My Three Mates

8

Light filtered through the branches, multiple colors seen above. A deep crimson color caught my eyes. On a tree at the very top, rested a healthy apple. Looking at the deep red apple, I felt strangely compelled to eat it. Placing my foot on a lower branch, I wipe away a stray tear that is clouding my vision and forcing my weight completely onto the branch.

I stand still momentarily, making sure it can hold my weight, before continuing upwards. My hands grab another branch, hoisting myself towards the crimson-colored apple.

Finally, after moments of climbing, I reach the apple. It feels smooth in my hands, untouched. Smiling at my moment of achievement, I shift my weight onto the branch below.

My seconds of success shatters when I hear the telltale ‘SNAP’ of the branch that is supporting my weight. My body goes hurtling towards the ground, while my arms flail around, trying to find something to grab onto. My back slams into a branch, causing it to snap. My back burns with the force of the impact, large splinters entering my skin.

I grip the apple to my chest, as I close my eyes waiting for the impact.

The landing was surprisingly soft, and I felt as if I was wrapped in a cocoon. Opening one eye, I see none other than Andris staring down at me. “Falling for me so quickly I see?”

I glare up at him, “Would you even want that considering I’m a hybrid? I thought you hated hybrids?”

This man had the audacity to laugh, as if I was telling a joke. Pushing myself out of his arms, I ignore the pain in my back.

Tears sting my eyes, shaking my head, I turn around, “Yeah, It’s freaking hilarious that the man that is supposed to unconditionally love me, hates me.”

I take about three steps forward, before my arm is almost yanked out of its socket.

“Did I hurt your feelings little hybrid?”

I can’t tell if he is being sarcastic or not. My eyes well up, “What do you think?” I hate myself for sounding so weak and emotional.

He smiles, genuinely. Something I haven’t seen before. “I don’t hate you”

I don’t bother to respond.

“Do you hear me?” He says, placing his lips near my ear causing shivers to run down my spine.

“Yes I hear you, but I don’t believe you, not for a second.”

He pulls away, and for a split second, hurt flashes across his features, “So you don’t trust me?”

“I trust you.” Which is odd because he hurt me not even thirty minutes ago.

“Do you think I asked to be a hybrid? I have to deal with every other supernatural hating me. Now I also have to deal with my mate hating what I am? Just great.”

He stares at me, “I don’t give a damn what you are. You could be human for all I care, and you would still be my mate, nothing will change that.”

He turns to leave, I grab his arm, “I don’t understand?”

“My sister is persistent. She wants to hurt you. She wouldn’t have stopped until she got what she wanted. She’s kind of a brat. I don’t care what you are. You may not understand this, but I saved you from my sister’s vengeful ways.”

“Saved me? It feels as if you tried to hurt me yourself.” The dam behind my eyes broke, and the tears flooded my eyes.

He shakes his head, “You think I enjoy seeing you cry? It’s torture. Like someone placed a dagger in my heart only to rip it out and put it back in again. Do you think I enjoy you being hurt? It makes me want to rip everything around me apart. So no, I didn’t purposely hurt you, because that hurts me. As much as I try to pretend it doesn’t affect me, it does. You affect me, in every way possible. My body reacts to you in ways I don’t even expect. Sometimes I catch myself staring at you, or even sneaking into your room at night, just to see if you are okay.”

I start to cry harder. “Do I enjoy knowing you have another mate? No. Will I deal with it? Yes, because you are my mate, and me being selfish will only hurt you. So are you happy? I told you the truth, the full truth.”

His arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into his chest, giving my forehead a kiss. That kiss burns and imprints itself into my skin. He turns to leave suddenly, “I may not be able to stop the fall, but I promise I will always be there to catch you.” I watch him speed away into the woods, and I am left with my own thoughts.

After seconds of staring into space thinking about what Andris said, I begin to walk back home getting lost in my thoughts.