Claiming His Mate’s Heart

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          “Is everything settled?” I asked Reese who was busy munching on her sandwich while watching her favorite sci-fi series. Aside from being my secretary, she’s basically more of the pack’s beta as everyone is more afraid of her than his twin brother Rio. 

          “Yeah, don’t worry. You won’t be gone for long right? Just pick her up and be back as soon as you can. You’ve delayed this far too long already.” She mumbled without looking at me as she waved her hand to shoo me away. I smiled and shook my head as I watched her slumped on the sofa, too engrossed on the television early this morning. 

           Goddess, only she can ignore me, her alpha, like that. Well she’s been like that since day one. Maybe it’s because she had part alpha in her blood that’s why she don’t easily get intimidated by my aura.

           Or maybe because you spoiled her because she reminds you of our mate, Trance said matter of factly.

           Nah, Sylvie is way sassier, I argued before I walked out of the pack house. I saw Rio waiting for me beside my rover. 

           “Hey man! You ready to go?”

           “Of course what’s there not to be ready for?”

           “Ah nothing really. Maybe seeing your mate after years?' he said in a sarcastic tone that made me snort. Then he got serious. "Remember don’t pounce at her like a maniac, okay?”

           “Why would I do that? I’m not a creep.”

           “Really?” He feigned his shock and I wanted to punch his face. He can be equally annoying like his sister but they're my two closest friend.

           “But seriously, she’s human and according to how I understand your silly drunken confession, you hurt her when you left so she might not want to see your face.”

           That’s true. You messed up big time back then you stupid alpha! 

           "Ugh! Shut up Trance. I know that, okay? That’s why I’m not planning on messing this up. Besides, I know her. She can’t stay angry at me for long. She knows me far too well. She couldn’t have changed that much in five years.” I shrugged as I hopped in to my car. 

           Rio followed me. “You don’t know that. You haven’t felt the wrath of a woman scorned.” His eyes flashed a hint of sadness and I understand where he’s coming from. 

           The day I rejected her, I almost died. No, a part of me died that day. If anything, I’m partly thankful that Sylvie isn’t a wolf. If not she would’ve felt the same pain I had felt.

           If she was a wolf you didn’t have to reject her in the first place! But wolf or not she’s our mate and you shouldn’t have rejected her. So make sure you do everything to undo what you did!  Trance just won't let it go.

          “Hush! What are my charms for then? Don’t worry, I’ll take her back and bring her here by if that’s the last thing I do.” I replied to both of them. I tried to be as smug as I can, pretending to be unnerved by what I have to accomplish. That earned me a snort from Trance and a small nod from Rio.!

           “You have to be back before the full moon and complete the mating bond. That's two weeks from now, Alpha. I’m still not good about having a human as a Luna, but if it’s the only way to keep the pack safe then I don’t care even if she’s a donkey.”

           “Watch it!” A low growl escaped me hearing his joke. “That’s my mate we’re talking about, Rio. I got this don’t worry.” I tapped on his shoulder before I stepped on the gas and drove away. 

           Yeah, this couldn’t be so hard right?

           You better not mess this up or I’ll seriously not talk to you anymore! I don’t care is being an alpha. I just want to be with her finally. 

            I wish I could say the same, Trance. 

           A part of me was excited to see her and be with her again. I’ve longed to be with her,  my mate, my other half. Heck, no wolf will want to be separated with their mate. Aside from that, I miss her entirely. I literally was with her all her life. I was there when she was born and when she first opened her hazel brown eyes, I know she had me wrapped in her tiny little fingers.

           But there’s still the undeniable truth that I couldn’t be with her. It took every ounce of self control and will I have to not touch her when i turned eighteen ad learned she's my mate. she didn't have any idea about mates after all. I had to choose between her and my responsibility as an alpha. I left her for the pack and now I have to get her back for the same reason. 

            If it wasn’t for the safety of the pack, I wouldn’t have the courage to even go back and see her. I was afraid that if I see her again, I’ll change my mind and throw everything out the window. 

          Yes, the most feared and highly respected alpha of the Raven Moon clan has one weakness. Sylvie, his human mate. 

***

          It was almost dusk when I reached the town where Sylvie and I grew up. It was nostalgic to be back after so long. 

          I look around and noticed the changes. There are more establishments there now than before. The street was busy with people going home from their day jobs. I’ve caught on the fancy restaurant we used to dine in during the weekend. Sylvie’s mom, Mary used to work there. I wonder if she still do.

          I thought of finding out myself and maybe surprising her but decided not to. She must be busy at this hour and I have to see uncle Roan first. It’s been so long since I saw him and I did miss that grumpy old man. 

          I drove through town and to our former home that was next to Sylvie’s house. My eyes automatically roamed around, as if expecting to see her go out the door anytime.

           How will she react if she sees me now? After a few moments, I sighed and shook my head. She’s probably still at work. According to Roan, she’s running her own company now. Not surprising for someone who can ace the exam while half awake. 

          I went out of my car and inhaled deeply, familiarizing myself with the fresh scent of the forest nearby and the salty air of the ocean to the west. 

          I smiled to myself. Ah… I’ve really missed this place. It’s really good to know that nothing has changed. This is still my home. 

          “Alpha?” I turned to the surprised call from behind me. 

