Chapter 7 - Amelia

Is this guy for real? He’s angry at Ignazio on my behalf. He’s angry at people mocking my weight. Calling me a sunflower. Saying I’m beautiful, strong, seeking light even in the dark, and standing tall against the odds.  

Are all males in his pack like him? Are these romantic notions something young males are taught in his pack? Do they have a class on how to woo a female? They must because I can’t believe a male would on their own have such thoughts. 

‘He’s being sincere, though. There’s nothing false about his words. There is no deception in his eyes.’ Faith sighed.  

‘Are you swooning? Seriously? I thought as a wolf spirit you wouldn’t want anyone but your fated mate.’ I questioned.  

‘I… I don’t know. I mean, Stephen is warm and kind. And his wolf seems to share his warmth and kindness. I am not saying I like him better than Maximus. But I do like them better than Ignazio.’ Faith admitted. 

I suppose I can’t blame Maximus for what Ignazio does. Though he could try harder to fight Ignazio. To stop him from hurting our pack… from hurting me. I doubt having that witch around makes things any easier for Maximus. My mother always said to never trust a witch. 

‘If we do this, what will become of Ignazio and Maximus?’ Faith frowned.  

‘Honestly, I don’t care what happens to Ignazio. He’s an evil and cruel person. I never liked him and no mate bond is going to change that. I would only feel bad for Maximus. But doing this could also free Maximus.’ I pointed out. 

‘How would this help Maximus? He would be hurt from not only being rejected but outright replaced.’ Faith didn’t sound very convinced. 

Which is a big problem. Faith and I both need to agree to this course of action. Otherwise, we continue to be tethered to Ignazio and a lifetime of pain. Or at least until Ignazio is dead, and then we will be too.  

‘Maximus is suffering too, Faith. Look at all Ignazio has done. You know that’s not Maximus’ doing. So if we do this, we free not only ourselves of Ignazio but also Maximus of him. Yes, it will weaken them, but death is Maximus’ only chance to be free.’ I sighed. 

Faith sighed but nodded. ‘You’re right. And I don’t want Maximus to suffer sharing a body and life with Ignazio.’ 

I sighed, looking down at Stephen’s hand holding mine. His hand is so warm, and for once, I don’t feel like my hand dwarfs someone’s hand. I’m still sure I’m taller than him, but at least my man hands, as the asshole Gastone would call them, don’t feel that way as Stephen holds it. 

I looked back up at his face and those warm cinnamon eyes pleading with me. Goddess, help me. I hope I don’t regret this. I nodded my head in silent agreement.  

The expression on his face was rather amusing. At first, he was uncertain why I was nodding, then slowly realization hit him, and surprise and joy bloomed in his eyes as he smiled.  

“I promise you won’t regret this.” He assured me, squeezing my hand. I don’t think he can really make that kind of promise. I don’t know him. The most I know is Stephen's name, and his mate was killed the day they met. 

I dislodged my hand from his hand to grab the paper and pen again. If I agree to this, there will be some conditions. No way am I just letting a total stranger mark me, least of all in a hospital bed.  

I gulped as the thought of what completing a mate bond entails hit me. I’ve never even kissed a boy, and now my first kiss will already be marred by the fact I don’t even have a tongue. He’s going to regret this after just one kiss. Ugh, how is that going to work?  

Then another thought hits me. To complete the bond we have to… we have to have sex. I blush, just thinking about it as I glance at him. He looks fit, and that worries me even more. He’s going to get one look at my naked and back out. 

The longer I took writing, the more concerned his expression became. I sighed and handed him the notepad. I didn’t look at him, too afraid to see his expression as he read what I wrote. 

“Before I agree to actually do this, I want time. I know you can’t offer a lot, but I would like a day or two to get to know you. And for you to know me. A chosen mate isn’t like a fated one. There is no connection drawing us together.” He sighed as he read my words.

“I can understand that. And I’m okay with it. I’ll be sure to clear with my Captain and the Alpha. No one wants to push you into doing anything.” Stephen assured me.  

I nodded and tapped the notepad because he could read more. It’s embarrassing, but I had to say it. He had to be aware and prepared for what this will entail. 

