4 - He heard me!
1997 Words
Frankie
I should have known that agreeing to give Anton five minutes of my time was stupid. I should have known there would be an ulterior motive.
After everything this man put me through. Lying to me, cheating on me, being a coward, and not being honest, and he has the audacity to ask me to carry a child for him and his mate?
What planet is he living on?!
How could Anton even think I would agree to something like that?
Why would his mate agree?
I’m the ex-mate, and the woman wants my child! Because it would be mine. Jane can’t have children of her own.
Would she resent the child in the years to come?
Would Jane even love them?
Or would she look at the child and see me?
Because the child could look like me. It would biologically be mine, after all.
Would that cause her to lash out and hurt the kid?
I know that might never happen, but it could. I would never want anything to happen to a child of mine. Hell, Jane could hurt them so badly they could die!
How would I live with myself?
I know many people become surrogates because they enjoy making people happy. They willingly hand the child over, even if it is biologically theirs, because it pleases them to help those in need. But I am not one of those people. I could never give up my child. Perhaps if it wasn’t biologically mine, it would be easier, but not like this.
Goddess, I haven’t even had the chance to find my destined mate and have a child. But this fool doesn’t care about that. All he cares about is himself and his mate! To hell with what I want. Ugh! I cannot believe he would be so bold.
Of course, I told Anton No. There is no way on this earth I would have a baby for this pig! I haven’t been the same since he cheated on me and rejected me. Not because I was in love with him, because I wasn’t. I know that sounds strange when I took him as my chosen mate, but it’s the truth. I did love him, of course I did. I would have done anything for him, but it wasn’t love the way Mom and Dad love each other.
I was once as skilled a warrior as my sister. But I lost that too when I realized I meant nothing to the man who claimed to love me. I shouldn’t have let Anton take everything from me, but he hurt me in ways I didn’t realize anyone could. I gave up my dream and let my sister take the limelight. That was my choice because Nancy deserved it.
But what more does this bastard want to take from me?
I lied to him about finding my mate. Of course, I did. I didn’t even mean to say it; it just slipped out. But I didn’t see any other way to shut Anton up. Now, I’m trapped in a lie I don’t know how to get out of.
Why did I choose Neil?
I don’t know, his name just popped out of my mouth before I’d even thought about it. Besides, as good-looking as Ashford is, there’s something so sex.y about the brooding Prince Neil. He makes my bones ache with want.
Pathetic, right?
The Goddess only knows if I have a mate out there somewhere. But I have no problem lusting after those who aren’t my mate. For now, at least.
I don’t know what I’m going to say when Prince Neil leaves, and I don’t go with him like I just told Anton I would. I suppose I’ll be the fool and say I was rejected… Again. This prick can gloat away and say, ‘I told you so.’
As Anton moves toward me with his hand up to strike me – I’ll kill him first – someone grabs his wrist over his jacket, careful not to touch his skin, and growls. My eyes widen when I see that it’s Prince Neil.
What are the odds?!
Anton’s eyes look like they’re about to pop out of their sockets! “P-Prince Neil.” Anon stammers. “I was just…”
“Just what?” Neil growls. “Because it looked to me like you were about to strike my mate!” Neil hisses.
I force back the gasp that almost escaped me. He heard what I said! Oh, Goddess, he heard everything I said. I know he did.
What the hell am I supposed to say to him after this?
“You wouldn’t be that stupid. Now, would you?” Neil asks.
Anton shakes his head vigorously.
Prince Neil snarls while slamming Anton’s hand down with force. He then looks at me, and I swallow hard. “Are you okay?” He calmly asks me.
I nod, unable to speak. I gasp when Neil clasps the back of my neck, gently pulls me toward him, and kisses my forehead. I know he’s only doing it to prove a point to Anton. But I thought the Alpha said Prince Neil had sensory issues and didn’t like to be touched. So, this is weird.
I close my eyes as his scent fills my nostrils and then my head. He smells so good! Neil stiffens when I lay my hands on his chest, though he doesn’t make it obvious. I’m not touching his skin because he’s wearing a shirt, just as he didn’t touch Anton’s skin when he grabbed his wrist. But I guess his issues with touch run deep.
“Now, Anton,” I bite the inside of my cheek at the way Prince Neil said Anton’s name. It was in no way friendly. “I don’t know what fucke.d up world you’re living in, but my mate will not be having your child and handing it over to your bitc.h to raise. I’ll kill you first!”
Wow!
