Rejected Mate

Chapter Five: Blood Moon

“Stars that shine bling in the moon night, might I find true love squirreled away tonight?” Isabel Yosito.

I woke up to my mum calling me for breakfast. Now that there was no internship, the leave is canceled, which means I’ll have to go back to school until the elders decide on a different establishment for us to intern in.

I wasn’t planning to stay home anyway. This was the secret they were hiding for sure. They all knew, my dad, mum, Zeke and Lucas as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole pack knew.

I got up not willing to talk to anyone. I barely even slept a wink last night, but thankfully, I didn't have a migraine like yesterday.

I took a quick shower and did my morning routine, which consisted of a few sit ups and squats. I headed downstairs to find my parents cuddling, again.

Dad looked up and smiled, letting go of my mother, and I returned it. . . dryly.

“Good morning, son.”

“Morning.”

I walked to the kitchen and made myself some tea to calm my raging nerves. I could feel their eyes on me, but I continued ignoring them. We rarely had a meal together due to dad’s responsibilities and busy work at the pack house. And if it was any other day, I would’ve enjoyed having breakfast with him.

"So, how did it go yesterday?"

I shrugged and kept my mouth tight not in a mood to talk about it, especially to him. I was afraid that I’ll say something that would ruin their seemingly happy day.

"Honey, did something happen? You've been in your room the whole day yesterday."

I ignored her, sipping my tea and hoping they'll stop. But, how could they? Me not telling them what was wrong would just trouble them even more, and they'd keep on demanding answers until I talk. They’re used to me sharing everything with them, especially my mother.

"Jon-"

I cut in with a forced grin. "It was fine. . .I have to go."

“Hold on, son.” My dad called, but I was quick to leave the house.

I ignored the guys at school as well and sat away from them during classes. Zeke accepted my wishes, yet he kept giving me concerned looks from time to time. Lucas, being his persistent self, kept pestering me with questions about my sudden change in mood.

I felt betrayed, especially by them. They knew how much I hated it when they hide stuff from me. I already lost a friend because of that; a friend who had enough of my ambiguous plans, that he decided I wasn't worth the fight and left.

Damon stopped talking to me since yesterday at the office. I guess he’s mad again or maybe he’s hurt as well. I didn't talk to him either.

I feel bad for always blaming him whenever something bad happens, but I couldn't deny the fact that being a wolf has caused me all this agony.

I arrived late to my History class since my Spanish teacher scolded me for not paying attention. She was so loud and kept tugging my right ear that I think it'll fall off any second now. It’s not my fault that her lessons are boring, and that I have a lot on my mind.

I gave Mr. Barrus a late slip, and he kept staring at me, studying and scanning my body up and down.

What a freak! They all are!

I didn't wait to be excused, and I went to find a seat away from the guys, but to my luck, the only seat left was my usual one, next to Zeke.

Mr. Barrus resumed the class, giving us a few glances every now and then, which kept Lucas from trying to talk to me. Zeke would flash me a hesitant smile whenever our eyes met, and it only fueled my anger towards them.

Best friends my ass.

The bell rang which for me took like forever. I gathered my stuff to leave, but Mr. Barrus asked me and the guys to stay, so I did.

"Why did you guys quit? That was a great opportunity and you let it slip away just like that." He really looked disappointed, but I could tell he already knew why.

I shrugged as an answer, feeling jittery to stand here and talk to them. Mr. Barrus sighed, and I looked away towards the door.

I just wanted to leave and get on with the rest of the day.

"Chris told me what happened." He said, looking my way, and I was quick to cut him off.

"I got to leave, Mr. Barrus."

Zeke furrowed his eyebrows, confused which I ignored.

It doesn’t feel good to be in the dark, does it?

I turned to leave, but Mr. Barrus apparently didn’t get the hint. "He's hurting, Jon, and I know you are too. He told me what he said, and he didn’t mean to hurt you."

