His Rejected Mate

Chapter Three: Dark Arts

Hayden Davis.

I walked inside Alpha Summer's office, paying no heed to professional manners nor asking for his permission to enter. I needed to know. I needed to be sure that Michael was safe, and a human at that. I don’t want him to get involved with us and our never-ending troubles, even if I have to give him up.

“Hayden,” Mr. Summer looked up from his laptop, bearing a deep scowl. “I was going to ask for you. We need to talk.”

“Me too. I came here to talk.” I took a seat across from him, deliberately asking. “Do you know about what happened in my class?”

He nodded. “Rick Dawson was just here, telling me in detail of how big of a mistake we made in accepting Michael into our school.”

“Not to that extent.” I frowned, afraid that they might send Michael away, to an imminent danger. “It’s just, the kid seems to know a lot about the hunters and our history, and his knowledge must’ve scared the rest. . . I was surprised that he knew much more than we have knowledge of, given that his uncle claims that he didn’t want to get him involved, which is why I came here.”

“His uncle,” Mr. Summer started with a glum tone. “is so cunning. . . After he left, I received a phone call from Alpha Dawson, who told me in detail what happened between Seth and the elders. Apparently, Hayden, the elders were the ones who asked for the kid to join our school and be under their custody, but Seth feverishly refused. He wanted to train his nephew to be a hunter with the help of the council, and he refused when the elders interfered; given that Michael is his nephew, and he’s his legal guardian, the elders had to take back their offer. Anyway, they checked Michael for any hidden powers and concluded that he is just human. Thus, even if his late mother was one of us, her son didn't inherit the wolves' genes. So, the human law would apply here.”

“Then how come he’s here now telling us that he begged the elders to help him keep his nephew safe?”

“That was all a charade. Something must’ve happened, as Seth showed up again at their doorstep, begging to help Michael. As if he had a change of heart, he went on about how the elders were right, and that Michael should be under their custody.”

I hummed, thinking this through. “And what do you and Alpha Dawson think?”

“We should act as if we’re oblivious of this whole thing, and you make sure to get closer to the boy. Maybe by winning the kid over, we can deter whatever Seth is planning.”

“About that,” I could feel myself blushing, chuckling nervously, acting like a teenager all over again. “I felt this connection towards Michael. I think. . . No, I’m sure he’s my mate.”

His gray eyes widened a bit before he smiled. “It’s not a rare thing for a fated pair to have a large age difference between them. You know, my wife and I have about seven years of an age difference, and she was reluctant to mate with me, especially since she was my nanny at the time.” He let out a small laugh, his eyes glowing at the mention of his mate. “And look at us now. We’re so in love that it’s sickening to our haters.”

I nodded. “Indeed, that’s not what’s troubling me. I’m willing to wait for Michael to grow up and reach an age at which he can decide if he wants to be with me or not.”

“But,” he pressed, and I frowned.

“The fact that he’s a human scares me, as well as the stupid prophecy that’s condemning us.”

“Ah!” There was a brief silence. We're both drowning in this troublesome discovery.

I feared for the worst, regretting that I told him about this. What if they did something fateful to Michael? What if, with this realization, they plan to kill him?

Why do I always act so rashly?

“For now, let’s keep this between us, Hayden.” I eagerly nodded, grateful that he was willing to hide this from the rest. He heaved a sigh, saying, “I know that the prophecy isn’t wrong, and if he is your mate, then he’s definitely Therot. And if he is, we still have a good couple of years before he gets his powers back. So, we'll have time to think of a way to control him. At least, I hope we can.”

“It’s not possible,” I desperately stated. “The elders have checked and are sure he is human, and none of us can sense any powers hidden within him. I'm certain that the prophecy is wrong.”

“Our prophecies are never wrong, Hayden, and you're well aware of that. It's true that the elders have checked and made sure that Michael is just human. But then again, Rick Dawson just told me what Michael shared with everyone in the classroom. If, in fact, Therot was from the time the Horned Serpents existed, then the elders or even us can detect his powers. How can we sense the powers of a god if they don’t reveal themselves?”

He is right, but I refuse to admit it. Michael is human, and nothing can change that. He needs to be safe. We have to prove that the prophecy is wrong. We need to prove to the rest that we're just a normal pair, fated to be together.

“Hayden, right now, I want you to speed up your research about Uktena. Once we can wake him up, we’ll be able to determine if your mate is that ruthless hunter or not. Uktena is the key to the end of a war that's been brewing for decades now. With his help, we'll have a way to stop Therot if it comes to that.”

I rubbed my face in frustration, unable to come up with anything to defend Michael. I sighed when he pressed me once more about the subject, letting him know about my recent findings.

“Actually, I have an idea who bears the powers of Uktena, and I was thinking of heading there during this weekend to meet that person and confirm it.”

