Cursed with Two Mates

The Waterfall

I groan inwardly. I just want to eat in peace.. what is with her??

“What do you want Harmony?” I try to sound bored so I don’t give her the satisfaction of letting her know I’m nervous.

“It’s not going to work you know. You can slut-up all you want but you’re never going to be as popular as me and you’re never going to get Xander from me.”

Ruby starts getting riled up ready for a fight.

*She’s not worth it* I try to calm her.

“Look If you weren’t so dense you’d see that I don’t want to steal your popularity - I just want to get through this year quietly. So if you don’t mind I’m going to go eat and continue to ignore you and you can go about your shallow life without me in it.” I glare at her waiting for her to move. She’s surprised by my boldness (and frankly so am I).

“You might have others fooled that you’re a harmless nerd but I’m on to you - I saw you watching Xander - back off, he’s mine,” she hissed at me.

“Oh I didn’t see your mark are you mates?” I ask directly, hoping to sound more confident than I feel.

She starts to turn red - clearly I hit a sensitive spot. She must already be 18 and is pissed he didn’t recognize her as his mate. “I will be his Luna - even if he does find his mate, he trusts me. He’ll pick me!” she says matter of factly.

I laugh at how pathetic she sounds which only makes her more mad. “Ok whatever you say Harmony - like I said I don’t care about you, or trying to be a Luna, I’m just here to learn. If you don’t mind I’m going to go eat and you can go about reigning terror elsewhere.”

She smashes my tray up into me, getting Katie’s dressed covered in food and grins evilly at me. “Oops guess you better go clean up. I’m watching you blondey - you might have others fooled but I can tell there’s something off with you.”

I take a few deep breaths to calm Ruby, and myself, so I don’t shift right here. I can’t believe I’m covered in food AGAIN. And this is Katie’s dress - I feel a burning sensation as anger and embarrassment mix together. I just want to leave before anyone sees me tear up.

I’m aware all eyes are on me as I glare at her and turn silently, trying to make it to the door with my head held up. I crash through the door and directly into something hard. I brace for hitting the ground and I let a tear spill out of my eye.

Before I know it hands are on my waist catching me from falling and hoisting me up.

Oh no. Not him.. Anyone but him.

I peek up and see his blue eyes piercing into me. Xander. Why is he always there at inopportune moments??

I’m barely holding it together, my emotions running wild as I’m still trying to get a grip on my anger and tears. I try my best not to focus on how hard his muscles are under my hands.

“Are you ok Jade?” He asks sincerely.

My breath hitched hearing him say my name. I shake my head trying to get a grip.

“Um yeah. Thanks for catching me. I’ve got 2 left feet,” I mumble as he sets me down and I look away.

“Yah I figured that out funnily enough,” he chuckles, his eyes sparkling at me. “I’m Xander.”

“I know.” Wait did I say that out loud?

Smooth Jade.

His eyebrows shoot up.

“Oh does my reputation proceed me or have you been asking about me?” He’s clearly amused by my awkwardness.

“Neither. Your girlfriend warned me to stay away from you before doing this to my dress.” I snap at him “So if you’ll excuse me.”

I walk away before he has a chance to respond but I can sense his shock.

I realize I don’t even know where I’m going so I turn and make my way outside.

*I think I’ve had enough for now - you’re up,* I say to Ruby as I duck behind a tree and take off Katie’s dress.

I shift and let Ruby take over. She’s thrilled to be able to be loose - I can barely remember when she had the ability to run like this.

After an hour of running she comes to a clearing.

*Jade you should see this!*

She sniffs to verify we’re alone and we shift back to my human form. I gasp - we’re at the bottom of a waterfall on the edge of a small lake surrounded by wildflowers. It’s stunning.

I dive in and swim over to feel the waterfall on my bare skin. The running water washes any tension I have away. I decide to float around a bit longer.

I close my eyes and enjoy the weightless feeling. Suddenly I smell something delectable and mysterious - like vanilla mixed with campfire. Both mouth watering and sexy; it gets stronger. I continue to smell it forgetting where I am. It becomes overwhelming and I realize my body is reacting to it - my breathing picked up, my core clenching. I open my eyes and see him standing on the edge of the lake watching me.

*It’s him! From the dream! Go to him* Ruby is jumping up and down

The shock of seeing someone caused me to forget where I was. I startled, tense up and inhale a large gulp of water. I start thrashing and coughing up the water.

Seriously can’t I just catch a break??

Next thing I know I blink and I’m out of the water in his arms. How did he get to me so quickly?

Wait am I still naked?!

I stumble back and cover myself while I finish coughing.

I hear a chuckle, “why you are mouthwatering little wolf.”

I get a good look at him - he’s beautiful. Tall and lean with sandy blonde hair and bright green eyes. He has a devilish grin as he stares at me like he’s ready to devour me. I notice he’s in a full suit - curious since he seems pretty young and it’s hot out.

“Who are you? How do I know you?” I ask quickly.

“I’m no one you should be concerned with.. yet” his eyes scan over my body greedily and I shiver as they darken when he says yet. “You need to go - the forest isn’t safe for you.”

“What do you mean for me? What’s your name?” I take a step closer to him.

“Your friends are almost here - we don’t have much time. Shhh” his hand brushes over my lips as he stops me from talking. “You and I will meet again soon. Wait for me angel.” He brushes his thumb against my lower lip and my whole body lights up at the contact. I’m tingling everywhere.

I blink and he’s gone. How does he keep doing that?? I scan the forest but not only is he no where to be seen but I can’t even pick up his scent anymore.

*What the hell was that?* I think to Ruby.