Chapter 2 – Their friendship

“Yes, Alpha.” Sab has been to their house many times in the past, what with being best friends with Ice and friends with Clyde. She’s used to their imposing presence. She’s not at all intimidated as she has witnessed them being approachable and kind. She managed to look him directly in the eyes.

“You are saying you are Clyde’s mate and you can feel the bond?”

“Yes.”

“Since you came of age?”

She nodded this time, then sniffed. She used the back of her hand to wipe her snot away. Gross. Not her best, but right now, she couldn’t care less.

The Luna went to get some tissues for her, for which she’s grateful.

“Why didn’t you say anything then?”

These are the same questions Clyde wanted to ask, so he kept quiet, waiting for her answers. Sab teared up again.

“I waited for him to say something. When I found out, I couldn’t understand why he didn’t tell me. He had his birthday months before I did. He should have known then that I’m his mate. That confused me. Why didn’t he say anything? Then I thought he must not like me. That he’s probably going to reject me. But then he came to me that night, to give me a present. He wished me a happy birthday but he didn’t say anything else. Not an acceptance. Not a rejection either. So, I waited it out. Maybe he’s still thinking or something. I didn’t want to embarrass myself, in case he doesn’t want me, so I didn’t say anything. I just… waited.”

Their parents exchanged a glance. Clyde was also in deep thought. He has known Sab since they were children. They grew up together and they’re friends. He could imagine what her feelings must have been as she narrated her story. Confused. Hurt. Hopeful. Hurt again. But still, he couldn’t believe it. If she’s his mate, why isn’t he able to feel anything towards her?

Sab continued after taking inhaling deeply, “After a while, I realized what’s happening. Clyde still kept talking about his mate so I figured he still wants his mate. But I was just there, I realized he must not be feeling a mate bond. That further confused me. Why am I the only one feeling it? Why isn’t he?”

Ice recalled the period of time she kept asking about that possibility, “You asked the mentors about it and everyone said it’s not possible. Didn’t you also ask mom and dad? They didn’t have an answer for you, did they?”

At his reminder, everyone else in the room also remembered it.

“I couldn’t tell anyone. Everyone said it’s not possible. Both mates should be able to feel the bond. What am I supposed to say? How am I supposed to prove that what I’m saying is true? You’re all going to think I’m lying. Tell me, you’re all thinking I’m lying right now, aren’t you?” She still tried to laugh it off, but her despair was also clear.

They all knew she’s a smart girl. She must have acted the way she knew was best for herself. After all, they either watched her grow up or have grown up with her.

“Then, why are you saying it now?” The Alpha asked, more gently this time.

Sab glanced at Ice, then at Clyde, before looking down again.

“Ice came to see me this afternoon. We were chatting, and he mentioned that Clyde is probably going to marry an Alpha’s daughter if he can’t find his mate. That it would probably happen within the month. I panicked. My wolf and I became restless. I felt that I needed to do something. Then, I realized… I didn’t want to regret anything. I need him to know before he decides to mate with someone else. Or maybe I felt that he deserves to know before he decides to mate with someone else. I just need him to know that he has a mate and it was me. Whether you believe me or not, that’s up to you. I did my part. I did my best. I can’t prove anything if you’re not feeling anything. So, I understand if you don’t believe me. I’m just taking my chances. As I said, I don’t want to live in regret. Wondering if things would have been different if I said it. So, I just said it now.”

Although she knew they probably won’t believe her, the burden in her heart seemed to lighten. There’s no longer a secret to be kept. She’s relieved. In a way, she already expects to be rejected, so… Her hope for an acceptance is quite low, but she can’t deny that it’s still there. She took a deep breath, right then and there.

“Then, I should probably leave now.” She looked at each of them in turn, even Clyde.

“I’ll take you back.” Ice offered, which kind of annoyed Clyde.

“Why do you need to go with her?” He hasn’t properly analyzed the situation yet, but the thought of them together doesn’t sit well with them. He narrowed his eyes, recalling that they have always been close.

“Oh, I don’t know. She may need someone to talk to. You guys can talk among yourselves. Let’s go, Sab.” He helped her up and she lightly bowed her head towards the others.

“We’re leaving, then. Thank you.” Her voice turned low this time. She grabbed Ice’s arm as they went out the house.

They were quiet for a while.

“Feeling better?” He asked, once he assumed they were far enough to start talking.

“Yeah. Thank you.”

“You could have told me much earlier. I would have believed you.”

Sab turned to look at him and seeing the sincerity in his eyes.

“You would? Thanks, Ice.”

“You waited because you like him. But really, you waited for three years?”

Sab knew he’s just teasing her, so she responded likewise.

“Says the guy who hasn’t made a move since he was fifteen years old.”

This is the main reason why they’re comfortable with each other. They truly treat each other as friends, if not as siblings. They don’t have romantic feelings for each other. Both of them already like someone else. A pity they’re unrequited.

“She still thinks I’m a baby. In vampire years, that is.” Ice complained.

“And now your twin is probably going to think I’m a liar.” She added her own.

They both sighed.

“Say, you haven’t rejected him, right? So, how are you able to control yourself around him? Is the bond muted? How come I haven’t heard you roaring mate back then?”

Sab punched his arm in irritation. She sighed before replying, “Oh, I tried hard. It’s good enough that we weren’t exactly close, so my interactions with him are already limited. What holds me back is the fact that he’s not feeling the same and I knew I will be judged by everyone if I declare that he’s my mate.”

Ice observed her sad and dejected expression.

“Have you ever considered rejecting him?” It would have been much easier for her. But then, she likes Clyde, so…

“I have, but I couldn’t. Maybe now that I’ve told him and if he says he doesn’t want me, then… I will.” Even her tone was filled with sadness.

 “Good. You know he could be a jerk sometimes.” Ice hesitated. He didn’t want to tell her that Clyde is most likely not going to believe her words.

Sab smiled at him. He didn’t need to say it. She might not be close to Clyde, but she knew him well enough.

She feels anxious, though. She knew she should prepare herself to be hurt. Well, she’s already hurting, so there’s not much change, really.

She still wondered what Clyde could be thinking back at their house and how their discussion is going. Suddenly, she felt it’s a pity that Ice came with her. He could have stayed behind and tell her later.