“Finally, some good news! If you need more than a couple of days, let me know. I can arrange for someone to handle your classes next week.”

I smiled when he did, mine not as bright as his, feeling lethargic all of a sudden.

I sighed as I walked inside my cold, empty apartment, dropping my car keys on the kitchen island, and grabbing a cold beer from my fridge. I settled on the couch in the living room, staring at nothing in particular.

I’m fighting the urge to go and look for Michael, to bring him with me and hide him away from others. I want him to be close, safe, and happy. My wolf and I are eager to hold him, to watch him smile, to hear his laughter.

This is just frustrating. I can disregard the fact that he’s younger than me, and I can hold myself back and wait until he grows up. But I’m scared of the fact that he’s human. If he agrees to mate with me, it could kill him. Humans can’t cohabit with supernatural beings.

Even if he agrees, I have to give him away. And I hate that. Destiny just doesn’t want to give me a break.

I groaned when I heard the doorbell, feeling a faint smile pull on my lips, knowing well who this would be. I opened the door wide, smiling down at Casey and her little boy, Tyler. She’s from Fionna pack and lives in the apartment adjacent to mine. After her husband died, she refused to stay at the pack's house, so Alpha Summer offered that she live in this building, owned by him, for her son to be close to the pack.

She’s a nice lady, in her late twenties, a few years older than me. Ever since I moved here, and after she found out that I’m a terrible cook, she has taken it on her own to take care of my meals. She even does my laundry and cleans the apartment at times, and in return, I watch over her four-year-old son while she’s at work.

“You just returned home, right?” She pushed past me and walked to the kitchen, and I just smiled, closing the door.

“Yeah, just now. What’s for dinner?”

“Food.” She smugly replied, as usual, pointing at my room. “Go take a shower, and I’ll plate dinner for us.”

She fixed her green eyes on me until I obliged. She’s a tough lady, so bossy, but kind. She’s strong and hot-headed, not paying any heed to people when they suspected our relationship before. I remember how I avoided her. I disliked the fact that people started rumors about her. But when she found out, she scolded me.

She expressed how much she doesn’t care if people think we’re together or if they question her reasons. She told me how no one knew how much she loved her husband, and how it’d be difficult for her to move on. She thought of me as the brother she never had, and she's a good friend to me.

After I took a shower, I put on something comfortable and headed to the kitchen. Casey and her son were sitting around the dining table, a hot meal plated for all of us, making this familiar warmth fill my heart.

I would love to have someone who’d welcome me home and keep me company, comfort me, and shower me with love. I don’t know if Michael would be able to do that, and I know that it’s selfish of me to think like that.

“What’s wrong, Hayden?”

“Nothing,” I joined them around the table, ruffling Tyler’s hair, his brown eyes staring eagerly at the pasta his mom made, making us both smile.

“He sure loves your pasta?”

“Well, he better love it, or else his grandma would shun me and my ethnicity for not knowing how to make such a simple dish.”

“For an Italian, your pasta isn’t that great.” I joked, and she rolled her eyes.

Flipping her short black hair, fixing me with a defiant glare. “You always say that, yet you lick the plate clean when you’re done eating.”

“You’re so confident in your cooking, I see.”

“I have to." She said, reaching for a napkin to clean Tyler's already smeared face. The mother and son don't look related at first glance, given Tyler inherited his father's features, yet one look at those green eyes of theirs, you can tell they're related. "How can I call myself a professional cook if I’m not confident?” She muttered, and Tyler, who probably wasn't paying much attention to our conversation than the plate in front of him, nodded in agreement.

To tell the truth, her food is amazing, and everyone agrees, which is why her restaurant is the talk of the town. As a single mother, she’s doing great and can support herself and her son.

“True. Any man would be lucky to have you.”

“That’s the food talking.” She blushed, smiling down at her son and the mess he made of himself with the pasta sauce. “So, how’s your day?”

“Crazier than usual.” I paused, debating if I should tell her.

“Go on,” she probed, narrowing her eyes at me. “Did you get confessed to by a student, again?”

Referring to the time when I first started teaching, my female students would either leave love confession notes on my desk or tell me directly about their infatuation. I had a hard time turning them down, afraid of hurting their feelings.

“Not at all. Those days are behind us after Alpha Summer told everyone that I have a girlfriend.”

“Oh, yeah.” She chuckled. “That’s why I kept getting death stares at the pack's house. They thought I had snatched you away.”

I nervously chuckled. “They’ll definitely be disappointed this time.”

She frowned, then her eyes widened, grinning. “You met your mate?!” I nodded, and she exclaimed, “Where is she?! Why didn’t you bring her with you? Are you hiding her from us, Hayden?”

“Calm your horses, Casey. To begin with, my mate is a he not a she. He’s a new student, who transferred today.”

“Oh. . .Oh!”

