Ever or Never After

Chapter Six

"So Beta Aiden, how has our pack been treating you so far since you've arrived?"

Aiden shifted in his seat next to me and looked up at my mom with a gorgeous smile.

"Well, first off ma'am you can just call me Aiden and it's been good. I mean, I have just been mainly doing perimeter checks with your Alpha and Beta to get a good enough pattern collection of when and why these rogues disturb your pack so I haven't had much time so socialize. Honestly, you were the first to actually reach out to me."

Let me clear up some stuff just in case you're confused. Aiden and a few other members of his pack are still visiting mine since my birthday party to help with a little rogue situation. It's never major but our guards keep sensing rogues and we can never pinpoint them so Aiden and his pack are helping us.

Now, currently we are having dinner with him and his parents while Richard is sending him death glares from across the table.

"Richard, you okay hunny?" My mom as she laid her hand on top of his and I looked away to avoid seeing the sight. Aiden nudged my arm and I glanced at him. He tapped the side of his head and I nodded briefly as he created a mind link between us.

"Everything alright birthday girl?"

"Yeah, of course. " I replied to Aiden, trying my hardest to believe my own lie.

"What are you two mind linking about?" Richard asked as he took a hard swig of his wine.

I looked at him and sent a him a 'Piss off' look but of course, Richard ignored it and sent me a fake smile.

"Oh Aaron aren't the two of them cute? You know sweetie, Aiden would have been lucky to have a sweet girl like you for his mate." Aidan's mom squealed out as she clapped her hands.

"Mom..." Aiden said in a warning toon and pinched the bridge of his nose. I giggled and nudged his shoulder then sent a wink his way.

"Racheal, stop embarrassing the boy." Auden's father, Aaron said with a smirk.

I felt the table shake as Richard's fist went onto it with a hard force. All of our eyes went to him and he chuckled dryly.

"Pesky mosquitoes..." He mumbled.

"Oh speaking of mates" My mom added and looked to me with a smile. "Did you ever find yours hunny? I forgot to ask. "

My breath hitched and I found it hard to breathe again. How the hell do I answer this? 'Oh yeah mom and he's your f*****g husband???' Like that answer would be practical. I can't say that to her in front of Aiden and his family. This is private business and besides, I doubt this would be a good time anyway despite the fact we have company.

Richard looked at me with pleading eyes and I knew he'd probably link me right now if he could but I put my walls up. I plastered a fake smile on my face and shook my head.

"No. I didn't mom."

The words made me feel like throwing up but I kept a cool facade and tried to sell my lie.

Richard on the other hand, was obviously seething on the other side of the table but I only knew because I could feel his anger through our link. His face was as calm as could be and also slightly relieved and I just wanted to claw his freaking face off.

"Awe sweetie. Well don't worry, you'll find him soon enough." My mom consoled me and I nodded and drank some of my juice.

"Don't worry Danica. When you find your mate, he's going to love you so much and you both will be happier than ever." Racheal said to me as she smiled to her mate. The amount of love that radiated off the both of them alone made me feel like crying more than her words.

"Enough about this. Time for Dessert! You guys ready?" I changed topic swiftly and everyone nodded. Standing up, I took my plate and Aiden's as well as Racheal's and carried them to the kitchen.

"Help Danica, Richard." I heard my mother mumble and I cussed silently. The kitchen door for swung open and his scent invaded my nostrils more than oxygen itself.

I sat the plates down on the counter and soon a second pair joined mine as he copied my actions.

"Danica..."

"No Richard. Don't just don't."

"I don't want to hurt you like this.." He whispered.

"You may not want too, but you are so you are free to shove it and get away from me."

"Danica please. You're my mate, I love you and the last thing I want is to see you suffer like this but what choice do we have?" Richard whispered again to me to avoid having anyone hear him. Times like this is when enhanced hearing sucks.

I faced Richard and rolled my eyes.

"Allow me to get you a dictionary so you can find out the meaning of love. Richard, we wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for you!" My voice raising near the end and the tears escaped my eyes.

"What's taking you two so l- Danica! What's wrong baby?" My mother came into the kitchen and ran to my side but I pushed her away and ran out of the kitchen back door.

I was so unfocused and distraught I couldn't even shift into my wolf. A light drizzle Began to fall as I ran into the forest towards my Haven. The only place I could release all this pent up frustration and pain.

He loves me he says...He has no choice he says, but Richard has obviously made a choice. He made he choice to let me suffer and stay with my mother. I had also made somewhat of a choice; to reject him when I get the strength and let them be..but that doesn't stop it from hurting.

The heel of my shoe broke, causing me to trip and fall. All my determination to do anything was gone.

The little strength I had. Gone.

My heart....shredded.

I sat on the Cold forest floor and bawled my eyes out.

I cried for my mother, myself, Richard and I felt like that was all I could do. In this moment I felt helpless and weak.

A pair of hands wrapped around me and I couldn't even move to fight off whoever it was.

"Shhh, It's okay sweetheart."

I leaned into Aiden's arms and continued to cry until I felt like I couldn't anymore.

My entire life is a disaster.