Chapter Five

I had a promise with my mom and I shouldn't be thinking of breaking it, but I do. I want to back out and break off my promise to her that I'll start moving forward. However, how could I really do that when the reason behind those unwanted tears that had escaped my eyes was practically standing right next to me?

What he did was something unforgivable. I understand that Derick has to leave me because he has found his mate, and I knew my place. I cried over him because it hurts. I know he hurt me but it was all unintentional.

Unlike this asshole...

Axcel and I were sitting inside a car. He was the one driving and I was on the passenger's side, looking out the window and trying to avoid him as much as possible. We haven't spoken a word. And trust me, I don't want to start one. Talking to him is going to be a waste of time. I don't want to associate myself with someone like him.

He cleared his throat. I could sense that he was itching to talk to me. "I'm sorry—" I cut him off rudely.

"It doesn't change a thing. It's over. I already rejected you."

 An unintentional low growl escaped his throat. It almost sounded like a whimper.

"I believe that I didn't agree to this fucking rejection you're trying to imply. You may have rejected me, but it isn't over yet. Not until you got my approval."

I stiffened at his words. I clenched his fists on either side of me. So he hasn't accepted it yet? Then that means...

"Is it killing you?" I asked bluntly, not caring if I was being insensitive.

"Fuck, yes. It is. So much that I just want to rip someone's throat into pieces just to relieve this pain," he said angrily. His grip on the steering wheel tightened.

"If it's hurting you, why can't you just accept my rejection?" I retorted. My voice has no emotion in it. I'm just tired. Too tired to even react appropriately to the situation.

Indeed, he's crazy. And I am so numb.

He scoffed sarcastically. "I know what I did was wrong, but do you really have to reject me just because of that?" he said. "We could've talked and sorted things out like the mature married couple we are."

My blood rose up upon hearing his unbelievable remark.

"What did you say? JUST because of that? Are you being serious? You just literally fucked someone and then we could sort things out like nothing happened?! Do you really think I would take it lightly and move on?! For Goodness' sake, you cheated on me and expect me to forgive you. Are you that stupid?!" I said, throwing him a deadly glare. My own growl couldn't keep stifled as I fisted my hands.

"I never cheated on you. We are not in a relationship to begin with. And I didn't do something like what you are thinking—"

"Stop lying because the evidence was clearly rubbing against my face. I saw the lips printed on your skin, the smell of another she-wolf against you, and the I felt the excruciating pain in my gut while you were fucking her! Stop lying to me and accept the fact that I rejected you and will never come back to an imbecile like you!" I yelled.

His eyes darkened. He pulled up the car on the side of the road and looked at me. Frustration was clear on his face.

"Look, I know I messed it up badly and I know I hurt you. But could you just give me a chance to prove myself? I was stupid and my ego was hurt when you pushed me that night. All these years, I've been anticipating for you. Waiting for you to claim me and start a family together. So when you pushed me away, I lost a grip of myself and stormed out. My mind was clouded with darkness. I didn't know what I was doing. I am sorry, alright? I messed it up, but I'll try to fix it. I'll make it up to you. Just," he paused. He took a deep breath and shut his eyes. When he opened it, the darkness in his eyes were already gone. It has softened. My heart stupidly stung at the sight of his pitiful face. "Just let me fix it."

I gritted my teeth and looked away. He's insane. How could I easily forgive and forget what happened when every time I look into his face, everything flashes vividly before my eyes?

If only it was that easy...

"Start driving and let's get this over with. I'm exhausted and I don't want to talk to you anymore," was all I replied. I couldn't recognize my own voice. It was cold, emotionless, and beyond that, it was heartless.

Axcel was lost for words. I saw him from my peripheral vision that he was staring at me beggingly, but I spared him no glance at all until he finally realised that I'm not one to be easily coaxed with.

With a sigh, he started driving.

__

I don't know what time it was. I lost track of time as I busied myself observing the pack. Silence was so loud between us that it made my ears bleed and my heart to tighten. Yes, we were strolling around, had lunch together, and drove back home, but we never actually spoke to each other. It was awkward and torturing. I don't want to spend my day with him again.

When we got back home, I went straight to my new room and took a quick shower. I joined the dinner and talked to my mom about my day. Usually, she wasn't interested in knowing how I spent my day, but this time she was so intrigued that I was given no choice but to give her every single detail, except ones that include the matter between Axcel and I.

The morning came so fast and I was dragged out of my bedroom by my own mother because she says we'll be officially introduced to the pack members during lunch so we had to prepare as soon as possible.

I was nervous to say the least. Introduction? Is the alpha really interested in marrying my mother? I mean, my mother is beautiful, and there is no doubt that she's pregnant because I can already feel the presence and the bond that I have with my new sibling. But knowing the rumours spreading through the pack about my mother's reputation, I was quite doubtful that Alpha Marlon would be willing to ignore them all. But then, now that he's gonna introduce us, it only means one thing; He's smitten with my mom and head over heels with her. I am relieved and happy, of course.

"You don't look so happy..." said the devil, standing next to me.

"I am happy," I said as a matter of fact. I was already dressed with a light pink dress that reached just above my knees.

"Really? Then why are you not smiling?"

My brows furrowed. "It's because standing here next to you makes my day unpleasant and seeing your ugly face makes me want to vomit blood. Your existence alone is disgusting the crap out of me. Even breathing the same air as you reminds me of how you've ruined our bond by fucking a bitch you've probably picked in the street. Just hearing your voice and the lies coming out of it makes my ear want to bleed. So, if you PLEASE want this day to be peaceful, stay away from me and do not converse me into a conversation I badly do not want to." I turned my gaze to meet his eyes. It has regret lingering on it. "Stop trying to work this thing up. I already rejected you and my decision won't be changed."

I turned my back on him and started to walk away, but before I could even go far, he grabbed my arm. Immediately, a tiny bit of spark ran across my entire body.

"I'm sorry..." he warily said. 

I pulled my arm back and glared at him. "Your sorry won't change anything—" he cut me off.

"I know. I know it won't change a thing. I've made a mistake and you won't be forgiving me. I already get it. But you see, Aurora, our parents would be marrying any time sooner. Whether we like it or not, we'll be family and most likely we'll be seeing each other often. I don't want you to get uncomfortable around me, so I'll stop pursuing our supposed bond to start over with you. By then, please let's start over, not as mates, but a... family," he said with an uncertainty lingering in his voice with his last words.

I stared at him, really stared at him. My jaws were clenching and my fist tightening. His words seemed sincere, and to be honest, his idea was kinda tempting. He's right though, we'll be a family and we'll definitely bump into each other often. It would be better if we start again, erasing those horrible first impressions we had for each other, and be a family.

"I'll think about it," that was just what I said before I walked away. 

But before I turned around to leave him, I caught a glimpse of a smile etching on his face.