His Second Chance Mate

Chapter 9

26th May, 2021

I took a deep breath, pressing a hand to my chest. My heart was pounding like I’d run all the way here. I couldn’t believe I was actually here! This was the closest I’d ever been and I would only be getting closer!

What was I doing, still sitting here in this bus?

I attempted to get up, but found I couldn’t move for two reasons.

One, was my darling best friend who was doing her best impression of a dead person on my shoulder. I glared at the top of her head, which was the only part of her I could see.

Still, the second reason was more important. My legs were frozen. They absolutely refused to move. I glared at them too. I was soo close and my own body was betraying me?

The bus was quiet and I couldn't see anyone else making a move to get up.

Was I really the only person up at this godforsaken hour?

I craned my neck desperately, but I couldn’t see anything over the stupidly tall seats. I glared at these too. I gave up on my glaring with a sigh. It was useless. I knew the real reason my heart was pounding like I’d run a race and why my legs refused to move.

I was afraid. Deathly afraid.

But of what exactly?

I had absolutely no clue.

I’d been dreaming of this temple for years. I’d been desperate to visit, ever since I'd first heard the stories about it. But all of a sudden, when I was closer than I’d ever been, all the desperation fled out of my body and I was left with an odd sort of fear.

I wasn’t scared for my life or anything.

I even felt pretty safe. 

Or as safe as one could feel in the middle of the woods, that definitely had several dangerous predators. It felt safer than even the thought of walking in the city alone at night, which was a problem for another time.

But I was afraid of- of what?

I stared out of the window. We were still a bit far away from the campsite and it was too dark to actually see anything. As I stared harder, I imagined I could see some light, probably from a bonfire, or maybe just a a figment of my imagination?

My heart slowed down to a more regular pace. I set me hand back in my lap, squeezing my freezing fingers together.

Deep down, I think I knew what I was afraid of.

I was afraid of what would happen after I set foot in the temple.

Was it something as ordinary as a soul mate?

Not that soul mates were actually ordinary. But I’d read hundreds, maybe even thousands of accounts of visits to this temple over my eight year obsession with this place. Many of them talked about how they’d felt a sudden need to visit this place, out of the blue. They’d seen shadows of a person in their dreams, and since the legend was very well known, most people gave in to this urge and visited this place. They’d found their soul mates and lived happily ever after, or at least, that was what I assumed.

After all, what was the use of a soul mate if you went through messy breakups and divorces the same as regular couples?

My dreams, however, were very different. I’d never seen the shadows of any man, or woman, or any person at all. In my dreams, when I visited, the temple was completely empty- something that was impossible anyway with the crowd gathered here. I was wandering around, completely safe and happy. 

The only weird thing, not that this entire thing wasn't weird in itself, but still, the weirdest thing about my dreams, was that I always felt like I was being watched- actually, more like watched over? Sometimes, I heard footsteps following me and sometimes it was the padding of paws. But, there was never anyone following me, no matter how many times I checked.

By the time, I awoke, the dream usually faded away and each time I was left with a very faint recollection of footsteps and safety as well as a strong desire to run until I reached the temple, which was stupid as it was a three-day trip by road and the only running I’d ever done was in P.E.

The dream never made any sense to me and I hadn’t shared it with anyone other than Katie who’s conclusion was that my soul mate was a werewolf. I hadn’t told anyone else other than her- I never ever wanted to face another conversation about b********y in my life.

For some reason, I was almost sure that this temple would give me something much more than just a soul mate. I felt like whatever it was, it would be life changing. Which is, I think, exactly what I was afraid of.

Was I ready for something life changing?

I was only 18.

I was heading off to college in a few weeks. I’d always wanted to be a doctor- someone who could save people’s lives! What if whatever was in there...took all that away from me?

Was I ready to face that?

I wasn’t. At all.

No wonder my legs refused to move. They were smarter than me.

