Clyde did glare at his brother when Sab hugged him and kissed his cheek after receiving her gift. Ice inwardly smirked. She was happy with the bonnet he gave her. She liked it a lot.The scene made Clyde uncomfortable. Truthfully, he’s not satisfied with the gift he prepared. It’s another jewelry and there’s a big chance she won’t be wearing it daily. Why couldn’t he have thought of a bonnet? He would wonder how Ice came up with that idea. He couldn’t remember Sab mentioning she likes bonnets. He did think of getting her new training shoes, though. Maybe he should have gotten those instead. He decided he will.When it was his turn, he became embarrassed.“It’s not much, but I hope you like it.” He turned sheepish as he handed her the box.Sab could already tell what it is just from that. She’s a little disappointed but she convinced herself to be happy he even bothered to give her one.&ld
When the gifts are ready, he asked her if she wants to go near the lake to unwind. It was a weekend and they both needed to relax, is what he said to convince her. Well, she liked going there so she agreed. Clyde grinned as it’s a rare opportunity for them to be alone. He quickly went to get a basket of food from the pack house kitchen, a picnic mat and the gifts. Alice saw him and he evaded her questioning gaze quite awkwardly. He didn’t stop to be interrogated. He’ll deal with it when he gets back later.Sab felt a little conflicted. It’s a bit uncomfortable. Since it’s just the two of them, it would seem like a date. She kept reminding herself that they’re just friends now. She shouldn’t dare to assume anything at this point.Clyde actually felt nervous. He was originally excited and didn’t think he would feel this way. Sab was surprised to see him with all those things.“What did you bring?” They didn’t exactly talk about it and she didn’t think he would bring a lot. She figured t
Shrugging, she replied, “Probably still the same. Just training and teaching classes.”“Would you like to teach a different subject?”“Oh, no. I don’t think so.” She quickly shut the idea down. Her reaction made him laugh.“Aren’t you going to challenge yourself more? Five years is a long time.”She tilted her head, “I would still get new trainees every year, aren’t I? Helping them improve is a challenge in and of itself. That’s enough for me.”“Really?” He raised an eyebrow.“Yeah. How about you? What would you be doing in five years?” She’s curious now. He should be old enough to be Alpha by then. Their Alpha. Her Alpha. She would have to give him her utmost loyalty. She believes he would do well, though. The thought isn’t entirely pleasant, especially when she could imagine a faceless image next to him. Their Luna. Whoev
Before the date of the pack visit, Ice has returned. He could already tell something happened between them. It’s just a hint of awkwardness but he managed to pick it up just fine. He knew the two of them well enough to distinguish their odd behavior.Ice has no wolf, therefore no mate. He never joined these pack visits, but he reminded Clyde again. He hasn’t asked yet what happened while he was gone, so what he said was pretty much a general warning for his brother; he reminded him not to overdo anything.Clyde is feeling pressed for time. He often glances at Sab, which became pretty obvious to the others. He would guard her this time. He had to make sure no one would claim her. He had to do something before it’s too late.Sab could feel their gazes on her, but one seemed to be fixed. She would glance at him a few times and catch his gaze, but why is it that he doesn’t look away? She’s the one who feels embarrassed. She tried not to be conscious of his stare, but it was seriously diff
That sentence made her smile, even though she knew he wouldn’t be able to. Despite seeing that smile, he could see her eyes are still sad. He’s anxious now.“Is this about your mate? If you find him, you’ll go with him?”Sab looked away again. It was as if needles are pricking his heart.“How about your mom? You would leave her?” He knew her mother is the most important person to her.She thought about it, “She’ll understand. She’ll probably go with me.”His heart sank upon hearing that. She even thought of that?“Do you want to meet your fated mate?” He couldn’t help but ask.Sab inwardly smiled, bitterly. Haven’t I already? You didn’t want me. But she didn’t say that. There was just silence between them.Clyde tried to think. What should he say? What can he say?Sab couldn’t take it anymore. She stood up and eyed
After a while, the youngsters dispersed and formed smaller teams. They’re probably going to proceed with individual training. It’s almost similar to how they do it in Snow Mountain. The two of them chatted about it, the only topic they can talk about without feeling awkward.The man from earlier approached them and they introduced themselves. Clyde did most of the talking and Sab listened to their exchange. It was interesting. She watched some of the routines they’re doing and noted some unusual execution.She tried to ignore how he’s still holding her hand. Any time it would slacken and she’s thinking of gently pulling it away, he would grasp it tighter. She gave up after a while but she didn’t dare ask what he meant by it. Why would he hold her hand and keep holding onto it? It wouldn’t have mattered if he briefly held her to assist her or something, but no… they’ve been holding hands for half an hour already. Th