I hurried outside to the washroom, not wanting to hear what he had to say. You can't just insult people and expect them to be alright with it the next day. If he’s hurting, then good. He deserves to get hurt for what he did. . .for what he made me do.

I know the blame game is back and forth between us, but he was the mature one. He knew what he had done when he claimed another person. He knew that somewhere his mate would get heart broken, and he didn't care.

I have the right to blame him and not myself. If he thought he lost people that were dear to his heart, well, I lost pretty much the same. I lost a guy who loved me truly and accepted the fact that my heart screams for someone else. He promised he'd wait, and I promised I'd move on, but then what happened that night showed him how much I was unable to forget the past. It showed him that I'd never be his, so he left.

"We should talk."

I turned to see Zeke and Lucas standing against the door. They both crossed their arms against their chest, blocking the way out like I'd make a run for it.

I glared furiously at them for choosing the wrong moment to ‘have a talk'.

"Okay, you want to talk? then let's talk! Let's talk about the fact you knew my mate is a Lycan and you didn't tell me."

Lucas held his head down, and Zeke stared at me with wide eyes. They were both speechless, giving me those pitiful looks that only fueled my anger.

"Why the f**k would you hide that for me?!"

"I'm sorry for not telling you, Jon. Your dad ordered us not to.”

"Enough with this Alpha bullshit, Zeke. . .I'm your best friend! Your. Best. Friend. . .You should've let me know, at least I wouldn't have seen him."

My voice cracked in the end, remembering what that jerk said to me yesterday. I bit the inside of my cheek not to cry and breakdown in front of them.

"You've seen. . .him?!" They both said in unison. Creepy much. Their eyes were wide in shock, and I nodded. I could feel my mouth form a pout.

"We knew that they're a Lycan, but your father never told us who they are. In this case, who he is."

"Is this why they're fighting?" I wondered, and Zeke nodded sadly.

Chris Matthews was right. I keep causing so much pain just by being here. Just by being alive.

"Who is he?" Lucas approached me carefully, afraid that I might snap at him. Anticipation is glinting in his brown eyes.

"Their Alpha." I whispered.

Lucas hugged me. "Sorry, Jon. I really am. I knew it was a mistake to go there."

I nodded in agreement. They insisted on not going, but me being hot-headed forced them to.

Lucas chuckled, and I looked at him in a silent question.

"Seriously, dude. You have the worst luck when it comes to mates. You had to be mated with one who's a total dick."

I chuckled dryly, and he pulled me to another hug.

Zeke stood there awkwardly. I could see the guilt coating his expression, so I opened my right arm and asked him to join in our group, manly hug.

"I'm really sorry, Jon. I feel bad for not telling you, and I'm sorry for being the worst friend by taking you there. . .I'm such an ass."

We pulled apart, and I formed a grin. "Yes, you are. One of the finest asses out there. . .and you owe me some ice cream."

"And some chick flick movie and tissues. Oh, and pizza." Lucas squeaked, and we all laughed. I can't seem to get mad at these guys. I love them so much.

"So, did he hurt you?" He looked at me concerned.

"No, Luke, he didn't. Not physically at least."

‘Yes, he did. My back still hurts.’ My wolf whined.

‘Welcome back. I thought you got mad again.’

‘No, I didn't. I thought you're the one who's mad at me, and I didn't want to annoy you, afraid that you may do something worse than before, using your powers.’

‘So subtle as always.’ I muttered bitterly, sighing. ‘I'm sorry, Damon. It was a stupid thing I did back then. I hope you can forgive me.’

"Jon? Your wolf is back, isn't he?"

I smiled, nodding as he jumped on me excited, exclaiming in disbelief.

"Great that he's back! Just in time."

He grinned widely. "Tonight, there will be a blood moon, so we'll get to see that sexy wolf you're hiding there again." Zeke elaborates and puts his arm around me, pulling us out of the washroom.

‘Do you want to, Damon?’

‘Yes! I do! You have no idea how much I missed running freely outside. . .In the woods.’

I smiled, feeling a bit contented and complete.

‘Jon, I missed you.’