Part of me wanted to run away- go back home and crawl under my comfortable covers and only wake up to go to college. I’d always been the running away type anyway. I’d run away from conflict and gossip. I’d run away from almost all my friends. I’d have run away from Katie if she hadn’t held on to me as tightly as she had.

I could run away again. I’d go to college and I’d work my ass off. Someday, I’d become a qualified competent doctor. My dad could retire comfortably whenever he wanted to. I’d work hard everyday saving people’s lives to the best of my ability.

One day, I’d find some decent guy, fall in love, get married and have kids. He might not be my soul mate- but he would be someone decent. I had standards after all. I wasn’t really the madly-in-passionate-love type of girl anyway. I’d grow old and never ever think about this temple- and my possible werewolf boyfriend who was waiting there, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at this- ever again. It sounded fine to me.

Nothing exceptional, but nothing bad. Mundane, but with nothing to be afraid of.

The rest of me rebelled the moment the thought entered my mind.

Running away was going to be impossible.

Never think of the temple again? That was a joke.

I’d been thinking of the temple for eight years. Everyday, since I’d first heard about it as a kid in sixth grade.

I’d always be drawn to the rest of the place- for the rest of my life. And I had like zero willpower anyway. Even if I ran away, I’d end up here sooner or later. Probably sooner rather than later.

Besides, wasn't it better to experience something life changing early on? I’d acclimatize to it faster if I was younger.

Or maybe I should wait until I hit my mid-life crises. Then I'd be genuinely glad to have something that would change my life. 

Wait a second. Weren't mid-life crises only for men?

I groaned. My thoughts had run too far off-track. I shook my head, trying to clear it of all the useless thoughts. It was useless to think about it anyway.

I’d be stepping foot in the temple tomorrow night whether I liked it or not. Katie wouldn’t let me run away, because she never did.

Later if the life-changing thing turned out to be life-ruining instead, I could always blame her for it.

I smiled at the top of her head. That seemed like an acceptable excuse to me.

I checked the time again.

4:27 A.M.

According to Google, the sun was set to rise in about an hour and a half, but the sky already looked a lot lighter at this hour. It was kind of surreal, to be awake when no one else was.

I mean, realistically, several other people in the bus were probably awake too and there was an entire campsite full of people wide awake just a hike away. And it was noon somewhere in the world- I took a deep breath.

Why couldn’t my brain just shut up sometimes?

It felt like I was the only one awake right now and that was enough.

I stared out the window, for once thinking of nothing in particular.

I was finally here and I’d be inside the temple in a few hours.

I’d finally see what all the fuss was about. Maybe I’d get a soul mate. Maybe I’d get something else, something beyond my imagination. 

And maybe, just maybe, I’d get absolutely nothing.

Maybe my dreams were just a result of my hyperactive imagination and a possible werewolf obsession. I mean, Twilight sucked, but Jacob was hot.

Before I could dwell on whether that thought made me feel better or worse, Katie woke up.

She jerked awake, rubbing her neck, her face set in a grimace of pain. I pitied her, she’d slept for a long while on my shoulder. Her neck was bound to feel strained. My shoulder definitely was.

She looked surprised to see me awake. Looking cautiously to see that everyone around us seemed to be asleep, she whispered softly.

“Why aren’t we moving? Are we there? Already?”

I smiled at the excitement in her voice.

“What time is it?”

“Around my 4:30 in the morning.”

My voice cracked in the middle and I realized I hadn’t talked aloud since dinner. I cleared my throat quietly.

“Didn’t you sleep?” Katie looked over at me worriedly. I shook my head no.

“Why not?”

I shrugged. “Just couldn’t sleep. Do you want to get down?”

Katie nodded and quietly got up. She continued to whisper as we eased out of our aisle and walked toward the exit of the bus as quietly as possible.

“Why didn’t you wake me up earlier? I mean, what were you even doing in the dark?”

“Nothing much really. I was just thinking of random stuff.”