          “Uncle Roan!” I walked towards him and gave him a big hug. He dropped his grocery bag and hugged me back. 

          “Oh goddess! Darius! Is that really you?” He exclaimed still not believing I was there. 

          “Who else can be as handsome as me?” I joked and winked at him that made him laugh heartily. 

          “Oh yes, yes. It is definitely you.” He looked at me from head to toe and smiled widely. “You’ve grown stronger I see. An alpha indeed.” He beamed with pride. Why wouldn't he when he taught me everything I know. He stood as my father since we escaped the pack invasion when i was but a toddler.

          “You took good care of me and well I hope you’ll take me in again for a few days and…” I picked up his grocery bag and waved it at him. “…feed me?”

          He laughed again and nodded. “Of course, I couldn’t possibly starve my alpha. Come let’s get inside so I can prepare you a good meal. Sylvie must be starving too.” He walked past me and didn’t notice I stopped walking. 

         “Sylvie’s here? S-she lives with you now? Did you finally get Aunt Mary's sweet yes?" I teased. It was not a secret how much he loved Sylvie's mother but she kept on rejecting him.

          He was about to answer when someone called him from the door. “Uncle, is that you?” 

         That voice! My eyes moved from uncle Roan to the woman standing by the door still rubbing her eyes. Her long wavy hair flowed down to her soft slender shoulder that he can see from the green spaghetti strap she paired with a white cotton shorts. It was super short it barely covered her butt and showed her long sexy legs that seem to go on forever. I gulp down the drool that was forming on my throat. 

         Mate! I heard Trance howled in delight. 

         It can’t be… Is this… “Sylvie?”

        “Darius.” She nodded in acknowledgment as her grip tightened around the door knob. But I couldn’t be so sure. There was none of the familiar warmth in her eyes. No excitement in her voice when she whispered my name. She’s not happy to see me that’s for sure and that shot a pain in my chest. 

          Of course you fool! Do you expect her to jump at you? What are you waiting for? Go to her!

          But I didn’t move from where I stand, still awestruck from what I’m seeing that I almost jumped when uncle Roan called me.

         “Surprise!” He whispered on my ear and I could tell he’s enjoying seeing my shocked face. “Come on in Darius, stop perverting over Vie. You can catch up with her later.” He tapped my shoulder and went on in while laughing all the way.

          “I’ll take this.” I heard Sylvie said. 

          “Ah no, it’s fine I’ll cook for us tonight. Just go catch up with D.” He smiled knowingly before he disappeared in the kitchen. 

          My wolf kept on howling inside my head but I tried to keep my cool. I remembered what Rio said. Don’t pounce at her. 

          “Hey.”

          “Hey.” She greeted back as she opened the door wider. She turned to walk back to the sofa and my eyes traveled down from her slender waist to her perfectly round behind. 

           s**t! I was right! That freaking shorts didn’t do much to cover her sexy ass! 

           I felt my pants tightened with my growing manhood. 

          “Are you done checking me out?” There was an annoyed smirk in her face when I looked back to her heart shaped face. 

          “Ah yes… I mean no!” f**k I sound stupid. 

          “No, you’re not done?”

          “Yes… I mean no. I wasn’t checking you out.”

          “Liar.”

          “Say what?”

          “You heard me.” She turned her back at me and walked towards the stairs. 

          “Sylvie, wait!” I was able to grab her hand to try and stop her from walking away but the next thing I knew, I was lying flat on my back on the floor with her twisting my arm as she sat on my face. 

           A low growl escaped me when her lavender and pineapple scent hit my nostrils. She must have thought I was growling at her so she twisted my arm a little more. And f**k! This woman got a strong grip! But I’ll be damned if I can focus on the pain with her sexy ass waving at my face. All I can think of that time is lick it! 

          “Don’t you ever dare touch me again. I don’t know why you’re here but I’d appreciate it if you stay away from me. Am I clear?” Her voice was sweet and tingling in my ears but I felt the weight of each and every word. 

          It’s as if…

          “Woah! I don’t think this is a good time for sparring, you two! Come on Vie! He’s only been back a few minutes ago. Don't go breaking his bones!” Uncle Roan let out a chuckle with his own joke. Sylvie isn’t amused though. She held her gaze at me then snorted as she dropped my arm and quickly jump off of me. She turned around and ran off with just a blink of an eye.

          f**k! When did she learn to do that? And when did she become so agile?

          “Come on. Are you all right?” Uncle Roan lent me his hand and pulled me up from the floor. On other times it would have been embarrassing to see an alpha got knocked down by a woman and more so a human woman. But somehow I felt proud of her knowing that she can very well protect herself.

          “Did you train her?”

          “Ah, Yes. She wanted to learn how to fight, and with just the two of us, I realized it’s best to teach her. I can’t always be there to guard her anyway…”

          “Wait what do you mean it’s just the two of you? Where’s aunt Mary?”

          “S-she’s gone. She died the same night you left.” Roan averted his eyes but I didn’t miss the pained look on his face.

          “What? H-how? W-why…?” I was too stunned to even come up with a proper question.

          “It’s a long story… it’s best for you to eat and rest first before…” 

          “I have to go.” I cut him short. s**t I’m in a deeper mess than what I have originally thought so. I’m such a f*****g i***t!

          “Ha? Where?”

          “To Sylvie.”