Moon God Mates 2

Chapter 20

Cole’s POV:

“This is going to be epic!” I grab Dylan’s shoulder, hyping him up as we step into the NYQUEE nightclub with some pack bros—Ben, Matthew, and Jessie. It’s not like the clubs in Vegas, but in this town, it’s as good as it gets. It’s in human territory, and all the college students come here. This is Dylan’s first time at a club, and we need to get some ass.

I’ve been in a rut lately. My body rejects any women who come my way. I even test it with Val, a warrior I hook up with sometimes—and nothing. I mean, I get it up, of course—not like I need f*****g Viagra—but my body doesn’t respond like it usually does to women. Well, that’s a lie. There’s one woman I crave. But she’s a tease; she won’t even let me kiss her. And I’m not going to play her games.

We sit in the booth reserved for us as a server brings a bottle to the table. Soon, the table fills with chicks—some pack girls, some humans—but the pack girls scare the humans off. Val comes and sits on my lap, rubbing up and down my back, whispering s**t in my ear. Usually, this would turn me on, but all I want is to push her off.

“Excuse me.” I stand, causing Val to fall back onto the seat, shocked. I just don’t have the mood for her. I go over to the bar, and the bartender hands me a whiskey on the rocks. Mason’s drink. I don’t even have the patience to send it back for a beer, so I just slip it down. No idea how he drinks this bitter s**t. Mason used to be here with me at the club, but ever since he found Iris, he’s been in love land. It’s weird and takes some getting used to. I love Iris like a sister—don’t get me wrong—she makes Mason better. She saved my brother even when I couldn’t. She’s good for him. But we never believed in mates, and now he wants me to just go out and find mine? Like we don’t remember how destroyed Dad was after Mom died.

A blonde dances seductively in front of me, no doubt trying to grab my attention. But my wolf cries at the sight of someone else. Ana and Bree are the first ones in the door, all cuddled up as usual. Ellie, Ravi's mate, and Mila come in behind them.

I watch Mila from afar. She’s glorious. Wearing a mustard yellow open-back dress—most people would shy away from that color—but she has so much confidence, she wears it like a goddess. Her black strappy heels complement her legs perfectly. I just want to lick my way up them until I get to her… Low whistles are directed their way, and it makes me mad how much attention she’s getting. Which is weird for me. I’m not the jealous type. I’m also not a man who needs to ask twice, but for some reason, I can’t shake this feeling of want for Mila. It’s not just me—my wolf likes her too. This is his first time ever accepting a woman. So here I am, getting ready to ask twice.

Could she not tell she’s the prettiest one here? From the looks being shot her way, I’m not the only one thinking it. But she doesn’t look interested. Her eyes scan the crowd as if she’s looking for something—or someone. When her eyes land on me, my breath hitsched. Is she looking for me? I feel my smug smile. She’s definitely looking for me.

She gives me a super dramatic eye roll, and I can’t help but laugh at how cute it is while I walk her way. She wants me. She has to want me just a little bit.

The weird thing is I lose interest in women very fast. I guess that’s why I never minded not wanting to find my mate. I’m afraid—not only of losing her like Dad lost Mom—but also of not being fully capable of loving her. I can’t even stick with my go-to pizza topping. How the hell am I supposed to stick to one woman my entire life? I’m not good enough for a mate. I’m too indecisive.

Mila walks away from me—little does she know whose table she’s walking to. I follow behind her, eyeing her like prey. I wouldn’t mind her as a mate—she’s f*****g flawless. And for me to say that is saying a lot. It’s not just her beauty though; it’s the way she carries herself, so much confidence it’s sexy. She walks with authority that makes me want to drop to my f*****g knees in front of her. Maybe a mate wouldn’t be so bad. The sway of her hips makes my wolf growl with lust.

I stop walking, not noticing how fast I’m closing the distance. What am I doing? I don’t need a mate! And it’s not Mila—if it was, I’d know. I’d be drunk off her scent. But I’m not. She smells like… well, she doesn’t really give off a strong scent like most wolves do… weird… I guess she kind of smells like lavender. Like Ellie. Anyway, she’s not mine. She’s someone else’s. The thought of her being someone else’s mate makes me stir crazy. I don’t like that. Neither does my wolf. Am I missing something here?

The boys at the table make room for the girls, and I link Ben to move from Mila’s side. I scoot into the booth, lifting my arm around her. Ellie laughs while Mila gives me another one of her famous eye rolls.