Anton swallows hard, and the smell of fear is rife. “I’m s-sorry, Prince Neil. I-I didn’t know Frankie had found her mate. I would never have suggested…”
“You shouldn’t have suggested it at all!” Neil bellows while moving away from me and stepping closer to Anton. The idio.t looks terrified right now. Good, I’m glad! “You chose your fated mate over your chosen mate. There is nothing wrong with that, but you caused her pain without a care in the world. Frankie owes you nothing!
“You ever come near my mate again, and I’ll make your death last longer than you could ever imagine. I will kill you in the worst way. Is that understood?” Anton nods. “Apologize to my mate. Now!”
Shaking, Anton looks at me. “I’m sorry, Frankie. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“No,” I shake my head. “You shouldn’t have. You won’t see me again after tonight. I suggest you don’t seek me out, either.”
Anton nods, and Neil growls. “Leave while you still can of your own volition.”
Anton rushes away faster than I’ve ever seen him move. I can’t help but laugh. Dickhead!
Once Anton is out of the way, I let out a breath of relief. I don’t need anyone to protect me. I can take care of myself, especially against someone like Anton. But it’s nice to know someone would stick up for me the way Neil did, especially when he clearly heard me lie about him being my mate.
Anton would never have gotten what he wanted from me, and I would have made sure the Alpha knew what Anton and his mate were up to. Alfie would have sorted them out. But I am grateful to Neil for being here, even if I am beyond embarrassed that he heard everything I said.
I swallow hard and look at the prince, who is looking at me. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He answers and turns to walk away.
I narrow my eyes.
What the hell?
“Wait!” I yell after him.
Neil sighs but stops walking. He turns to look at me. “What?”
“I’m sorry about what I told Anton. You know? That you were my mate. I didn’t know you were there.”
“You were having a conversation out in the open. Anyone could have heard you. Ever heard of speaking indoors where you’re less likely to be heard?”
I breathe deeply. “I won’t speak with Anton alone indoors. I don’t trust him. I didn’t mean to tell him you were my mate, it just slipped out. I wanted him to leave me alone, and short of kicking his ass, that was the first thing I thought of. You didn’t have to go along with it.”
He huffs a laugh. “And how stupid would you have looked if I hadn’t?”
I nod because he’s right.
What the hell got into me?
That will teach me for not thinking before I speak.
Neil sighs. “Look, I heard enough of your conversation with that fool to understand why you said what you said. But can I just ask why me?”
I furrow my brow. “What do you mean?”
He scoffs. “Why me and not Ashford?”
“Oh,” I chuckle. “You’re better looking.”
I’m not shy, and I won’t lie to this man. I find Neil more attractive than his cousin.
“Huh.” Neil scratches his jawline with his thumbnail. “Good to know.”
Is it?
“What do you intend to do now?”
I sigh. That was a valid question. It’s also a loaded one.
What do I intend to do now?
“Do you intend to stay here and carry on like normal?” Neil asks. “Or will you follow your sister to the Royal Pack and start again?”
“I don’t know.” I fold my arms around my now aching stomach. It’s like I have phantom pains, a reminder of Anton’s betrayal. I know it’s all in my head, but it’s not a pleasant feeling.
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll think of something, my Prince.”
He shakes his head. “You may call me Neil. There’s no need for all that Prince stuff.”
I nod, though I don’t comment on how wrong that would be.
“You’ll be okay now?”
I nod again. “Yes. And thank you again.”
“My pleasure.” He winks, and I can’t help smiling at the smirk he throws my way before walking away.
Damn, he’s hot! He also handled that much better than I expected. He wasn’t even mad; he was just confused about why I chose him and not his cousin.
I chuckle to myself all the way home. I was told Neil didn’t like to speak, and he definitely didn’t like to be touched. But he did both with me, and I can’t stop smiling. Maybe he likes me, too.
‘Maybe you’ve lost the plot.’ My Lycan, Farrah, laughs inside my head.
‘Maybe,’ I tell her. ‘But a girl can dream.’
‘There’s nothing wrong with dreaming, Frankie. Just don’t be a fool.’
‘Don’t worry, I won’t.’
I hum as I walk back into the party. I need to find Nancy and our parents. There is something I want to say. This might just be the most spontaneous, reckless thing I have ever done. But you only live once.
My father taught me to grab life with both hands and never let go. As I explain to my family what I intend to do, they’re supportive, as they always are. Though Mom sheds a tear, she’s happy for me.
My life starts now, and I intend to make the most of every moment.
- Writer
