His Rejected Mate

Chapter Four: Beneath The Lies

Hayden Davis.

“Blame and betrayal are the emotional enemies of improvement.”

I returned home, feeling tired after looking around town for Michael and Sylvie. Eventually, I went to his uncle’s place to find the car parked there. I couldn’t leave without making sure that Sylvie wasn’t staying over at his house and only did when Alpha Summer confirmed that she was back at the pack's house.

Once home, my wolf felt antsy and wanted to go for a run, so I obliged as I owed it to him. The last time we went for a run was almost a month ago.

I drove to the nearby woods and walked to my favorite spot in a clearing as I let go for my wolf to take control. After running freely for half an hour, I felt restless; a strange pull guided me in a certain direction. I couldn’t control my wolf, overwhelmed by this sudden urge to follow the path until I reached the local cemetery.

I found it weird that the pull led us to this place, and I ventured further in hopes of finding what caused this. Then a strong whiff hit my nostrils, causing a cold chill to surge through me as I reached a tomb. Beside it, my beautiful mate was sitting on the grass with his back to me.

I couldn’t get any further without him noticing me, as he turned around and stared at me with those sparkling eyes of his.

“A wolf?!” I heard him mumble to himself as he stood up, and I carefully approached him. “You’re one big wolf.”

He let out a musical giggle as he stepped towards me, looking composed and calm as he reached with his hand and petted my head. I felt my wolf close his eyes, relishing the feeling of being petted by our mate. Michael giggled again, and my wolf opened his eyes to a beautiful sight. Michael had a broad and kind smile, staring at us lovingly.

A newfound feeling filled my heart, and I found myself shifting in front of him, pulling him into a hug.

“I’m pretty sure this is inappropriate, Mr. Davis.”

I reluctantly let go of him, smiling sheepishly at him. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

He smiled again as he settled down on his original spot, patting the empty space next to him. “You know well why you’re feeling like this, Mr. Davis.”

I felt my eyes widen as I stared down at him, puzzled at what he implied.

Does he know that we’re mates?!

As if he could hear what was on my mind, he nodded. “I know what I am to you, but. . .” He trailed off, looking up at the night sky, bearing a faint smile.

“But?” I pressed and couldn’t help but feel more nervous. I had this nasty feeling that whatever he'd reveal next would break my heart.

He looked my way, wetting his lips as if he were nervous, making me gulp loudly at the thought that crossed my mind. I wanted to hold and kiss him. I wanted to feel his soft, inexperienced lips against mine.

I want to kiss a kid!

“But Michael doesn’t know.”

I frowned, questioning my sanity, wondering if my longing for my mate drove me nuts and made me imagine all of this. I questioned if this was real and if I was really here, in this serene yet disquieting place, talking to my mate.

“I take control when Michael is scared. I made sure that he doesn’t know what you are, as he’ll definitely reject you. I tampered with his memory when he felt the spark when we first met, making him believe that you’re just a human like him.”

Strangely enough, I wasn’t scared that he was referring to himself in the third person. What terrified me the most is what he said about him rejecting me. If it weren’t for my strong will, I would’ve claimed him right now.

Before I could say anything, as if I could gather my thoughts to speak, he added. “I don’t want him to reject you because he needs you. . . I need you. With your help, I’ll recover my true powers.”

He smirked at my troubled expression, and I wondered if he was revealing his true nature to me. He nodded again, which confirmed my suspicion.

Michael, somehow, can hear my thoughts.

“You know exactly who I am, Mr. Davis. No matter how hard you want to deny it, I, Michael Reese, is the feared hunter. If you’re wondering why I’m telling you this, it is because I know you’ll do your best to protect Michael and that you’d never reveal my true identity to anyone in fear of losing him.”

I woke up with a start, feeling disoriented that I was back in my room, on my bed. I sat up, looking around, certain that what I experienced was real and not just some weird dream, as my situation right now indicates. I went for a run, and I met Michael, and he confessed that he was Therot.

