Choosing Mr. Destiny - Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Arthur's POV
Right after Kellan allowed Connor to go take a look at Ash, I got upset. But I guess he was just being fair, so even with a heavy heart, I accepted it.
But when Connor walked out of Ash's room, I didn't waste a second and accompanied Ash inside. But not before I asked Kellan to have someone prepare Ash some meal, so when he wakes up, I'll get to feed him.
I stayed inside Ash's room for a couple of minutes, just sat there a few distance away from his bed and watched him sleep peacefully.
I was momentarily snapped out of my thoughts when someone knocked on the bedroom door.
"Come in." I called
And in came Kellan with his wife Cheska, trailing behind him.
"How is he?" Kellan asked as he looked at Ash who's sleeping peacefully on the bed.
"He's still asleep." I stated.
He nodded his head before turning his gaze to me.
"That's good. He need to have his much needed rest before we tell him everything he wants to know." He said.
I nodded with a sigh.
"I just hope he's prepared enough to hear it all." I replied, still not taking my eyes away from my beautiful mate. "He's been through so much stress already Kellan, I don't think I would be able to take it if I see him being bombarded with even more stress than he already have."
"I know that Arthur, but we have no choice. He has to know whether we like it or not. He deserves to know everything. If you want to save him from anymore stress he's going to be dealing if we continue to leave him in darkness, then you know it's the only way." He reasoned out and I understood him completely. I'm just not ready to see my little angel go through so much stress. He can only take too much.
"Anyways, the meeting will start in half an hour." He spoke. "But I would also like to have a word with you outside, if it's okay."
I nodded.
"Okay." I said with a sigh as I turned to look at my sleeping mate.
"I'll keep Ash company until he wakes up." Cheska said as she walked towards the chair next to Ash's bed.
I gave a curt nod and a small smile. "Thank you."
After successfully leaving his bedroom, Kellan and I walked into the hallway.
"You do realize you won't be able to see him for a while, right? Not until the elders give their decision." Kellan asked after we both stepped out of the door and I once again nodded my head.
"I know." I said with a sigh. "It's only fair for Connor so I'll do it."
Kellan looked at me. "Are you finally softening towards Connor?" He asked.
I scoffed. "F*ck no. I just want a fair process for the both of us, that's all."
He hummed his reply as we continued our way towards the meeting place.
"What is it about that you want to talk to me?" I asked.
"About Ash." He stated not looking my way.
"What about him?" I questioned as we stopped on our tracks and face each other.
"Just a thought that's been bugging me." He said not getting to the point.
"Yeah?" I pushed opting him to continue.
He sighed. Clearly not comfortable about the subject he's about to bring up.
"What if.... What if you and Connor shares the same mate?" He said making me raise my eyebrows at him.
I shook my head. "That's highly impossible Kellan."
"Well clearly it's not, if it happened before." He commented, immediately catching me off guard.
I quickly turned to him. "What?"
"It happened before, Arthur. And it was almost the same situation as what you guys have." He said.
"How'd you know?" I asked narrowing my gaze at him.
"I've read it on the books. Then I got curious and asked an elder about it if it's legitimate and he confirmed it, it was actually real." He admitted. "It happened way back in the 1300's. Two Alpha's claimed to be mates with this young boy and they fought hard just to find out who's the real mate. It even went to the high council because none of the two Alphas were going to give up. When the high council's elder that possesses gifts from the Moon Goddess, confirmed that two Alphas share the same mate, It was a pure shock to the werewolf world that time seeing as it never happened since. But with the confirmation that the Alphas indeed share one mate, they came to terms that they have to make it work, for their beloved. It was hard specially with the two being both an Alpha; both very dominant and possessive at that, so it took a while. But as what the book said, it eventually worked." He ranted.
I shook my head again. "Still, I doubt it."
"Arthur, it may have happened a long, long time ago but it doesn't mean it's not possible it could happen again." He stated.
I let out a slightly nervous sigh.
"Let's just leave it to the elders to decide. And if they think it's much needed that the high council had to be involved, then so be it." I told him.
When Kellan turned to walk, I followed suit.