They seem to be on a roll and aren’t minding her presence. In a way, it’s better than talking behind her back. But it’s still weird.“On the way back, he sat next to her. I saw how he made her lean on him. It was sweet.”“Did anyone else notice how he kissed her head? It was a while after we left Newcrest. I thought I was seeing things.”“Wait, no. Really?”“I saw that, too.”“I didn’t. How could I miss that? What happened, then?”“Nothing. I think Sab was already asleep at the time. I wouldn’t have been able to imagine Clyde’s expression. He’s clearly in love.”Goddess, no. Sab didn’t want to hear these things.They giggled among themselves and teased her. She can only shake her head in denial.“Why? Aren’t you happy? He likes you.” Jenni noticed her expression and it wasn’t rig
Clyde was brainstorming what to do with her. His brother isn’t helping. He figured his twin already know what happened, maybe their parents as well. The gossip is there and when he tried to shut it, he merely got teased. Are they not afraid of him anymore? He can’t blame them, though. It was a refreshing piece of gossip and many began rooting for them. A lot of people like Sab. Unfortunately, that past incident resurfaced again and some are saying she planned it all. He was infuriated when he heard that freaking theory. How could they still make horrible stories about it? He wasn’t pleased and he made it known. One night, while having dinner with his family, his parents deliberately asked about it. “What’s going on with you and Sab? I keep hearing people talking about the two of you.” Alice asked her son and pinning a curious stare on him. Conrad also looked at him and waited for his answer. Ice was there but his expression was unreadable. He spoke with Sab a couple of days ago a
Once they confirmed the date, the preparations for the ceremony began. It’s not much, given how it would coincide with the year-end celebration. Sab tried to familiarize herself with most of the people in the pack. It wasn’t very difficult. She’s familiar with everyone who uses the training grounds, not to mention the elders, women and children she interacts with as her main responsibility. She’s bad at remembering names, though. She hoped they won’t hold it against her. She would still try, of course. More people have graduated from their training programs. This translates to a higher fighting power and better security. Hopefully, that is. Clyde remained attentive to trainings and classes, analyzing the needs and potential of new batches of trainees. All seemed to be going well and the activities have been normalized again. A couple of weeks before the ceremony, Clyde remembered something which worried him before. He deliberated before bringing it up in a conversation and asking h
The next day, they were visited by Alpha Xavier and his men. There was a bit of a commotion when they realized Isabel has been injured. It’s a good thing Lucas has been by her side since the incident and has given her the best treatment for her wounds and injuries. Isabel helplessly tried to calm her father. “It was my fault. I wasn’t supposed to fight but I still went. I didn’t know about all their rules yet.” She tried to explain. “You’ve been here for months and you don’t know all the rules yet? There can’t be too many!” “I’ve been with Lucas most of the time. I was supposed to assist him but I was itching to fight.” She dared not say that Lucas didn’t bother telling her because he really thought she won’t be battling anyone during an attack. His role is to tend to the injured and he expected her to assist him, given how he somehow educated her about his job since she began staying with him. It was really her fault for joining the fray. Her father would probably be livid if he l
It was almost dawn when Sab sat with the others for a pack meeting, attended by the alpha’s family, the ranked members and the elders. “What was their intention?” An elder asked and everyone turned to look at the alpha. His expression isn’t good. It seemed like a serious matter. Sab noticed how his gaze was fixed at a certain point on the table and she turned to look at their Luna. She assumed they’re communicating at the moment. “Have you been informed already?” She used her link with Clyde and she saw him minutely shaking his head. “Not yet. This will be the first time I’ll hear of it. I wasn’t there when they interrogate those people. The Beta led that mission.” “I see.” Sab waited with the others. The silence was welcomed by everyone. After about ten minutes, Conrad finally spoke. “They spoke of vampires. They heard Snow Mountain is home to several. Obviously, their information is inaccurate. They believe we’re a threat.” “Do I count as a vampire?” Alice asked out of pure c
Clyde tried to be rational about it. It’s true that she has trained for years for this particular purpose. He just didn’t realize until that moment how worried he would be of the possibilities. He’s simply afraid that she would get hurt. Looking back, he did think his mate would be someone who can fight alongside him. And Sab can, but he’s still not assured that she would be relatively safe. At the end of it, he realized it all stems from the fact that he wouldn’t be able to accept it if he loses her.When his father saw him, he was immediately reminded to focus and to worry less.“Have you ever felt afraid of losing mom?” He can’t help but ask through the link and he was floored by the response.“Every day, but you live with it as normally as you can. Don’t let it distract you. You have to trust your mate. She’s not ordinary. She’s your equal. Trust that she can protect herself as well as others.”Clyde grunted and talked aloud this time, “So, what’s going on?”“Rogues, apparently. B