We reached the exit. Katie jumped down with a small uff and I followed. Both of us shivered immediately. It was really cold and my skin immediately broke out in goosebumps, but the air smelt amazing. We both paused near the bus and took several deep breaths.

I’d never been wide awake and outside at this time of day. I absolutely loved it!

The four drivers of the two buses were huddled near our bus. They said nothing, simply watched us get down off the bus and turned back to their cigarettes. Quite a few extinguished cigarette butts were littered around their feet.  

Not wanting to inhale any second-hand smoke, Katie and I slowly walked a bit further away from the bus. The ground had what looked like millions of tire tracks, going in every direction. I guess this was the drop-off point. I don't think any vehicles could get any closer. The trees on the edge of the clearing seemed to stand closer together. Even in the early morning darkness, I could see several deep trails, taking off in several directions. The clearing was large and there were probably many more trails on the other sides of the clearing as well.

I idly wondered which one was the way too the temple. All the trails seemed to be equally well-trodden. Even Robert Frost would have trouble finding the path less traveled. It seemed that people had explored every inch of this forest.

Only a handful of other people were awake and roaming around. Some were on their phones, taking pictures and posting statuses, some talking quietly and some were just sitting silently.

Katie and I wandered aimlessly, our hands stuck deep in our pockets. The feeling of being in nature was something totally unique. There was absolutely nothing artificial here.

Katie spoke into the silence. “Thinking about what?”

I turned to look at her in complete confusion. “Huh?”

Katie rolled her eyes at me. “You said you were thinking about random stuff?”

I nodded. “Ohh, yeah. I was.”

I turned to look at the sky. It was definitely a lot lighter. The sun would be rising soon. “Well?”

I turned to look at Katie again. What was she on about?

“Well what?”

Katie sighed. “What random stuff were you thinking about? I’m curious. We haven’t really talked much on this trip. So just tell me something. Anything.”

I furrowed my brows. “What are you talking about? We’ve talked all throughout this trip. Other than when we were sleeping, of course.”

Katie made a weird face. It looked like a painful grin. “Yeah...We have been together this entire trip. Until we met the Dani and Mackenzie and the twins.”

I nodded, not really seeing where this was going.

“And it’s just....,” Katie took a deep breath. “It feel different, I think? Our friendship? Do you feel it too?”

I stopped walking and turned to look at Katie. Was this really what I thought it was?

Katie looked at me, before staring at something at the side, clearly avoiding my eyes. I studied her, trying to decide what to say. 

Katie looked increasingly uncomfortable in the silence. “You know what, never mind. It’s nothing.” She attempted to step around me, but I made the ultimate sacrifice and pulled my hands out of the warmth of my pockets and grabbed onto Katie’s arm, pulling her to a stop. I made her face me. She tried to avoid my gaze.

“There is absolutely nothing different in our friendship. Look, I really really like them, but none of them are you. None of them can ever be you. They aren’t taking your place. You’ve always been my best friend and you always will be.”

Katie nodded, still not looking at me.

“You okay?” Katie nodded again.

We started walking. I stuffed my cold hands back in my pockets.

Katie spoke quietly. “I’m sorry I was being dumb.”

I shook my head, looking over at her. “You weren’t being dumb!”

Katie shrugged, still looking ahead. “It's just. Well, I guess, I’ve always been proud of the fact that I was your only friend. That you only liked me out of everyone. I don’t really know. I guess, I never really thought you’d talk to other people and like them and-” She trailed off.

Even though I didn’t really get what she was saying, I nodded understandingly. Katie wasn’t the type to hold her feelings in and I didn’t want her to have to.

I’m super glad she brought it up immediately though, instead of bottling it up for ages and being sullen and mean like yours truly. Yours truly was truly an i***t.

“I’m really glad you talked to me about it. I wish I’d had the courage to do that when I felt that way before. I used to be really insecure of our friendship. I figured you’d get tired of me someday and I hated it when you talked to other people, because they all used to be people who could take you away from me.”

