Chapter 2

"You've been moody these days, Isabel, Is something wrong with you?" My mother asked, her face etched with concern as she stared at me.

When she noticed that I didn't give her a response, she tied her green apron and wore her spotted mitten, getting ready to make some pancakes for breakfast.

I lost my dad when I turned nine and I've been used to growing up without him. I remembered how I often shared my worries and burdens with my mom when I was a kid but now, I chose to keep things to myself.

My relationship with my mom wasn't the same anymore as we moved from being friends to more like acquainted strangers.

Besides, she has been so busy with work these days that she barely has time for me plus I felt I was too grown to tell her all of my problems.

"I'm not moody. I'm just a little tired lately," I lied as I reached for a drink in the fridge, trying hard to avoid a gaze with her.

"You know we haven't been discussing with each other lately and I know that's because I've been too busy with work and…

"Your relationship with a married man, right?" I cut in as I turned to face her with my arms crossed.

She was at a loss for words, and I watched as she bit her lips.

My mom is in a relationship with someone and I know she has the right to but I felt worried that the little relationship we were trying to maintain might worsen.

Was I feeling jealous that she might forget me totally after getting married?

"Look Isabel,"

"I know you're not fully happy with me marrying someone else but I just want you to know that I will always be there for you no matter what. I took a week off from work so I can spend some time with you during the holidays. So we could have some fun time together, you know," 

With a groan, I immediately downed my drink. 

I turned to look at her after moving over to set the empty glass down on the sink.

"I've had a lot of plans for this holiday. I even bought two tickets so that I could go to a concert together with Mason. I – I made a list of the activities we'd do together but I guess some things just don't go the way you plan," I finally revealed everything to my mom who left the cooking to advance in my direction, her face etched with concern and curiosity.

"What– what are you trying to say, Isabel?"

"Mason rejected me as his mate. He said I was wolf less and that he can never have someone like me as his mate." 

"You're just telling me about this now, Isabel. Why are you just telling me about it? You were broken, you sulked all this while and I had no idea?" 

"It's because you were too busy with work and going on dates to see your new husband," 

"Mom, I've gone through so many difficult moments without you, but you weren't always there. Are you even aware that I am frequently bullied at school? Even now, do you know when I had my first period? Do you even have a clue what my goals are or what my dreams are? You don't, that is true. You don't even know me as well as the housekeeper does." My emotions overtook me, and I blurted out in anger.

Before turning to face her, I wiped the small tear from my eye. 

She must feel bad about herself right now but I can't blame her.

She's doing her best to work so hard she could provide for us and I felt she is lonely which is why she needed a partner.

"I am not against you getting married in the first place. The only thing I ever wanted was for you to understand me. To be there for me and to feel my pain as yours,"

I said lastly before taking short steps to the door.

When I reached the doorstep, I turned to face her, and said, "I'll be spending the holiday with granny in Newton's ville pack. You don't have to drop me with your car, I'll take the commercial bus."

I said lastly before walking out of the kitchen. 

***

I became bored and decided to explore the streets of the pack after spending the entire day with granny Maggie, the mother of my late dad.

I could no longer contain my wrath as Mason's memories raced through my head. I still don't know why it's so difficult for me to move on from him.

I wiped away my tears with my handkerchief and entered the tiny bar at the front of an opulent hotel

"Two bottles of whiskey please," After I gave my orders, a waiter arrived with the drinks in a short while.

My phone buzzed and I saw a notification while I was swilling down several glasses of the drink.

I read the messages with bleary eyes. On a group chat that was for our class, a ton of messages kept popping up.

I read the messages and I was stunned to hear the news about Mason and Patricia marking each other. My heart broke beyond repair. After they've marked each other, I know what comes next: they'd want to mate tonight to formally seal their mate bond.

I saw different pictures of them having fun together. Mason truly had changed. He wasn't the Mason I knew.

"Hey! How're you doing?" A deep but gentle voice asked at the right end and I turned to look at the person.

A charming young man's emerald eyes captured mine and ensnared me. He had dark raven hair, gorgeous olive toned skin, and a sharp jawline that appeared to have been expertly molded.

His brilliant smile showed off his perfectly straight, white teeth.

He took a seat beside me and I furrowed my brows at him, wondering if he knew me from somewhere.

"I'm Derek Walton, mind if I drink with you?" He asked, his voice like fine red wine.

"No, no I don't mind," I responded with a sad smile as I watched him grin before taking a seat in front of me.

"What's your name angel?" 

"Isabel. Isabel Montes,"

"Cool," He nodded and looked at me closely, analyzing my features while he poured himself more drinks.

Tears were streaming down my cheeks with ease as I sucked down more sips. Derek studied me, attempting to read my face.

"Are you crying, angel?" He asked and I smirked before cleaning my tears.

"I know I'm a stranger but you can always tell me what's bothering you. I can do my best to help." He said to me convincingly and I raised my head to look at him, his charming green eyes alone turned me on. 

I just didn't know why

but there was something about this young handsome dude sitting right at my front.