The Mate Pull

CHAPTER 2 - CASSIEL's RETURN

It sends me tumbling to the ground once more, a ragged breath leaving me as the tears I had been holding back streamed down my face.

I glanced up at my assaulter and immediately lowered my face when I saw its Beta Thorn.

He doesn’t say a word, just steps over my trembling form to where he’s heading.

I get up to my feet, and wipe hurriedly at my tears. I will not let anyone else see me like this. Ignoring the sting in my cheek, I pick up my bucket and continue to my destination.

That night after my kitchen duties, I laid cuddled on my cot in the closet turned room downstairs when someone barged into my room.

I sit up with a start, my fingers curling around the handle of the knife under my blanket.

I relax when I see Liora beaming at me from the doorway.

I let out a sigh. “You didn’t have to break my door lock, you know.”

She doesn’t acknowledge that, but runs to kneel by my side. “Elaris, he’s back!”

My eyes go wide. “Cassiel?”

She begins pulling me out of the bed. “Come on!”

She pulls me out of my room, into the main house where everyone is rushing out to welcome the Alpha’s son from his return of two years of Alpha training.

The pack is gathered outside. Liora goes to stand with their dad while I fall into the Omega’s line.

Three black SUVs pull up into the pack field.

The door opened, feet clad in sneakers touched the ground. My heart beat got faster as a full form came out.

My breath caught as I stared at him. Tried to reconcile this man with the boy that kissed me on the tree branch years ago.

He had filled out in places, muscles where lean arms used to be. He grew out his blond hair tying it in a bun.

Liora was the first to react, she jumped onto her brother. Arms and legs wrapped around him. 

Cassiel hugged her back as tightly, his lips stretching into a wide smile. After what felt like forever, she let go for her father.

There was only a small smile between father and son. A handshake, followed by small talk that I couldn’t hear.

My eyes finally moved to others behind him. Soon to be beta and delta. Cassiel closest friends.

Cassiel, his dad and together with his friends begin moving towards the packhouse. He stops and hugs someone from the crowd.

When he pulls away, I see it’s Melody. They smile softly at each other and I fist my dress in my hands.

He begins moving towards our line and I freeze, my gaze fixed on him. He pauses at my side and his gaze scans my face, stopping at the lingering bruise on my cheek.

Hope flares inside me as I search his face for concern. But he only stares at me blankly.

Confusion rises in me when he raises an eyebrow. It was then I finally felt the tugging of my dress from the Omega beside me. 

I looked at her and realized she was bowing, all the other servants were bowing except me and everyone was staring.

I bend my back into a low bow and together with the rest of the pack. We all chorused, “Welcome back young Alpha.”

When I finally rose, Cassiel was already moving back to the packhouse and I was left staring at his back, my heart and head hurting.

***

The Moon bonding night is loud. Loud with the songs of the wolves, from howls to actual singing of our ancient language.

Most of the wolves of mating age dance around the borne fire, singing songs, their voice lit with glee and anticipation.

Older wolves talk excitedly with each other, drinks in hand. I hold a tray of cookies in hand. Even as a wolf who could possibly find her mate tonight. I’m still meant to serve.

My eyes go to the moon, hiding behind the clouds. When the clock strikes twelve midnight, the clouds will move and werewolves will be able to know who their mates are.

I look away from the moon, clutching the tray of cookies tightly in my hands. Everything would change if I happen to get a mate.

I would be released from my pack duties if he doesn’t happen to be an Omega too which is rare.

Liora approaches me from the crowd, dressed in a light blue floral gown, her golden hair glistening in the night. 

  

The male wolves eyes follow her, entranced by her beauty. I’m sure most of them are wishing to be mated to her.

I touched my unruly brown locks subconsciously.

“Hey,” she says when she greets me, she smiles then it drops.

My brow furrows. “What’s wrong?”

She shrugs and takes a cookie from the tray. “Nothing, just a bit nervous.” She bites into her cookie.

I blink. Nervous was not a word you would associate with Liora. “Why?”

She rubs her foot on the earth. “What if they don’t like me? My mate I mean.”

“Of course, he would! Why wouldn’t he? You are a smart, beautiful and nicest person I know.”

She gives me a small smile. “Do you really think so?”

“Yeahhh,” I draw awkwardly, using I was the one receiving all the confidence talks.

When Liora returns to her group of friends, I go about serving cookies and sweets.

I spot Cassiel and his friends in the distance. I spin around, ready to head in the other direction when I heard the beta’s son, Michael call out:

“Elaris over here!” he hollers, loud enough that someone without a wolf can hear him so yes, I can't afford to ignore him.