Chapter Fifteen: Claim?

Since my training began, I just recently learned from Lily that it was a rule for the Alpha's family not to eat with other pack members. The pack residence has two eating areas, one for family and one for pack members. When I inquired why, she said that it was done to avoid disrespect and interference in the relationship's privacy.

What weird laws and customs!

So, after the Alpha's family left for the pack home, everyone was permitted to return to the dining room for their meals together. That appears to be why I'm presently seated with the others, having dinner with them, but that isn't even my problem; the fact that others knew I was with the family has sparked a number of suspicions and speculations.

At one point during training, a female approached me and challenged me about my connection with the Alpha. I wanted to tell her the truth, but then I recalled when I signed the marriage papers. He had advised me not to reveal my relationship with him. I considered it carefully and told the girl what I thought she wanted to hear. I was nobody.

She didn't appear convinced, and she said that no regular werewolf blood had ever eaten with the Alpha's family, particularly those without a rank. I didn't know how to use such knowledge, and she warned me to steer clear of 'her Alpha.'

That explained why things started to seem both terrifying and annoying. Whenever I went by or ate with everyone, I got looks and side conversations. That's exactly what was happening right now.

As I sat down and ate my dinner silently, I could feel people's eyes on me. I could also hear the murmurs, which were undoubtedly about me.

"Amelia, are you listening?"

I jolted out of my thoughts as Lily tapped my shoulders, causing me to startle slightly. I realized that I had lost track of her and was lost in my own thoughts. I swear she speaks a lot and has been chatting since we entered the dining area. I hurriedly glanced across the room before turning my head sideways to face her.

"Sorry," I mumbled, giving her an apologetic expression.

She nodded and waved her hand dismissively. "It is fine. So, what are your plans for tomorrow?"

I shrugged and sipped my orange juice. "Other than my early morning training with Mr. Jackson, I'm not sure what else I have to do. Why are you asking?"

She shuffled in her seat and tilted her head, as if she were mentally battling herself, before taking a big breath.

"The thing is, I have a party to attend to. Don't get me wrong. I don't do parties." She paused and glanced at me uneasily before returning her focus to her dinner, which was placed in front of her, while I listened intently. "I don't know, but this specific party is really significant to me. It was my brother's best friend's party, and I was pleased when he personally invited me. I really want to go, but I can't go alone." She groaned and slumped into her chair. She shook her head and looked at me again. "Given that you won't be occupied tomorrow. Please come with me. I'm aware it's sudden and unexpected, but I can't go alone. I have a great crush on him. It's illegal, as my mother would say. I understand her, but I can't help myself, and if I did go, I'd need someone to keep me in control so I don't do something dumb or humiliating." She dashed out, breathing furiously, and I frowned.

I sincerely hope that there exists no legislation prohibiting the development of a romantic interest in someone, but that wouldn't surprise me. This place is full of strange ethics.

"Oh. Why don't you invite your brother to accompany you?"

She shakes her head. "I can't attend a party with my brother. He'd leave me before we even walked inside. Pretty, please accompany me. In return, I pledge to take you shopping on Sunday. Just you and I." She begged, giving me those puppy eyes, and I bit my lips.

Come to think of it, I haven't left these surroundings since I was forced to come here. I'm not sure whether going to a party is a smart idea, and I'm not sure how Stark would respond, but I feel like I really need to get away from this place. He wouldn't mind anyway. Nobody knows I'm his new contract wife or mate, and he's already made it known that I mean nothing to him other than being a mate. So why should he care? Why should I care whether he finds out?

I exhale. "Sure."

Lily's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?"

I nodded.

"Thank you, thank you." She squealed with delight, and I winced at her loud voice.

I noticed others staring at us, so she bent her head and smiled apologetically. She looked at me again. "Since that's already resolved. The party starts at 4 p.m., so I'll come pick you up at 3 p.m."

I nodded and finished my juice before rising up. Lily is doing the same, and we both proceed to the kitchen to drop off dishes.

'There she is.' I hurriedly lower my head as I hear a girl speaking to her group of friends as they enter the kitchen.

‘Which one? The blondie?'

'Yes'

'Why did the alpha take her on, though?'

'I heard she was an omega in another pack, but why is she here training?'

'She's pretty; I guess she seduced her way in.'

'Or possibly a witch; my wolf senses an odd vibe emanating from her. Must have placed a curse on Alpha's family.'

"Do not listen to them. Let's go." Lily spoke from beside me before joining her arms with mine. She took me out of the kitchen and into the living area, where we sat on a couch, staring at the enormous TV screen in front of us.

