Chapter 3 – Their history

Clyde and Ice were born different from the rest of them. Their mother, the current Luna, is half-werewolf half-vampire.

Ice is the first-born, but he was ice cold when he came out. He was a full vampire. Clyde is the younger twin, but he was a full werewolf. Hence, the next Alpha was decided to be Clyde.

Their parents went out of their way to find a vampire that would mentor Ice. Liana was her name. She’s quite young. Only about 300 years in vampire terms. She was extremely wary of everyone. When she came to the territory, she remained with the Alpha’s family to care for young Ice. She doesn’t go out much, especially during the day. Oh, right. That’s what’s different with Ice. He can walk and bathe in the sunlight. And he can consume other food, beyond blood.

Not many has seen Liana. She does go out at night. When Ice was younger, she would often take him out to teach him the ways of the vampires. When he got older and grew up the same pace as his twin, she began thinking she may no longer be needed.

The thing is, a real vampire would slowly age. An eighteen-year-old vampire would still be the size of a toddler in human terms. Ice definitely looks like a young man already. And yeah, he was smitten with Liana. The older vampire doesn’t like his show of affections, though, which began a couple of years ago.

As for Sab, her full name is Sabrione. An ordinary werewolf. Her father died in an attack when she’s still a baby. Her mother raised her by herself. Sab gets along well with most pack members. Some admirers of Ice were jealous of her closeness to him. But she only has eyes for Clyde.

When they were still children, Sab remembers that he normally cared for her. He would remain close and keep an eye on her. When she needed help, he would be there for her. They’re playmates, actually. Along with a few others of similar age to them.

Sab couldn’t remember if he was as attentive to others and it was simply his sense of responsibility. Despite his young age back then, he already knew he’s meant to be their leader.

Sab already liked him back then, and when they became teenagers, she liked him even more. He became even more good-looking and he remained kind. They were friends and she still felt that he’s treating her better than others. Though he hasn’t expressed any liking to her, her crush on him kept growing. She knew she’s not the best-looking girl in the pack. A handful of others were more beautiful and attractive. She didn’t dare confess to him, especially when everyone knew he wasn’t planning on having a girlfriend. He’s patiently waiting for his mate. He’s very vocal about it and quite encouraging to others as well. Not everyone likes waiting and gets into a relationship with someone they like. Others would even become very playful and sleep around. Those are the ones who doesn’t care much about their fated mates.

Not every wolf is the same.

On his eighteenth birthday, everyone in the pack celebrated it. He’s meant to find his mate that day. But within the hour, it became clear that he hasn’t found her. The celebration became more subdued. Ice was less expectant. Since he’s a vampire, it’s not like he expects to feel a mate bond. Besides, he already likes someone.

Sab greeted both of them, and she even spent some time chatting with Ice. She crafted handkerchiefs for both of them to give as gifts. She couldn’t be sure if Clyde would be bothered to use it. Her embroidery of their names is quite lousy.

Her heart was hopeful, but when Clyde didn’t have any reaction towards her, she smiled to herself. Well, at least she now knows they’re not for each other.

There are still a few months before her own eighteenth birthday. She should adjust her mindset and prepare for her mate. She wondered if it’s anyone within the pack? There are a few young men who approached her before, trying to be friendly, but she didn’t give them much attention.

Ice sighed beside her, “Are you sad?”

“No, why would I be?” Sab replied with a smile.

“It’s okay to be sad. After all, you liked him for so long.”

Her smile vanished. She sometimes hates Ice’s mouth.

The year before her eighteenth birthday, about seven couples have bonded from their age group. Watching them find their mates is quite thrilling and made her a little envious, but she's also expectant. Seven couples is already a high number. There was one rejection, which was a sad thing to witness. The young woman was heartbroken, whereas the guy also mated with his girlfriend. Such things do happen.

During this time, Sab tried controlling her urges. Usually, whenever Clyde is around, she would find herself staring at him or stealing glances so as not to make it very obvious. She doesn’t know how obvious she has been before and who noticed, but anyway… that doesn’t matter now.

A month before her birthday, she started feeling anxious. From her age group, there’s not one she likes who’s still available. The others already know that their mates aren’t in the pack and the Alpha already arranged for several pack visits in the next few months.

The day before she became of age, Ice came to stay the night at their house. He helped her and her mother to prepare for a simple celebration. Just a few dishes to be shared between a handful of their friends. She did invite Clyde out of habit.

At midnight, she was restless. She couldn’t pinpoint what she’s feeling but it’s more like dread. She feels anxious and afraid. Sab couldn’t understand it. She was born in the early hours of the day, so there’s still a few hours before she could determine if her mate is here.

She woke up feeling different. Her inner wolf greeted her and she was happy to interact with it. Then, she was surprised to feel something else. Mate! Her mate is here! She could feel it. The air smells different and she was drawn to find a unique scent. She quickly got out of her bed and sprinted outside.

She was slightly surprised to find Ice and her mother just right outside her room. She chuckled as they sang her the birthday song. She tamped down on her desire to find her mate quickly. He’s probably not going anywhere. Deep inside, she still feels a little reluctant. Why couldn’t it be Clyde? Would she be able to accept whoever it is?

They ate breakfast and opened the door of the house. She invited her friends to come anytime during the day. Unlike Clyde’s celebration, where everyone was expected, hers was simpler. Everyone still needs to show up to their daily activities and spare her a short time for greetings. Ice kept her company, though. He’s being sweet, as usual.

“So, are you feeling a mate bond or not?” He asked her as they sit on the porch.

“Hmm, something like that.”

Ice was surprised to hear it. “Really? What are you doing here then? Go and find him?”

Sab shook her head. “I don’t know. I feel timid…”

“More timid than usual?” He teased.

“Do you want him to find you, then?” He continued.

“In a way. I did imagine that he would shout from somewhere, calling me his mate. Claiming me as his.” She stated this in a comical way, making him chuckle.

It’s essentially how it usually occurs, when one finds their mate among a crowd.

Ice is still sensible. He didn’t bring up his twin’s name. A few of their friends began coming over. Some ate snacks with them. Others arrived for lunch.

Sab got a few cute gifts and funny greetings. When the day was almost over, she began feeling a little sad. Clyde hasn’t shown up. This would be a first. In her previous birthdays, he would usually come early with Ice.

After dinner, Ice asked her if she wants to go around.

“Let’s find your mate.” With him, her mother allowed her to go. Anyway, she’s considered an adult now.

Sab clung to his arm, eliciting a helpless look from him.

“If your mate finds us like this, won’t he try to rip my head off?”

She rolled her eyes at him, “You’re the Alpha’s son. Who would dare to fight you?”