Chapter 4: Mate

I woke up to a throbbing pain between my legs, my body aching all over. I groggily opened my eyes to find Maggie sitting beside me, concern filled in her eyes as she looked at me.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" She asked softly.

I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my abdomen, making me gasp. Maggie quickly helped me sit up, propping pillows behind me.

"I'm so sorry, Elena," she said, her voice trembling. "I feel like this is all my fault. If I hadn't been so caught up in my own stuff, I would have been there to stop you from...from… plus I was also the one who encouraged you I'm sorry."

I reached out and took her hand, "Maggie, it's not your fault. I made a mistake, and I have to deal with the consequences."

Maggie looked at me, her eyes welling up with tears. "But Jason...he's your boyfriend. How are you going to cope? Do you even plan on telling him?”

I squeezed her hand gently. "You did nothing wrong, I'm the one who messed up, not you. I really don't know what to do."

Maggie nodded, but I could tell she was still blaming herself. I felt a pang of guilt, knowing what I have done.

We sat there in silence for a moment, the only sound being the quiet hum of the air conditioner. Finally, Maggie spoke up.

"What are you going to do, Elena?"

I shrugged, "I don't know. I guess I'll just have to face the music and deal with the consequences of my actions."

Maggie nodded, her expression somber. "And tell Jason? First who is the guy?" She asked and I froze.

“I don't know him.” I lied again.

“Then that settles it just go with the flow after all after listening to your narration it's not your fault. Jason doesn't need to you besides you ain't his first.”

I smiled weak, "thanks, Maggie. That means a lot to me.”

“Now let me sleep for a while I haven't gotten any class.” 

Maggie got annoyed and sent her pillow flying straight to my face. I felt guilty and tried to stay still but after ten minutes I was back to being plagued by the scenes with Asher and the guilt that was clearly eating me alive. Though After talking to Maggie I felt better.

"You lucky," Maggie said 

"Hey, Asher called let's get lunch together with the guys." 

My close eyes flew right open and my heart skipped. I swallowed. Asher will be there...and Jason and Maggie. 

F**k my life. 

"Uh, can we reschedule?" My voice comes out soft and I cursed inwardly when she shot me a concerned stare. "Because of Jason? Girl it wasn't your fault so don't chicken out. Are you still feeling guilty?" she questioned, straightening her spine. 

I shook my head. "I am fine, just may have caught a little cold because it was cold out last night." I sniffled, trying to make my lies seem more believable. I can't tell her her boyfriend is the guy I slept with.

She nod, not quite believing me, and sighed. 

"But you know how busy Asher gets," she pouted. "He barely makes time for me and he only make time for me when he hears that you're involved."

I wanted to point out to her that Asher and her were not really exclusive but I knew it would hurt her because she was deeply in love with him. Another reason why I am the worst friend in history. Asher was the type to be tied down by relationships, however, he and Maggie have been on and off more than he has been with any other girl since I've known him.

Things may be getting serious and I hoped I haven't ruined it.  

"Well then, you two go on that date alone. I'm not risking getting more sick." I can't help but feel a jolt of jealousy even though I knew I shouldn't. She frowned, looking at me with a bit of surprise. 

"Okay then miss moody," She rolled her eyes and picked up her books to leave. "I'll see you later," she said over her shoulder. But when she opens the door, we are both surprise to see a pair of light blue eyes shoting right through my soul instantly. 

"Asher?" I said breathily, sitting up in surprise and blinking at the movement. His eyes flicker to me and I instantly flushed as the memories of us in the act came into my mind.  

Maggie let out a happy squeal, flying herself on him, wrapping her slim arms around his neck and planting her lips on his. She moans so loud anyone who was close would hear and I flinched.

My teeth sink into my bottom lip.

I felt as though my heart was being ripped out of my chest.

I watched, frozen, as Maggie and Asher kissed. It was like I was in a trance, unable to look away from the scene unfolding before me. My mind was a jumble of emotions - guilt, jealousy, and shame. I felt like I was going to throw up.

Maggie finally pulled away from Asher, beaming with happiness. "Hey, baby! I'm so glad you're here. I was just about to leave for class."

Asher's eyes flickered to me again, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. I quickly looked away, trying to compose myself. I didn't want to make things any more awkward than they already were.

"Hey, Elena," Asher said, his voice low and smooth. "How are you feeling today?"

I shrugged, still not looking at him. "I'm fine, thanks."

Maggie chattered on, oblivious to the tension between Asher and me. I was grateful for her distraction, but at the same time, I felt like I was going to explode from the emotions bottled up inside me.

After what felt like an eternity, Maggie finally left for class, leaving Asher and me alone in the room. The silence was oppressive, and I could feel Asher's eyes on me, boring into my skin.

I finally worked up the courage to look at him, and our eyes met in a flash of electricity. I felt like I was drowning in the depths of his blue eyes, and I quickly looked away, my heart racing.

"I should go," Asher said, his voice low and husky.

I nodded, still not looking at him. "Yeah."

I listened as he walked out of the room, the door closing softly behind him. I let out a sigh of relief, feeling like I could finally breathe again.

But as I lay back in bed, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in my stomach. I knew that things were going to be awkward between Asher and me from now on, and I didn't know how to deal with it.

Over the next few days, I did my best to avoid Asher and Jason, not knowing how to face them after what had happened. I threw myself into my studies, using it as a distraction from the guilt and shame that was eating away at me.

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't even imagine.

Two weeks passed, and I knew I couldn't avoid everyone forever. I decided to leave the hostel and go back to the pack, hoping that some time and space would help me clear my head and figure out what to do next.

As I packed my bags and said goodbye to Maggie, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. I was leaving behind the memories of that fateful night, and I was determined to start fresh.

But little did I know, my birthday was just around the corner, and it was going to bring with it a surprise that would change everything.

The pack was decorated with colorful balloons and streamers, and the smell of delicious food wafted through the air. I was surprised by the effort everyone had put into making my birthday special.

As I walked into the pack's community center, I was greeted by cheers and applause. I smiled, feeling a sense of happiness wash over me.

But as I made my way through the crowd, I caught a scent that made my heart skip a beat. Strawberry and mint. Asher's scent.

I turned around, my eyes scanning the crowd, and that's when I saw him. Asher was standing by the door, looking handsome in a white shirt and jeans. His eyes met mine, and I felt like I was drowning in their depths.

My heart was racing, and I could feel my face heating up. I didn't know what to do, but my legs seemed to have a mind of their own. I started walking towards him, my eyes locked on his.

As I reached him, he smiled, and my heart skipped another beat. "Happy birthday, Elena," he said, his voice low and husky.

I swallowed, trying to find my voice. "Thanks, Asher."

We stood there for a moment, the tension between us palpable. I didn't know what to do, but I knew I couldn't just stand there forever.

I finally worked up the courage to look away from him, and that's when I saw Jason and Maggie walking towards us, big smiles on their faces.

My heart sank, and I felt like I was going to throw up. This was not how I wanted to spend my birthday.

But then the scent of mint and soil filled my nostrils and when I looked up and my gaze met Asher.

“Mate!”