16.
1133 Words
The words were said with enough conviction of someone that cares, someone that loves. I'm not that kind of person. I am incapable of feeling that way towards anyone. What if I end up hurting him more than Belinda did?
"You are Bani’s second chance mate. Werewolves are bonded by a mate bond, which binds two souls together as one. A mate is everything, and rejection is one thing that comes in between." Imani said. "As you know, Elian wasn't lucky in that department, although I must say, I like you more. Belinda rejected him as soon as she found out he was her mate. She didn't even wait, she rejected him the very day she turned eighteen and found out he was her mate."
"But why?" I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me.
"Bani might look tough on the outside, but believe me when I tell you he's broken to pieces on the inside. I am not going to tell you anything more about him, I want you to find out the real him on your own and choose to stay with him because you want to, not because you think it is necessary. Not because you pity him. But, I want you to know one thing, there must be a reason why you were chosen for him. You are human, after all. And humans have been known to be extinct for the past seventy years. If you are here now, then there must be a reason for that."
"So humans and werewolves lived together once?"
"I've heard stories, yes," she nodded. "Years back, humans, werewolves, vampires, dragons, and wizards/witches coexisted together. At least, until the battle of the blood."
"Vampires, dragons, elves, and witches exist as well?" I asked, my eyes bulging out like saucers.
I had known about Vampires and Witches only because Mel had read a book about them not too long ago and had been gushing about how hot she thinks the vampire was, and the chemistry between him and the witch he loved.
She had also read a book about dragons, which, of course, she had constantly talked about but one I never paid enough attention to understand anything. I wish I could remember what she had said about them.
"Yes," Milena replied with a small chuckle. "Goblins, trolls, Sirens, and demons exist as well. But each has its own realm now and we don't coexist anymore."
"Hmmn," I simply said, taking another spoonful of the broth, which was also the last one.
"I know Bani can be a handful sometimes, but Anisa," Imani said again as she turned to face me. "Please give him a chance. A second chance mate is more important than a first mate in cases like Bani’s because it means that he has a new chance at happiness. You are important not only to him but the pack as well."
"Um, do you mind if I ask you a question?" I asked. Although I wanted to ask her more about Elian, I decided not to anymore. In a way, I want to find out for myself who Elian is without anyone having to try to sell him to me. I know Imani wasn't trying to do that. From what I understood, she wants me to accept her brother on my own terms without the pressure of accepting him because the bond says so, or because he needed me.
And I liked her for that.
"Sure. What is it you want to know?"
"Why do you call him Bani? I mean, ummm, what is the meaning of the name? I've heard you use it ever since you got here." I finally asked her one of the questions that had been bugging my mind.
I know it's not that important knowing what her nickname meant, but I needed to take my mind off the fact that I was in a book with a deliriously handsome man claiming I am his. His possessiveness stood out. I had always thought it so strange when I saw it back home with men being possessive over their girlfriends. Now, I understand a bit of it. Elian's possessiveness is making me feel all kinds of strange emotions, and while I couldn't entirely make sense of it, I liked it to a certain degree.
I unconsciously unwinded my hand from Imani's hold and placed both of my hands on either side of my cheeks, because they suddenly felt warm.
What was wrong with me?
"Oh, that," Imani chuckled. "It is just an endearment I made for him. Just brother in our language.”
"Oh, I see.” I said quietly. I wonder what language that is, definitely different from those I knew of. “That's cool!”
“Don't you think Bani and I are hot?”
My attention shifted to how she had called both she and her brother hot. I giggled a little, finding her to be cute. Her eyes widened at that and I shifted uncomfortably.
Hot? Hot was an understatement for my mate... wait... for Elian. And Imani was absolutely beautiful. Thick brown curly hair flows around her face. She had large green eyes, just like Mel, with thick lashes that fluttered every time she blinked. A long pointy nose that I envy, and full plump pink lips.
The light green short-sleeved dress she wore complimented her slightly lighter skin shade. Elian was a bit darker than she was. Just like I am.
"I love your skin color," I said softly.
"You do?" She gushed. "For real? You love it? Why, thank you, dearest sister."
Yes, she definitely reminds me of Mel. And that caused a small ache in my heart. I missed my only friend.
"You are so cute. How old are you?" I asked, dismissing the sad feeling trying to overwhelm me.
"I turned twenty five the last two moons. And you?"
"I turned twenty five two months back as well, which I think is the two moons you meant, right?"
"Wait, what? We are age mates?! She squealed. "Goodness! This just got even more exciting!" She stood up. "I shifted at eighteen though. Would you like to see my wolf?"
"Imani..." Milena interrupted.
All this while I had spent talking to Imani, I had noticed how Milena was looking at me, as though she was studying me. And in a way I quite didn't like.
"Oh, sorry. I was just too excited."
"It is okay. But how do you have a wolf?"
"It's a part of us, that's why we are called werewolves."
"So Elian has one too?"
"Well, umm...I..."
"When the time is right, you'll meet his wolf, Luna." Milena interrupted. Again.
I was about to reply when a small knock came from the door before it was pushed open.
- Writer