“Oh, indeed. And he’s human and doesn’t know that I’m his mate.”

Her lips formed a thin line, and I knew what she must be thinking. A human for a mate, my luck is really horrible.

“That’s. . . What are you going to do?” She asked after a brief silence, and I rubbed my face out of frustration, staring blankly at my plate, having no appetite to eat.

“I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

I felt Casey’s hand on my shoulder, making me look up. A faint smile played on her lips. “Take it slow. Talk to him first and see where he stands towards us. We can always check with the elders for a safer way for you to be together.”

“I don’t know. He hates wolves, and they’re the reason why his parents died.” I smiled at Tyler when he looked at us with a puzzled look. “Even if he knows that we’re mates, I don’t think he’ll accept me.”

She furrowed her eyebrows in thought. Her hand squeezed mine as she went on. “Win him over. Try to find the people who killed his parents and avenge their death. Get them prosecuted for what they did. I know I would be happy if I could find those bastards who killed my husband.”

It was my turn to comfort her, feeling helpless at that glum look she pulled. I couldn’t trouble her any more, telling her about how the people who killed my mate’s parents were my old pack.

“Mommy, what’s wrong?” Tyler stammered, making us both smile.

“Nothing, baby. Mommy just misses your daddy.”

I looked at Casey, frowning at her teary gaze, wishing I could do something to avenge her husband. He was killed by this cultic group, who call themselves Seraphim. They claim that they’re here to pave a way to the Seraph; an angel sent by the heavens to restore balance. Some heretic nonsense they’ve established to control the world.

“Daddy misses you, too,” Tyler mumbled, looking my way. “He talks to you, sometimes, but you don’t reply.”

I looked at Casey with a matching frown, and she nervously chuckled, caressing her son’s cheek. “My son says some weird things sometimes.”

“Do you think. . .”

“No!” She shook her head, interjecting. “My son is special, sure, but he’s not what you think. He’s just a normal werewolf, that’s all.”

I didn’t press much about the subject, given the alarming look she had on. I can’t blame her. No one would want their loved ones to be someone of great powers for fear of what would become of them. But if her son can see the dead and talks to them, there is a possibility that he bears a mystical wolf. For all we know, he could be one of the Horned Serpents.

“Anyway, I cooked, so you do the dishes.”

“That’s the plan.” I chuckled, clearing the table. I bid her and her son goodbye, and I did the dishes, retiring back to my bedroom for needed sleep.

Tomorrow is a new day.

As soon as I woke up, I spent the whole day doing my research, thinking of how to contact my friend, Jonathan. Given today is Saturday, I had some evening drills to do at the pack's house.

Arriving there, I was surprised to see Michael sitting in the courtyard with the rest of the kids, Cameron by his side, talking to him.

I scowled at the sight of Cameron laughing like a fool while Michael seemed to be ignoring him. Rick, however, was glaring at my mate, for sure unhappy that he was here.

“He said he wanted to watch our training.” Alpha Summer was by my side, smirking. “And since he’s your little mate, I allowed it.”

I felt the heat creep to my cheeks, staring at my beautiful mate, who looked indifferently at everything.

“Rick doesn’t seem to be pleased,” I remarked, and Alpha Summer let out a breathy laugh.

“Don’t you worry, Hayden. Rick wouldn’t dare harm your little mate.”

“He better not think about hurting him,” I mumbled under my breath, striding towards Michael and the rest.

“ Are you guys ready for today’s training?”

Cameron nodded while Rick tsked, Sam and Oliver stood by my side, while Sylvie stood glued to Michael. Kirsty and the rest were already running around the field, getting pumped for the wrestling matches.

“Are you a werewolf, too?” Michael carefully asked, c*****g his head to the side, looking so innocent and cute.

I frowned, confused, as I figured he realized that I am a werewolf yesterday. Now that I look at him, Michael seems different, as if he’s frightened and intimidated by all of us, unlike how he was yesterday.

Before I could answer his question, Alpha Summer called everyone to the fighting ring, in the middle of the field, to show off their skills. I hesitated a bit, as I didn’t want to leave Michael’s side, but I obliged when the Alpha called for my assistance.

I observed as the young ones fought against each other, pointing out what they did wrong and what they needed to improve. Everyone looked serious and followed the instructions, even Cameron, who would usually fool around. Rick, as well, seemed to be putting a lot of effort into the fights, as if he was trying to impress someone. And that someone must be Sylvie, as he kept stealing glances her way. The other didn’t seem to notice, immersed in what looked like an intense conversation with Michael.

“Reese!” Rick shouted, making everyone stop what they were doing, looking Rick’s way in anticipation. “You’re the son of a hunter. Why don’t you come here and show us your fighting skills?”

I stepped forward to stop Rick from provoking my little mate, but Alpha Summer held my arm, shaking his head. “Let’s watch first. If it gets dangerous for Michael, we’ll put a stop to it.”

