Two Mates, One Heart

The Whirlwind of Emotions and Disappointment

Gloria stared at him in horror. "Have you lost your mind? You want to keep both of us? I'm sorry, but I won’t play along. From now on, I won’t be number 2 in anyone's life, even if he’s a king. Either he accepts me alone, loves me, cherishes me, makes me his priority, or he has no place in my life at all."

"But..."

"There’s no 'but'. Reject me, Arnold... Please, let me go. You've chosen your life. Let me live mine now."

"I can't do that, Gloria. Don't be stupid—you know I'm your second chance, and you're mine too. We can't live without each other. I’ll make you mine, and you’ll live in the forest house. Helen will stay in the Alpha house. I don’t want to cause problems with her, and I don’t want her to be upset with me..."

Arnold didn’t even finish his sentence before Gloria started getting out of the hospital bed, attempting to leave.

"Do I look like a s*x toy to you, Arnold? Do you just want to use me because I’m your mate? Hahaha, my God, I can’t believe this. Why do I keep ending up with such stupid partners?"

"I thought we could talk like two mature people, Gloria... You’re staying in your room until you come to your senses and think objectively. Don’t be selfish. My wolf needs you, and I can’t let you go. You’re mine."

*Upon Arnold's departure from the hospital, Gloria sank back onto the bed, her mind reeling. She hadn't anticipated such audacity from him. She had loved him, envisioned a life together—but now, everything had shifted. He had changed, or perhaps he had merely unveiled a hidden facet of himself she never imagined existed.*

*Once outside, Arnold connected with his beta through their link.*

"Dispatch two individuals to the hospital to escort Gloria to her room. I don't want her leaving it until I grant permission."

"Understood, Alpha," the beta responded.

A brief pause ensued before the beta inquired, "Did something transpire with her, Arnold? Why the confinement?"

"Just follow my instructions. We'll discuss this in my office in thirty minutes."

"Yes, Alpha."

*Entering his office, Arnold picked up the phone and dialed an old friend's number.*

"Hello, Steve? It's Arnold."

"Well, well, if it isn't my old friend Arnold! It's been ages. I was beginning to think you'd finally steered clear of trouble. It's a shame you only remember me when you're in a bind."

"Apologies, Steve. Life's been... hectic."

"Ah, so the mighty Arnold has matured enough to tackle his problems solo. I'm proud of you. Now, what brings you to me, hero?"

*Arnold's hands grew clammy as he clenched them, nerves fraying. He exhaled deeply, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.*

"You recall that Helen was once my mate before we mutually rejected the bond?"

"I remember," Steve affirmed.

"Afterward, Gloria entered the picture from another pack, and I discovered she was my segond chance mate."

"That's wonderful news, Arnold. At last, a chance at happiness with your destined partner."

*Arnold sighed once more.*

"It's not that straightforward, Steve. Helen has returned."

"Don't tell me you still harbor feelings for her, Arnold," Steve said, exhaling audibly over the phone.

*"I made love to her… and I marked her."*

*"Oh my God, Arnold! What are you saying? How could you do that? Did you forget she left you for another man even though she knew you were her mate? And when she came back, you forgave her just like that? Have you lost your mind?!"*

*"That’s what happened, Steve. I can’t change it now… I don’t know what to do. My wolf won’t let go of Gloria, but my heart won’t let go of Helen. I want them both. I can’t let Gloria go to someone else — even if I have to keep her locked away. I just can’t. The problem is… she asked me to reject her."*

Steve scoffed. *"What did you expect her to do? Hug you? Tell you how much she loves you and how proud she is of you? Come on, man. You’re trying to keep them both, and worse — you’ve reduced your true mate to nothing more than a side piece. Do you even realize she’ll feel your betrayal every time you sleep with Helen?"*

*"I know. After I marked Helen… I found Gloria unconscious outside my door."*

*"Oh God… and she saw you too? Caught you in the act? Wow… what a lovely moment for your real mate."*

*"I need your help, Steve. I don’t want her to feel it when I’m with Helen. I need a solution."*

*"There is no solution, Arnold… unless you give her a sedative. That way, her mind won’t register the pain. But know this — over time, it’ll damage both her body and her mind."*

At that moment, the Beta entered the office.

*"Hey Arnold."*

*"Hey."* Arnold replied, ending the call. *"Steve, we’ll talk later."*

The Beta sat across from him, looking him in the eye.

*"What’s going through your head, Arnold? What are you planning to do now that you've claimed someone who isn't your true mate?"*

Arnold leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

*"I don’t know. I feel lost… like I’m torn between two storms — one that owns my heart, and one that owns my wolf. If my wolf could just accept Helen… I wouldn’t hesitate to reject Gloria. But I’m afraid my wolf will weaken if I do that."*

*"You’ve thrown yourself into deep waters without knowing how to swim. If you had just followed your mind instead of your heart, you’d see that Gloria is better than Helen. Even more beautiful."*

Arnold snapped, *"Don’t talk about Helen like that."*

*"Ah, the loyal lover defends his queen."*

*"I want you to bring me a sedative. I’ll give it to Gloria. That way, I can live my life with Helen… and Gloria won’t feel the pain."*

The Beta raised an eyebrow. *"You know prolonged use will damage her, right?"*

*"I know… but just until I find another way."*