‘I did too.’

I felt much better than before, and seeing the joyful reaction I got from my friends for Damon’s return, I felt the need to let my parents know, too. And I did just that, but in Blackwell’s annoying way. I broke the news to them via a text.

That would teach them.

Not a few seconds after sending that text, my mother called. And you know what I did? I rejected the call, of course.

“Jon, is your phone turned off. Your mother is calling me.”

“Don’t you dare answer!” I growled at Zeke, and he just laughed.

“Fighting again?”

“I’m punishing her for hiding stuff from me.”

He formed a sheepish grin, pulling me towards our next class. Chemistry was my second favorite subject, but the instructor, not so much. She’s a member of my pack, so she’s extra harsh on me to hone my skills and all. She even checks my grades from my other classes and reports to my father.

After a few minutes in class, the superintendent announced my name to report to his office. All my classmates sat there confused when we heard him struggling with someone over the radio, then the shrieking voice of my mother blared through.

“Jonathan Liam Blackwell, you get your ass here this instant!”

I flushed while my class laughed at my embarrassment. I could hear the poor superintendent calling off my mum for saying ‘ass’ on the school radio, which added to the humiliation.

“You know better than to taunt your mother.” Zeke cackled.

'Asshole', I croaked inwardly.

I narrowed my eyes at Mrs. Bowes, who glared at me. “Don’t give me that look. You know how she is.”

She pushed back her glasses, rolling her eyes, pointing at the door. Yes, she can’t say a thing when it comes to her crazy Luna.

I ran out of class to the superintendent’s office where I’ll murder my mum. I panted, glaring at her, appalled that she was on top of the superintendent’s desk, fighting him over the microphone.

“What are you doing?”

She looked at me before glancing back at the frightened man, smiling sweetly.

“Thanks for your assistance.”

She fixed her skirt after her feet met the floor, striding my way with a dangerous glare.

“You have the audacity to send me a text to tell me something that huge?! Who the f**k taught you to act like this?!”

“You did!” I shouted back.

“You don’t raise your voice at me, young man!”

The superintendent, Mr. Faris, coughed, and we both glared at him.

“What?!”

“Maybe I should leave you two alone.” He offered, and I declined.

“No, she’s leaving.”

“No, I’m not!”

“Yes, you are!”

“I said, don’t shout at me!”

“You’re shouting at me, and you taught me to fight back!”

She growled, huffing as she smacked me with her tiny purse. “I hate how I raised you well.”

“Did it irk you that much to learn the news over a text?”

She teared up instantly, sighing defeated. “It did.”

“Good.” I croaked. “That would teach you for not telling me about the Lycans.”

“You know?!” Her eyes were wider than saucers. I didn’t answer, the furious glare I fixated on her, did. But all my anger soon dissipated when she started crying.

“I’m sorry.” I pulled her to a hug, hating myself for being harsh on her.

She pulled away, wearing a saddened look.

“My boy met his mate, and I wasn’t there to witness it. I’m a bad mother.” She pouted. “I wanted to be there to document it. I had a whole scenario in my mind. I pictured you wearing your favorite black shirt that brings out the color of your eye. I imagined how adorable you'd look confused while he'd nuzzle his nose in your neck."

She squealed, and I face palmed.

"Did you like him? I mean, he’s a hunk of a man. I was so looking forward to this moment ever since your father told me who he was. I even stalked him a couple of times to look at the man of my baby boy.”

Ugh. And this why I always regret being nice to her.

I shoved her away from me, looking at the superintended who looked confused.

“She’s crazy.”

He hesitantly nodded, watching us as we left his office.

“So, tell me?! How was it?!”

“Not as you disturbingly imagined.” I stared at her and couldn’t help but tear up. She gave me that motherly smile, engulfing me in a needed hug.

“Oh, dear. I’m sorry.”

I sobbed in her arms, my sniffles echoing in the empty hallway. I needed to cry and let out my frustration. I'm a sensitive person, and only my mother knows my true nature. I put on an act in front everyone, but she's the only one who sees right trough me.

