Chapter 6: Dilemma

Nivia POV.

"Let go of her," Mateo said, tugging on my arm and drawing me close to him.

"No, you let go," Justin retorted, pulling me back.

Was this some kind of joke?

Was the universe messing with me?

Not one but two mates?

When I thought I wouldn't be lucky enough to get one and even if I managed to, he wouldn't want me.

Now here I was, being pulled in different directions by my best friend and crush.

They all want me.

The moon goddess definitely had a weird sense of humor.

"She is mine, I got here first," Mateo insisted, stepping in front of me.

"You were only two seconds early, I was right behind you," Justin countered, also stepping forward.

They were face to face with each other in a stand-off, their faces so close that their noses almost touched.

"You don't even like her, you rejected her before remember?" Mateo grated, his voice growing thick with emotion.

"That was before I knew she was my mate. I won't let her go now that I know she is mine," Justin replied with a lot of determination.

I gaped from one male to another, surprised. Their grip on my hand was strong and unyielding, so I was forced to remain here and watch this exchange between them.

On one hand, I was shocked to see this side of Matty. He was always so cool and level-headed that I was mortified to see this level of aggression from him.

On the other hand, I was beyond mystified to see Justin, who had openly rejected my feelings for him the other day, fighting so desperately for me.

Talk about life throwing you a curveball.

A surprising and an unexpected incident.

"She is not yours," Mateo refused, taking a step forward.

"How do you know she is not mine?" Justin demanded, stepping forward as well.

Right now, their noses were literally touching as they stared into each other's eyes.

Hazel eyes glistening with a hint of firelight, gazing into smoking grey eyes that swirled with a storm.

"Stand down, Justin. My wolf recognized her as mine," Matoe growled, showing that his wolf had begun to take control.

"So did mine," Justin spat back, his eyes flickering from grey to a bright blue, as his wolf started to shift to the fore.

Tension filled the air and malevolence permeated the atmosphere.

Any minute now and a fight would erupt between them.

Anxiety crawled up and down my skin as my chest tightened.

Please, someone, stop them before they exchange blows because of me.

Yet, everyone was silent watching the scene play out before them.

Deciding that I had to be the one to do something, I cleared my throat and was about to speak when the orator spoke over the microphone.

"Attention, attention all!" The orator began, trying to diffuse the tension.

Mateo and Justin snapped their heads to him, distracted for a minute.

"We have a very rare and uncommon situation happening tonight," the orator went on, "it appears Nivia Randolph has been claimed by two mates, which I must say is a daunting situation at best and a catastrophe at worst."

Yes, I could agree with him. It was a catastrophe. When others couldn't get one, I was saddled with two, which meant I had just robbed someone else of a chance at getting a mate.

All the more reasons for everyone to find me strange.

The likes of Claire would hate me even more and the others would avoid me, thinking I had to be bad luck to take from others what could have been theirs.

The orator scrubbed at his chin, seeming flustered by this situation.

"I would like to invite Alpha Jaxon, Principal of the academy, to the stage, to make a decision on this matter," the orator announced.

As we all waited for Alpha Jaxon, Justin's father to come on stage, I felt my stomach churn at what decision he might take.

At this point, I was nervous and confused. I hated being in the spotlight, I preferred to blend in rather than to stand out. A habit I had imbibed after many years of being invisible to the world.

I saw Alpha Jaxon come on stage and receive the microphone from the orator.

I took in a deep breath even as I felt both Mateo and Justin hold their breaths beside me.

Even the crowd around us seemed to be holding their breaths as the place grew eerily still and quiet.

What would he say?

"This is truly a confusing situation because both boys are being led by the instincts of their wolves and claim that she is their fated mate. Usually, the female would confirm the bond if her wolf is present with her, but as we all know, Nivia is yet to receive the spirit of the wolf." Alpha Jaxon paused, then went on, "My decision is..." he turned over and faced me directly.

Gosh, I was so anxious that I could feel my body tremble.

"My decision is that Nivia Randolph picks one from the two of them," Alpha Jaxon finished his speech with a flourish.

Everyone's shoulders sagged in relief, including mine.

I could see people in the audience nod in agreement with his decision.

However, my relief was short-lived when I realized the responsibility he had just placed on my shoulders.

I gazed up and found Mateo looking at me with a plea in his eyes that said; 'Pick me, Nivia. I am your friend and your best choice.'

Meanwhile, Justin was staring down at me with an intense look that whispered; 'I know you want me, here is your chance to have me.'

I managed to drag my gaze from their faces and looked at the crowd who were now speculating among themselves: "Who will she pick?"

I opened my mouth...

Speechless, I closed it back.

Swallowing thickly, I opened my mouth for the second time and I saw Mateo and Justin slightly lean towards me, anticipating my answer.

"I choose ..."