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
They gave him time to think. A few minutes later, Clyde actually chuckled, but his face also showed his frustration. There’s this different kind of pain and discomfort in his heart. He feels for her. He was suddenly given a glimpse of the pain she suffered because of his disbelief. “What are you laughing at?” Ice was concerned. Clyde bowed his head and clutched it with both hands. “I believe her.” And damn the pain he himself felt in that moment he acknowledged it. She was his mate. The goddess has seen fit to give him one close to him, but he didn’t believe her. For whatever reason that he didn’t feel the bond, he realized he’d been terribly close-minded and hurtful. His only defense is that he truly didn’t feel the bond and he had no feelings for her back then. He couldn’t accept her then and even asked her to reject him. He lost his mate and the fault was his. But he loves her now and he’ll surely get her back. She will be his, as should be. Ice was relieved when he heard tho
Sab was feeling conscious, but she wouldn’t dare look in his general direction. She tried hard to focus on evaluating her trainees’ performance so she can give proper comments and suggestions. After a couple of hours, she began to feel the gaze of so many people on her. What are they looking at? As they took a short break, she dared to look around. As she looks at them, they averted their gazes. Then, her eyes found Clyde’s and he’s staring straight at her. Damn it. Her heart actually skipped a beat. She still thinks she only imagined what happened during lunch break.He nodded to her and smiled. That damned smile made her flustered. She looked away and drank some water.The rest of the training went well. She actually managed to ignore their stares, whoever they are. Her heart raced when he showed up before she dismissed her trainees. He just stood there, watching them seriously, and patiently waiting.“Do you need anything?” She asked warily. Turning to the others, she dismissed the
“He didn’t want to see me? I was expecting him to come with you.” Her mom raised an eyebrow and she sounded unimpressed.“He… he asked me to have dinner with him, but I told him I’m having dinner at home since you normally cook every day.” Why did she feel a sudden need to explain and somewhat defend him?“And? You didn’t invite him to have dinner with us?”“I didn’t… I thought….” She suddenly doesn’t know what to say. If she brought him home, how is she supposed to explain it to her mom? It won’t be easy to explain it was nothing. But now, her mom also knows…Still, it’s more accurate to say she didn’t want to believe it. She doesn’t want to be disappointed later. She doesn’t want to be hurt again. She’d rather not…“Do you not like him?” Her mom became curious of her reaction. It doesn’t look like her daughter was excited about it.She doesn’t even want to answer that question. “It’s not that I don’t, but… I don’t want to.”“What do you mean? You like him but you don’t want to? What
Clyde would admit he’s feeling nervous. He’s not sure how to approach her mother now. He found her at the nursery, helping mothers take care of babies and little kids. They were having lunch and he didn’t want to bother them, so he’s just hoping to set a day and time to have a conversation with her later.When the other women saw him, they seem to already know his intention. They informed Sab’s mom of his presence and she looked over. Her expression isn’t the usual friendly one he’s used to.The woman got up and he slowly approached her as she walked over, too.“Are you looking for me?”“Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry to interrupt your lunch. May I ask when you’ll be available? I would like to speak with you about something.”Sab’s mom raised an eyebrow and Clyde could guess why. He sounded really formal. Not to mention he’s used to calling her “Aunt”. He couldn’t help clearing his throat. There’s suddenly a lump there which he tried to swallow down.“Do you still need to set an appointment? N
He ran a hand through his hair, unsure what to say.“I didn’t mean to. I apologize. She’d been avoiding me. Maybe if I can speak with her, I’ll be able to explain properly and let her know my thoughts. It wasn’t my intention to make her cry. I just want us to spend time together like before and have a deeper understanding of each other to improve our relationship. We can work from that point. Would you give your permission?”Sab’s mother sighed. “As much as I want to protect my daughter from any harm, I am aware that proper communication can resolve most misunderstandings. I do believe there’s enough of that between you and her. You came to me to assure me and say all these things, but Sab doesn’t know any of that yet, does she? She may have decided to act a certain way, avoiding you and all, but I wouldn’t say it’s the right decision. She clearly hasn’t considered several things, due to lack of information. Which you could have supplied, by the way. In that sense, it’s somewhat your
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