BULLIED BY MY MATE

A Conversation That Matters

Rayvan’s POV

This winter break, I decided to spend a week in Moonvale with my family. The following week, I’ll be returning to Ravenshade for the winter camp. I have a feeling this year’s camp will be more exciting because Alera is joining too. I don’t want to miss a moment with her.

Father sent John, our family’s driver, and Peter, his personal guard, to pick me up from the dorm. When the car arrived, I simply got in. My bags were already packed.

As the car passed the girls’ dorm, I glanced toward the row of rooms. One of them might be Alera’s. She said she’d be staying in Moonvale during the break. An orphan with no home to return to, she chose to remain on campus and work part-time at the coffee shop before it closed for the season.

I had to admit, Alera was strong and independent. She carried her burdens alone and never leaned on anyone, not even me. I had vowed never to let her walk alone again. Now that I had accepted her as my mate, I would always protect her, just as she had quietly stood by me through my lowest moments.

I remembered the box of chocolates I’d prepared for her. I asked John to stop the car.

“John, can you stop for a moment? I want to stop by the girls’ dorm.” I reached into my bag and took out the small box.

John pulled over. Peter glanced my way, his eyes flicking toward the box in my hand.

“Is that for someone special?” he asked, his gaze fixed on the chocolate.

“Yes, for my mate. But please don’t say anything to my parents yet. I’ll tell them myself,” I replied firmly. Peter was one of Father’s most trusted people, but I believed I could count on him.

“I can keep a secret, Rayvan. Congratulations on finding your mate. That means you’re only a few steps away from moonblood,” Peter said, his voice steady, as if sealing an oath.

I stepped out and walked toward the dorm gates. A security guard stood at the entrance.

“Who are you looking for, young man? Sorry, but we have strict rules here. Boys aren’t allowed in the girls’ dorm unless there’s an emergency.” His face was expressionless, his tone cold and unfriendly.

I had hoped to see Alera in person, but it was clear he wouldn’t let me through. Maybe I could ask him to call her.

“I’m here to see Alera. Could you please call her?”

“She’s not here. Alera’s working at the coffee shop. You can leave a message or call her yourself,” he replied, his tone still sharp.

“Alright then, please give her this.” I handed him the chocolate box. I hoped it would bring a smile to her face.

The guard took the box. “Alright, young man.”

“Thank you.” I offered a faint smile and returned to the car. It would take only two hours to reach Moonvale.

*****

My parents welcomed me with warm smiles and tight embraces when I arrived home. The first thing I did was head to my room. Mother always made sure everything was in its place. My room was just as I’d left it. Even the scent, subtle and familiar, made me feel at ease. I made a mental note to bring the same room spray back to campus so it could feel a little more like home.

Mother would always cook my favorite meal, beef steak with the herbal blend unique to our pack. We would talk over dinner. She’d ask about my classes, whether I’d had any trouble, or small things like who I hung out with, or if there was a girl I liked. I always felt safe here. I always missed them when I was away.

Later that night, Father asked to speak with me in my room. Maybe this was one of those man-to-man talks.

He sat at the chair by my desk while I sat on the edge of my bed.

“Ray, your mother and I heard a rumor about you. They say you lost your virginity to one of your friends.” His brows lifted, not in judgment, but curiosity. I knew him. He just wanted the truth.

“It was just gossip, Father. Nothing happened. I still uphold the rules of our pack. I would never break them.” I explained calmly.

He nodded. “Yes, not long after that, another rumor came out saying it was all false. I believe you.” A small smile touched his lips.

“Thank you, for trusting me.”

He nodded again. “I know the pack’s rules are strict. I understand what it’s like to be your age. You’re growing up. It’s only natural to feel curious about deeper bonds, maybe even something physical.”

I stayed silent, listening. I understood where this was going.

“Perhaps you’ve been wondering what it would be like to spend a night in bed with someone. Or maybe you’ve been watching things, videos, films, pictures, secretly…”

My face turned red. How did he know? The truth was, I did have a few sensual videos saved on my phone. I’d watched them during late-night moments of fantasy. Moon Goddess, forgive me.

“I was once your age, Ray. I remember that phase clearly. It’s all part of the journey from boyhood to manhood. And it’s normal.” His voice was gentle, not once judgmental. I never understood why people called him harsh or cold because to me, he was warm and understanding.

“But always remember the rules of our pack. No s*x before marriage.” He spoke firmly, as if to anchor the moment in my heart. I nodded. I had always known, and I would hold to that promise.

“Yes, Father. I’ll stay true to our pack’s values. You don’t need to worry.”

He patted my shoulder. “Moonblood isn’t just about becoming the next Alpha. It’s more than a ritual of succession. It’s about readiness in body and spirit. You can only go through it once you’ve found your true mate and are fully prepared.”

He smiled faintly as he stood. “Rest now. You must be tired. We’ll talk more tomorrow, maybe over a game of chess.”

I smiled back, feeling lighter. I was grateful to have a father who understood me, who could reach me in ways that didn’t require force or punishment.

Tomorrow, I would tell them about my mate. I only hoped they’d accept her.