Aurelia the Pink

Chapter 3: Too Good to be True

1 Day to Kang’s Birthday

- Aurelia (Ling) POV -

I woke up to the sunlight shining into the room and the smell of bacon and eggs cooked by Jian. I washed up before rushing to the kitchen for a quick bite. I sneaked a peek at the birthday boy-to-be sipping his coffee with his eyes still half closed. I pecked both his cheeks before he grabbed me into a bear hug and nuzzled me. This would be the last day for him without a wolf. Come midnight, he will shift for the first time. I will be there for him as the first shift would be painful. He needs all the support he can get. We spent the rest of the day playing by the lake and enjoying the view. We had a long talk about his aspirations and actions he will undertake when he becomes Alpha officially.

The time passed by painfully slow but finally, it was five minutes to 12 am. Kang stripped down to his boxers and stood still, admiring the full moon. Kang’s family, along with me and Jian, waited patiently by his side. Usually the Alpha’s first shift was one of the biggest event for the pack but Kang requested for a personal one with close friends and family. I went by his side to rub his back with my fingers soothingly to calm him down as midnight approaches. Just like clockwork, we heard bones cracking as jet black fur sprouted from Kang’s body. I took a few steps back to give him the space to shift. His wolf looked like royalty. His golden eyes shimmered under the light and his canine teeth grew to be about twice longer than the regular wolf. Even his build was the largest I have ever seen. Soon after, he gave a bone-chilling howl towards the moon. Goosebumps emerged all over my body. Just as he shifted back, he turned around and we locked eyes.

“Mate! Mine!” he declared with his eyes turning completely black.

Relieved, I sauntered towards him only for him to pass me by. He made his way to Jian who was directly behind me and wrapped her in a warm embrace. Everyone’s jaw dropped. Shock turned into sadness as I felt stream of tears falling from my eyes uncontrollably. Before anyone could react, I broke into a run, as fast as my trembling legs could bring me. I was an emotional wreck. I tripped multiple times due to my blurred vision from tears. I finally made it back to my room and locked the door. Hugging my knees with my arms, I laid in a foetal position on my bed. A few minutes later, a series of door knocks distracted me from my own pity party. “Aurelia? Aurelia!” Kang called out louder and louder until I heard a different set of voice: “Kang, I think we should give Ling some time to sort her emotions,” Jian cooed at him. The door immediately stopped rattling as I heard two sets of retreating footsteps. My heart shattered into a million pieces. Why did Kang not persist in talking to me?

Throughout the night, my heart and mind was at war. My mind knew that Jian will definitely make a great Luna. My sister and my first love. I wanted happiness for the both of them more than anything in the world. Yet, my heart hurt like it was stabbed with dagger that was twisted once it was plunged into my heart for good measure. Irrational thoughts were flooding my mind. Thoughts of eloping with him. Crazy me, distance can never weaken mate bonds. Somehow, I drifted off to sleep in the middle of the night.

Kang’s Birthday Celebration

I woke up with a splitting headache. I wished to sleep in the entire day but I know that today is Kang’s birthday celebration. While he was no longer mine, I still loved him deeply. I wanted to be by his side in such an important day as this. I changed to a grey sweatpants and black hoodie to hide my unkempt hair. I did not even bother to wash off the dried tear streaks from my face. As I made my way down to the pack house dining hall, I saw the couple I did not wish to see. Jian and Kang. My heart constricted even at the thought of their names.

“Aurelia! Can we talk? Please?” Kang pleaded me before I can head back up to my room. I felt extremely pathetic. Even in this situation, I cannot help but give in to his every whim. I sighed exasperatedly as I sat myself down beside Jian and Kang. I spent my breakfast picking at my food while listening to Kang’s apologies. I know that I was being a brat. It was neither Jian’s nor Kang’s fault that they were fated mates. Sometimes life loves to play tricks on us. He wishes to continue to be my best friend if it was possible with me. I told him that I needed time. I promised that I will try to come around. Although I was a brat, I did not want to hurt my closest family.

The rest of the party was uneventful. I was mainly sitting at the corner with my mum comforting me. I flinched once in a while when Kang went around introducing Jian as his love and Luna. Maybe I should have listened to my mother and guard my heart at the start after all.