Katie took several deep breaths. “I always was thankful that you never cut me off like you did other people. I was always scared you wouldn’t need me anymore. Truthfully,” She paused, sucking in a breath. “I liked it when you got jealous of my other friends, because that meant that you cared about our friendship.”

I kicked her shoe because she deserved it for that comment. “I’ve always cared about our friendship, dumbass.”

I was caught off guard as Katie tackled me in a hug. I automatically wrapped my arms around her.

“Thank you for saying that."

Both of us reveled in the warmth a simple hug brought the both of us. Finally, both of us pulled back, hurriedly stuffing our hands back in our pockets. I mean, the hug really did wonders for our heart, but didn't do much for our hands. Why hadn't I brought gloves?

Oh yeah, because it was supposed to be spring. Almost summer! I curled my hands into fists in my jacket pockets. I only looked up at Katie's voice. Her cheeks were still red, though I couldn't tell if it was the cold or if she was blushing.

"I can’t believe we went all these years, being best friends, but never talking about something that’s bothered both of us for years.”

We both laughed.

“I guess, both of us just needed to experience the way the other felt.”

I nodded. “I never imagined I’d ever be in your place though.”

“How was it?”

“Not that great to be honest. I’m sorry if you felt I was neglecting you or something.”

Katie bumped her shoulder into mine. “As if you ever would. You're too nice to. It’s just, I don’t even remember the last time I had to share your attention with someone else. I just wasn’t used to the feeling. I’m okay now. Don’t worry bout me.”

I shoved her back. “If you say so.”

“I do. Now what was the random stuff you were thinking about that you refuse to tell me about.”

I groaned. Why did she have such a stupidly long memory for things like this?

I decided to give in. Katie was worse than a dog with a bone when she was curious about something. “I’m not refusing to tell you. It was just nothing in particular. I was thinking about the temple and what I’ll find there. I’ve always felt it would change my life, but I was wondering what would happen if it really does and what would happen if it doesn’t.”

I paused, gathering my thoughts.

“I don’t even know what I want and my brain's just going in circles. On one hand, tomorrow, I might find out that I waited 8 years and have nothing to show for it. It’s kind of depressing to think I waited 8 years for nothing. But, if it is nothing, I can go on with my life as if nothing happened. Maybe with a soul mate, maybe without. I’ll study, become a doctor, live a normal life. But I don’t want my 8 years of waiting to be for nothing. I don't want to have wasted 8 years with nothing to show for it."

I paused, breathing in the cool air, clearing my thoughts. "On the other hand, I’m scared that maybe I will find something. Something bigger than anything I can imagine and it will completely change my life and I’m not ready for that either. Waiting was horrible, but now that I’m here, waiting seems the easiest part.”

I let out a huge sigh and turned to look at Katie who looked stunned.

“Wow,” she said finally. “You should’ve woken me up.”

I laughed, all of my tension melting out of my body. I knew I was getting worried over nothing, but still. I looked over at Katie, a bit desperate for advice.

Katie took some time to think before speaking. 

“Well, I don’t really know what it is, but whatever happens, I’ll be with you every step of the way. I want to tell you not to worry, but you’ll worry anyway. So, worry all you want. You only have a day before it ends anyway. One way or the other. Wow, now that I hear myself, that sounds scarily ominous.”

We both cracked up at that.

I thought for a second “How about a day before a new beginning?”

Katie nodded slowly. “Sounds a lot better that way. Less like you're going to be murdered. A new beginning. Tomorrow. Whether you like it or not.”

I snorted. “Back to being ominous again?”

Katie shrugged carelessly. “I don’t even know anymore. My brain decided to take a holiday after listening to what your brain was going through.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, I’m really glad you made me tell you. I feel a lot better now. Thanks.”

Katie waved off my thank you. “Don’t give me that. I’m still betting on a werewolf boyfriend from the temple. If you run away now, I'll probably miss my once in a lifetime chance or something.”

I rolled my eyes at her.

