The Mate He Couldn’t Control (complete)

Chapter 34

“Okay last time, are you sure you want to go?”

“Babe you’ve asked me that every thirty minutes for the past four hours,” Jaylon replied from the passenger seat.

“I just don’t think a funeral is where you should be right now,” I admitted, glancing over at him cautiously. “Look, I can blink you home when I park the car.”

“I knew it. You only wanted to drive so you could talk me out of it. I am perfectly fine.”

“You say that, but we only just talked yesterday. I don’t want it to overwhelm you. This could be a good start to working on your anxiety. I will be home by sunset.”

“A funeral is not going to overwhelm me. You being four hours away, outside the pack border, and in your feelings will. This is not the way to work on my anxiety. I’m staying.”

“Well, then how do you suggest we do it?” I tried to come up with something yesterday, but being close to him always puts me to sleep quickly. Last night was the most vulnerable he’d ever been with me. The way he clung to me made it clear that there was nothing I could do besides taking him home and holding him close. But for his sake, I need to find a way to calm his thoughts when I’m not around.

“We can figure it out on the way home. Now isn’t the time. Just let me meet your family and be here for you.”

“Okay. . . But are you positive?”

“Oh my-” he ran his hands over his face before turning to face me. “Baby, I’m fine.”

I left it alone and took the last parking spot in front of my grandparents house. When I got out of the car, I turned back and saw Cody, my cousin Lucas's friend, get out of his car. “Alison, I was going to park there,” he pleaded.

“Sorry sweetie, it's family only.”

“I’m like family.”

“Oh honey, there’s no such thing,” I smirked, shutting my door and turning towards the house.

“Alison!” I heard behind me, but this time it was a different voice.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, looking at Cole, my cousin's closest friend and future Alpha, with wide eyes. This might be a small part of why I didn’t want Jaylon to come. . . I thought I would at least make it to lunch.

“I thought you might need my shoulder,” he smirked. Jaylon gave him a look before I grabbed his hand and sped into the house. After rushing to introduce Jaylon to as many people as possible, Cole caught me alone. “I see my girl is looking beautiful as always,” he smirked. Jaylon was conversing with one of my uncles, but still glancing over. I don’t see this ending well.

“Cole, I don’t have time for this,” I complained, turning away.

“I heard about the tribrid thing you have going on. I always knew you’d be a hybrid, but a tribrid is hotter,” he continued behind me.

“I have to go.”

“I also heard about your mate.”

“Cole, none of this is any of your business.”

“What’s wrong? You haven’t been marked,” he teased, coming closer. “Don’t act like you forgot our day on the bridge.” At that, Jaylon’s gaze turned into a death glare and before he could do anything, my cousin Lucas came down the stairs beside us.

“I don’t know how many times I have to remind you that my cousin is off limits,” Lucas defended, making Cole roll his eyes.

“There was no limit on the bridge.”

“Cole, hush!” I whisper-shouted before pulling Lucas into a hug. “How’ve you been?”

“Oh, you know great, aside from the funeral of course,” Lucas explained awkwardly.

“Good. Where are my girls?” I jumped up excitedly. I love my cousin, but I’ve been waiting to see Isabella all day.

“In the sunroom, talking to your parents, but don’t mention that she’s showing. She has already cried over it three times this morning,” He pleaded before I rushed off and drug Jaylon along.

“Ali,” My uncle Oliver beamed as we entered the room.

“Hi.”

“Is this your mate?”

“Yes, this is Jaylon White. Jaylon, this is my uncle Oliver, Amelia’s mate.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Jaylon shook his hand. He’s never met my mom's side of the family which makes every conversation take twice as long, but he’s heard me on the phone with them so he recognized all of their voices. They’ve all listened to me obsess over Jaylon since I was a child, with the last two years being the exception.

“It’s nice to put a face to a name,” My uncle returned. “Why didn’t you come down with your parents earlier?”

“I think my mom needed some distance from me for the time being. . .” I explained awkwardly. So at like one in the morning, I blinked, in my sleep, into my parent's room to inform them that my great grandfather passed. You can imagine how terrified my mother was. I don’t remember any of it, but I woke up to her freaking out and now we’re here. I offered to blink them here, but that was an obvious no. She needed space, so Jaylon and I waited a few hours before making the trip.

“Oh, I heard about that. Don't take it to heart. Your mother loves you.”

“I know.” I glanced to my left to see Isabella anxiously eating pretzels and watching the room. “I’ll see you in a minute. I have to check on my baby.”

“We’re definitely coming with your parents next time they visit,” Jaylon whispered. As you can see, he loves it here, despite the circumstances and Cole. Jaylon grew up being an only child, but he’s always wanted a big family, which is perfect for what I have planned for him.

“There’s my little Alison!” I beamed, leaning down and hugging Isabella’s stomach.

