Chapter 2 Feeling like Rejection
Emily, I'm honoured to be your mate. The Moon Goddess surely knows what she's doing, but I'm still with Ashley. I fear I'll need some time to let her down gently and tell her I've found my mate.
As Lucas spoke, I could only nod, for all my thoughts had tangled together, rendering me speechless.
I glanced up into his piercing blue eyes, reflecting warmth like the forest's calm.
He moved closer, wrapping his arms around me, and instantly, the sparks ignited between us.
It felt exciting, intoxicating, like the first sip of fresh mountain air after a long climb.
I inhaled his scent of cedar and morning dew, feeling wrapped in a sense of safety I had never known.
But reality crashed in as Lucas's next words echoed out. "I should, um... get back. Ashley might come looking for me."
A wave of frustration washed over me. I wanted to voice my feelings, to tell him how this was all too complicated, but I remained silent. Breaking my best friend's heart felt wrong, and I knew I had to respect Lucas's commitment, even if my heart screamed otherwise.
"Yeah, you should go," I finally managed, trying to sound supportive, even if my insides were twisting painfully.
After he left, the chaos of thoughts flooded back.
I showered quickly, the cool water dulling my frustration, as I slipped into bed, sleep escaped me.
Images of Lucas and Ashley seemed to play on repeat in my mind, and I found myself talking to my wolf, Aria.
Lucas's POV
Returning to the room, I felt a whirlwind of emotions. I couldn't believe the Moon Goddess had paired me with Emily. She was sweet, kind-hearted, and destined to be a great Beta female. But my thoughts were disrupted by Ashley's suddenly sharp voice.
"Where were you?" she asked, suspicion lacing her tone.
"Uh, I went to have a quick briefing with Alpha Mickelson," I answered before my mind could better shape my words. I could feel a gentle resentment bloom within me. Why did I have to maintain this facade?
"I see," Ashley replied, but I could hear the undertone of doubt as she settled into bed.
As dawn broke, I knew I couldn't delay the inevitable.
I had to find a way to tell Ashley that we wouldn't be together anymore, not after finding my true mate.
Over breakfast, an uncomfortable silence hung between us, until Emily walked in, looking stunning in a cozy yet flattering sweater that made my heart race.
"Good morning, everyone!" she chirped, brightening the room and lifting the weight bringing me down.
Ashley, catching sight of her, clapped her hands excitedly. "Babe, we're going out tonight to celebrate Emily shifting and finding her mate! Isn't this amazing?"
The room froze momentarily, and my heart sank. Emily's eyes sparkled, but worry flickered in her gaze. "You all will know soon enough," she said diplomatically. "We're still figuring everything out, you know?"
Ashley beamed, oblivious to the tension. "I can't wait to party it up! It'll be a night to remember!"
---
As soon as breakfast wrapped up, the day stretched on like a never ending chord, each tick of time echoing my anxiety.
I found myself waiting with Liam and Mason, anticipation bubbling beneath the surface.
When the girls finally joined us, my breath hitched at the sight of Emily slipping into a form-fitting dress that highlighted her silhouette perfectly.
"Man, why on earth would you want to stick with Ashley?" Mason laughed, nudging me. "You've got a mate waiting out there, and you're still tied down?"
I was about to respond when the words caught in my throat, as I watched Emily smile and chat with Ashley. Damn, my heart raced far too fast.
"Babe, how do I look?" Ashley chimed in, her confidence unwavering. While she knew she looked good, I couldn't help but think she couldn't hold a candle to Emily's natural allure.
I forced a smile. "Uh, you look... good." It felt hollow compared to what I felt for Emily, but I swallowed the thought.
The car ride to OZ felt like it lasted an eternity. I barely registered the chatter around me, my thoughts swirling only around Emily.
"Mason, you've got shotgun!" Liam called out, and I internally groaned, hoping against hope that Ashley wouldn't sit directly next to me.
Of course, she did. "I want to sit next to Emily and you," she declared, causing a little war inside of me.
I sat in the back with the girl's, my girlfriend and the girl who was my true mate.
As we finally pulled up to OZ, the vibrant lights and booming music sent an electric charge shivering through my body.
"Let's go have some fun!" Ashley exclaimed, practically jumping out of the car.