“Miss me, princess?” I lean down to whisper in her ear, and I swear her body stiffens for me, but she quickly adjusts herself in her seat, completely ignoring me and talking to Ellie at her side.

I lean in again, testing my theory. “You look beautiful.” I brush some hair behind her ear, feeling her shiver beneath my fingers. Huh? So I do have an effect on her. But how deep is that effect?

“Stop, okay!” She turns and yells at me. Her eyes are glossy like she’s about to cry. Did I do something? I feel bad. Guilty even. I goof off a lot and sometimes take my pranks too far, but with Mila, I’m not goofing off. I’m genuinely interested in this girl. By the look on her face, she wants nothing to do with me. Which is a first. I’ve never had to beg or had anyone play hard to get. I get who I want. But is she not playing? Am I really this repulsive she doesn’t even want me near her? Fine.

I push the table and storm off. I’m not going to beg—that’s not me. It’s not like I’m trying to sleep with her. I just want to be close to her. My wolf is calm by her, but since she wants to act like a stick-up princess, I’ll find my comfort elsewhere.

I stop at the bar, waving off the human bartender and signaling the werewolf waiter to bring me a bottle of the good stuff. Our kind can feel a buzz on human liquor, but when it’s laced with a bit of wolfsbane, it can really f**k you up. And that’s exactly what I need right now.

Once he sets down the bottle, I take a big swig—one after another—until the room spins. My body sways with the music, and girls begin to grind on me, yet all I can focus on are her eyes burning into me. I make eye contact, taking another big drink. If only I could suck those juicy pink lips. f*****g Cole! Another drink, and I start dancing close to the women flocking around me. Screw it—if she doesn’t want me, another one will.

Val comes up behind me, rubbing up and down my back. I turn to face her as we sway together to the music. I hold the bottle to her lips, pouring the tiny bit left into her mouth.

Val looks up and moves for my lips when I’m pulled back by my shirt. I stumble but catch my footing to realize Mila is the one who grabbed me.

“Jealous princess?” I slur.

“You’re drunk. I think it’s time you take your leave,” Mila yells, loud enough for me to hear over the music.

“And who the f**k are you to—”

I hold up my hand to Val, shutting her up. For some reason, I don’t like the way Mila speaks to her, and I don’t even want to hear Val finish that sentence. “Take care of this.” I toss the empty bottle to Val, who storms off through the dancing crowd.

“You want me to go?” I move closer, standing inches from Mila’s face, pulling her close so no one dancing around us bumps into her and hurts her. She’s like precious cargo I need to protect. She’s stiff in my arms, telling me she’s uncomfortable like before.

“You want me to go so you can find another man here to preoccupy you?” I whisper in her ear.

She surprises me by linking her hands around my neck and whispering back, “I’m not a w***e if that’s what you’re implying.”

I sway us to the music. Finally, she’s not pulling away or fighting me like usual. We dance like that until I stumble a little.

“It’s time to go.” Mila pulls away, grabbing my hand. “I told you, I’m not leaving so you can f**k around with another man!”

My words shock the hell out of me. I sound like a jealous boyfriend! I’ve never even been a boyfriend. I’m more of the booty call guy (I like it that way), and jealousy isn’t in my vocabulary!

There goes that eye roll again. “I’ll go with you. Now can we please go?”

“Say no more,” I wink as I let her drag me to the entrance. I link Ben to get Ellie home safe before we exit the club.

When the cold air hits my face, I realize I’m really f****d up. God, I shouldn’t have drunk that whole bottle. As if sensing me, Mila sighs before putting a hand around my waist, guiding me down the steps to where the valet has my car waiting.

“I would open your door but, uh…” I stumble again as the valet hands me the keys.

“But you’re not only an ass, you’re a drunk one.” Mila snatches the keys from my hands and helps me into the passenger side. I never drink like this. I go out often and have a good time, yes, but I never get drunk. I have to be on top of my s**t just in case my Alpha needs me. I’m embarrassed right now—not only because I fail as a Beta, but because the girl who caught my heart doesn’t even give a s**t that she has it. But if she doesn’t care, why is she taking care of me right now? Is it obligation to Ellie or something more?

The whole car ride, I’m captivated by the comforting smell of something. I end up dozing off the rest of the way home.