“We did not say we are naming her Alison,” Isabella protested.

“They’re naming her Alison,” I reassured, smirking up at Jaylon, making her sigh.

“Did Lucas seem annoyed? I feel like I’m getting on his nerves.”

“No, he looks so happy. It’s just your mind stressing you out.”

“Are you sure?”

“I can’t imagine a happier time in a man's life,” Jaylon spoke up from beside me, offering a gentle smile.

“You think so? My emotions are all over the place. I’m throwing up everything I eat and crying about it ten minutes later,” she blurted out worriedly. “I even threw up on him this morning.”

“I know Lucas like the back of my hand. He loves you, Issy. You may have him running around like a crazy person, but I promise he’s doing it with a smile on his face.” She grabbed my hand and smiled up at us with tears in her eyes.

“I can’t believe you let me get pregnant. We were supposed to do it at the same time,” she complained.

“Don’t worry, there will be something in here soon,” Jaylon explained, placing a gentle hand on my stomach. If only he knew how soon. I haven’t told him because I want to see his face when he realizes it himself. It should be any day now. If Noah is sensing it, I’m sure Jaylon isn’t far behind. “If Alison permits.”

“Once all of our affairs are in order,” I added, giving him a look.

“Of course, baby.”

“Well don’t take too long. I want them to be around the same age as you and Lucas,” Isabella persisted.

“Time will tell.”

I looked to my left to see my cousin Liam arguing with my great uncle Mike, who was giving him hell. As much as I felt bad for him, it made me giggle to myself. Mike doesn’t like anyone, but he does love us. Jaylon got up and helped adjust his wheelchair so Mike would stop ranting and Liam could sit down. When he came back, I cuddled his arm and placed my head on his shoulder. Jaylon has his moments, but he’s actually very sweet.

When Father Brooks walked to the front of the room, I felt a hand on my back and turned to see Cole behind me. “Hey!” he whisper-shouted with a smile. I rolled my eyes and turned to a very confused Jaylon.

“What is his problem?” I heard in my head.

“I’ll tell you after the service,” I replied, looking to the front of the room. Lucas and my parents were talking to Father Brooks about something but the room was too chaotic for me to focus on what they were saying. Yes it was family only, but we are werewolves, we multiply quickly.

Father Brooks finally began as a few people quickly made their way to sit down. As he was talking, Cody came in mumbling to himself, and sat beside Cole. He immediately poked me, making my head snap back. “Alison!” he whisper-shouted. I can’t take him seriously. “I know you don’t think of me as family-”

“Because you're not,” I whispered back, half joking. I love teasing him.

“Well I am, but when you did that back there, Cole left me, and I almost missed the service looking for a parking spot,” he continued, poking me while I turned my attention back to Father Brooks. I could hear Cole nudging him telling him to stop, but when he poked me the last time, I was ready to break his finger.

I spun around and sent him a cold glare. “Cody, you touch me one more time and I’m going to kick your ass,” I threatened quietly.

“Fiery,” Cole smirked. I rolled my eyes and turned back in my seat.

“What the hell is going on?” Lucas questioned from the row in front of me. I leaned towards Jaylon so he could see Cody behind me.

“She took my parking spot, Lucas,” Cody explained.

“We’re at a funeral and you're worried about a parking spot? Behave!” Lucas glared and then turned around, wrapping his arm around Isabella. I sighed and laid my head on Jaylon’s shoulder as Cole groaned behind us. Lucas sent him another glare and I stayed where I was.

I’m sad that my great-grandfather passed, but I understood it was his time. He told me over spring break that he was ready to go. He spent this last year lonely after my great-grandmother passed. Now he’s finally at peace. I’m lucky though. Unlike the others, I got to see him once he passed. Last night I was called to the moon palace in my dreams. I was expecting to see my grandmother, but I saw him and my great-grandmother. They assured me that they were at peace and hugged me goodbye. This would have been around the time I stumbled into my parent's room.

For me, the upsetting part is what would come in the following years. I’m grateful that werewolves have around 500 years or more in them, but at the same time, there is an end. But me, I have all of eternity. Because of that, I would slowly get to sit around as my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all died around me. Even Jaylon. If he wanted to, he could choose to tie his life to mine, but I’m not sure he would. He would want peace with everyone else. I could tie mine to his too, but if our children are like me, I can’t let them spend eternity without their mother. That would be cruel. Plus the whole prophecy thing. Silent tears slid down my face, onto Jaylon’s jacket, as Father Brooks' words became background noise to my thoughts.

After the service, and transporting the coffin to the burial grounds, we went to the packhouse. It wasn’t that they didn’t want the pack there to show support, they just wanted to keep it small and less chaotic, but that didn’t work well anyways. Cody and Cole parked beside us so I grabbed Jaylon’s hand and blinked us inside before Cole started flirting again. We’re very close friends, but he always thought we’d be mates so he’s in denial right now, which is why he’s so flirtatious.

