Not Believing in Mates

Chapter 5 Abrahms

Alpha Abrahm sat silently at his breakfast table, watching as his mate explained her knowledge of music. Despite not being overly interested in the concept itself, seeing the small glimmer of life in her eyes as she went through each instrument she played and the programs she used brought pleasure to his chest. Her face still remained rather stoic and her tone a bit flat, but the way her eyes crinkled just the slightest bit, lips looking as if they wanted to twitch into a smile? It drew him in. He couldn’t help himself from leaning a bit closer to her, resting his elbows on his knees as he watched with intrigue.

He found his mate, and yet she seemed to deny their bond. She seemed to be trying harder than necessary to avoid him and any contact with him. He didn’t fail to notice how, when she slowly started to lean towards him, she readjusted her seat to be facing away from him. He just took the opportunity to look over her hair. It was flowing the other night, but now it sat perfectly straight. A little strand curled on her shoulder and he had to hold his hand back from lifting to touch it.

Alpha Abrahms was quickly met with a gentle kick at his foot, his eyes darting to scowl at his Beta. His beta gave him a pointed look before mindlinking to him ‘You’re making her uncomfortable, Alpha.’ The alpha in question simply scowled back in response before relaxing his features and leaning back in his chair once more. He didn’t want to cause discomfort in his mate, after all. He tried to turn his attention to his breakfast, but he couldn’t stop the constant wandering of his eyes to Melonie. How could he? She was just perfect.

A bit more time passed before she pulled her laptop and speakers from her bag, connected a flash drive to it, and loaded up her soundtracks. She began to play a few, keeping the volume quiet so as to disturb less people in the vicinity. Their corner was a bit more secluded, but it was still the packhouse dining hall. “These are all well written, Melonie, however do you have any of your earlier drafts for these songs? The process of creation is just as important as the result, after all.” Alpha Abrahms watched as Melonie’s hands paused. She responded to most questions quickly, even if it was initially to stall for time as she gave an answer. But now she seemed surprised. Finally caught off guard.

“I did not prepare any of the drafts.” She answered slowly. Alpha Abrahms watched as her eyes drifted to stare at her laptop, the spark of life fading back into the dull gaze he had previously seen on her face. But, just as the Head is about to open his mouth to respond, her fingers are clicking away on the keyboard. “I do have a few, smaller projects here that may interest you. They are not my preference of work, but I owed a favor and this is what was requested.”

Alpha Abrahms’ eyes intensely watched Melonie once more, the way she lifted her head and glanced at the other tables before pressing the volume down a few more levels. It seemed whatever she was to share now was a bit more personal, or perhaps embarrassing for her. As she hit play, a soft tune graced his ears, quickly followed by a voice. The rest of her music had been instrumental tracks, but this one had the most hypnotizing voice he had ever heard. It was like a siren, calling to him. He couldn’t help but lean forward again, lips parting in amazement. How wonderful it was to hear what he could only assume was Melonie’s voice. His mate, singing.

About halfway through the song, Melonie’s eyes reached his. He looked at her in the most admiring way, “You sound so beautiful,” he spoke softly, not caring if the others heard, but what this did was cause her to look away and pause the song. She turned her attention directly to the Head again, sitting more stiff than she was a moment ago.

“It still needs background vocals, a bridge, and more variance from the melody in the instruments.” Her tone came out like icicles, despite the emotion they all just heard from her last piece. “If it is not enough, I can go retrieve drafts of my other works for you. Perhaps send them by email if you are to leave soon.” Alpha Abrahms craved to reach out for her. To place a hand on her shoulder and ask her to continue the song, but he resisted. It was very clear she did not want to interact with him, and forcing her to do so would have been rude. especially at a time like this.

“Your last work is very good. The Alpha is right, you do have a lovely voice, Melonie.” The Headmaster smiled warmly at her before giving Alpha Abrahms a knowing gaze. “We would be happy to offer you a spot at our academy, however we do have a limitation on how far from the campus you are allowed to live. This way, you have more time to spend focusing on your studies instead of commuting or being with friends or family who may take up much of your time. If you would like to proceed in your enrollment, we do advise a temporary transfer to our pack boundaries until your education is finished.” This caused Alpha Abrahms a bit of confusion. A temporary pack transfer? Although that is to be done in some cases, it would not be necessary for a pack this close. The commute would take under an hour, after all. But the way the Head looked back to him with that little smile again made him understand what was really going on.

A transfer was not necessary in this case, but he knew there was something between him and Melonie, so he was making it sound difficult to refuse. “I understand, sir. I will speak with my Alpha and Luna to request the temporary shift.” She stood up quickly, gathering her things. “Thank you for the opportunity, we will be in touch,” and then she left as quickly as she came. Alpha Abrahms felt excitement and shock rush through him. She was going to be a part of his pack! Only temporarily, but he could resolve that issue later. What he didn’t understand was why she was running away. He couldn’t help himself as he stood up and quickly followed her.

They reached the hallway and he grabbed her elbow to pull her back. He had to fight the urge to wrap an arm around her waist, knowing she already pulled away just at a light touch to her back. “Melonie, wait. Can we talk?” her eyes reached his, but they remained cold. She didn’t reply, choosing to stare silently at him. He gave her several seconds to reply, but she said nothing. Alpha Abrahms stepped closer, “Don’t you feel it? Our mate bond?” He knows she felt it, he can see how her breathing moved faster, the way she found difficulty in pulling her eyes from him.

Yet, at the mention of them being mates, she pulled her elbow from his, taking a step back. “No,” she spoke quietly. Just one little word that brought a world of fire to his heart.

“What do you mean no?” He resisted the urge to step closer to her, wanting to give her the space she was chasing after. “I know you can feel it, the way our wolves are calling for each other. I know you’re drawn to me just as I am to you.” Melonie went quiet again, her eyes dropped to his chest as she refused to look at him. He couldn’t help but step forward and reach for her hand. “Melonie, please. Why won’t you admit our bond? We were made for eachother.”

And then he felt her pull away again, “I can’t be your mate.” and the next thing he knew, she was turning tail and running away. Running away from him, leaving those words echoing in his head.

She can’t be his mate.