Last Call For Mate

Chapter Four

Elaine had a long day ahead of her. After getting dressed, she prepared for bed. She had one more day of high school left, and she couldn't wait to be done with seeing those individuals in the hallway every day. Her home life was one thing, but she was beginning to feel worn down by the constant mockery and derision. Before going to bed, Gideon checked on her, but just as she was about to nod off, her mother knocked on the door, startling her to sit up straight. Ember let out a sigh and turned to face the icy woman, but she remained silent, waiting for the usual barrage of passive-aggressive taunts.

"To what purpose did you two run off in the middle of the night? "Ember, tell me what happened tonight."

Sighing, Elaine ran her hands through her hair, letting her mother sit next to her so she could smell her. "Your smell is distinct. You've found your wolf. With a clear expression of displeasure on her face, she declared. "Have people seen you? How did Jook find it? It didn't appear unhealthy, did it? Isn't our family dealing with enough issues already?" Ember was clueless on what to do since Winifred was already beginning to get herself together. "We went really far out, and it was just me and Gideon." With that, she began to fidget. Her mother was staring at her, making her nervous. "All right, so how did it appear? Show it to me. Ember arched an eyebrow as her words began to register. "Oh my god!

You despise me and will continue to do so." Gaining her feet, Winifred peered down at Ember. She was obviously upset. "You either show me how pathetic your little wolf is, or I get your father in here, and you'll be punished." Ember sighed deeply and gave a growl.

It doesn't matter if I show you; you're going to beat me. Try your hardest; I don't have to demonstrate anything for you."

"Roderick!" When Winifred screamed, her father stormed into the room. "Are you being harsh with your mother? Show her, she said, really saying it. Display to her your *****g runt!" He grabbed her hair and made her look up at him, making Elaine wince.

Ember was unable to release herself from the firm grip he had on her hair. He only managed to push his fist into her stomach when he eventually let go of her. The wind was knocked out of her and she doubled over. She gasped in pain as her back struck her dresser when he shoved her down. "Gideon." She stammered. He threw open the door and hoisted his sister to his feet as if he had been called. "First of all, whether or not Ember shows you what her wolf looks like, is none of your business, Stop bullying her, you're supposed to be edults for goddess sake!" Gideon turned to face Ember, studying her expression. His head alone. "If you insist on disrespecting your parents by protecting this whelp, you'll get the same as her!"

Gideon staggered back, then spun around to give their father a direct look. "If that's how you feel old man, try it." Elaine was taken aback, having never before seen this side of her brother. To her mother's dismay, she was forced to jump aside as the two men stormed out of the room, trading blows for blows. With a cry, Winifred attempted to remove Gideon from her father. She was crying out loud. Winifred turned to face Elaine once more and took hold of her by the front of her shirt. It's your fault, this. Are you aware of the harm you have caused to this family? Because of you, your sibling is abusing your poor father!" Whoa! Ember felt her mother's palm hit her cheek, almost distorting her eyesight. Tears filled her eyes as she staggered back against the wall. "What did I ever do to make you hate me so much?" With a chuckle in her face, Winifred raised her hand to strike her once more.

"How did you proceed? You had a runt birth. You have damaged this family with your sad and weak behaviour, you f*****g weak!" Ember ducked as she attempted to attack her this time. All Winifred could connect with was the wall.

Ember's eyes got bigger.

I'm going to get you out of here, f**k this! Jada muttered to herself. Her body began to vibrate before she realised what was going on, and she then moved.

She appeared to be driving even though Jada had secured her into the rear seat. As the wolf darted from the room and the home, Sho was able to look through its eyes. They moved quickly, as far as she could tell.

Tiny has its uses. Jada pushed them even more, thinking. It wasn't until she saw the trees and shrubs blowing past them that Ember realised just how far they had run.

Ember was given the opportunity to finish her shift and transform back when Jada led them to the clearing from the previous evening. With a sigh in her voice, Elaine sat beside the stream, drawing her knees up to her chest.

Compared to any prior year, she felt more alone right now. Her parents detested her, thus it's likely that she injured Gideon. To be honest, she was considering leaving. Her family would really benefit more from this.

A snap of a twig caught her attention, and she looked in that direction. It was then that she noticed his height. A slightly older man with a well-built physique.

He had strange green eyes and a head full of shaggy brown hair.

"Mate." His snarl awakened Jada's consciousness. She was very happy with it. Elaine acknowledged with a nod of her head. "Aren't you going to reject me?" The man stepped forward to put his hand on her shoulder as she asked. "Why would I reject you?" She inhaled deeply as she turned to face him.

Tell me your name.

"Elaine."

He grinned.

"What a lovely name. I am Josh.I won't attack you, so don't worry." Ember gave Joshathon a quick glance after he spoke. He was quite tall, very very tall. He had a massive, tank-like build. His jaw line appeared to have been chiselled by gods, and he possessed big hands. Her gaze was drawn to his, and she found it difficult to turn away. While Jada begged in her mind to let him take her, everything inside of her told her to flee. She appeared to be engaged in a conflict with herself.

After been turned down the previous evening, Elaine was reluctant to put her trust in him. For this, it had to be too early.

She heard Gideon's voice searching for her in the distance. Joshathon grumbled and a stern expression covered his face. He appeared irate.

"Who's that?" He growled as he spoke. Speaking, his deep voice sounded as if it were vibrating. Elaine got up and began rolling her eyes. "My brother." Joshathon's tension appeared to ease. "I guess you have to go back?" Ember nodded as he asked. "Yep."

Jason let out a sigh. "Well will I see you on the run tomorrow night?" Elaine regrettably shook her head.

"My parents oppose my going. As a runt, I am. Jonathan sighed and cast a sorrowful glance back at her. "I'll look for you if you decide to go. I'm not letting anyone else claim my mate before I have a chance since you know what happens on the runs.