Blake

Chapter 3

"Let's end this."

"What? Why?"

"You're not my mate, and so am I to you."

"I don't care! All I need is you."

"You don't belong with me, Cat."

"Why are you saying this now? We were okay last night. What changed Blake? Have I done something you don't like? Tell me."

"It's just that... eventually you'll find your mate, Cat. And that's not me. I'm only doing what's best for us." He muttered, moreso to reassure himself than her.

"But you are what I need, Blake."

His fist clenched as he gripped at the steering wheel, while his jaw tensed at what he heard. That's the least he would want between them. He didn't want to treat Catleya as another woman he had flings with. He didn't want her to be broken like how he was. He knew she's special, and she deserved the best.

"You have your own mate to love, Cat. I also don't want to hurt you. So let's end this now."

"Blake-"

"You'll just end up getting hurt if we keep on doing this..."

"But we were happy, Blake. You told me you were happy with me. It hadn't even a day passed by since you told me that."

"Forget what I told you. It was just a spur of the moment. Forget me starting today, Cat. Forget whatever feelings you have for me. You and I can't be together and you're still young. You have a bright future ahead. A mate that will love you unconditionally. Don't ruin yourself over me."

That day has kept on repeating in my mind. It started when I had seen Catleya again. The memories I had with her that I wanted to bury so deep were just kept on resurfacing, unwantedly.

I drove off so fast after our last conversation where I left her alone outside of my house in Florida. It was stupid of me to do that. I just wanted to get away from her so far that she could not follow or maybe so far that I couldn't go back. That was also the last time I had seen her. The last time I heard about her was when she went back to her pack, the Red Valley Moon pack and continued her life like nothing had happened. I also went back to just mind my business. I hadn't even visited the pack for so long. I knew well that I was a mess, and I still am. I honestly didn't know how to express what I felt because I was afraid of another rejection, so I had to put all my emotions behind. Rejection that I was the only one who knew about. I was broken when the woman I had cared for so many years meant to be with somebody else. The woman I have been protecting since she was born. The only woman who made my life more meaningful as we grew up.

Though I was his protector, that didn't change the way I felt about her. I loved her. But the curse bound me to be a mate less. A curse that I am now free from. Free to love and free to have my own mate.

But, my damn self is still afraid to try. I don't know how to explain this to everyone. Neither I can explain it to myself nor to understand why I am feeling this. I just can't move forward to a brand new start. Maybe, being lonely is my purpose. Or is that really what I want?

Ugh! This sucks! I couldn't help but to think things that could complicate one thing or another.

Now, I don't know what I really want because most of my life I had it focused on protecting Skye. But one thing I know for sure, I still want to protect her whatever it costs, even there's no more curse pushing me to do that. And even Skye is the most powerful hybrid deity I have known, the promise I made with my mom and Cordella didn't break even after the curse from the Moon Goddess had been lifted. That promise is now my personal dedication.

But my case with Catleya had made me to doubt myself in several aspects. It made me afraid to lose myself, especially if I kept her with me longer. I didn't want to get attached to her deeper, knowing she would have her fated mate sooner. Perhaps it would only just a matter of time to meet him.

I admit, Catleya has a special place in my heart. She was the very first woman who showed me compassion and patience when I first came in this pack. She has a pure heart and I don't want to stain that with hatred, so I had to do what I thought was best for her, or for me, at that time.

The Moon Goddess told me I should not worry about what might come because she'd be there. Although I was free from her curse, my connection with her was still there like an air. You would feel her, but most of the time you'd never see her.

"Everyone... Gather to the pack's assembly hall in ten minutes."

Caspian's mindlink had me back to the present time. Cody had left me to talk with Julius. The plan to talk to Catleya earlier didn't happen because of the meeting I had with Kent. I'm still contemplating right now if I have to talk to her again or to just stay away from her while I'm here.

Taking a deep sigh as I stand up. Now, I'm heading to the meeting hall where Caspian asked us to go. There must be an important announcement he needs to tell. I have a feeling it has to do with Alpha Valkan. I haven't met him yet. However, the way Cody told me about him hadn't given me a pleasant expression about him.

As soon as I enter the room, there are already several men gathering inside. What catches my attention is the one standing beside Caspian. He must be the alpha Valkan they were talking about. He has almost the same body built with Caspian. He seems normal, except for the way he looks at everyone. Then he meets my gaze. I can sense Madic is prancing around my mind, trying to come out. Alpha Valkan grins at me right then. He probably senses my wolf's agitation to take over.

Staring at him as I silently grit my teeth. Not backing out at his conniving look. I just stare at him, waiting for his next move. But Caspian mindlinks me.

"Keep it cool, Blake."

My eyes automatically wander to Caspian and Skye. I didn't notice Skye was there earlier. Yet, she's now staring at me, too. Then gives me a knowing smile.

I nod and just go to the unoccupied chair in the corner. I have seen Cody and Blake talking, but they haven't noticed me yet.

"Hey, Blake." It's Vladimir. He sits next to me.

"Were you not on a mission?" I ask.

"I just got back. Actually, I headed straight here when Alpha Caspian mindlinked me to come."

"I see. Do you have any idea what is this for?"

"Nah! Alpha just told me it's urgent and I need to attend the meeting, too."

"I see..."

Not long after, the meeting hall has filled with wolves in their human forms.

Caspian has Skye on his lap, as he's sitting on his throne, while Alpha Valkan and his beta are sitting in the front row. They are two rows ahead of me. My mind is telling me to keep an eye on them.

"Now, let me introduce our guests. They came all the way from the Southern state. We have Alpha Valkan and his trusted Beta. He is the alpha of Dark Night Moon pack. I'm sure you know his pack too well." Says Caspian with a hidden message.

Alpha Caspian gives the floor to alpha Valkan, in which he stands up and goes to the center.

"Alright. There is one reason why I am here right now. That is to see all the unmated she-wolves tonight. I am searching for my mate, so if I don't find her in this pack, this will be the last time you see me. I am not here to create misunderstanding, so I shall expect your cooperation. I don't want any of you to intervene."