Page 8 of Unloved Mate

“I don't know.”

“You’re just going to leave after this.” My voice shook as I walked closer. Why does everyone have to leave? Why did I even care if he stayed in the first place?

“I have to. I have a pack.”

“I’ll come with you.” I murmured, despair clinging to my voice. I couldn't believe I had just said that.

“I’m not taking your word on that decision. I'll always find you, little wolf. No matter where you are.” He assured me and cleared the distance between us, holding me in place and ruffling through my hair, his lips claiming mine once more. He leaned on my forehead and let out a hearty chuckle. “There is something about you that intrigues me, Valor. You're special.” He said and before I could find my words, he was gone. I had to trust that he would come back. That he would find me.

With a heavy heart, I sneaked back to the pack house, until I made into my room and took a shower. I was dressing up when the door pulled open and Zeke walked in, the stench of alcohol replacing the fresh air. I didn't have to ask where he was. “You didn't tell me you were leaving as soon as you arrived.”

“I don't think this is something we should discuss right now.”

“You haven't been speaking to me all day.”

“Well, that's because we were both busy.”

“And we are just about to forget the fact that you were confessing your feelings to me while I was coming back.”

“You weren't supposed to hear that.”

“Then you shouldn't have said it,” I hollered at him, my anger coming from Kane’s abandonment. “You know what? You're free to do whatever you want.”

“Where did this come from? I'm giving you time to readjust to your life and you think I'm being selfish,” he barked, anger etched into his features. “Fine, Valor. You want to hear it. I've been in love with you for most of my life, and I've spent the past twelve years denying that truth, but somehow my feelings claw their way back into my heart. I can't anymore because my feelings haven't changed, and they never will,” his words wash over me like a balm, soothing the ache clutching my chest. He tried to keep his tone even and measured. “All I have to do is be patient with you, so you can figure out what you want for yourself. If you want me,” he declared. “I care about you, and I always will.” He professed, and all I could do was pull him into a passionate embrace. What kind of game was I playing? Putting myself in between these two men.

“I’m sorry I didn’t consider your feelings, Zeke.”

“It’s ok. You’re going through a lot, and I don’t want you doing it alone. I’m sorry for giving you the impression that I was avoiding you.”

“It’s ok.” I reassured him.

~

This morning my father was in his usual position, lying on the bed and facing the ceiling. I told myself that it was the first thing I'd do once I woke up today. I was leaning against the door jamb with my hands crossed on my chest. Clearing my throat, I stepped into the room and moved to his bed, helping him to a sitting position. “Valor, shouldn't you be preparing for the full moon run?”

“Dad, the full moon doesn't come until three days.”

“Yeah, well. Sometimes I lose track of time, you know. When you were a kid, you were so excited about the full moon and all, and would always beg me to shift into my wolf so you'lltouch my fur.” He recalled, his face falling in melancholy. I took his hands and gave him a comforting squeeze. I'm sure he could tell I was smiling right now.

“I miss that,” I recalled with a nostalgic feeling. “How are you?”

“I’m fine, but I can tell you're worried. What is it?”

“I’m in a position where I don't know what to do. I just don't think I'm enough.”

“You are always enough, Valor. You're the reason I live, my dear. Don't you ever doubt yourself. Yes, you've faced rejection, but that doesn't make you less worthy of love,” he raised his hands to my face and caressed it. “So who?”

“Zeke and someone else.” I muttered, astonished by my words.

“Two mates. Well, I think you hit the jackpot, son.” He snickered.

“We’re not mates, dad.” I murmured lazily and stifled the smile stretching on my lips.

“But there's still a chance you could choose. Tell me all about them.”

“They confessed their feelings to me, and I might feel the same way for both of them.” I sighed, clutching my hands nervously. My mind instantly ran to the strange Lycan Alpha in the woods and the possibility of ever seeing him again, recalling his words. How he said he was becoming obsessed with me. How he looked and smiled at me and the way he held my body like I was the most precious person on earth as he kissed me. Why couldn’t I stop thinking about him? Why was there this instant attraction between us? Why did I feel something stronger for him than Zeke? I’ve known Zeke all my life. It should be him. But it isn’t. Every time I was in my thoughts all I could think of was last night’s kiss.

“About Zeke? When did he get back?” He quizzed,intrigued.

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