Chapter 5 – Confusing situation

The dress was beautiful. It made her look feminine. Still, Sab isn’t used to wearing such and quickly took it off. She might wear it during formal celebrations.

In her room, she sat on her bed and closed her eyes. What just happened today?

She put one hand on her chest, just above her heart. The presence of the bond is there, she can’t have imagined it. This feeling is completely different and cannot be easily ignored. She had a hard time controlling her emotions early.

But why did he not react? He has turned eighteen months ago. He should have known then that she is his mate. He hasn’t said anything. He hasn’t acted differently around her. Even tonight, when she’s certain he’s her mate and it was his scent, he acted as if he feels nothing. When he touched her skin, he remained unbothered and simply concerned.

Why is everything different? He acted as if the bond doesn’t exist. As if he doesn’t feel it and he doesn’t know she is his mate.

Her inner wolf made her presence known. She assured Sabrione that she wasn’t wrong. That man is their mate.

She tried to sleep, but couldn’t. She was simply too restless. Their territory is fairly safe, given the number of warriors, pack members, that patrol the border during the night.

She got up and went out. There’s a lake nearby and it’s a favorite among the pack members. It has a certain charm to it. For Sab, it can calm her nerves no matter the situation. No matter how big a problem she’s facing is, the lake helps to clear her mind and properly think.

She doesn’t know if she should be happy or sad. She wanted to smile and laugh, but she also wanted to cry. She eventually ended up doing both. If anyone sees her, they would think she’s crazy. Even her wolf was not impressed.

After a while, she collected herself. Time to shift. This would be the first time and she’s a little nervous about it.

There are a few cottages near the lake and she went in one to remove her clothing and transform into her wolf. The process was painful the first time and it took some time. They said it’s all instinct but she remained worried. Her wolf assured her that she’s doing fine. She sniffed the air when she’s done, inspecting her front claws. She lowly growled before getting out of the cottage and prowling around the lake. There’s this urge to howl and she couldn’t help it. It sounded excited and powerful at first, but then, it turned into despair and immense sadness.

The following week, she kept her distance from Clyde. The urges are strong and whenever he’s near, she gets this overwhelming desire to go to him. She persisted, though, and controlled herself. No doubt she would only embarrass herself if he turns her down in front of many people. She saw him with his other friends and he’s the same as before.

Ice has been keeping an eye on her as they went to classes and trainings.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

She was startled by his question, but she managed a smile, “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Are you sad that you haven’t found your mate?” Ice squinted and saw her hesitation.

Sab deliberated for a couple of minutes before responding to him, “I… I found him.”

She decided to be honest with him. Ice saw her expression and knew it must not be good.

“What’s wrong? Who is it?”

But she shook her head. How could she tell him? He knew her crush on his twin. The situation seemed complicated to her.

“Just… a few things. Anyway, it’s time for training. Let’s go.” She evaded and he let her be. He knew she must have her reasons. He’s not one to push for answers. If she doesn’t want to tell him, he respects that.

They spent a couple of hours training and Sab has made a decision. She needs answers and there are only a few people who could give them to her. The elders. Their Alpha and Luna. She was hesitant to approach the latter as they’re her mate’s parents. It would feel weird.

After training, she told Ice she’s got something to ask the mentors and that he should go first. He didn’t insist on staying with her and let her do her own thing.

She’s a little timid. She’s fairly average and if it wasn’t for her friendship with Ice, she doubts people would even bother remembering her name. She’s not one to attract attention for herself. As she approached, an elder already noticed her presence.

“Is anything the matter?” The old man asked, facing her. His tone was gentle and he’s one of the mentors she liked best.

“Well, uhm… I have a few questions and I wonder if you could answer them for me?”

“Hmm, I’m having tea. Let’s sit first.” He walked towards a table with chairs around it. They have a lot of these outdoor dining areas scattered in the territory.

Sab went to sit in one as they waited. A young girl brought refreshments and the elder asked for another set of utensils. Tea was poured and the elder gestured for her to begin.

“Well, it’s about mates…” She sounded embarrassed.

“Ah, yes. You’ve had your birthday last week?”

Sab nodded.

“What is it you want to ask?”

“I’m just curious. There are two parties in a mate bond, right? And from what I learned, both of them would feel the bond when they come of age, if they’re near each other. But… has there been an instance where only one party feels the bond and the other does not?”

The elder eyed her quietly, before taking another sip of the tea. Slowly, he shook his head. “I’ve never heard of such a thing, but that’s a curious question. In all my years, it has always been two people finding each other. How did you come up with this scenario?”

Sab felt uncomfortable but she knew they would surely ask her this.

“I just thought of it. Since not everyone finds their mate within the pack and some choose their own mate instead, how are we to know that they’re not really for each other? What if the bond is just missing and they’re truly fated to be together? What if one of them actually feels the bond while the other doesn’t?”

“Hmm, curious indeed.” The man thought some more before shaking his head.

“I’m sorry. I could answer your answer hypothetically but I don’t think that’s what you need. In reality, I don’t think this situation has happened before, or if it has, no one made mention of it. No one ever said anything of the sort.”