“What? I know you don’t want to believe me, but everything points to that. A temple affected by the moon? Wolf motifs everywhere. And your dreams- you said something about an animal padding behind you?”

I nodded reluctantly. I knew it was useless to stop Katie when she was on a roll.

“So, it all points to werewolves, doesn’t it? You have to agree. It's patently obvious!”

I nodded again. Or it could be just wolves, instead of werewolves, but I didn't want another b********y conversation again. Giving in was safer- for me and my sanity.

“Fine. I agree with you. Someday, a werewolf might pop out of that temple and everything is going to change, but you do know, not all werewolves look like Jacob. It might be a Fenrir Greyback kind of werewolf- biting and infecting everyone in sight. If that happens tomorrow, we’re going to be the very first victims. We’ll turn into mindless slavering beasts, slobbering for human flesh. We'll start hunting every thing we can get our hands or claws on. We'll end up creating a m******e of all our classmates and every other camper here. We'll turn everyone into beasts like us and we'll move on to the closest towns, chowing down everything in sight. The military will come rolling in with guns and silver bullets, hunting us down into extinction and that will be our tragic end.”

There was a heavy ominous silence before Katie shivered. She groaned. “Alright. Alright. You can stop there. You didn't have to go that deep, you know. For the good of mankind, no werewolves tomorrow. And no Greyback kind of werewolves, ever.”

I nodded my agreement, satisfied.

“Hot Alphas though, the ones right out of w*****d books, yes please.”

I rolled my eyes. I had to hand it to her. Katie was amazing in her stubbornness.

“Whatever you want. As long as I don’t get stuck with one, you can have as many of those as you like.”

Katie grinned. “Don’t be jealous tomorrow when I do get one. Or two. Maybe three. I think I'll go for three. Three’s a charm and all.”

Shaking my head at her silliness, I held a hand up.

“Polygamy is illegal for one. Also, how are you even going to handle three guys at once. They’ll probably tear you apart or something.”

Katie giggled. “Don’t worry about that, my naive, wittle best friend. I’m sure the Internet has got a few ideas, if you know what I mean.”

I groaned out loud. I did not want to go further down that road.

“That wasn't what I meant, you perv. Aren't Alphas supposed to be like, super strong and super possessive or something?" 

I may or may not have read a few of those Werewolf Romances myself, so I knew what I was talking about.

Trying not to smile, I continued. "What if, each of them pulls you towards them at the same time and like literally tear you apart? It's possible. It happened to people. It was a medieval punishment for something. I forgot what exactly though. 

Katie gaped at me, for once totally speechless. "Must you ruin everything for me?" 

She still looked somewhat green. I grinned. I hadn't really had a goal in mind, but this was a satisfactory conclusion to the conversation. I'd bet she would never ever bring the topic up again. 

Shrugging, I smiled angelically. "Whatever happens tomorrow, I absolutely swear, I won’t get jealous. Even if you do get your three possessive Alphas who-"

Katie squealed loudly, clapping her hands over her ears. I grinned. Smart decision. 

I nudged her with my elbow. Katie glared at me, refusing to take her hands off of her ears.

Look, I mouthed as I pointed towards the sky.

I’d seen the sun rise quite a few times, used to waking up when it was still dark, but it was always from my window. It was my first time in a setting like this, smack dab in the middle of nature. The view was absolutely, amazingly breathtaking.

I glanced at Katie- who always slept till noon if she could. It was undoubtedly her first sun rise ever. I couldn’t help but smile at the expression of wonder on her face.

Significantly more people were awake by now. A bus wasn’t the most comfortable place to sleep anyway.

Almost everyone had their phones out and were taking pictures of the sun rise, but I couldn’t really be bothered.

The sun rise told me only one thing. It told me that I was no longer waiting for a tomorrow.

Today was the day everything was going to change.

Time felt like it was ticking faster than ever.

I shivered again. Goosebumps broke out all over my body. 

Only this time, it wasn’t because of the cold.