34.
1269 Words
He wouldn't say it aloud but he was proud of her. Onyx couldn't help but admire his estranged mate. She was so many wonderful things and a little part of him wished he could love her how she deserved because she did deserve it. To be adored and loved endlessly given things Onyx couldn't offer her even though he was starting to wish he could. He thought the mate bond would feel different somehow like a force of nature knocking him off his feet but it wasn't like that it had snuck up on him when he was least expecting it catching him by surprise and though at first the lust and longing were there it somehow shifted to respect and admiration even if it did change back Onyx couldn't bring himself to chase after Gatlin now it would be cruel to do that. He smiled fondly across the party at his estranged mate instead as the party was coming to an end “you ready for bed” Eliza leaned a slender arm onto his shoulder the short blonde leaning closely beside him catching him off guard. Onyx could feel the disapproving gaze of his mother he knew Edda knew the truth she hadn't confronted him but he knew, she had always disapproved of his relationship wanting him to wait for his mate to be sure and now he was waiting for the shoe to drop however Onyx didn't wait to see a reaction from her irritated look instead he turned away from his mothers gaze to face Eliza a smile on her beautiful face “babe, are you listening?”
“Yes, of course, I am” Onyx glanced around one last time perhaps his situation wasn't conventional and would be frowned about but it was his decision. He and Gatlin had made their calls and had to live with them.
“Then are you ready for bed?” Eliza questioned once more her blue eyes focused on him.
Onyx took her hand in his own placing a kiss on the beautiful soft, tanned flesh of her palm “yes, let's go.”
:::
“What?” Arro exclaimed as though he didn’t hear. His blue eyes were wide as he placed one of the boxes into the back of the silver Mercedes pickup. It was the first time she had seen Arro’s vehicle she didn’t even realise he owned one till Arro showed her where to put her belongings as the packed up.
“You heard me” she sharply replied dumping her bag onto the back seat.
“No, I’m sorry I think I have something in my ear because it sounds like you said Jaxon kissed you” Arro leaned himself back against the side of the pick up his eyes following Gatlin in curiosity.
“No, that’s what I said” she clarified as she leaned against the open rear door beside him.
“How? When? What does this mean?” he questioned.
“Last night at the party but nothing is going to happen. I'm going my way he is going his” she shrugged it off. Gatlin had given what had happened some thought but at the end of the day, she could only sum their situation as bad timing.
“What about Onyx?” he couldn’t help himself but ask.
“Arro seriously?” Gatlin groaned dragging herself from slouching against the door. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes as well she didn’t need the constant reminder.
“I know... I know I’m sorry”
“How many times do we have to go over this?” shaking her head as she slammed closed the rear door the obvious annoyance practically radiating off of her.
“I know I keep forgetting but you know how I feel about mates, Linz” he shrugged his blue eyes wide like a puppy as though trying to convey his regret on bringing the topic up again.
“Yeah but you also refuse to answer why you feel that way about mates, Arro. Why are you so adamant about it?” the question seemed to linger in the air as Arro stood awkwardly shifting his gaze from one thing to another as though that alone could avoid the topic. Gatlin sighed as she relented to his uncomfortable state “I know you don’t like talking about whatever it is but will you at least answer a few things?”
“Depends on the questions” his eyebrows were drawn it was obvious as ever from his pensive expression he didn’t want to talk about it.
“I’ll only ask two questions” she attempted to remain reasonable.
“Fine” he practically grumbled.
“Do you know your mate? and are you together?” she wouldn’t push it but curiosity got the best of her since he was so rarely willing to discuss it.
“Yes,” he replied almost robotically “and no” before she could respond the doors of the Alpha house opened with Edda walking out a polite smile across her face.
“I’m glad I didn’t miss you” she spoke quickly crossing the paved path to the car “Arro make sure you take care of her understand” was the first thing she said. It took a moment for Arro to compose himself in his usual mannerisms the talk of his mate throwing off his mood.
“I will, Aunt Edda” he flashed one of his cheeky smiles before the smaller woman pulled him into a hug. Arro leaned down embracing the shorter woman.
“Now I need to speak to Gatlin” she insisted and Arro gave a nod before getting into the driver's seat. She waited till the door closed before turning her attention to the young she-wolf “I brought you something” lifting the bag that sat on her shoulder she handed it over to Gatlin “some of my special tea best you take some till this matter can be resolved.”
“Thank you” Gatlin smiles gratefully taking the bag but before she could pull away Edda took hold of her hands.
“I know you don't feel like you belong here and I can’t express how sorry I am that you don’t” moving her hand to place it on Gatlin’s cheek Edda smiled fondly “You’re a wonderful young woman with a bright future ahead of you but I will be saddened by the fact I won’t be able to call you my daughter in law.”
“Edda...” Gatlin began the words almost causing her to choke up never had she felt that motherly affection.
“You have an amazing future ahead of you my dear, just make sure you have the happiest of lives” Edda retracted her hands the usually polite smile she had had turned sad and Gatlin couldn’t help but share the same expression.
“Thank you... Thank you for everything” Gatlin said before retreating to the passenger side of the pick up sniffling a little at the show of emotions she felt coming. Gatlin slipped into the vehicle silently and settled into the passenger seat not realising she was clutching the bag so close to her chest.
“Ready?” Arro asked softly placing a gentle hand on her arm. She confirmed with a nod remaining silent with so much swimming in her mind. The two got settled into their seats before Arro started up the pick up the rumbling of the engine filled the silence. Driving off Gatlin took in one last look at her surroundings taking in everything of the pack she never called her home till the reached the training fields where she spotted Jaxon back at training the tall, muscular figure stood amongst the others training but she could easily tell him apart especially since he stopped as his eyes zeroed in on the passing vehicle and giving a small wave.
“You sure you’re ready?” Arro asked as the approached the edge of the territory.
Gatlin watched the shrinking figures of the men training in the side mirror before turning to him with a small smile “I’m ready.”
- Writer