“What are we doing here?” Jaylon looked around the bathroom confused.

“I know this is really bad timing, but I’m thirsty,” I admitted with guilty eyes. I thought that I’d be feeding every few weeks since I didn’t need to until Tuesday. But it’s Friday and I’m already hungry again. I think it’s the mini’s doing.

“No, don’t feel bad, you need to feed.” Jaylon lifted me onto the counter and kissed me to let me know it was okay. I cautiously pulled him closer and went in, trying to be as gentle as possible. It tasted different, better. So good that my eyes fell closed and my grip on him tightened. “Babe that’s a lot more than you took last time,” Jaylon spoke up.

“I’m sorry,” I blurted out after quickly separating from him. I rested my head back on the mirror and sighed as his wound healed.

“It’s okay.”

“But it’s not. Do you feel okay? Are you light-headed?”

“It is okay, I feel fine. You stopped when I said something, you have control,” Jaylon eased, wiping the blood from my lips with a hand towel.

“Are you sure?”

“Will you stop questioning me?” A smile came to both of our lips before they came together for a kiss. “Can you tell me now?”

“Tell you what?”

“About whatever Cole is talking about.”

“You know I think we should talk about this conversation after we leave.”

“What is so bad that you can’t tell me?”

“It’s nothing bad, it’s just not something you will be happy about.”

“Please tell me.”

One of Jaylon’s favorite things about me is that I was a virgin when we got together. I’m his, in every way. I never really loved anyone before him either, but I’ve been close. “Fine. . . remember the day my nephews and I arrived? Well on the way, we stopped to eat lunch with my grandparents and Cole wanted to see me. They begged me to let them spend some time with the boys, so Cole took me to the big bridge that we drove over on the way here since it has a nice view. I was worried about seeing you because I wasn’t sure how I’d react and we were talking about it. At some point in that conversation we almost had you know. . . like completely naked almost. . .” I know I have a whole other mate that Jaylon should be more concerned with, but the thought that our entire relationship could have been different because of that moment is not something he’d take lightly. Honestly, I was never planning on telling him, but Cole made it so that I have to.

Jaylon was tense as he looked deep into my eyes for the truth. “Who stopped it?”

“You know me too well to ask that question.”

“I love how hard-headed you are.” He let out a sigh of relief before placing a kiss on my forehead and pulling me into a hug. “We should go before your parents think we snook off.” He helped me down and I led him out. The odd thing about my mom's family is that I got to see the packhouse and meet everyone. My parents said it was a boarding school and I was open-minded enough to believe it. I’m not exactly sure why I couldn’t do the same with my pack. I probably would have a stronger relationship with everyone if I had.

Jaylon didn’t seem affected at first, but then every time Cole came up to us Jaylon’s hand would tighten and he’d slightly pull me behind him. The difference between Noah and Cole is that Noah is something he has to deal with, whereas Cole isn’t. Aside from Cole, he liked everyone else, especially Lucas. Lucas reminds him of Dalton. They even hold the same title and spend their days babysitting the Alpha and cuddling their mate.

Before it came time to leave, I saw a black figure moving around outside. I excused myself and went to go investigate, making sure that I stayed in range for Jaylon to see me through the glass. I’m lucky he even let me come without him. My eyes scanned the trees cautiously since I can no longer see or hear whatever it was. Suddenly I heard flapping and looked to my right to see a crow standing on the back of a bench. Chaos.

A letter appeared in his beak so I quickly snatched it. I still don’t completely trust the bird. . . Its eyes watched me curiously as I read each line. It appears Noah is back from wherever he’s been and he wants to see me tomorrow. “I take it you’ll give him my yes?” I asked, turning my attention back to Chaos. I’m not sure how I was expecting him to respond, but he did it by leaving.

“What was that about?” Jaylon questioned once I came back inside.

“I’ll be visiting the castle tomorrow.” I gave him the letter and turned to give Cole a look as he came over for the millionth time. “Cole. . .”

“I know, I know. I just need to talk to you for a minute. . . alone.”

I looked into his eyes before stepping towards him, but Jaylon grabbed my hand. I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’ll be back in a minute. He knows I’m yours.”

“He doesn’t act like it,” Jaylon commented reluctantly.

“You know I wouldn’t go if I thought he’d try something.”

“Five minutes.” I pressed a kiss to his lips before letting him go and following Cole through the crowd.

“Did you have to do all of that? His anxiety is already through the roof. And then the bridge. . . I was hoping that would never come up,” I started the second his bedroom door shut.

“You know how I am when I get jealous,” Cole defended.

“You promised me this morning that you wouldn’t be.” I may have popped in for a few minutes when Jaylon went home to get his suit. We were supposed to be on the same page.

