Not Believing in Mates

Chapter 4 Melonie

Melonie’s head was pounding as she woke the next morning. She had lingered longer in the corridor before finding her way to the bar, grabbing as many drinks as she could. Then she bid her time next to the exit, scowling at the warriors on duty until they informed her that she would finally be permitted to leave. Although she would be scolded later for not checking on her sister, Melonie didn’t care as she moved into a quick jog, halving the time it would normally take her to arrive home.

Home where she decided to take several shots that she was now coming to regret. Rolling over, she looked at the time, suddenly cursing under her breath as she sprung to her feet. Breakfast would be in only an hour, and she had not even started the preparation for her portfolio, forget showering. Melonie rushed around the room, grabbing a flash drive and loading up her computer. She quickly sorted through her records of what she believed to be her best work, grabbing every good project she could think of as well as a few things with unclear labels.

As soon as the files were set to download, she grabbed her things and ran to the bathroom. She didn't bother to wait for the water to heat up, jumping in the shower. The cold water did nothing to soothe her headache and she found herself missing her coffee and painkillers, but there was no time to lose. As soon as she finished washing up, Melonie ran back to make sure the downloads were still processing. Seeing that they were, she ran back to the bathroom, regretfully pulling out the hair dryer to style her hair. Air drying was her preferred method, but everything needed to be perfect. She had already bombed her first opportunity, after all. Failing a second time was not an option.

She quickly dried her hair, it falling straight down her back despite the natural waves she usually had. Melonie quickly applied a thin layer of makeup, hiding the dark circles from her lack of sleep. Her clothing was an easy pick as she needed to do laundry. Only a nice pair of black dress pants and a navy blue top were left suitable for the occasion. She was just about ready to go when the computer screen displayed a download error on a file. Cursing again, she quickly checked through what was able to download and what wasn’t before initiating a few more files.

Since time was given to her, Melonie started her coffee machine and grabbed a few pills. She stoppoed, looking at a little prescription bottle next to the painkiller. Her antidepressant and anxiety medication. She really hated taking it, as it made her feel like an empty skeleton, but she knew her wolf was riled easily, and it helped keep her at bay. Melonie sucked it up and took one. Hearing the coffee machine steaming, she didn't wait for it to finish. Pouring herself a cup and resolving to clean the machine later, she grabbed her bag and the flash drive before running out the door, barely remembering to lock her apartment door behind her.

Melonie found herself breathing a but heavily as she reached the gates of the pack house. It was typically unguarded during the day, but due to guests residing overnight, it was bustling with activity today. She was halted at the doors, “State your reason for entrance.” She internally groaned. She was already behind and now she would be even later.

“I have a meeting with the Head of Dawn Crescent Academy.” She worked hard to keep her voice even and reserved, not wanting to stir up any more trouble than she surely already had. Not today, at least.

“We were not informed. Confirmation will be needed. You will have to wait.” Melonie held back the snarky comment resting on her tongue. She was about to force her feet to the side to wait when a familiar scent hit her nose. Her lower back tingled as she felt a warm hand place itself on it.

“It’s alright, she is with me.” Melonie resisted the sudden urge to look at the man who just spoke for her. She denied he had anything to do with her piercing headache now flitting away, convincing herself that the painkiller just kicked in.

“Alpha Abrahms,” the warrior bows before gesturing towards the pack house. “We welcome your return with your guest. Please, make yourself welcome.” As the alpha walked forward, he gently pushed his hand on Melonie’s back, guiding her past with him. After a few feet, Melonie stepped to the side, his hand falling from its place.

“May I?” He offered his arm to her instead, realizing that it was the more proper approach, after all. Yes, this was his mate, but it was quite obvious she had quite a few reservations. However, Melonie did not reply to his kindness. Not a word of gratitude for his assistance in entering the pack house, and she certainly wasn't willing to let him continue to guide her. She simply walked a bit faster, short on time. It’s not long before she found herself outside the kitchen, finishing the rest of her coffee before entering. Although difficult, she put a polite smile on her face.

Her eyes scanned the crowd, not immediately spotting the man she was looking for. She stopped only a little bit from the doorway, looking and doing her best to seem confident and not lost. Alpha Abrahms brushed past her, having arrived at the same location, and she couldn’t help the way her gaze followed him. Although she fought the urge to look at him, her wolf pushed her towards him. Wanting to know more about him. She knows now that he is Alpha Abrahms, leader of Crescent Dawn, but who was he really? Beneath his title and position? What was his real history?

Luckily (or unluckily) for her, he proceeded to sit at a table a bit further in the corner, one with the Head at it. She just stared at him for a few seconds before forcing her eyes to the Academy Head and focusing on him as she approached their table. She didn’t know what kind of spell this alpha was using to cause such an allure to him, but she was adamant to ignore it. It meant nothing, after all. She reinforced her will to ignore all of his advances and charm. She was here to get into a school. Not to pine over some hot alpha.

Melonie reminded herself to put on a polite smile, making her way to their table. Her wolf stomped her foot a bit in objection to not looking at the alpha, but she gave her a little shush and she settled right back down. She patiently stood next to the table, not taking the open seat as it was not offered to her. “Headmaster Burns,” She gave a slight bow to show her respect, then noticing the beta also sitting at the table. “Beta Derek,” she bowed once more. And finally, she turned to the man she was adamantly ignoring, “Alpha Abrahms." The small intake of breath he gave as she said his name made her eyes snap to his again.

Those delicious, chocolate eyes. “Melonie,” He greeted back in the sweetest voice she had ever heard. This caused her eyes to drift down to his lips. Those lips that uttered a word she refused to forget. Mate. She was not his mate. She would never be anybody’s mate. With that reminder in her head, she turned her attention back to the Headmaster who seemed to be looking between her and the Alpha in fascination.

“Please, sit my dear,” the Head smiled with the tiniest hint of mischief, “I think your place at this table will be well-earned by the end of breakfast,” and the way his eyes flickered to the alpha again really made her stomach drop. She hoped her spot to be well-earned, but not in the way she felt the Head was implying it to be.