Sab was surprised one time when she saw Isabel on the training grounds.“What is she doing here?” She asked Hana before they started their training.“Do you know her? She introduced herself as Lucas’ mate. She’d been here since the alphas’ conference. Apparently, she stayed at his place and remained at his side every day. Lucas went out to visit the city so she came out.”She was understandably surprised to know about it. “Really? She’d been here all along?”“Yeah. She seems like a chatty one. Look at your mate’s face.” Hana chuckled and Sab quickly found Clyde. He seemed to have just arrived in the grounds and he’s already frowning at Isabel’s direction. He felt his mate’s eyes on him and turned to look at her.“Did you know she’d been here for months?” She asked through the link.“Dad might have mentioned it. I’ve forgotten about it.”“What are you going to do?”Clyde grunted. “Would you mind taking her in? Let her join your team.”“No. My team would feel intimidated. She’s an alpha
They haven’t really made an announcement. News of their mating slowly spread by word of mouth. Clyde and Sab would randomly be congratulated by others in the span of almost two months. One time, as they’re having dinner with the pack’s Alpha and Luna, his father asked him if he’s ready to take over. He has now fulfilled all the requirements. Sab quietly glanced at him and he carefully contemplated. These last few months with Sab, he hasn’t really given that matter much thought. Alice spoke up before the conversation turns serious. “Sab would need some time to prepare, too. You can let her join the meetings from now on, so she’s aware of what’s going on within the pack and other important matters outside our territory. How about we give you six months? Afterwards, we will hold the ceremony of conferring the titles to the two of you, as the new Alpha and Luna of Snow Mountain. I think it would be a lovely celebration.” The elder couple gave them time to think about it. “What do you t
“So… you know now that I was telling the truth? You… you’re feeling the bond now?” Sab would be surprised if that’s what he’s saying. He nodded, “Yes.” There was a moment of silence as her eyes widened and she thought of the situation. “Then… why are you… why do you keep your distance from me?” That is what’s puzzling her. Clyde sighed and held her hand. “I’m just feeling guilty. This seems different than before because I knew with absolute certainty that I truly wronged you. I know you’ve forgiven me and you’ve given me a chance… What I’m struggling with is forgiving myself and overcoming that feeling of guilt. I know what I should do, but I still feel bothered.” It was then that Sab realized what was different. The banter. He doesn’t tease her to annoy her, which he did before. As she looked at him, she knew she would be unable to understand what he’s going through. “But… you still want me, right?” That’s all she wanted to confirm. “Yes, of course I do. Always, Sab.” He cuppe
Although Clyde kept her company, she could feel a certain distance from him. He didn’t leave her to attend the conference. Too bad they didn’t witness the other amusing event which happened on the third day.During the morning break, Lucas showed up and Isabel gasped when he turned to look at her. This the girl Clyde previously considered to be his mate.“Mate! Mate, mate, mate!” With wide eyes, she leaped over and quickly pounced on him. She was excited, especially upon seeing how attractive he is. He looked very mature and dependable.Those around them were surprised, especially her father. Xavier squinted at the man. Who is he? How come he showed up only today? Why wasn’t her daughter alerted of his presence sooner? He heard someone sigh near him and looked over.“Do you know him?” He asked Conrad who wore a somewhat worried expression.“Lucas. He’s our pack doctor, the only one in Snow Mountain. Although he has a few apprentices and he teaches classes on first aid and medication.”
Sab braced herself but what she expected to happen didn’t come. After recovering from the intense pleasure, she felt dejected. Clyde immediately noticed the way she turned her head away, the absence of her smile, and the sadness in her eyes.It was a reaction he least expected after their mating. He became worried.“What’s wrong? Are you hurt? Was I too rough? Was it bad?” He couldn’t be sure which one it was.Sab shook her head and glanced at him. She tried to smile, “It was nothing.”She wanted to curse herself. Just as she replied, tears came to her eyes for whatever reason. Even she doesn’t know why. Why is she freaking crying?“This isn’t nothing. Sab, tell me.” He carefully wiped her tears away and she forced herself to admit her fear.“You… you didn’t mark me.” Her voice was so low and she couldn’t look at him straight.Clyde audibly exhaled. Oh. So, it’s just this. For a second there, he really thought he did badly. When his brain processed her words, he felt elated and chuckl