It happened, right? Or am I losing my mind?!

‘I brought us back,' My wolf cleared up my confusion. 'Our little mate left his mark on us, and his powers were so overwhelming that you fainted.’

I grimaced, having no recollection of this, and my wolf elaborated.

‘He’s really adorable, Hayden. He leaned up and kissed you softly, and this little contact made your weak ass faint. We could’ve marked him back, but you had to ruin it and lose consciousness.’

I could feel myself blushing at the thought of Michael kissing me, then a sense of dread filled me, realizing that I had just kissed a minor. Although, from what my wolf said, he initiated it, I still should’ve stopped him. And what’s worse, I don’t remember a damn thing!

This sucks!

‘It does suck. Our little mate laughed at how weak you are, and I shamefully walked your ass back to our place. We need to mark him, too.’

‘Not a chance! He’s a kid, goddammit!’ I reminded him.

Oh, my goddess, I kissed a minor. I committed a crime!

I need to turn myself in.

My wolf chuckled at my little rambling as he went on. ‘First of all, he only kissed you on your cheek, so relax. Geez! Besides, I'm pretty sure it's already considered a crime, given he's your mate.'

"Not helping," I grumbled, and he let out a chuckle.

"I'm just saying. . . Listen, Michael is technically a kid, but Therot isn’t. He marked us, which means he accepted us. We can hold back and mark him once Michael accepts us as well.’

Still, he's just a kid! It's still wrong.

Maybe I should stay away from him for a couple of years or so. Once he's old enough. . .

Annoyed, my wolf cut in, saying, 'Stop being overdramatic. I mean, I would've agreed if Michael wasn't Therot. So, with how the situation is, we ought to stay close to him in order to protect him.'

Therot. I forgot about this important piece of information. Now that I’m certain Michael possesses that hunter's powers, I should warn the rest.

‘You won’t! I won’t let you, Hayden!”

I frowned at my wolf’s act of insubordination. "But he’s dangerous. And from what he explained yesterday, it seems that he possessed our mate."

‘Now, you’re talking nonsense.’ He ridiculed what I said, which I also believe was a bunch of bullocks. I know, in my heart, that Michael and Therot are one person. Maybe due to the trauma Michael went through, he disassociated from his hunter heritage, which resulted in a split personality. This would explain why he looked confused yesterday when I showed up at Fionna pack's house, asking me if I were also a wolf. That would explain why he didn’t look much like himself and looked intimidated, like a little lamb corned by a wolf, literally, at the time. This would also explain why his uncle had changed his mind and asked the elders for help.

Somehow, between the time Michael’s parents died and before he came to our town, something happened that made him shut away from his reality.

‘That’s exactly what happened. Therot told me that he wasn’t after any of us, and he posed no threat to anyone aside from Uktena. He has some unfinished business with him, and he won’t rest until he ends him.’

‘But. . .’

‘But, if our theory is correct, and Jonathan Blackwell is Uktena, then we have to prevent this. I wouldn’t deny that I still have feelings for your best friend and that I admire his wolf. . . But I also love our mate.’

What kind of messed up thing is this?! What should I do?!

Speaking of Uktena, when I reached for my phone to check the time, I found an email from someone who read my blog. He was asking me about the Night Wolf and if I had any more information to share.

I got intrigued, feeling hopeful for some weird reason as I quickly sent my reply. I explained how I’m willing to share what I’ve found out, although it’s nothing more than the information I’ve provided on my blog. I’ve also explained how I strongly believe that my best friend is Uktena, and due to the falling out we had, I can't confirm my findings.

I soon received a response, and this person explained that he was a Lucian, a member of my best friend’s pack. He also indicated that he wouldn’t mind sharing his identity.

I felt my eyebrows draw together as a thought crossed my mind. Could this person be Jonathan?

