Goddess Gave Me You

Rumor Has It

The weather was perfect, with the sun bright and high in sky to the nice constant cooling breeze. It was a great decision to sit outside to eat.

I loved relaxing days like this. They helped cleanse my mind and wash away my worries.

"Enjoying the day?", Mason asked giving me a small smile.

"Very much so. It has been a while since I've actually gotten the chance to just enjoy the sun on my face."

Looking off into the distance, I gazed dreamily at this couple. They  looked so carefree and full of joy. I was envious, of their connection; the energy they gave off was unbelievably radiant.

"I dream of that."

Mason observed the couple's sweet gestures, and smiled. "Who doesn't dream of that? I look forward to the days I get to spend with my mate. Even when it gets tough, and we fight and argue I'll remind her that I love her and that she's the best thing to ever have happened to me. Even if she's werewolf, human, or even vampire I'll still love her."

Mason makes me proud to have him as my beta. Such a loving soul willing to give anything for what he believes in. Sliding my hand over to Mason's, I give it a gentle squeeze. "Your a mate's dream come true Mason."

"And you aren't? You've got so much love to give Ari that your mate might not know how to take it all." Mason joked.

"Mase?"

"Yeah?", Mason asked quizzically. I dropped my head in  heartache, "I wish he'd call." 

Sighing, Mason gave me a sorrowful look. "I know you do, it's written on your face."

The rest of lunch was, filled with Mason and I making small talk here and there about pack decisions.

The ride back to then school, was the moment that we had a chance to 'really', talk.

"I've noticed you stop wearing your necklace", I subconsciously looked down at my chest where the jewel usually hung for all to see.

"Yeah, I know", I answered vaguely.

"You and mystery man, not on good terms?" Mason retorted with a quick sideways glance.

"He told me we couldn't see each other anymore, and that it's for the best. So I gave him the necklace back", I said apathetically, although the last part was a lie.

To tell the truth I still have Julien's charm necklace hidden in my room. I keep it for the memories, but most importantly I keep it in case I truly need Julien.

"Ari, answer on thing for me, because I hear rumors about you. Is this mystery man a vampire?"

Never have I ever heard any rumors about myself, and never have I imagined being asked about 'Julien'. I didn't know what to say or even how to form a reply.

"Look here Arianna, I'm not one for judging someone, and I'm not going to start now. But if this mystery man is or was a vampire you need to be careful."

I just started at Mason like he was the enemy.

"ARIANNA. Is he or is he not a vampire?"

"YES, yes. Moon goddess, yes he's a vampire. I'm dumb for even allowing us to get close." I yelled distraughtly, with my hands covering the shame I felt.

"Stop right there", without a moments notice Mason pulled off the road, threw the truck in park and exited the truck.

He marched over to my side of the truck, where he pulled the door open and wrapped me into a hug.

"You aren't dumb Arianna. If he made you happy you should never regret it. But you have to be careful, because even if you and him do not get back together, there are still people, werewolves, out there who despises breeds mixing with one another. I don't know if you heard it or not but someone must have known about you and this vampire being together."

My face was tear stricken, and my chest was tight and burning with grief. "W-what do you think they'll do to me if they find out?"

Mason wiped my face with the bottom of his shirt as he replied with, "I don't know Ari, but let's not think about that. Right now we need to come up with a plan to kill all acquisitions and rumors about you and this vampire."

I nodded my head in agreement, as Mason and I began to throw out ideas.

Every idea we came up with, had flaws to it, and they kept getting shot down by ether Mason or myself.

"How about this Ari. You can say that the guy was a vampire, but he and you are only meeting together to go over the list of vampires, who will be attending your party. It explains why he only comes at night, at random times."

I leaned against Mason's shoulder, musing over the idea. It wasn't a stupid idea, and it actually made sense. It would answer many of the questions that people asked.

"That idea might just work, Mase. But I have I one problem, who told and who knew about it, because that means they've been watching my house?"