"Where are you going?" I asked hot on his heals.
"To the meeting hall."
I frowned. "But you said the meeting will start in less than half an hour?"
"Oh, I meant the General meeting with all the pack members. The one with you and Connor is in 5 minutes." He said.
I groaned.
"Great." I replied sarcasm lacing my voice like cobra venom.
And with that, we proceeded towards the meeting hall.
But as we walked, I couldn't help but let my mind wander towards some issues that was keeping me awake at night.
Besides the fact about the issue of Connor and I sharing the same mate, I was also bothered about something else.
One of it being Connor as my mate's long term boyfriend and soon to be husband.
I just can't deny the fact that he also have a huge part in my mate's life when they have been together as a couple for almost two years. I may be an Alpha but I'm not a heartless being. I do feel Connor's pain, specially during this time. I know it's very hard for him to face all this, specially without Ash by his side. But he also have to think about my pain. The longing I've constantly dealt with for the past years. That's why I want to have a guy to guy talk with him just to clear some issues out for the sake of my mate.
I'm not doing this because Ash told me to, but I'm doing this because I feel that it's the right thing to do. Now don't get me wrong, I still have a burning hatred for Connor, but that doesn't mean I have to leave and let the issues hang around without it being resolved. I do hate him until now, but I'm just being mature and taking care of things that needed to be attended.
If talking with the guy I hate so much needed to be done to get things settled, then I will gladly do it. Especially if it's going to make Ash a little less stressed, then I will talk to Connor, man to man.
I sighed before Kellan opened the door heading inside the meeting hall.
"Right on time Alphas." An elder spoke as Kellan went towards his seat.
As I looked around the room, my eyes landed on someone highly familiar.
"Are you just gonna stand there or what?" He spat as he raised a brow at me.
I blinked.
"What the actual f*ck are you doing here?" I spat back.
He rolled his eyes and folded his arms on his chest.
"Obviously, to help your ass out." He stated in a 'duh' tone.
"Okay? But how did you get here so fast?" I questioned.
"I teleported." He replied simply with a bored expression on his face.
I almost slapped myself real hard.
Of course. How could I forget. He had all this unimaginable gifts from the Moon Goddess herself. How could I forget one of those is teleportation.
"So. Are you going to keep standing there or...." He trailed making me huff.
I walked towards the empty chairs and sat down.
"Very well. Let's begin." An elder spoke, officially starting the dreadful meeting.
Well this should be interesting. I thought to myself.
A few hours later, the meeting was bound to end. The elders decided they'll give their decisions after a deep deliberation. I'm guessing it's going to take a while seeing as they seem not to believe Delsiah's testimony. Obviously, it angered him that someone tried to defy his powers and abilities.
Even though my claims are highly believable and solid, they still considered Connor's side of the story. That is why they planned to talk about it and call us back if they finally made a decision.
"Why question when it's clear and obvious that the real mate is Arthur? And that, Connor is lying?" Delsiah asked the other elders who looked deep in thought.
"We apologize for not going with your claims Delsiah. But do consider that we also have our own judgement. And even though your testimonies are solid, we have to go through the right process." Romanus, one of Kellan's pack elders, stated with authority.
Clearly, he's higher ranked than the others, but lower than Delsiah's.
Delsiah shook his head, clearly starting to get irritated.
"No. It's bright as the sun itself that you're trying to defend your pride here and not Connor." He said as he stared at the elder intensely. "I can read minds if you haven't heard, Romanus. And right at this moment, I know you're trying to defend your pride because obviously, you're envious of my ranking. Majority of you, as well as the other elders of the other packs still can't accept that the high council has anointed me as the Rare kind seeing as I am far more gifted that most of you are. And sadly, this is not just an issue between Connor and Arthur, but between me and the other elders including all of you." He ranted in which the other elders were visibly caught off guard.
"That's utter nonsense Delsiah." Romanus uttered defensively.
"In denial at it's finest, I see." He said. "But anyway, seeing as I'm not of any importance here, might as well just leave."
As Delsiah made a move towards the door, he stopped on his tracks and turned towards the elders who are still stunned beyond belief at Delsiah's outburst.