She understands me.

“I’m really sorry, son.”

We pulled apart, and I allowed her to drag me outside where my dad was waiting by his car. The shameful look he sported said it all. My mother for sure linked him and let him know about my mate. I just looked down to hide my tears.

“Jon.” He said once he reached us, bringing me to an embrace. “I’m a terrible father. I should’ve told you.”

I shrugged in his arms, pulling away to wipe my tears. He gently made me look up and meet his eyes, smiling.

“Don’t hide your tears from me. It’s okay for a man to cry from time to time.”

I smiled faintly. “I think I cried enough over this.”

Carefully, my mother asked. “Did he reject you. . . again?”

I shook my head. “But he said I ruined his life and killed people he loved by casting that spell.” I stared at my father. “Do you think he’s saying the truth? I killed innocent people?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” My mother said with a frown. “You did nothing wrong. I’m sure this is all a big misunderstanding.”

“I agree. I’ll have a word with him.”

“No, don’t!” I cut off my father. “Just. . .forget about it. What’s done is done. There is no mending things between us.”

“But,” My mum started, and I shook my head.

“We’re broken, mum. We’re not meant to be.”

“What the hell do you mean by broken? Come on, every couple fight. I’m sure he’ll chase after your forgiveness soon.”

Will he? And should I forgive him?

“I don’t know.”

My mother wanted to say something but was stopped by my dad, who patted my back and smiled.

“Let's get you home, have a long shower and rest. Cheer up a bit. What matters the most is that Damon is back.”

He’s right. What matters the most is that my wolf is back and didn’t abandon me like I believed.

Everybody is excited tonight. I know I am. My mum is super hyper, as usual, the guys look just as eager. My dad seems happy and relieved. I guess he couldn't wait to let go of all the responsibilities he has towards our pack and hand it over to me.

We all walked to the forest, trying to go further away from civilization to turn. Once we found the perfect spot, everybody shifted to their true form and surrounded me, waiting for me to follow suit

See, this is what I meant by a true family. They were all looking at me with bright, hopeful and joyful eyes, waiting for me to turn. They always showed their support, and tonight was no exception.

I'm nervous and excited at the same time. It's been so long since I turned, and I fear that I wouldn't be able to do it. My wolf assured me that we’ll be fine. I allowed Damon to take control, making everyone gasp at the beautiful being he is.

I patted my paws on the ground and howled for the guys to follow. I started running fast, feeling the wind brush through my black fur.

I playfully started jumping ditches and bushes, feeling happy, free and content for the return of my friend. Mr. Matthews' words were still there but forgotten at this moment. I was surrounded by love, friendship, and pride. Finally, I can call myself a Lucian. . .An Alpha.

My pack scattered in the forest, leaving me with Zeke, Lucas, my parents and a few guards. We ran towards the river where we settled to meet up. I playfully jumped in the stream, splashing and enjoying the cold water on my fur, while everyone was watching me. It felt so satisfying and exciting, like a kid's first day at the beach.

I’m happy, and so is Damon.

My wolf howled again, and this time louder that it echoed through the silent forest, and soon after, we heard another howl, but it didn't sound from our own.

I stood next my father who had my mother on his back. She got off and stood between us waiting for whoever was lurking in the dark. Soon, we saw a pack coming towards us, led by a white wolf with piercing golden eyes.

‘That's him.’ My wolf said with conviction.

‘I know, I felt him as well.’

It’s weird, but I did feel his presence.

My father changed to his human form to talk to them.

"What do you want, Lycan?"

My whole pack changed back, and I was the only one who remained in my wolf form. I was so charmed by those golden eyes that my own couldn’t stray somewhere else.

"Just passing through." Mr. Roberts said as he changed from a green-eyed, white wolf. “We’re not looking for trouble.”

Well, big bad alpha thought otherwise, baring his canine at me with an intimidating growl. I snarled back, stalking defiantly towards him as he did the same.

"Alpha Chris, you better step back, right now! I won't let you fight my son!"

