Chapter Four
1203 Words
Susan
"You are acquainted with one another?" Rehor's scent was back and playing with my emotions, so I squeaked and clung even closer to Ignatius.
Instead of answering my query, Rehor moved closer and awkwardly reached for me, as if he were losing control of his moves. With my personal anguish still raw, I cowered into Ignatious's chest and backed away from him.
"I'm doing fine. It's really not that bad."
I struggled to maintain a steady tone, but my voice wavered a little.
"Well, Ignatious is only assisting me."
Fortunately, Ignatius realized that the atmosphere was awkward, even though he seemed perplexed by Rehor and my strange exchange. He then carefully put me in the passenger seat and turned to once again face Rehor.
"A few students attacked her.
I'm going to take her to the healer so he can treat her."
Rehor extended a hand to thwart Ignatius' attempt to shut the passenger door after him. His hands curled into fists, and his shoulders trembled as if he were engaged in an internal struggle with himself.
"I ought to... accompany you."
He spoke hesitantly, probably trying to convince his inner wolf that it was the right partner.
His once gentle eyes took on a possessive gleam as he looked down at me, crouched on the passenger seat. Quietly, I shook my head.
I couldn't bring myself to tell him no, but my instinct told me to keep him near. I gave Ignatious a quick glance, begging him to act quickly with my eyes. He nodded slightly to me and placed a cautionary hand on Rehor's shoulder.
"She'll be alright; if you need to, you can see her later."
Rehor appeared to become aggressive for a brief moment, casting a furious glance at the chilly hand resting on his shoulder. "Isn't Mavis going to be wondering where you are?" Ignatius said, taking off his hand and folding his arms. Rehor seems to calm down after hearing this. He moved over to let Ignatius shut the passenger door. He gave me one last look before turning to go back into the college and covering his eyes with his arm.
Ignatius followed him with his gaze for some time before turning the car around and getting into the driver's seat.
"Fasten your seat belt."
It took me a few seconds to understand that I was the one he was clearly speaking to. I looked up at my new acquaintance, away from the window, and at Rehor's vanishing figure.
"Maybe the rib cage cracked, huh?" I didn't want to come across as so patronizing, but the exchange with Rehor and my aching body had put me in a bad mood. After starting the vehicle, Ignatius left the parking bay.
"Very good point. For your face, this is where."
I put the towel he had given me from the back seat on my runny nose.
The rest of the automobile ride was quiet, but not at all uncomfortable. Ignatius's aroma was both reassuring and seductive. Even through a bloody nose, she could smell the briny hue of a sea wind. At one point, he turned on the radio, and I closed my eyes, reclined on the chair, and let myself slip peacefully into unconsciousness.
Rehor~
More than I had thought, it had been hard to tear myself away from Susan. As I made my way back to the college, I headed directly for an empty lecture hall and, unintentionally, shut the door hard enough to cause the wood to splinter somewhat and give way on its hinges.
I placed my palms on an empty desk and mentally went over today's happenings. I could feel her presence as soon as I woke up that morning. Even though I thought I was prepared for the mating call, her perfume was so strong.
It felt like an open field when I was waiting in the corridor earlier when she was hesitant to come over. Her scent was one of mild rain, lavender, and open meadows. I struggled to keep my head down, looking at the notes in my fists without actually reading anything, but my inner wolf yearned for her.
I couldn't take my eyes off of her for very long, but I was frantically trying to think of anything to say. It wasn't what I had anticipated, but I couldn't hold it against her.
I couldn't have made a worse first impression, standing there acting like every cell in my body wasn't singing for her.
But Susan was flawless. I could have betrayed Mavis right then and there, talking to her face-to-face and touching her. However, we had made a vow to reject our partners and stick together if Mavis turned out not to be my real mate and she wasn't mine.
Together for many years, even as kids, we had talked about this day. I promised her that I would marry her one day when I was nine years old and created her a ring out of twigs and dandelions. I would always love Mavis. I had only known her partner for three hours, so I couldn't leave her behind.
And Ignatius was the next. Since Ignatius and I were almost siblings and our families had been close friends for years, I knew he would be paying me a visit. So why was he spending so much time with Susan?
How come he would be holding her? Why did she want to accompany him so badly?
Besides, she had been bleeding. Was she harmed by him? How could he touch my partner in any way? Friend or not, I wouldn't think twice about tearing him to pieces if he so much as
I dabbed at my eyes with my thumb and index finger. My inner wolf had taken control of my feelings. I was angry and possessive of another man who was close to my soul mate. But I'd told her myself that Susan wasn't mine to possess.
Ignatius was obviously unaware of the mating tie; he was merely assisting a new female in need. Furthermore, Susan had good reason to be cautious about me, as I'd just given her bad vibes and a miserable birthday. I was tormented and divided. This was not supposed to be that hard.
"So you've been hiding here, then."
Though I hadn't heard anyone come in, Mavis was standing with her arms folded behind me.
She had a pout on her face and was dressed in a flowing green sundress. She gracefully stepped next to me and lifted herself up onto the desk, allowing her legs to swing beneath her.
"I have been trying to find you."
She welcomed me with spread legs as I stood in front of her. I leaned closer, buried my face in her neck, and breathed in the aroma of her radiant blonde hair and skin. She had an upscale aroma and the scent of conditioner.
However, I didn't mind the artificial flowery smell. I required comfort. I had to tell myself over and over again that this was the right choice.
Mavis touched my hair with her fingertips.
"So you managed to track her down?"
Her whole mouth touched my ear.
"Your real partner?”
- Writer