"My mother would murder me if she discovered I had a crush on someone. You know, she had this rule: don't fall in love or date anyone until you meet your mate. It's sick, yet I can understand her. She's attempting to keep us from making the same mistakes she did when she was younger."

I squeeze my lips together in a narrow line and glance at her. "Maybe you should give it a try."

She tilted her head and clicked her tongue. "No, I don't think so. My mother's experience was tough, and I don't want to go through the same, but I can't blame myself for still liking a person who isn't my mate. It's the feelings we're talking about. I can't stop it. My mind just shuts off every time I see him." She sighed, slid lower into the chair, and closed her eyes. "I just wish I had found my mate sooner."

My heart skipped, and I gulped.

"W-why?" I stuttered, and she opened her eyes to look at me.

"Don't you know?"

I creased my brow as I looked back at her. "Know what?"

She frowned, still gazing at me, and sat erect before opening her lips to speak. "Okay. There's something called mate bond. When you first meet your partner, you are immediately pulled to him. It's magnificent because you feel completely absorbed in his presence, and when you make contact, there are sparks, like fireworks. The sensation awakens inside you something you've never experienced before. It's like love at first sight, but as you get closer, you become inseparable because of the mate bond. It strengthens you both. Hell, if one of the mates dies, the other will feel extremely unhappy and tortured at heart. Especially since he has claimed his mate."

Ah, now I see. That is why I continue to experience these annoying emotions towards Stark. It is as a result of the mate bond. Wait.

"Claim?" I asked.

She nods. "So, basically, your bodies, thoughts, souls, and everything merge together, especially once you've both claimed each other. Even rejection would be less painful than the death of a mate. It's as if a part of the person dies." She sighs.

This is perhaps why he became enraged when I mentioned my death. Is this why he's pushing so hard to have me protected? If I do not get harmed, neither will he. Hell, I'm just learning about this claimed thing. He has not even claimed me. I suppose it's because he won't be affected if something happens to me.

"It's terrifying, but when I see my parents, I am even more excited to meet my mate. At least my irrational infatuation with Hayden would dissipate, and I would no longer need to continue training." She groaned and sank back into the couch. I looked at her, chewing my bottom lip.

"You must have questions. Why aren't you asking me anything?"

She glanced at me and exhaled heavily before looking away. "That's because I want to gain your trust. We've just met. I don't want to intrude on your privacy. So I hope you can trust me and communicate with me well. Would you?"

I grinned and nodded. Just then, we hear the phone ring. It was hers, and she took it out of her purse.

"Hi, Mom." She answers, and I get up.

I approached a double-framed window and opened it. I grinned as the chilly air swept over my face and drew my body over the brink. It was already dark outside, maybe about eight p.m. I haven't seen Stark in a long time, and just thinking about him makes my heart hurt. It's official now. He's been avoiding me, and it's probably due to the kiss we had. I wonder whether he has any feelings for me.

Even if not, shouldn't the mate bond make him feel as I do? I had no idea my life would be so twisted and complicated this time last week, and it's upsetting that I'm the only one. It's really bothering me, and I blame it on the mate bond. It's so unfair that I'm the only one it impacts. The prospect of finding my biological parents is the only thing keeping me sane right now, and I'm not even sure how to talk about it.

I have no clue how to find them in this odd, mystical, and realistic reality. I don't have anybody. Where might they be? I have a lot of questions to ask them. Are they still living? Do they still remember me? Will they recognize me? Why did they abandon me? Why was I a human my entire existence, only to change when I met my mate? Why was I in the human world when I was supposed to be among them? What happened? When?

A shrieking voice from outside startled me, and I turned around to see a female run in.

"Alpha Stark. He is here!" She exclaimed aloud with excitement.

My eyes widened, and my heart skipped. He's back.

Just then, Stark enters dressed in a white turtleneck shirt, a black blazer jacket, and black pants, complete with shining black shoes. Rex whirled in my mind at his sight, and I watched in one breath as he and Tyler, at his side, climbed the stairs.

Perfect. I had planned to completely ignore him and hoped he wouldn't see me.

With my heart racing, I cautiously step away from the curtains, keeping my gaze fixed on the ground, and proceed hesitantly to Lily, who was already standing at the door entry.

"Amelia." A voice called out just as I was going to approach Lily. I jumped and came to a halt in my tracks.

Shit.

I gulp, clasping my fists in front of me, and slowly turn around, keeping my head bowed to the ground.

"Meet me upstairs." I hear Stark's deep voice speak, and my head snaps up with wide-open eyes.