I reluctantly nodded, aware of the reason why Alpha Summer wanted to see Michael fight. If he is just a human, he wouldn’t be able to last long in a fight against Rick.

Michael stood up, smirking our way as he dusted his jeans. That innocent expression he sported earlier was non-existent, replaced by a ferocious look, radiating with power as if we were in the presence of an elder.

“Fine, but don’t go and cry to your mommy after this.”

Rick tsked, spitting on the ground, fixing Michael with a murderous look. Michael chuckled at that, while my heart dropped a bit, afraid he might harm himself.

My mate went on. “Let’s make this interesting. You get three shots, and I get the same. The first person to fall on the ground loses. The winner should get something. . .” He mumbled the last part, in thought, looking around the field, before his eyes settled on one person. “. . . The winner gets to take Sylvie out on a date.”

Michael smiled when Rick eagerly agreed, and I scowled at the idea. Michael seemed to be confident, and while I was not sure he’d win. He seemed to be interested in Sylvie, so maybe he’d try his best to win. And if he does, he’d take her out on a date. But if he loses and gets knocked out, I get to carry him and hold him in my arms, nurse him and tend his wounds. Maybe then, he could develop some feelings for me, maybe even fall in love with me.

Rick, I’m rooting for you, man. Don’t disappoint me.

“You go first.” Rick tried to look cool, standing still as he asked Michael to throw his first punch. The other’s eyes were glued on the ground, hands tucked in the pockets of his jeans, not moving. I stared at him, confused that he wasn’t moving, and so did the rest. Rick impatiently marched his way, snarling.

“Are you f*****g scared, Reese?!”

Michael snorted and still didn’t look up, and only did when Rick was inches closer to him, making the other fall on the ground with a fear-stricken expression.

“I win!” Michael cheered, walking towards Sylvie. And we all stood there confused, looking at Rick, who was heaving for air, looking terrified.

“What happened, Rick?” Cameron asked, concerned, and Rick lifted his trembling hand, pointing at Michael.

“H-He. . . He almost killed my wolf!”

“What do you mean?” Alpha Summer asked, and I looked at my mate, who was talking to Sylvie, holding her hand. The fear for his life doubled the jealousy I was feeling, standing between him and the angry and terrified werewolves.

“I heard his voice inside my head, and he was doing something to my wolf. . . I-I could feel my wolf’s strength inundated by whatever he was doing to him. That freak tried to kill him!”

“Alpha Summer, there must be a reasonable explanation for this.” I reasoned when I saw the dark glare he bore into my mate. “He’s just a human, remember? Maybe someone is protecting him in the dark.”

Alpha Summer ignored my plea, walking towards Michael.

“I won't let you hurt him.” I shielded Michael’s body with mine, glaring at Alpha Summer and the rest.

“So it came to this? You think I’d hurt a little boy, Hayden?”

Michael giggled behind me, making me glance at him. I couldn’t help but glower at him, as I’m here trying to protect him while he’s provoking the angry wolves.

“I won, fair and square. You are the ones who stood there watching a human fighting a werewolf, knowing exactly that I can’t fend for myself against him. Well, my uncle made sure that I was always protected. You mess with me; you face consequences worse than death.”

“See, his uncle must’ve done something to protect him. He’s just a human.”

I pulled Michael to my side, and he didn't struggle free, which made me happy that he accepted my protectiveness over him. His tiny body fit perfectly in my arms, feeling a shiver down my spine. The feeling was exhilarating, and I had to control myself from doing something shameful and wrong in front of everyone as I met their eyes.

“The elders won’t like it if you hurt a human.”

Alpha Summer stared at Michael for a while before looking back at me, sighing. “Michael Reese won. It’s our mistake for not explaining the rules at the beginning.”

I smiled in gratitude, feeling this heavy weight lift off my shoulders.

“Michael,” Alpha Summer went on, elaborating. “When we wrestle here, we use our physical strengths and fighting skills. We make sure no one is using their wolves or vampiric powers, or dark arts. Next time, if you want to wrestle with the rest, you should follow the same rules.”

“Fine,” Michael huffed, pulling Sylvie with him towards the parking lot. I watched him get into the back of a car that I assumed was his unce's, with her following, while Alpha Summer and the rest helped Rick off the ground to the infirmary. The driver of the car looked strange to me, shuddering when I felt his dark aura target me, before he drove off.

“Hayden,” Alpha Summer called, startling me a bit. “We’re running out of time. Whether what he did today was a result of a protection spell or his powers, we need to be ready.”

“I understand, but can you please keep what happened today from the elders?”

“I can’t promise that. For now, please get in touch with whoever you think is Uktena. They have something that Therot would seek to access dangerous powers. If we can awaken Uktena, we’d stand a chance in saving our people from that hunter’s wrath.”