They just stood there awkwardly for about five minutes before her mother came out with the packed food.“Thank you.”“Hmm…”“I’ll get going, then. Sab.” He nodded to the two of them before leaving.Her mother eyed her and raised an eyebrow.“What do you think? What are you thinking?” She went and tugged her inside the house and closing the door behind them.“I don’t know. He said a few things earlier. I didn’t know how to respond.”“How are you feeling?” She guided her towards a seat and Sab found the table to be set already. It was surprising.“Were you really expecting him to have dinner here?”The other woman shrugged, “Not really. It was a possibility so I simply prepared. He spoke to me earlier and he seemed sincere. I mean, he’s the next Alpha, after all. But if you don’t like him, then I’ll respect your decision.”Sab sighed, “How can I not like him? I just… even though he said… something… I still worry that it’s not what he’ll do in the future.”“Is this about fated mates? You
“Where have you been?” His mother asked as soon as he came home.“I spoke with Sab. Then, I took her home. Her mom packed these for me.” He set the food on the table and went to get some plates for them.“Oh? What happened?”“Nothing yet. I talked to her mom during lunch break. Then I went to see Sab after her class. We talked for a bit. I tried to convince her, to give me a chance. She said she needed time to think, so I took her home. Earlier I did ask her mom if I could take her out and maybe join them for dinner once a week. She may have thought I would be having dinner with them.”“Really? You already ate?” Alice checked the time. The amount of time that elapsed doesn’t seem enough.“No, I haven’t. Sab needed time to think so I didn’t dare disturb them. That’s why her mom decided to pack the food instead.”“Oh, you’re being considerate? That’s a nice thing to do.” She was slightly impressed by his decision.Clyde barely smiled. He’s still not at ease, though. “I hope she would no
Clyde could guess what she wants to happen and he’s more than willing to do that. Still, he has to find certain outlets to show his feelings. Now that he’s sure of what he wants to happen between them, he could no longer keep it within himself. He wanted to be much closer to her and to be intimate.He would never have imagined himself craving the touch of someone else, to hold her and keep her by his side. This kind of desire is new to him. But for now, he has to rein it in. It’s clear that she’s uncomfortable with it, as they’re not used to it. He has to approach this slowly until they’re both comfortable with each other.When he showed up for lunch, everyone became quiet. They’re waiting to see what’s going to happen now. Clyde didn’t say anything and simply did what they used to do, laying out the food as everyone formed a circle. They do share what they’ve brought. The meal time was quieter than usual, though. The trainees tried to speak with another in lowered voices.Clyde chuck
The following week, things changed again, though. Sab was confused when her trainees excused themselves during lunch break. They all left and she could only look at Clyde in bewilderment.He chuckled, already understanding the situation. He did see their underlying expressions. There was a couple of thumbs up and several winks were thrown in his direction.“Are you uncomfortable having lunch with just me?” He asked and if she says yes, he’s ready to call them all back.Sab tilted her head and hesitated. “Not really.”“They probably planned it. To let us have lunch together, just the two of us.” He doesn’t want her to remain clueless about it, so he kindly told her. To ensure her comfort, he maintained a respectable distance.Sab’s expression turned into helplessness and disbelief. They actually did that? They all agreed to it?“Should I call them back? They haven’t gone far yet.”Sab found their spot and saw they’re already taking out their packed lunches. She grimaced before saying,
She’s slowly adjusting to his presence again. Before the weekend, she’s already comfortable with him around.Sab’s a little weirded out by how often she sees him. Every morning, he would show up at her place and they would walk to the training grounds together. They see each other for lunch and after training he would walk her home. Sometimes, he would also find her during breaks.He already gave her flowers twice this week. He’s smiling more often and he’s charming more than her heart. She pursed her lips, recalling how other women were also mesmerized by him.“Are you going on a date with him?” Her mom asked as she woke up early on a Saturday.“Hmm, we’re having a picnic near the lake.” She shyly replied as she quickly prepared breakfast.“Did you invite him for breakfast? Or are you preparing food to bring with you?” The mother walked over and took a seat in the dining area.Sab shook her head. “He’ll be here mid-morning. And he’s taking care of the food.”She hesitated for a while
Her mother smiled at her.“Think of it this way. He’s used to eating his mom’s dishes. He’ll like having a new one. And you know that adage? When you like a person, you like everything about them. I’m sure he’ll like what you cooked. If he doesn’t, then, that should tell you something, right?”Sab took a deep breath and pouted.“Go on and pack it. It’s already cooked, isn’t it? Use one of the metal containers.”Sab did as she was told. She eyed the basket Clyde brought. Is there still space in there?Clyde was struggling internally. Should he speak now? Are they going to go after she packed? Thankfully, Sab approached him within a few minutes.“Is there space in the basket for one more?” She sheepishly carried the container to where he was.“Yes, there is.” He quickly opened it to let her see. The picnic mat was neatly folded and placed on top. He lifted that to show her the inside. She bent down and carefully placed it there.“Should we go?” She stood up and faced him.“Are you ready
She’s not going to embarrass herself, is she?“But if you don’t like the taste, you should tell me.”“You would give me something that doesn’t taste good?” He teased as she worried.“No, of course not. But we don’t have the same taste.”“Don’t we? I know what you like to eat. I also like them. As long as it tastes good to you, then it’s good for me as well.”She was relieved to hear that. They cleaned up and looked around for a while. The number of people lessened. It’s almost lunch time. Some may have gone back home to prepare. “Do you want to walk around the lake?” He suggested and he looked expected. She shrugged but got up, and he followed.This time, while facing her, he offered his hand. He hoped she would willingly take it. She blushed as she slowly reached out. In her mind, she’s not sure if that’s what he meant. Instead of taking his hand, she ended up doing the same and offering hers.Clyde chuckled before taking hers in his. “Let’s go.”“Hmm…” She was careful not to bump i
After walking around the lake, they sat down on the picnic mat again. Since they planned to run later, he suggested they occupy one of the cottages. It was a good decision. A few minutes after they entered the cottage, it suddenly started raining.Sab went to look through the window. “Look. It’s sunny yet raining.”It’s a phenomenon they rarely see. It happens a few times a year.Clyde stood next to her, their arms touching again. “Looks like we won’t be able to run for a while.”There were a few couples who stayed under the rain. Sab felt a little envious as they watched them seemingly having fun. Others went to occupy cottages as well, while some decided to go home.It’s been a while since she last enjoyed watching and listening to the rain. She likes the sentimental feeling it brings.Suddenly, she felt something heavy on her shoulder and a warmth against her back. Clyde was hugging her from behind and they’re both leaning on the window sill.“You like the rain.” He noted. Truth be
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