“Yeah but I haven’t actually met the guy or seen you with him.”

“Either way, things are finally looking up and you know that. You just unlocked a new fear for him.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just hard with you. I genuinely thought you’d be mine. I still can’t piece together how you aren’t.”

“Well, I can make up for your disappointment,” I smirked. I’ve been waiting for this moment all day.

“What?”

“So, remember how I told you I found a new set of books?” Yeah, we're that close.

“The ones in the painting?”

“Yes. So I have been reading them. They’re the coolest books so far. Anyways, I found something that will help you. I was working on it this morning.”

“What. . .?” Cole trailed off when a flame lit up in his palm. Once it went out, a piece of paper appeared. Yes, I’m over dramatic but this is a big moment. “I don’t get it. Why would you give me a name and address? I don’t know who that is.”

“Well if you need a hint, why do you think I needed your blood this morning?”

“Wait, no. Are you saying-? Is this even possible?” A smile came to my lips as I watched him stutter to realization. He’s waited a year and a half. I think it’s time he finds peace.

“I didn’t think it was, but then I found the book. Obviously, I found it at that time for a reason. I found your mate.”

Tears dropped from his eyes as he stood speechless before lifting me into the world's tightest hug and spinning me around. “I love you so much. You’re my favorite person in the world right now.”

“I love you too,” I tried to make out under his grip. “Now put me down, I'm feeling nauseous.”

“Oh, right, I’m sorry.” Cole placed me gently on my feet and I overdramatically caught my breath. I have never in my life seen anyone so excited. His eyes kept glancing from the paper to me before looking into mine. “Thank you, Ali.”

“Anything for you. Now I have to get downstairs before Jaylon has a panic attack. I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you too.” I pulled him into another hug before making my way to the door. “Ali?”

“Hmm?”

“This address-”

“Don’t worry. Alpha Rick owes me a favor. That’s the address to meet him at the border at eight tomorrow.” His moment of worry disappeared as his smile came back to his lips. I returned it and nodded before heading downstairs and saying goodbye to everyone. I hate leaving so much. Every time I come back they’re all so different. It’s lonely really. As much as I love my pack, they could never compare.

Jaylon never asked what was wrong with me, because he knew I’d say something when I wanted to. Instead, he drove home so I could cuddle his arm and stopped at one of my favorite restaurants on the way. Eventually, I caved and told him. He assured me that since I had family there, we could visit as much as we needed, which is something no one has ever told me. Probably because if I would have known, I would have made the trip months ago.

Jaylon took full advantage of the fact I didn’t want to be alone, taking me straight to the packhouse. After a shower, he was getting me something to wear while I searched around. “What are you doing?”

“Have you seen your bracelet? I can’t find it. Thank you.” I quickly put his shirt on before trying to look under the bed.

“It’s not down there. I have it.”

“Then why aren’t you wearing it?”

“It’s broken. I have to take it to Nick’s mom.”

“No, I can fix it. Where is it?” He quickly left and came back with a box. Inside was more than just his bracelet. I saw my jewelry that I haven’t seen since I threw it down on the bed. Aww. A smile came to my lips as I grabbed the pieces of his bracelet and mumbled a spell to fix it.

“W-what are you doing?” Jaylon questioned after I slid my fingernail across my palm. I quickly mumbled another spell before perking up as if nothing had happened.

“Done.”

“Done? Done with what?”

“Now, whenever you need me, your bracelet will bring me to you.” I fastened it around his wrist before smiling up at him. Hopefully, this will bring him at least the slightest bit of peace.

“Well, since we’re exchanging gifts. . .” Jaylon started awkwardly. “Maybe you’ll consider wearing yours again?”

“Only if you help me put it on.” I’ve missed my diamonds and my locket. I have my own jewelry, but these were special. They were from Jaylon, who gave them to me on very special days.

I rushed over to the mirror to see how they looked. “Just as beautiful as before,” Jaylon commented, coming up behind me and sliding his arms around my waist. I looked down from our reflecting faces, to his hands resting gently on my stomach. I thought back a few months ago to my conversation with Colin. He said you can’t get pregnant without mating, but obviously, there’s a loophole. Maybe it was from where I was in heat? We’re the first couple to go through heat without fully mating so there’s no way of knowing for sure, but for now, that’s my guess. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just thinking.”

“About?”

“What you said to Isabella. Will you be happy?”

“Of course. You know I look forward to starting our family. That’s why I always keep my head on your stomach. There’s going to be something in there one day.” Which is precisely why I’m letting him figure it out on his own.

Tears came to my eyes and I spun around to look at him. “I love you.” I couldn’t just think about it or feel it. I had to say it. Jaylon froze as his eyes scanned my features. He knows I do, but saying it is a whole different thing.

“I love you too.”