making Tyler jump back, almost falling out of his seat. “Are you trying to kill me young?”

“Sorry.” I glanced over at Jheremy, slightly worried. I’ve never compelled anyone before. I wasn’t trying to. I didn’t even think transitioned wolves could be compelled. He looked fine as he and Mason were busy with their daily bickering. They can’t stand each other sometimes. Behind me, Jaylon and Seth were oddly silent. When I turned around, I realized it was because Jaylon was busy watching me. Not with anger or jealousy, but with longing. I’m not going to pretend like I don’t miss him, he was my mate and my best friend, but I can’t run to him every time he promises to change. I sighed and turned my attention back to the front of the class.

“Alright class, today we’re going to be using Aconitum Napellus,” Professor Plenskofski began.

“Acorn what?” Tyler whispered beside me.

I squinted my eyes at him before shooting my arm up in protest. “Professor!”

“Yes, Miss King?”

“Should we really be doing another wolfsbane lab? I mean honestly it won’t be long before one of these idiots dares someone to eat it.”

“I personally feel attacked by that statement,” Seth commented behind me.

“I had you in mind,” I threw back. “You dared Justin to touch it during the last lab.”

“Wait, this is about wolfsbane? Why did you call it an acorn-something?” A boy in the front asked.

“See! They think we’re talking about acorns! Why can’t we do a love potion brew or something, those are dangerous too you know,” I argued. “Not every witches brew has wolfsbane.”

“Yes, but seeing as though werewolves are the most disliked by the witch community, the chances of a wolfsbane-infused potion are the highest,” Professor Plenskofski explained.

“Who told you that? I think the roles are reversed and witches would only make a brew just to piss off the werewolves for making unnecessary assumptions. For example, the old pack house. If you walk around talking about how evil I am all day when I’m just dead and vibing of course I’d drop a book on your head. Personally, I don’t see why anyone would waste their time making a wolfsbane brew if it has the same effect of lacing a drink with plain wolfsbane.”

“Miss King! What has gotten into you today?”

“I feel this lab is an unnecessary hazard.”

“Says the indestructible tribrid?” Mason questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Mason, I died by falling off a cliff and drowning like a human. I wouldn’t say I’m indestructible.”

“That was before. You probably don’t even get high from wolfsbane now,” Seth replied. “Now that should be the lab experiment.”

“No, that should not be the lab experiment,” Jaylon argued.

“Enough! Miss King has volunteered to present the wolfsbane,” Professor Plenskofski announced, making me roll my eyes and walk to the front of the class. I turned to face everyone and bit my lips closed when I saw Jaylon giving me an amused smirk. “Since you know so much, please share some of your knowledge with the class,” she explained, dropping a pair of gloves in my hand. Sadly, the public embarrassment approach doesn’t work on kids that pay attention.

I put the gloves on and made sure to keep a good distance between me and the plant. “Aconitum Napellus has many different names, a few of them being: Queen of Poisons, Devils Helmet, or as you know it Wolfsbane. The most toxic part of the plant is the root but any part of it can kill you. After touching or consuming the plant, the toxins begin to slow the heart rate and the werewolf will die within 10-12 hours. For pregnant wolves, if they manage to survive, their body will not be able to protect them both so the pup will die, even if the mother has a strong immune system and metabolism like mine.” Maybe now you see my concern. I took my gloves off and smirked at the professor who snatched them and made me sit down. I don’t think her point was proven.

“Why don’t you stay the night? We could have a girl's night,” Loren persuaded as I sped-walked through the packhouse wide-eyed. A sleepover with Loren? Oh no. That’s just- no. It’s seven o’clock, we just finished tutoring and I’m going to murder someone if I don’t eat soon.

“As if she would stay with you,” Julia commented. I gave her a look and she apologized. I don’t like Loren either but I’m trying to be kind.

“I promised my mom I’d be home tonight.”

“Just mind-link her and say never mind,” Loren offered.

“Yeah, my mother doesn’t work that way.”

Right before we reached the garage, Jaylon stepped into view. “Can I borrow you for a minute?”

“No Jaylon, we're busy,” Loren replied.

“Loren, come with me.” Julia grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the room. I turned back to Jaylon with a raised eyebrow.

“What do you want?”

“I need to talk to you.”

“Jaylon I need to get home, I’m starving.”

“Just a minute. Please?”

“No.”

“Then let me ride home with you.”

“You’re coming right back here the second I put the car in park.”

“I know,” he mumbled, now behind me.

“Okay, talk,” I demanded the second we got in the car.

“Jacob told me that you were going to have your other mate over for dinner last night.” Aside from his shakes, he looked nervous. He kept his hands in his hoodie pocket and his eyes danced between me and the windshield.

“What about it?”

“Why didn’t he show up?”

“I don’t know yet. All I know is that he’s a very busy man. Why are you asking? If it’s because you're upset then there’s nothing I can do for you. Noah is very kind and I’m not just going to ignore him. I’ve already rejected him. I at least want to be friends with him.”

“Of course, I understand that. I wouldn’t want to take that away from you. I was hoping I could come when he has dinner with your parents.”

“What?” I quickly turned my head to look at him, extremely confused. “You’re not trying to kill him are you?”

“No, of course not. I want to meet your other mate. Your new friend. I just want to make sure he’s trustable.”

“Jaylon, don't lie to me. I told you I have feelings for him. I know you're pissed.”

“I thought I would be too, but surprisingly I’m not. I don’t blame you for latching on so quickly. I haven’t been the mate you need and I’m sorry for that. You're mine and I need to start treating you that way. I’m trying to get a grip on myself. You’re going to be the mother of my pups, I can’t keep disappointing you.” I looked over at him suspiciously before pulling the car over. “W-what are you doing?”

I turned in my seat to look at him. “Be honest. Why did you do it? You said you were happy, so why?” Tears came to his eyes so he looked out his window, but I grabbed his chin and made him look into my eyes. “Why?”

“When you’re not with me it’s f*****g terrifying. How am I supposed to know if you’re coming back or not?”

“What do you mean?”

“Every time you leave something happens. It eats up at me every single day. If I just kept you with me none of it would have happened. Imagine if your grandmother was wrong and Elgar never gave you vampire blood. You’d be gone and there would be nothing I could have done.” Tears began quickly streaming down his face and I pulled him into my chest. We haven’t talked about that night.

“I’m sorry I didn’t think about how that might affect you.” I lightly brushed his hair back with my fingers and placed a kiss on the top of his head. I can’t watch anyone cry, but seeing Jaylon cry made it a thousand times more painful.

“I can’t do any of this without you. If you never came back. . .”

“No, let’s not think about it. I’m right here. We’re both here. Everything is okay and it’s going to stay that way.”

“How do you know that?”

“I don’t. But I want to try as long as you promise to try with me.”

“I’ll try until I take my last breath. Maybe even after that.”