The Werewolf Lottery

CHAPTER 7: Rejecting him

EMBERLYNN'S POV:

"EMMY, BLUE, ALBUS, BUTTS IN THE DINING ROOM NOW PLEASE!" My mother shouted up the stairs to us all.

Whilst wolves can mind-link each other, Blue was not yet eighteen, so she wouldn't be able to hear the mid-links yet until she got her wolf. So, as her preferred method of communicating, my mother shouted up the stairs to us all at the top of her lungs on a regular basis, or so it seemed.

Hearing the direct order in her voice, we all sprinted down the stairs at the same time, bumping into and stumbling over each other in our competitive efforts to be the first one there. As per usual, the golden boy made it to his seat around the table first, a smug grin plastered to his face.

Having only paid any attention to the challenge that was beating my siblings to the dining room, I completely neglected to consider the reason for this impromptu family meeting. Sitting in my seat, I let my head thump down on the table as I realized that this silly gathering was likely to discuss what had happened last night. Time for me to be a bug under a microscope then.

My mother and father took their seats at either end of the table. My parents always sat at the head of the table to signify their position within the family and to make it easier for them to address us all together without struggling to see anyone. As per usual in these cases, my father spoke first. That was his duty as Beta, to take control of each situation, and it came very naturally to him.

"Hello, my dear family. Welcome to our little family meeting." he snickered. "Your mother feels these meetings are very fruitful, and so they shall continue henceforth. This meeting in particular is to discuss Emberlynn's birthday yesterday. With that all clear, I will pass the floor to Florence, so she may start." my father spoke formally and then took his seat once again.

I had to admire how he treated these meetings as he would any other meeting, so as to teach us how it was to act properly as a Beta, should we find ourselves in the position in the future.

My mother then stood to address us all.

"Ember sweetie, we all had a lovely time last night for your birthday party. However, we all noticed that you left very early and the pack noticed your absence when it came time to sing happy birthday and cut the cake and you were nowhere to be found. Also, when I asked your friends what had happened to you they all seemed very confused and unsure themselves. So, I guess my question is, what happened, honey?" My mother was formal and yet also compassionate and it really showed here. Her genuine concern shines through despite her being direct and straight to the point. A trait I admired greatly.

With a deep breath, I steadied my nerves and stood to address my family.

"Well, firstly yes, the party was lovely. Thank you. Secondly, I did get my wolf. Her name is Clover and she is perfect for me. So everything is all good there. However, something did happen at the party that I am unsure how everyone missed. I found my mate. Well, Clover says he is our mate. But he didn't claim me. So I left the party as I didn't think I could face anyone." I got out in broken sentences whilst my voice shook. Everyone around the table had mixed emotions on their faces.

My brother was the first to respond.

"Emms who is this guy that won't accept you? How dare he! I will kick his ass!" He growled, looking fiercely angry.

"Albus, calm down!" my dad ordered. "You will do no such thing! Ember, I too would like to know who the young man is."

"Ems, you don't need him." Blue interjected.

"Emberlynn, I am very pleased to hear that you received your wolf and I know I speak for everyone when I say that we cannot wait to meet Clover. A mate is a great gift from the goddess, and I am certain that your mate was simply overwhelmed and will most definitely come to his senses sooner rather than later. I am sure you have nothing to worry about." My mother encouraged me.

Just then, we heard a knock at the door, and I saw that as my opportunity to escape this awkward meeting, scampering to answer the door.

Flinging the door open, eager to converse with someone other than my family, my face fell when I saw who was on the other side of the door. It was him. My mate. I realized at that moment that I had no idea of his name.

My father made his way to the door and upon seeing who was there, he tiptoed backwards into the house as if this would undo him ever coming to the door. I could hear my family all muttering in the dining room and my mother's horrified gasps, but I chose to ignore them for the time being and focus on my beautiful mate who was standing right in front of me.

Stepping out of my house, I headed over the road towards the benches on the town green and gestured for my mate and his friend to follow me. I found an empty bench, which wasn't hard since it was very quiet outside today, likely due to everyone needing a lie in to recover from last night's party. My mate gestured to his friend that he should sit on a bench further away to give us a little privacy, which I appreciated.

He leaned forwards and took my hand, sending sparks and tingles right up my arm, and led me to sit down on the bench. Hand still in mine, as if he couldn't bare to be separated from me, he started to talk.

"Emberlynn, I don't think you know me very well, but my name is Garfield."

It was an unusual name, I had to admit, but I am sure I could find a cute nickname for him.

"I am awfully sorry for last night. It was never my intention to upset you, though it would seem I am left with very few options here." he spoke nervously whilst looking at our conjoined hands the whole time. His speech did nothing to calm my nerves but only made me more confused.

Before I could respond, he continued to speak. "It's probably best that I just get this all out in one go, or I might chicken out. I know there is something between us and I heard you declare me as your mate, but I am wolfless and I can't feel the bond as you do. Even if I could feel the bond, we could never be together. It is illegal. I wish you only happiness and love in this life and I wish so badly that I could be the person to give you that love. However, the goddess works in mysterious ways, and it would seem we are not meant to be together. I am leaving the pack today to head to the human village. I am so sorry for all of this, but the only way I can think to make this easier for you in the long run is for you to reject me so that you may be blessed with a second chance mate. I truly hope you are blessed with another who can truly give you the love you deserve." he spoke whilst tears swam in his eyes, threatening to topple over onto his cheeks. I could tell this was causing him pain to admit to me and I could feel my heart shattering in my chest.

I could never have him.