A Nudge

“Leave now.” 

I said, my teeth clenched as Max held his hands up in surrender. He slipped out through my bedroom window, the same way he’d come in.

How he had climbed up was beyond me, but Max had always been good at hunting

A knock sounded on my door, and I rolled my eyes and slipped under my bedcovers. 

"Go Away”

"Claire, open up"

It was my dad.

My heart throbbed in suspense. Dad wasn't the type to venture into my room for no reason.

Pulling myself off the bed, I opened it for him. 

There's an instant tension, and I knew it had to do with earlier. 

"Is everything alright, Dad?”

“No, someone offered you every woman’s dream and you don’t want it, what’s wrong with you? Do you even want anything with your life?”

How about my fated mate, whoever he is? And a home far away from Max.

“What is wrong with me?”

I point to myself in disbelief 

“Yes, all you do is lock yourself away everyday feeling sorry for yourself. Ella is never coming back. You should accept that, and besides, she wouldn't want this for you". 

Ella is never coming back, doesn't he think I know that? I miss her every day.

And after all, I was there.

Flashback ***

“Omg Ella”

I cried, looking down at my best friend drenched in blood 

“Claire”

Ella looked up at me in shock before she choked on her own blood and died.

“No, no”

I held her close to me.

***

"Theo, don't say that”

Mom says from the doorway

"She's my daughter, and she needs to hear"

"That might be their dream, but it isn't mine. I want a mate who's gonna love me with all their heart, treat me like you treat Mom, not some asshole who's gonna demean me the whole time.”

 I said, setting him straight.

"Well then," he retorted, folding his arms.

"If you don't want him, you need to get out of the house, find a job, and do something with your life. Maybe then you'll find a mate."

“Right, you can leave,” I waved my hands dismissively and climbed back into bed.

“Someone already sent your resume to the pack.”

He states with no room for argument

The moment he left, I couldn't hold it in anymore. I broke down, tears streaming down my face. My parents never treated me like this, and it's all because of him.

If he can have any girl he wants, and as he said, wolf-less she-wolves aren't his type,

Why the hell did he show up at the dinner?

Why are his parents pushing us to mate?

That arrogant jerk, ugh. If I could just erase him from my life, I would. He's been a thorn in my side for as long as I can remember. 

At pack school, he'd make my life hell for no damn reason. It's as if he thrives on seeing me miserable.

Unable to sleep, I hastily got dressed and ran down to the one place I knew would bring me comfort.  

The river, a comforting escape, the calming sound of the water was reminiscent of a time when Dad, I would come here every evening when I was a little girl.

"Never venture here alone, Claire, especially after dark"

His wise words echoed in my mind as I approached the water's edge. He had always cautioned me never to come alone, emphasizing the importance of safety first. 

But tonight, the need for solace outweighed any concerns for my well-being.

As I stood by the riverbank, the moon casting a soft glow upon the rippling surface, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. The worries and anxieties that had plagued my thoughts seemed to melt away in the tranquil embrace of nature.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, allowing the cool night air to fill my lungs. For a moment, everything else faded into the background, leaving only the soothing melody of the river's gentle flow.

In that serene moment, I found solace amidst the darkness, grateful for the simple beauty of the natural world and the comforting presence of the river's embrace. 

The weight of my responsibilities, the pressure of my parents' expectations, and the complicated dynamics with Max all faded into insignificance. It was as if the river had a magical ability to erase all worries and fears, if only for a fleeting moment.

Lost in the tranquility of the night, I forgot about everything - Max, our parents' insistence on us mating, and the looming prospect of having to work at the pack. 

All that mattered was the here and now, the peaceful solitude of the riverbank, and the sense of freedom that came with it.

Reluctantly, I acknowledged that all good things must end. With a heavy heart, I tore myself away from the soothing embrace of the river, knowing I had to head back home before it got too late.

As I retraced my steps through the moonlit paths, the tranquility of the night began to fade, replaced once again by the weight of my responsibilities and the harsh reality awaiting me at home. 

The familiar ache of uncertainty gnawed at my insides, reminding me of the challenges that lay ahead.

Despite my reluctance to leave, I couldn't linger by the river forever. Duty called, and I had to face whatever awaited me with a brave heart. With each step, the comforting memory of the river's solace lingered, a beacon of hope in the darkness of the night.

But as I walked, a sudden flashback hit me, Max's intense gaze, the way he had me up against the wall, the undeniable tension between us. I couldn't deny the flutter in my chest, the temptation to lean in and kiss him, despite everything.

Yet, just as quickly as the memory surfaced, reality came crashing back. Max's arrogant behavior, his constant needling, and my deep-seated resentment towards him overrode any lingering attraction. 

No matter how strong the pull between us, I couldn't let myself forget why I despised him.

Approaching home, the sounds of the bustling pack served as a reminder of the life I was returning to. 

With a resigned sigh, I pushed aside my lingering doubts and prepared to confront whatever challenges lay ahead. 

The river may have offered temporary respite, but now it was time to face reality head-on.