4: The deal; ignoring the mate bond

ARCHIE

I let the water from the shower wash away the sweat from the early morning training.

My body still aches slightly.

It was Monday morning.

A school day.

Two days after my birthday.

My wolf? Restless as f**k.

I pushed my hair out of my face and grabbed my body soap.

I still remember that night clearly. My mate.

I had tried hard to contain my wolf, not letting him run wild or come out because one thing was certain: he would go looking for Isidore.

We can't go looking for someone who doesn't want us.

Not when my gut tells me Sonnet won't stay out of my business.

I remembered how my heart skipped when I turned to find him at the door.

I don't want anyone to know, at least not now.

Not my parents.

Or the vampires.

Most especially not Sonnet Mortain.

Who is a little crazy and what you would call the devil's spawn.

I was happy that I was able to convince her, lying that Isidore and I were talking about supernatural mates.

Hell, I lied that I was boasting to Isidore that I would soon be mated after I found my mate.

At first, Sonnet didn't look convinced.

She was the type that didn't easily believe people.

And she is too smart.

Both siblings are smart.

I hated it. Especially how I can't seem to win an argument with Isidore.

He always has something to say.

After his sister disrupted our conversation that night, Isidore stayed away from me throughout the rest of the party.

He didn't even look at me for the rest of the night.

Which is why I’ll go meet him today at school.

Firstly, so my wolf could calm the f**k down.

Secondly, to discuss our situation.

Would he listen to me? No.

Nah, he would.

I assured myself.

I opened the door to my bedroom after finishing my bath and nearly slipped.

Because my father was standing near my closet, his arms crossed as he assessed me with those eyes that screamed he knew something was wrong.

“Dad, you can't do that,” I said as I stood straight.

“You’ve been acting strange.”

“I don't think that's news. You’ve always thought something was up with me,” I said to him, walking towards my closet and holding my towel firmly around my waist.

“Archie.”

“Alpha.”

“Did you find your mate?” My father asked out of nowhere.

“What? No. I didn't, and even if I did, you and Mom would know,” I lied.

My father didn't move. He didn't seem to believe me.

“You were acting like a rejected wolf, so your mom and I concluded that your mate rejected you,” my father continued.

“No, what?” I let out a laugh. “Why would they reject me? I'm handsome, popular, and have a good body,” I said in a playful, confident tone.

My father shook his head. “I wouldn't be surprised if they rejected you. You’re quite—”

“Dad!”

“Okay, okay. I just wanted to know if there was anything we could do to help. Since you haven't found them, why don't you get your head straight?” My father said as he walked away from my closet towards the door.

I let out a sigh after my father left. My mind drifted to Isidore.

He would definitely reject me.

Not that I want him, but he's the only person who would reject me.

---

I wanted to look for Isidore right after my fourth class, abandoning my friends because my wolf had been getting more restless.

Somehow, I still managed to pick up Isidore's scent in the midst of hundreds.

I greeted a few people as I passed them, heading towards the music room where Isidore would be.

He plays in the school's band.

A poor violist, by the way.

When I got to the door of the music room, I paused.

I suddenly got anxious.

What do I say?

We should finish our conversation from that night?

Would he even listen to me?

I tried to think of something to start with, but my brain went into a short circuit.

I realized I didn't have anything to say.

I just came here because Isidore was here, and my wolf was pacing happily.

Happy to see his mate.

The door to the music room opened, and students sauntered out. They all looked surprised to see me there but still greeted me.

I waited for the pale-faced boy who had been on my mind since Friday.

I rubbed my hand nervously on my pants before sliding it into my pocket and lifting my chin up.

The door finally opened. Isidore stepped out, his violin bag behind him.

He frowned when he saw me.

“Hello, Issy,” I greeted.

He didn't react or answer. He just turned away and started walking.

“Hey, Isidore,” I called after him as I went after him.

His legs were moving a little fast. Even though we were forbidden to use our instincts, I had no choice but to fasten my pace and catch up with him.

I caught his arm, stopping him before pulling him into a corner.

Isidore yanked his arm from my hold.

“What do you want?” He glared at me.

“We need to talk.”

“You and I don't have anything to say to each other.”

I felt my jaw clench.

“We didn't reach an agreement that day.”

“Agreement?” His frown deepened.

Mine did too.

My wolf growled softly.

The bond stirred.

I fought the urge to touch Isidore.

Isidore stiffened.

Like, physically stiffened.

He felt it too.

“You felt that too,” I whispered.

“No.”

“Isidore—”

“I said no.”

“You're a terrible liar.”

“And you're an insufferable dog.”

“At least dogs are loyal.” I smiled.

“Is that what you tell everyone you kiss?” he said.

My expression stilled. “What do you mean by that?”

“Don’t pretend to forget what happened last year.”

Oh.

Blaire.

I could swear I didn't know she was in a relationship at the time.

She came to me like she was single, flirting and…

I have tried explaining to him that I didn't know they were together, but he wouldn't listen.

I even stayed away from her after I found out that they were together.

“Are we doing this now?” I pushed my bangs off my face.

“You seem determined to ruin my day.”

“Look, I didn't know that you two were together, okay? And she—”

“You expect me to believe that?” Isidore scoffed.

“I didn't!” My voice rose. I’m tired of explaining to him that I didn't know, but he wouldn't believe me.

He wouldn't listen to me.

Because he thinks I'm a mutt.

I swear I hate the Moon Goddess for making him my mate.

Wasn't I suffering enough?

“You know what? Forget it. I'm not arguing with you.”

I was hoping I could—

No, stop it.

I came here to make him agree that we wouldn't tell anyone.

This is why we should stay away from each other.

“How convenient.” Isidore folded his arms, those dark eyes staring at me.

“You're impossible.” I shook my head.

“And you're predictable.”

He looked paler.

Was he okay?

I took a step forward, and he took one backward.

I stopped.

My chest tightened.

“Listen,” my voice dropped. “I don't know why my wolf thinks you're his mate, but I know something is wrong. I don't know why the Moon Goddess decided to punish me.”

“How tragic,” he said in a flat tone.

I pursed my lips. “But one thing is certain: I won't force you into anything.”

“I don't want this either.”

“Good, we are in agreement.”

“Yes.”

“So we agree to ignore it.”

“Gladly.”

“No bond. No relationship. No telling anyone,” I said. “And we stay away from each other.”

My wolf cowered.

Pain stung me in the chest.

“Agreed,” Isidore said.

I realized that his expression hadn't changed since we started talking.

He probably didn't feel the bond like I did.

Forget it. He has a dead heart.

Then this should be a mistake. The Moon Goddess wouldn't mate me with someone who barely felt an emotion.

“If there is nothing else to say, Decatur, I would like to take my leave.” Isidore glanced at his watch, looking completely okay.

While I'm wincing in pain here.

He didn't look at me twice before stepping out from the corner, walking away from me without looking back or stopping.

Maybe it's a good decision to avoid each other.