High Moon Academy

Chapter 23 - POV Damon - MATE

We've parked the car. Jax is going crazy in my mind telling me to hurry up. I just know I have to get there now. My pack is hurt, and my sister is freaking out. I must have had a look of being lost on my face. Max, realizing I'd never actually been to this campus, started directing me. That's when the hospital came into view and Jax helped me pick up speed. My adrenaline and Jax had kicked in and the others were a little ways behind me now, I can't wait for them. I raced up the stairs and as I was approaching the room the nurse directed me too. I almost faltered as I smelt fresh oranges on a summer's day. Well, that's an odd but pleasant smell for a hospital. I almost wanted to stop and smell it longer but I knew I couldn't. My sister is in a crisis and I need to be a leader now.

I burst through the doors and my sister instantly got up from the couch and some guys' arms. She threw herself in my arms and buried her head in my chest, crying about how sorry she was that she couldn't protect our pack. I tried to reassure her, she did everything she could have but I did a shitty job at it. I was just so distracted and shocked as I hugged Charlie back. I looked at the bed where Marissa was lying. She looks beautiful and peaceful like an angel just waiting for me, and that smell, that lovely orange smell, is stronger than ever here.

‘Mate, Mate, Mate’ Jax screams in my head. I can't help but smile. Even with the situation at hand. I've found her.

Of course, that's why I've always been drawn to her, that's why I didn’t find my mate on my 18th birthday. Marissa was still away with her aunt. It’s why I never dated anyone. I always just thought if it wasn’t Marissa, it wasn’t worth it. Now I have finally found her again and this is how I found her. I saw the marks on her neck and I saw red. Before I even knew what I was doing, I pulled Charlie away from me. Remembering what Charlie said about this being her fault. She looked at me hurt by the sudden abruptness. I looked at her hard and in a lower tone then I should of used on my sister, I asked her what happened.

“What the F**k Happened Charlie? How was this your fault? Why is my MATE lying in a F*****G hospital bed?” That last part I screamed more than I should have and I saw the fear in my sisters eyes. Never did I ever think I would speak in such a way to her. I knew this wasn’t her fault, somewhere in my brain I did. But this wasn’t just me, this was my irrational wolf and me, finding our mate and maybe losing her all at once. Before Charlie could say anything, Patty came between us and grabbed Charlie, holding her away from me. He screamed at me to back off. That's when this other she wolf that I had barely noticed came over. With a strong sense of calm, she explained the whole story. Charlie was now in some other random wolf's arms again being comforted, and I sat there feeling like a d**k.

Of course it wasn’t Charlie's fault. After the wolf, who I found out was Jasmine, explained everything, Jax and I felt even worse. Charlie had in fact saved my love. Not been the cause of her pain. Without Charlie's quick thinking and following her gut, I may not have even ever known Marissa was my mate. In unison, Jax and I both knew we had to make things right with Charlie.

“Charlie, we are so sorry. We should never have blamed or yelled at you. This wasn’t your fault. You saved her. You saved my mate. I will forever be indebted to you”. I knew she heard me. She could tell and sense the remorse in my and Jaxs' voice. I knew Charlie had already forgiven me. She remained in that wolf's arms still and looked me straight in the eyes. I should really find out who this other wolf is, that keeps putting his paws all over my sister.

“I know that wasn’t just you who went off on me, I can't imagine finding my mate the way you and Jax just did. I’m sorry I didn't figure it what was happening to Marissa earlier and save her, and subsequently, you from all of this. There is something you should know. Our teacher that gave her the elixir said that if Marissa is with her mate she will recover faster and stronger.” My ears perked at that. I knew I needed to be with her. I think everyone could sense we needed to be alone for a while. Patty turned to leave first, with Sarah and Jasmine. I gave one more look towards Charlie, and noticed Max coming down the hall. He must have known my pack was hurt and gave me time to deal with it before entering. He’s a good alpha and, if I’m honest, a good new friend too. Though he’s doing that odd smelling thing again. I should really show him a scented candle store so he's not always so obviously sniffing the air haha.

Just as he walks into the doorway, I see his eyes turn black as he looks at Charlie in the male wolf's arms. Jax and I instantly get into protective mode. Why is he glaring at Charlie like that, is he about to attack her? What’s his deal? I went to move closer to get in between the pair and then I heard the unknown wolf say “Oh s**t”. That's when I noticed Max wasn't glaring at Charlie, he was glaring at the unknown wolf's hands on Charlie. I chuckled to myself and knew this would be good. I sat down on the bed and held Marissa's hand and watched the show unfold.

“Listen here beta, you had better remove your hands from my mate's arms this instant or lose them.” I instantly smiled, the look on Charlie's face was priceless. An unknown wolf who I guess must be Martin since he called him beta, Martin dropped his hands and cowered a bit, and Max stomped right over to Charlie and for all of us to hear him claim.

"MATE!"

"Excuse you, mate or not, you don't get to dictate who can or cannot touch me."

Oh, I could see on Charlie's face she was conflicted, but her stubborn headstrong brain was not going to let this guy tell her what to do. Regardless of how her body was clearly reacting to the guy. Not sure Max has ever had someone talk back to him before either, judging by the look on his face. Oh, these two are going to be fun to watch.

"You're my mate, no man can touch you now. We've found each other and I've been waiting so long to find you. Only to find you with my beta?" Oh wrong move man. Don't try and go toe to toe with Charlie. I think he kind of sensed that though. Like I said, smart guy.

"Okay, wait, I'm sorry, okay. I saw you with Martin and my wolf and I didn't like it. You're right. I can't tell you what to do, but I really would like to get off to a better start. So please, forgive me and can we move on. Cause I've waited so long to meet you and if I just F'd this up in the first 30 seconds I'll kick my ass forever." Ah good move man, I'm sure even Charlie can't ignore that.

"Fine."

I watched as Charlie walked out the door to give me some space, followed by a puppy dog of an Alpha. I'll definitely make fun of him for that later. Right now, though, I need to get my own mate better.