I growled at my father, asking him to move back. This was my fight, and I wanted it. . .I needed it.

The Lycan took the few steps left between us and growled again to show dominance, expecting from me to back off, but I didn't. I returned it with an angry growl that the electric blue in my fur brightened, and I could see in his eyes that he was astounded a bit.

He changed to his human form, and I did the same. We stood there glowering at each other. Part of me was conscious of him being this close. It could be the mate pull or just simply his demeanour. Whatever it was, had my glare soften a bit, enthralled by his good looks.

I hate this.

Damon kept begging me not to fight him, and from his facial expression, I knew that his wolf was talking to him as well.

His face softened, and he smirked wickedly. "What's your wolf's name?"

I shivered at hearing his raspy voice and stood there dumbfound by the sudden change of heart.

"Why should I tell you?" I responded once I held my bearings, and embarrassingly enough, I stammered.

He just rolled his eyes, irritated. "Draco wants to know?"

“Who?”

"My wolf, Draco, wants to know. That's why I came here. He heard your wolf and nagged me to come here."

‘Tell him.’

‘Why should I?’

‘Please tell him.’ Damon begged.

‘Alright.’ I sighed defeated.

“Damon is his name. Now, can you leave?"

He leaned towards me, and I was too shocked by his boldness to step back. I hate how weak I am to him that even my breathing ragged, aware of the closeness.

"I'll be back when you're alone, I promise" He whispered in my ear, sending an electric jolt through my body, a pleasurable one. I tried to look unfazed by his words and control the blush that was creeping in, while he studied my eyes.

“Cute.” He mumbled, winking at me. He turned back to his wolf form and ran back from where he came from, leaving me a blushing mess.

"Way to ruin the night." Zeke sneered.

‘I like his name.’ Damon said dreamily.

‘Shut up, Damon!’

The night went on without any incidents after that, but I was out of it the whole time. My mind was occupied by the jerk. I kept thinking of his enticing scent, his manly physic, and dazzling smirk. I wanted to hate him, but my mind was weak when it came to him.

Once we got back home and after a delicious dinner, I took a long bath and tucked under my comforter. I didn’t want to think of him again but couldn’t help it. I keep seeing his face closer to mine, smugly dragging his words, aware of his effect on me. I keep reminiscing the past, thinking of how our future would’ve been if things were dealt with differently back then.

Retrospect, I would’ve checked with my mum before casting that spell.

After what seemed to be hours, I felt my eyes getting heavy and I was happy to welcome some sleep, too bad the buzzing sound of my phone startled me.

I grabbed my phone from the nightstand, a message from an unknown number flashed in the screen.

“Glad to see that you have the fight in you.”

“Who is this?”

“Someone who'll pay you a visit very soon.”

It has to be Mr. Matthews.

“Santa?!”

“I can be.” The freak sent me a winky face.

“Who is this?” I sent again with an angry emoji.

“Your future.”

Boy, he’s delusional. Fine. He wants to play?

“Jason?” I sent him heart eyes. I didn’t get a reply, and I smirked.

“Who’s Jason?”

I got him. “Jason Momoa, my future husband.” I sent him a lot of hearts, hoping to freak him out. I chuckled when he was yet to send a response.

“I’d prefer you call me Chris, my mate, or love.”

“How did you get my number?”

“I have my ways.”

“You mean, you got it from HR.”

“Well, I got it. Anyway, save my number.”

“Why should I?”

“What do you mean by why? I’m your mate.”

“My mate? Mine died the day I got rejected. Besides, did you forget how much agony I caused you?”

He didn't answer, and I was glad he didn't. He made me feel funny, and I hated it. I shouldn't think that he just forgave me for what I've done, and from the playful and wicked smirk he gave me today, I knew he was up to something.

‘I won't deny it, I felt danger around him. Not like when he was in his wolf form.’

‘Thanks for agreeing. I thought I was getting paranoid.’

‘What will you do?’

‘I don't know, Damon. I really don't know.’