"You are supposed to be my..."

"Because you are supposed to be my mate." Those were the words that hit Zhane harder than any punch he had ever received in his lifetime. This kid didn't know anything about werewolves a day before, and suddenly he was an expert? Did Mark deceive him, or did his parents explain to him?

"That bond means nothing to me." Zhane spat.

"Bond"? Mark frowned. "So you know everything as well." 

"What are you talking about, kid?" Zhane frowned. Of course he knew. He was a grown up werewolf after all.

"You asked me if I assume myself as a human. I am guessing because you could tell who, of what I am. I'm guessing you're the same". Mark declared. 

Taking a deep breath, Zhane approached Mark. "So what if I do? What if I am who you think I am. You should know that means I am more dangerous." Zhane threatened. 

"For a guy who claims to be dangerous, you keep coming to my rescue a lot." Mark mumbled. 

"Well, clearly that was a mistake." Zhane scoffs. "Move" He ordered Mark.

"Yes, just one last question." Mark folded his arms. "What does being a mate mean"?

Zhane was further shocked to be asked this. For a little guy like Mark, he sure seemed a lot less unpredictable. "You know mate, but you don't know what it means?" Zhane was amused.

"Well, I am not an idiot. I know in many species mate is often a partner, like girlfriend or boyfriend in our case." Mark shrugged. "I want to know if there is more, or even if I am right, cause there is no way you can be my mate. You are... not at all my type, old man." Shrugged Mark.

Zhane was appalled. A light smirk appeared followed by a scoff. For someone who was dreaded being at the receiving end of his mate's affection, Zhane was clearly offended by Mark's comment.

"Little kid, you do know how annoying you are right"? Zhane scoffed. "Here is a tip. Go ask your parents. They will tell you everything. I don't have time for your shenanigans." Zhane rolled his eyes and gently pushed away Mark from his path in order to avoid any further confrontation. 

Mark on the other hand was reluctant to let Zhane go so fast, so he simply followed him. Zhane found it hard to push away Mark in front of adults as he might draw unwanted attention. Mark on the other hand kept following Zhane without a word like an obedient child. 

When Zhane reached a comparatively lonely aisle he finally snapped. "Quit following me around"! He whisper-yelled at Mark.

"Hey, I am just avoiding Duke." Mark shrugged. "He is the owner's son of this store. As long as I am here by myself, he can spot me anytime." 

"Then maybe you should head home". Zhane suggested. 

"About that...can you drop me off?" Mark requested. "It's just a few blocks away from here." He requested. 

"Kid..." Zhane sighed with exasperation. "Mark, I kind of get why you trust me... but you should not be around me."

"You-"

"Let me finish"! Zhane scolded, shutting up Mark.

"You barely know about... what we are. And trust me on this, I am not fit for you to tell you everything. You have to go and ask your parents. They might lie again, but you need to give them a chance to explain."

"You don't know my parents". Mark mumbled.

"You are right, I don't." Zhane declared. "But, you do. Tell me why they never bother you with what you are?"

"....They didn't want me to worry about this." Mark admitted.

"Seems like loving parents to me". Zhane sighed. "Don't dismiss them. Go talk to them. And for god's sake, leave me alone!"

"Okay." Mark nodded. "But what should I tell my parents about you? Cause they are gonna ask me." 

Zhane blinked. That was one thing he didn't want. He didn't want to get sucked into all this mess and that included not telling Mark's parents. 

"Can you please....not mention anything about me"? Zhane requested. 

"If I don't tell them, how will they be able to explain our situation. Cause frankly I am still confused, and you made it clear that you don't want to talk to me." Mark asked. 

Zhane sighed. "Tell you what, you talk to your parents and find out whatever you can regarding this. I'll talk to you later, in case you have any other questions."

"And I am supposed to trust you?" Mark asked.

"You tell me? Why else would you keep bothering me"? Zhane sighed. 

Mark considered it for a moment before declaring, "Fine. But I have one demand in return." Mark smirked. 

Skeptically, Zhane asked, "What"?

"Tell me your name." Mark smiled. "Old man."

"..." Zhane hesitated, trying to think of any other excuse to avoid this. He could come up with none and noticed the excitement on Mark's face falter. Zhane found himself worrying that if he didn't speak soon, Mark might come up with an even more ridiculous request so he blurted, "Zhane."

Mark's face lit up once more. "Your name is Zhane?" Zhane nodded. "I do like the sound of that". 

Although hearing Mark say that is not something Zhane liked...he thinks.