When I wake, my head still spins slightly. I look around to see I’m already in my room, but it’s still night. Someone has taken off my shoes and unbuttoned my shirt. Mila comes out of the bathroom—her hair tied up, face bare, barefoot. This is a sight I never want to forget. She looks startled to see me awake.

“Come here.” I hold out my arm, expecting rejection. Instead, she comes and carefully sits on my bed next to me.

“Did you do this?” I gesture down to my shoes sitting beside the bed.

“I just wanted to make you more comfortable. Mason helped carry you up. He’s not very happy with you—that’s not how a Beta should behave. Drinking a whole bottle?” She’s not hiding her anger, but I don’t want her to stop talking. This is different—she usually gives me one-word answers or sly remarks. “What were you thinking? Do you always behave this irresponsibly?” She scolds me like Mom used to.

‘Cole, don’t do this.’

‘Cole, that’s bad for your reputation.’

‘Cole, can’t you ever be serious?’

I’m not even Alpha, and I’m expected to be perfect. But I get it—I let my brother down. I never wanted to be Alpha. Nothing in the world would make me want that position. Mason is perfect for the job. My duty is to him and my pack. So Mila is right. Mom is right. I let them down behaving like this.

“I was just trying to get some girl’s attention.” I wink at Mila, only to get her famous eye roll. “And that’s how you try? Grow up.” She stands and is about to leave when I grab her wrist to stop her. I can’t explain what I feel when I do that. It’s not strong enough to be a mate pull, but it’s definitely something. Maybe it’s just me hoping it’s more than what it is. She pulls away before I can think more about it.

“I’m sorry, okay? It’s just so hard to talk to you. All I want is to get to know you, and every time I try, you run in the opposite direction. What is it that scares you away from me so bad?” I wince at the pain my next sentence causes me. “Am I… am I not your type?” I don’t want to hear her answer. I already feel pain in my chest just saying it aloud.

She sighs like the conversation is defeating her. I stand to look her in the eyes. If I’m not her type, I guess I just have to accept it. But just once, I need to try this. I can’t live with myself without doing it at least once.

I pull Mila closer by the wrist, pressing our bodies together. With my finger, I lift her chin so she has to look me in the eyes. I wait for hesitation or any sign she’d pull away. If she shows it, I won’t force her. I want this to be natural. But if she lets me, I can fall in love right now. Her beautiful green eyes are mesmerizing. I get so lost in them, I know I’ll never look into anyone’s eyes like this again without thinking of her. Our breathing becomes one. Once I feel she’s comfortable and won’t pull away, I lean forward.

I give her the most simple kiss I’ve ever given. Who am I kidding? I’ve never kissed anyone this way. Just a peck. I want her to know I’ll move at her pace, that I’d pretty much do anything for her to want me back. I’ve never been vulnerable, especially for a woman, but I am with her. My wolf wants her, and I can’t understand why. She’s beautiful and smart and confident as hell, but there’s more to it that I just can’t put my finger on.

I let my lips linger on hers a moment longer. Greedily, I don’t ever want to pull away. But when I do, my heart tears even more. Tears stream down Mila’s face. I want to wipe them away and hold her. I want to make everything better. But I’m the reason she’s crying. A sob breaks from her mouth and I sit defeatedly on the bed. What’s the most peaceful and natural kiss of my life brings her to tears? And not the good kind — she looks like she’s about to full-on cry.

“Just go.” I stand, walking toward the bathroom.

“Cole, you don’t understand.” She tries grabbing for me but I pull away.

“Can’t you see I’m f*****g head over heels for you, Mila? And one kiss from me breaks you into tears! Am I that revolting?”

“No, it’s not that!” she cries.

“Then what is it, huh? You’ve been using every excuse in the book to get away from me since the moment you got here. And when we’re close enough, all you do is look for a reason to argue with me.”

“Cole, I’m sorry.” Her once brave and courageous demeanor crumbles in front of me, and I just want to know why. But I don’t need to know if it breaks her like this. For some reason, all I want is to see Mila happy, and if I have to leave her alone to give her that — so be it.

“It’s fine.” I keep my voice flat, not letting my emotions slip in. “I get it, Mila. Just go. I’m going to shower.”

I turn, closing the door behind me, letting her off the hook. I guess this is my karma for all the women I’ve f****d over. The one I actually want — the one I f*****g crave and fall for — doesn’t love me back.