3. How Dare They?
1119 Words
Eden's pov:
I spun around, not quite ready to face Sebastian yet, but, as it was, there was no helping it.
Sebastian's fake tender gaze made me feel uncomfortable, as if little ants were crawling up my spine. I shuddered in disgust, knowing that this guy whom I had loved for years, not only didn't reciprocate, but also believed that I was unworthy.
"Where are you going, Eden?"
My name on his tongue felt wrong, and I couldn't help but shoot him a look of resentment. He didn't seem to notice it, too full of himself as he was. I took a step back, finding his very scent repulsive, and he took a step forward, a playful smirk on his face... only I wasn't in the mood for games.
"I am tired," I told him briskly, and then didn't waste a second to enter the pack house.
He thankfully didn't follow.
The bastard's even showing concern, I grumbled mentally, angry at myself for being blind, and also fed up with these traitors whom I believed to be my only support.
"How dare he?" I then muttered under my breath. "Hell, how dare she?"
"Yeah, how dare they, little wolf?" The voice, deep and magnetic, had me halt in my steps... but it was too late, for I bumped right into the man.
Mentally praying that it wasn't Hunter, I looked up, only to find his hazel eyes peering down at me with an intensity that had me holding my breath.
I gulped down my dread, averted my gaze, and stammered on my words, "I am sorry, Alpha..."
"Where are you running off to, little wolf?" Hunter's voice had my heart go into overdrive, and I didn't know why.
Why was I even reacting in such a manner to him? I hadn't wronged him, had I?
Hunter was standing in front of me, looking every bit the intimidating predator he was, his eyes boring into my face, searching for some kind of answer he might never find.
"Me?" I pointed to myself dumbly, because what else was there to do?
Why would he even ask such a question? I was there when his father welcomed him back to the pack. I was there when he took the microphone to speak. I was there through it all. Mesmerized and yet embarrassed for life. He had seen me at my worst – ugly crying for a guy who wasn't worth it – and I wasn't sure this was the best impression one could leave on their future Alpha.
Hunter's signature scowl turned into a faint smile, and I inhaled sharply, desperate for air.
And here I thought the man only knew how to scowl.
"Yes, you, little wolf, who else?" He nodded in earnest.
"I don't feel too good," I let out timidly, refusing to admit that I didn't wish to stay with Clarissa, the friend who had betrayed me and thought I was foolish and unworthy of love.
"No more crying," he told me in a no-nonsense tone of voice.
"No more crying," I echoed after him, raising my hand in the air, as if to swear on it.
Why did I even do that? I was acting weird, that was for sure!
"Great," he observed before adding, "May the smile never leave your face, Eden."
"If you know my name, why do you keep calling me little wolf?" I crossed my arms under my chest, and that had his gaze darken ever so slightly, though his focus remained on my face, never once straying to my bulging boobs.
Oh damn! I was in big trouble! How could I even act in such a demanding manner? I must have lost my mind somewhere today... That was the only explanation, for this wasn't like me at all. And this was our future Alpha for heaven's sake!
Instead of answering me – or worse reprimanding me – he merely ruffled my hair affectionately, like one would a child.
"Rest well," he drawled in parting, even as the pout remained on my face. "And stop pouting, unless you want me to kiss it away."
I blushed at once, not knowing how to respond... but he had already walked away, and I was left staring at his retreating back.
Why would he even tease me in such a manner? I was a nobody, an orphan many overlooked, a defect too. I had yet to get a wolf after all.
Men like him just didn't go after girls like me.
Thinking he must be doing it for the fun of it, I decided to forget the incident ever happened, and soon headed upstairs to my room.
** ** ** ** ** **
Hunter's pov:
I had been watching her. All through the years, I had been watching her. Eden, my beautiful and beloved mate, had me captivated in ways that should have been illegal.
Ever since my first shift at 14 years old, I had known she was my one and only. She had been small, adorable, and my affection for her ran deep... so deep I had been celibate since I came to know who she was to me.
I discreetly made sure she would be cared for, going as far as to tell the beta's youngest son to look after her – the fact that she was an orphan had been my excuse.
Nobody knew how much she meant to me. Nobody knew how much I hurt seeing her eyes sparkling at the mere sight of Sebastian.
Well, nobody save for mom.
I had done my best to be there for Eden's sixteenth birthday, excited to meet her wolf, and oh so ready to call her mine at long last... but nothing happened, and I was the most dejected I had ever been.
Mom must have noticed the longing in my eyes, or something else, and she soon whispered, "She's your mate, isn't she?"
"Who's that?" I tried to play dumb, refusing to make Eden acknowledge a bond she didn't feel.
"It's sweet how you look after her, if only from afar," she went on softly. "I'll be your eyes and ears, son."
Her offer, too sweet and tempting to be refused, brought a small smirk to my lips.
"No matter what happens, make sure the snake doesn't get too close to her," I said in a low and dangerous voice.
She matched my hushed tone and said, "I've never liked Sebastian either. Rest at ease, Hunter. Nothing will happen to our future Luna on my watch."
Remembering mom's vow as I walked away from my mate, I felt my wolf stir within me.
Wait for us, little wolf. Soon, you will be ours.
- Writer
