To Want You

23

In the beginning, was totally fine with the idea of mates. If anything, the whole 'fated partner' thing enchanted me. Almost to the pint of envy.But now it doesn't. Not when they're telling me I'm my best friend's fated partner. Loona mentioned something about a 'mate pull' once a wolf recognizes who it is they are chosen for. With disregards of what kind of species you may be, it's something that should be felt between the two parties. It works like a magnet and is impossible to escape. I don't feel it at all. The hang out was perfect while it lasted but now it's time for them to leave. They all file out the door with full stomachs and satisfied grins. After the whole reveal, I decided to momentarily ignore what Min said until further notice. Because even if I wanted to show my overwhelmed side, I can't do that in front of them. 

The peaceful night's no where similar to what's going on inside my head. Abel had remained quiet all this time as I walk his friends out, avoiding eye contact as well. I won't deny the tense atmosphere sprouting between us. 

 "Thanks for having us." Jace shows me a smile, but it's a smile that doesn't reveal his dimples. "I think you two should talk. It was never his intention to hide it from you. He just didn't know where to start. This is new for him as well." After an encouraging pat on my shoulder, he joins the rest of his friends inside the car and finally drives down the path. 

Loona already left thirty minutes prior. Now that they're gone, it's just me, my house and my thoughts.  I decided to take another shower before heading to bed. 

 - 

Next day arrived in a blink of an eye and I somehow ended up being summoned at Mrs Parkers home around the afternoon.

 "Elka sweetie, finally you're here." The woman greets, being way to handsy than usual. She tucks a hair behind my ear and hums pleasantly. "You look lovely today sweetheart. Come in. Guess what? I baked your favorite cake today."

With her arm twisted around my own, she leads me to kitchen where a slice of my favorite red velvet cake's already sitting atop of a plate. 

"Have I told you how gorgeous you look today?" The woman flutters her eyes. 

I'm wearing a casual black shirt and ripped jeans. My hair's messily tied up into a bun and I'm flaunting a bare face. I even forgot to spray myself with some perfume before coming here. What part of me exactly, is gorgeous? Of course I can't voice out my thoughts in front of Mrs Parker. So instead, I just meekly nod my head and accept the compliment like a shy turtle.

"Thank you." 

"Oh sweetie, I'm just stating the obvious. "She giggles. Judging by her mannerism, she's definitely up to something. I can feel it in my guts. But whatever it is can wait. 

"Your uncle's at his office working on some papers. We're planning to hand the company over to Abel once the papers are settled. He'll need every help he can get after that. Take a bit sweetie."

I nod my head and settle myself on the stool. "How's the process going?" 

When I take a chunk of the cake, instantly a burst of flavor dances around my tastebuds. I've had my fair share with red velvet cakes served I'm different stores but so far, this is the best one. I'm not being biased when I say this. 

 "How is it? Do you like it?" 

 "It's tasty."

 Her expression brightens up. "That's a relief. Actually sweetie, there's a reason why I called you here." 

 "What is it?" 

 "It's about Abel." 

 I awkwardly swallow before taking in another spoonful. 

 "I'm assuming you already know?" 

Again, i nod my head.

 "So what do you think?" 

 "What..do I think?" 

 "Yes. I need your thoughts on this. What do you think about moving in with us?" 

I choke on the cake. 

At that exact same time, someone enters the kitchen, sprouting yet again a glowing smile from Mrs Parker. She slides me a glass of water to which I take immediately. 

 "What is she doing here?" More of annoyance rather than confusion drips from the question. A hand presses behind my back before moving in a circular comforting motion. 

 "I was just telling Elka here about how you plan to have her stay with us." She responds with a cheeky grin. Rustles of plastic bags resound when he places them on the counter, hand still adhesive to my back even after I've calmed down. 

 "I-I think I misunderstood there a bit, Auntie." I clear my throat with an awkward smile. "No one said anything about moving." 

Not that I'm already over the fact that I'm Abel's mate. Because I'm not. I know life would've been easier if I just accepted it, but to develop feelings for him isn't something that can just magically happen over night. I get that he has the looks that every guy can wish for the the body any girl dreams of claiming as theirs, but imagine being at my shoes. I've known Abel almost all my life and already groomed myself into believing he'd be nothing more than just a friend. Now you expect me to just fall for him? My best friend? If this isn't what you call cliche then I don't know anymore. 

 "Oh my, look at the time. I almost forgot I had plans to meet up with a friend. You two just continue talking. I'll take my leave now. Toodles."

Once Mrs Parker's out of the picture, a heavy silence falls upon the kitchen. Abel begins to stack the groceries in their perspective places while I'm left to finish my cake. With this unsettling ambiance, I find it impossible to swallow. 

I can't take it anymore. 

"Isn't there some kind of spell or ritual to break...this?"

As he fetches the rest of the cereals from the counter to stack them behind cabinets, he lifts an eyebrow up. "What on earth are you talking about?"

"You find it weird too, right? I obviously can't be it." I let out a laugh. "So tell me. Is there a way to break this whole bond thing?" 

He just stares at me with an expression I can't read, making me gulp in my seat. Why am I suddenly feeling intimidated by him? 

"El." He suddenly says in a low stern voice. "I wasn't joking when I said you'll have to get used to it." 

And with that, he leaves the kitchen room looking as crossed as ever.