Our Situation

With every passing day, Zhane started to feel worried. There was a sense of uneasiness that made him wonder about what the hell happened with Mark. Zhane hated that the mate bond made him feel stuff like that, anxious for no apparent reason. Zhane never thought that when he did find his fated mate, he would need to worry this much. Why was fate so twisted for him?

Zhane increased his trips to the school, taking over extra shifts for delivery just so he could catch a sniff or anything that would point towards his presence. Any conversation related to Mark in between the kids or the students, but apart from a single mention that he was under the weather, there wasn’t much info that he could find.

Almost after ten days, he caught the scent of Mark, while he was on his way to the school. But there was something different about the scent. It was more refined, raw and intense. Something had changed, which Zhane could figure out. Mark had had his first transition into a werewolf. 

‘I am sure his parents took care of him, I don’t need to worry so much’, is all he told himself and tried to avoid running into Mark, even though his eyes did an involuntary sweep of all the areas on whether or not Mark was around. Just what was happening to him? He wondered.

He was on his way out of the school, away from the scent, when Mark appeared in front of him, startling him. “Mark?”

“Zhane, right?” He smiled. “You are looking for me”? He asked.

“What nonsense? I am trying to get out of here. I am literally on my way out.” he snapped.

“Yes, but no matter where I go, I can smell your scent.” Mark declared. “What are you living in this school or something?”

“Transition has messed up with your brain.” Zhane shook his head in dismay and tried to leave but Mark stood in front of him again, “What is your problem?”

“You know I have turned?” Mark was amused. “I am a proper wolf now. Why are you ignoring me?” 

“I am not ignoring you.” Zhane huffed. “I had nothing to do with you in the first place.”

“You told me that you will help me if my parents left anything out.” Mark declared.

“And?” Zhane asked.

“To not make them suspicious, I didn’t ask them much about our situation. From what they said, it's clearly like a boyfriend girlfriend situation, but it can’t be applicable to us right?” he asked.

“You are right.” Zhane nodded.

“Then explain to me what our situation is. What does us being mates even mean?” Mark huffed and a little involuntary growl escaped him.

“It means that we are supposed to look out for each other.” Zhane sighed. “Help each other if needed and simple stuff like that.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.” Mark tilted his head.

“Look, Kid. I dunno what to tell you. I am just as confused about our situation as you are. The closest I can feel towards you is like you are a little brother. At least that is our very situation.” Zhane declared. “Ideally, we shouldn’t have even met until you were at least eighteen.” 

“So, it’s only weird because I am young? Not because you are also an old man?” Mark asked.

Zhane had an urge to stop refereeing him as an old man, “It’s that as well. It’s both. Clearly our ages are malaligned. Something that even I don’t understand why.”

“Then why can’t we tell my parents?” Mark begged. “Maybe they will know something.”

“If I tell you you can tell them, only will you then tell them”? Zhane asked, tilting his head.

“Of course. This is something that involves you too.” Mark shrugged.

Zhane blinked. “Fine, tell them. But tell them when I am nearby and so are your parents. I will talk to them and make sure you stay away from me.” he declared and managed to brush off Mark and run to his car. 

As Mark stood by himself he followed Zhane with his eyes till the other vanished with his truck. “If only I knew where you’re gonna be.” and with that Mark sighed.

He contemplated whether or not he should tell his parents. Ideally, no matter what he always shared stuff with his parents. But with supernatural stuff literally being a part of his life, he didn’t know what else he could possibly do. He headed in and resumed his classes.

As Mark reached home, he was still conflicted with whether or not he should tell his parents. He was doubting, analyzing various scenarios, thinking multiple outcomes of how they would react to it when he was called for lunch. Before he could reach the table, Mark was gawked at by both of his parents with excitement laden on their face. “What’s going on?” Mark asked.

Mark’s parents looked at each other and then back at Mark. 

“We need to tell you something.” His mother smiled.

“Again?” Mark was puzzled. “Are we something else as well? Apart from werewolves?” he couldn’t help but wonder out loud.

“Well, we are a family.” His mother couldn’t hold her excitement anymore, which puzzled Mark even further. “We are about to be bigger.”

“As in…?” Mark was hesitant. 

“You are gonna have a little brother or sister to play with,” His father declared.

“Wait what?” Mark’s face went blank. “You mean you…”

“Yes, Mark. I am pregnant.” his mother chirped. 

“I am gonna be a big brother?” Mark was amused. “I will look after the little one! I promise I will be the best big brother out there.” Mark jumped with excitement. He couldn’t hold it anymore and hugged his mother tightly, but recoiled soon. “It won’t hurt the little one, right?” he asked reluctantly.

“It won’t.” His mother declared. For a moment Mark forgot his entire dilemma, as if it didn’t matter to him at all. He simply rejoiced the great news with his parents, basking in the excitement of becoming an older brother.