6 - In The Middle Of...

Aya’s POV

At that moment, the entire world comes to a halt. There is even a slip instant where the only sound that reverberates throughout the field is the puck sliding over the ice, and I’m not even exaggerating..

We both blinked and stared at each other for a whole five seconds before the crowd erupted into gasps. As if just realizing what happened.

And then he glared, “What are you still doing here?”

His voice.. His hostile voice pierced me like a spear cut through a shield.

I opened my mouth and closed them. I couldn't even think straight with his pheromones leaking. The others, especially the men and Lily, covered their nose. Even created a barrier of their own pheromones because Johanis is simply just.. just carelessly leaking them.

“Y-your phero–” I said out of concern but I didn't even get to finish the word when he slightly raised his voice. “I asked, Ayreil.. what are you still doing here?”

I gulped. Getting dizzy and drunk with his scent. “I.. Mmm. I..”

He slowly skated to where I was. The players, their coaches and referees were confused but they chose to stop the game entirely.

Yes, they ended the game, not a mere time out or break or anything of that matter.

When the distance was approximately two meters, Johanis froze. Not to ask or scold me again, though I think that is his purpose too, but because there's this gold and silver line that glowed from both of us. Slowly creeping and finding its way to one another.

“What on earth is that?”

“Am I tripping or there's literally a visible thread in front of us?”

“Is it a bond thread?”

“No waaaay! Johanis is about to be taken!?!”

Different reactions and comments from the crowd erupted. I can feel Lily’s cheerful look and Ryan’s shocked gaze.

I even gaslit myself that finally.. finally we can be together but..

“I, Johanis Martin, future Alpha of Midnight Pack, reject you, Ayreil Ashveil as my mate and future Luna..”

What the actual fuck!?! What is wrong with him?! I get it that he's still mad. I really do, I swear..

Okay, maybe now I don't. Because I honestly am pissed!

How could he do this to me?! How could he really do this now!?!

How could he just simply reject me??

“No waaaay! Hah! Did he really just reject her here!?”

“In the middle of the game!? In the middle of this crowd!?”

“OMG! That means Johanis will still be single and available!”

“Bitch, no. Keep on dreaming.” Okay, this last bit is the one and only Liliana.

That made me feel a little bit better. Just a weenie bit.

Then, it was like I was slapped back to reality because Johanis skated until he was in front of me. With just the boards in between us. “Ayreil..”

I glared at him before answering, “What!?”

He was slightly taken aback. Maybe because this time I snapped. But then he smirked, “I rejected you. Accept it, so this can be done and over with.”

“Who are you to tell me what to do?”

“Your mate, Ayreil.. Your mate.”

I was slightly affected because this douche is still leaking his pheromones! As if asserting his dominance over me. But I will never show it to anyone. Especially him! “I see. But since you are rejecting me, I take it as you not wanting this bond.”

“I did not say that.”

“Then, what the hell do you want!?” This time I yelled. And I can hear everyone’s shock gasps and overdramatic expressions like how dare I shout at their precious Johanis Martin. Well, if only I could literally strangle him right now, I would!

“Accept the rejection..” He said calmly. As if soothing me. His wolf tries to surface and I could feel that he wants to calm me down. But poor him, Johanis is the one who won their inner war for now.

“I actually was about to. But then you said that I should do it, and now I no longer want to accept your rejection.” I spat.

There were two giggles beside me, which was obviously Lily and Ryan. Johanis glared at them and Ryan pretended to whistle as Lily continued to laugh out loud.

“Accept it or else..”

“Or else what?”

“I’ll make your life a living hell, Ayreil.” He dangerously said.

I frowned and confusedly looked at him. Did he really change? This much??

Where was the sweet, caring and funny, slightly annoying if I’m being honest.. but where was that Johanis that I grew up with?

Back in the past, I suppose.

It feels like I’m seeing another person who wears his face and name… And I guess I was unable to contain it because.. “What on earth happened to you?”

He blinked twice. I saw this panic and vulnerability for a split second. But then he quickly regained his composure and I doubted myself if I really saw that. “Stop dragging this already and simply accept the rejection.”

“Fine.” I surrendered. He looked quite relieved for some annoying reason. “But I need a reason. You owe that much.”

“Ayreil.. You already know why.”

No. I honestly fucking don't.

I want to tell him that but I guess I can't. “You want me to make speculations by myself?”

“Yes. Because every single reason you thought of, that is true.. That is why I’m rejecting you right now.”

Ouch. That really fucking hurts.

So..

Did he reject me because I left him during that incident?

Did he reject me because I never came back or sent a word that I’m still breathing?

Did he reject me because I don't have a wolf?

All of the above? Or is there something else?

What if he already loves someone else?

Ah. Fuck..

“F-fine.” I breathed. Shit. I fucking stemmered and my voice broke!! “I, Ayreil Ashveil, of the Midnight Pack, accept your rejection, Johanis Martin, future Alpha of Midnight Pack..”

I looked at him straight in his eyes. Thinking that he would be smug and proud about it but.. All I could see was pain and heartbreak.

Seriously, what is up with him!? He was the one who rejected me in the first place! And now he is acting as if I’m the one who rejected him!?

Bullshit!

We waited for a couple of seconds. Maybe waiting for something to happen? Something that would signify that the bond is broken and valid.

My heart aches so fucking much. It was as if someone was trying to pry my chest open. I couldn't even breathe properly.. Johanis also looked like he was physically hurt by something..

Is this it?

I looked at him for one last time before taking the first step.

And then, I left.

Lily and Ryan tried to call me but I ignored them. I’ll just see Lily tomorrow and ask for forgiveness, although I think she understands me that for now.. all I needed is space.

But the Moon Goddess must’ve thought that today is the best day to jest.

Because I’m only three steps away from the exit when the whole arena shook. As if someone is infuriated.. It just feels so hostile and raging.

And then.. our gold and silver bond thread shimmered. The line keeps on cutting short and we, the man who just rejected me, have no choice but to walk as it tug us closer and closer to each other.

We both tried to resist it, but our efforts were in vain. We almost tripped and fell but neither of us wanted to feel embarrassed in front of hundreds.. maybe even thousands of students. That was why we immediately recovered and went along with it.

And now, we’re at the entrance of the rink. Him on ice while I’m on the other side of it.

I sighed and rolled my eyes, “What a great way to start this school year.”

“Don't even get me started…” He simply said. And those words alone made me want to seriously punch him in the face.