Pub
997 Words
"Wrong number," the voice said softly before hanging up. I watched my phone for a while, hearing Beth ask if I was alright. I just nodded. Wrong number.
Ael and Joe showed up to pick me up at 5:30 PM. "YOU LOOK HOT, GIRLS!" Joe shouted. We did a quick twirl for them.
Ael looked effortlessly charming in a snug white t-shirt that highlighted his toned muscles and slacks. His recent buzz cut gave him a fresh appearance. Joe opted for an all-black sleek ensemble. His sandy blonde hair was styled neatly.
"You cut your hair, Ael. You look even more handsome," I said as we entered the car.
"Just trying something new," Ael grinned.
"I love it," Beth added.
As I fastened my seatbelt, I said, "You look great." He started driving from the driveway to the main road. I hoped Hayes and Zylon would show up at the venue.
Connect was located just on the outskirts of the pack. The outdoor classy pub was alive with energy. After we received our colorful stamps, we went through a wooden gate and found a cozy booth. The atmosphere was inviting. Joe ordered us a round of ice-cold beers.
"Look who we have here. Done moping, I see, Beth," a familiar voice sneered, dripping with mockery. A surge of anger coursed through me as I turned to confront Cattie, who stood a few feet away from us.
Her three friends flanked her like a well-rehearsed entourage. They wore matching, elegant short-short Chanel dresses, their pastel colors almost blinding like they had waltzed in from a high-fashion runway rather.
"Cattie, the hoe," Beth spat, her voice dripping with disdain as she glared at her. "And her entourage of sycophants,"
Cattie flicked her hair back, "I'm sorry for sleeping with Viny. It was a poor choice and beneath someone like me," she said, her tone dripping with condescension. "Can you picture me with a guy who actually had a thing for you?" The corner of her mouth twisted into a grimace.
Before Beth could muster a reply, Cattie spun around sharply and strutted away. Her loyal friends mimicked her exit as they scurried to keep pace.
"She's so annoying and frustrating," Beth exclaimed. "I really have no idea what she was trying to say. Who does she think is beneath her—me or Viny?"
Ael glanced at her, frowning, "I think she meant both of you," he murmured thoughtfully.
"The next time she comes anywhere near me, I swear I'll punch her right in that damn pretty face", Beth muttered.
We sat back down to enjoy the night. The atmosphere felt refreshing. We laughed heartily as we chatted, and even Joe seemed to be in good spirits, making eye contact with a DJ across from us. Ael caught the exchange and raised his eyebrows in surprise, snorting as he took a swig of his drink. I was curious about what that was all about, but my thoughts were interrupted when I felt a presence behind me. I whipped my head around and came face-to-face with Jay. I gasped and hit his shoulder.
"Ouch," he pretended to grimace in pain.
"Where have you been, and why haven't you been answering my calls?" I fired the question at him. He chuckled and extended his hand to me. I took it, and he led me to a dimly lit, secluded area.
I crossed my arms over my chest, fuming, while he simply watched me with a sly smile, as if he were up to something bad.
"Speak," I demanded.
"I missed you," he replied.
"Cut that out. Did you know Manon was your mate?"
"Yes," he said simply.
"How?"
"I... I just knew it, Rue," he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "I can't explain it right now, but I did." He ran a hand through his hair. His breaths came in quick bursts.
"I don't want to be tied to a werewolf. I don't want to get involved,"
"You don't want to be tied to a werewolf," I echoed. Panic flickered in his eyes, and he shook his head vehemently.
"I meant her. Not you. I just don't want a mate," he explained quickly. My heart broke once again for Manon. If only he could give her a chance. She was such a good person.
"But why don't you want me? It's not my fault that I was born a werewolf," we both turned to Manon, tears flowing down her face. Hayes stood a few feet from her, secretly watching. Jay attempted to walk to her, wanting to comfort her at the sight of her in pain, but held himself back.
"Manon," he whispered her name. A small, bittersweet smile began to unfurl across his face as he repeated her name. "Manon, you need to forget about me, please."
"I can't do that, you see!" she exclaimed, desperation in her voice. She wiped her nose with the back of her hand and then dried her tears. "I wish I could, but I can't!"
"Jay, it's incredibly challenging for werewolves to ignore their mates after they've met them," I explained gently, "Our feelings and instincts are amplified to an extraordinary degree—much more than those of humans. While it might be easier for you to set those emotions aside, it's an entirely different experience for her."
A shadow of sadness crossed Jay's features, an expression I had never seen on him before. Giving his arm a reassuring pat, I stepped away to allow them to have their private conversation.
I made my way to my mate. The moment our eyes locked, I felt an electric warmth wash over me, pulling me closer to him. His intense gaze held me captive, as if he could see straight into my soul.
"Hi," I breathed out, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest.
"Hello, beautiful," he responded, his voice smooth and inviting. At that moment, I knew—I was a complete goner, spellbound.
- Writer