No, it can’t be. Jonathan isn’t savvy when it is about technology. He was always a homebody who knew little to nothing about electronics. Could it be Zeke or Lucas?! They’re both close friends of Jonathan and me, and they’re as protective of him as I am. . . as I was.

With no hesitation, I typed my reply, letting him know that I was once part of the Lucian pack. I provided my phone number for him to reach me. This person seems as anxious as I am, as my phone went off a few minutes after I’ve sent my last reply. I picked it up.

"Hello, this is Hayden." I greeted them.

"Hayden?!"

I frowned, as this person seemed to recognize me, while I found his voice somewhat familiar. It could be Jonathan, but then again, I could be wrong.

"Yes, it's Hayden. Who's this?" I carefully asked.

"It's Jon." There was some hesitation there, and I know exactly why. It’s been five years since we last talked to each other. Five years since I chewed him down for a spell he cast upon himself that condemned him not to love again, breaking a promise we made to each other.

When I had yet to reply, he added, "Please, don't hang up."

"I wasn't planning on it." I truthfully muttered, smiling at how deep his voice had gotten. Jonathan had evidently changed.

"How are you?" His voice cracked, and I could hear him sniffling, making my heart thud weirdly. He’s for sure crying, and I’m the asshole who doesn’t deserve his tears.

"I'm alright, I guess. How are you, Jon?" I nervously added. "I. . . I missed you."

"It's been good, and I missed you too."

I felt my lips curve upward, and I couldn’t help but laugh, inundated by the sense of joy that filled my heart.

"The odds of you finding me. That shows how much you've changed. . .You were always so primitive. Glad you have learned how technology works." I teased him, and I wish I could see his reaction right now.

"Hey!" He exclaimed and let out a breathy laugh, making me smile.

"So, jungle boy, how are Zeke and Lucas?"

We always teased him for being so primitive, calling him a jungle boy because he only loved the woods and playing outside. Jonathan loved nature and simple things, which made me fall for him even more.

"They're fine.” He said. “Zeke's relationship is stronger than ever, and Luke has just found his mate. She's beautiful and kind. And I. . ." He paused, adding. "And I have the succession ceremony in two weeks from now. How about you?"

I couldn’t help but snicker at the thought of Lucas finding his mate, and a female, at that!

"So, that little monkey has found a female mate? I'm really disappointed. I always thought of him as a bottom."

"Well, now we know who's going to be dominant in their relationship. Wait until I tell him you said that."

"Do that." I chuckled. "I'm sure he'll agree with me."

"Yeah, as long as Zeke doesn't know. He'd tease him for the rest of his life. It's enough that he's on my ass."

I scowled, and a tad of disappointment clouded my mind. Did he just imply that he had met his mate?

"Your ass?!"

"Yeah." He chuckled, and it sounded so awkward.

I wondered if I should ask him, but I was afraid that he might confirm my thoughts. This proved how my feelings for him are still strong, which makes me a total selfish prick. I chose not to say what was on my mind.

"You know, I missed your laughter."

"I missed yours too." He sounded happy, making me feel warm inside. He reluctantly said, "So, you think you can come to the ceremony? Umm. . .It's alright if you don't want to."

"I would love to." I curtly chuckled, feeling my eyes widen as I exclaimed. "Hold on! Does this mean Damon is back?!"

Jonathan, after he cast that spell, somehow lost his wolf. If he’s having the succession ceremony, this means his wolf has returned.

He let out that infectious giggle of his, making me smile. "Yeah. It's been a couple of months now."

"How?"

"I found our mate, so Damon decided to break his silence. . ."

So, he did meet that stupid mate of his. I'm happy for him, yet sad because he doesn’t deserve him.

With a sad tone of voice, he added. ". . . then we found out how much of a d**k he is, and now he's bugging me to break the spell that I cast because it harmed him as well."

"I messed up everyone's life, didn't I?" I heard him whisper when I was out of words to console him.