Stephen cleared his throat before he continued. “You should seriously consider this. Consider what you are choosing. Being with me would be very different than if you chose another. You’re a handsome male and could easily find a chosen mate.”  

“The blonde she-wolf that was in the other room would happily take you or at least warm your bed. She’s gorgeous and in far better shape than me and has the benefit of not being deformed.” Stephen’s voice sounded sad, but he kept reading. 

“You need to think about this. I don’t know if I could handle the look of disgust and the eventual rejection just from you seeing my body. I know every roll and that it wouldn’t compare to hers. And I already have a mate who prefers to be intimate with other females.” He let out a long heavy sigh, and I dared to look at him.  

He was frowning at the paper. “Is this what you really think?” He questioned, tapping the paper.  

I nodded. Obviously, it’s what I think. I wouldn’t have written it if it wasn’t. Doesn’t Stephen understand what he’d give up by choosing me? 

I saw the look that she-wolf had when he volunteered. There is obviously something going on between them. And I’m not getting involved with someone who’s already with someone else. 

“Well, I won’t dismiss your feelings. I know how much that can hurt. But Amelia, you have nothing to worry about.” Stephen assured, putting the notepad aside and taking my hand.  

He sighed as I looked away again. It’s easy for him to say I have nothing to worry about. But if my fated mate doesn’t want me, why would a chosen?  

“Amelia…” He spoke my name softly as his other hand reached for my face. His warm hand cupped my cheek as he turned my face to his.  

“You have nothing to worry about. First off, Miss Zoe is not someone I was involved with. I won’t lie to you. There was some flirting this morning. But that’s the extent of it. She may be beautiful but not more than you.” He explained. 

“Nothing has happened between Miss Zoe and me. And nothing ever will. Even if you reject me as a chosen mate, nothing will happen with her.” Stephen shook his head. 

“Conway isn’t interested in her or her wolf. We are interested in you. I’m not fooling myself or going into this blind. I know what that bastard did to you. I know it will probably be awkward at first, but it’s something we can both work with.” He smiled, rubbing his thumb over my cheek. 

“Besides, I wouldn’t have anyone to compare to if that’s your concern. I didn’t date as I wanted to wait for my mate. And after her… I didn’t either. So you shouldn’t worry that I’ll compare our kisses to another.” He explained. 

I blinked as he rubbed his thumb over my lips as he spoke. He’s never kissed someone before either?! I mean, that’s sweet. He had waited for his mate, and when he lost her, he didn’t seek female comfort.  

“As for your body… I mean, I’ve already seen you naked. Not in a sexual situation, obviously. But you had transformed from your wolf before I arrived in the woods. So I did see you naked before Miss Zoe put clothes on you.” He admitted. 

They’ve all seen me naked. The only time anyone saw me naked was once when I was younger as part of a horrible prank instigated by Ignazio and Gastone when they still attended the school with me. I turned pink, realizing he was right.  

They’d taken all my clothes and put them up the flagpole while I was taking a shower after gym class. I had to use two towels as they’d only left small towels to cover myself as I cried, finding my clothes flapping in the breeze. 

All the students from the pack were laughing and teasing at how big my underwear was. Ignazio and Gastone pretended to apologize only to yank my towels away, leaving me trying to hide.  

Ivan had been so angry at them he got into a fight with them before ripping the flagpole down, growling at all the students laughing as he gathered my clothes. I was homeschooled after that. My parents were livid and demanded Ignazio and Gastone be punished by their parents.  

It only made them hate me more that they had to do Omega cleaning work at the packhouse for a month for their prank. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that Ignazio would be disgusted to have me as a mate. 

“Hey… Amelia. I don’t know where your mind just went, but I’m not sure I like it. You look so sad. I just want you to know I liked what I saw. There is nothing wrong with how you look. Having meat on your bones is healthy. And I prefer it.” He sighed, pressing a kiss to my forehead. 

“You’re perfect exactly as you are. So please don’t worry that I would stray from you. Now how about we get to know each other? Ask me anything. I’m an open book.” He smiled. Those warm, caring cinnamon eyes broke down my defenses as I nodded.