"You didn't do anything wrong. If you're thinking about what happened between us, then don't blame yourself. . .I was selfish to think that something as mates was easy to break, especially if they're alive. . .Besides, I have some news myself. . .I finally found my mate.”

"Really?! That's great!" I could detect genuine happiness in his voice, making me realize how much of a d**k I was that I left him. But then again, if I hadn’t left, I wouldn’t have met my mate.

"Yeah. Well, there is a bit of an issue." I went on, feeling at ease to share my troubles with him. Jonathan has always been wise and understanding, and I always find some consolation in confiding in him.

"What is it?"

"He's younger than you and human."

"Oh," was all he said, making me let out a nervous chuckle.

"Oh indeed. And this is not the worst part."

"There is more?!"

"I started a job at this school where I met him. Orphaned at a young age. His parents were killed in what the police claim was an animal attack."

"s**t, man."

"I know." I sighed and decided not to share the full truth. I don’t want to admit that Michael’s parents were killed by my old pack, nor was I willing to tell him that he’s Therot. If Jonathan is really Uktena, which I’m certain he is, once he’s fully awakened, he’ll try his best to kill my mate. I don’t think Jonathan would be able to control himself.

"It was a wolf attack, Jon. My hosting pack, Fionna, let me know that wolves are targeting my mate for some reason. I'm in the process of finding out the reason with the help of Fionna's Alpha."

"Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help."

"Thanks. You know, it sucks. The boy is always quiet, for sure traumatized by all of this.” This isn’t completely a lie, as Michael is really troubled. I just hope that painting this picture for Jonathan will soften his heart once he gains his Uktena powers.

“And he hates me.”

Technically, Michael doesn’t, but he despises wolves. I know I’m being dishonest right now and betraying the trust Jonathan put in me, but I need to think of what’s better for my mate. Knowing how kindhearted Jonathan is, if he sympathizes with Michael, maybe he’d be able to control his innate purpose and show some mercy to my mate. This way, I can try to change Michael’s mind, and hopefully, avoid that unnecessary fight that could harm one or both people I hold dear to my heart.

"Did he find out that you're a wolf?” He asked, sounding concerned. “Is that why he hates you?"

"No. I didn't tell him, of course, given the situation. . . But his eyes, Jon. His eyes are always on me, glaring at me with some harbored hatred. For a young boy his age, his eyes are the darkest, the most voided of life I've ever seen."

Truthfully, this is how I feel when Michael looks at me. He holds this look of disdain, bearing a promise of something worse than I could imagine. But, sometimes, his eyes show some sort of warmth, as if they’re a bit kinder towards me.

"For what he's been through, it's understandable, Hayden."

"I know." My voice wavered. "I know, but it hurts."

It truly does. Why couldn’t it be easier for me to be with him? He had to be a human and to suffer due to some stupid prophecy?

I know that I’m being manipulative right now, and I’m playing with Jonathan’s kind heart, and it’s all for selfish reasons. I’m a needy person, who wants to feel loved and live a somewhat happy life with my mate. At this point, I was ready to do anything for Michael.

"I'm sorry." Hearing Jonathan’s sorrowful tone of voice filled me with a sense of shame. I really don’t deserve his friendship.

"I'm determined to find who's behind the murder of his parents. I want to avenge them, and maybe then I can tell him what I am. But I'm scared he'd still reject me."

I definitely will have to confront my pack at some point, as they won’t stop until they can get to Michael. So, this little lie may serve as an excuse to ask for Jonathan’s help in the future.

"How young is he?" He asked, and I shared what I knew from the records Alpha Summer shared with me.

"He's fifteen, and will be sixteen next month."

I heard him hum before replying. “Just watch over him and help him move on. And when the time is right, tell him. Whatever is the end result, his happiness is what matters."

You were always a wise guy, Jonathan.

"I will. . . Anyway, gotta run. I have a meeting at the pack house. I'll call you later."

"Sure. Don't forget."

"I won't. And thanks for listening."