"Oh, just a friendly reminder. Do not be surprised if one of the members of the High Council decides to contact this pack. Because unfortunately, I can see all of you here are incapable of handling such situations like this." He said causing for all the elders' eyes to go as wide as the sun.
Delsiah opened the door and began to walk out. But he was once again stopped when someone called his name.
"Delsiah." The elder with a name Romanus, called.
Delsiah turned with blank expression on his face.
"Do not involve the High council with our personal issue here." Romanus spoke, looking at Delsiah with warning.
Delsiah scoffed before his lips contorted to a smirk.
"So you are guilty that there was in fact an issue. But sorry to break it up to you Romanus, but there is no issue here anymore. I don't care and I don't give a sh*t if all elders including you, hates me so much. And I won't give a flying f*ck if all of you will treat me with disdain for all eternity. I just want this situation with Arthur and Connor to be dealt with. But like I said, seeing as all of you here are very incapable and incompetent, I figured it's much better to have the High Council finish the job instead." He finished and turned to leave.
"Have a great day y'all." Delsiah added with a wave as the door closed behind him.
I stared at the door Delsiah walked out from.
Now I have to keep a permanent note not to piss Delsiah off. I thought.
"Meeting adjourned." Elder Romanus declared.
And with that, we all started piling out of the room.
But we all halted on our feet when a voice rang in the room.
"I believe the meeting is not adjourned yet." A female voice that held so much authority and power suddenly spoke, making all of our attention turn towards her.
And upon seeing who it was, all of the elders instantly bowed their head in submission.
"Elder Sofia." Romanus greeted with his head down.
The woman with the name who I guess is Sofía, that I also presume is an elder, nodded her head at Romanus.
"Holy f*ck. It's her." Kellan whispered behind me.
I gave him a questioning look but he only looked at me and blinked.
"What do you mean it's her?" I asked.
His mouth went ajar in amazement.
"She's....She's the elder that I was talking about." He spoke still in awe.
"Who?"
"The one I told you earlier. She's the one who confirmed about the two Alphas sharing one mate." He spoke again as he looked at the Woman standing up front.
Upon realizing what Kellan was talking about, my eyes instantly went wide.
"Holy sh*t." I mumbled in disbelief.
"I can't believe I'm actually seeing an elder that still lives from way back to 1300's." Kellan breathed out excitedly. "This is amazing."
"If she's an elder since way back year 1300, then that makes her over 700 years old now." I spoke in amazement.
"That's a lot of year." Kellan commented.
"Indeed." I breathed out.
I was suddenly shoved to the side when someone stepped in.
"Oh wow that was fast." Delsiah chimed with surprise on his face.
Upon hearing his voice, Elder Sofia turned to him with a soft smile.
"Delsiah". She said in a soft manner.
"Elder Sofia." Delsiah spoke with a bow.
The elder smiled before she turned to Romanus and spoke.
"I am here after Delsiah called and told me about the current subject of the said meeting. And he also told me about the situation. That you, Romanus, as well as your fellow elder are being unprofessional of your duty." She paused before sitting down on the seat that was supposed to be for Romanus; since he's the leader of the pack's elders. "Now tell me, is it true?" She asked directly towards Romanus.
The elder didn't even try to budge where he was standing.
"If you wished to utter a lie in front of me Romanus, then I will not hesitate to worsen the punishment I am about to bestow upon you." Elder Sofia stated with her voice coated with threat.
Even without looking towards Romanus, I know he's visibly shaken by the fact a High Council member just gave him a warning.
Well, he will surely get his ass kicked if he tries to spill some lies on her.
"I.. We deeply apologize for our incompetence, Elder Sofia. We will make sure it will not happen again." Romanus said with his head down in submission to the higher ranked elder.
"Yes. Make sure this does not happen again or else punishment will be in your hands." She said before turning her attention to us. "Now, let us get to business."
With that, Delsiah went towards the seat he was seating earlier, and so did I, Kellan, Connor, and the rest of the elders.
This should be interesting.
After another hour and a half of deep argument inside the meeting hall, the issue was finally settled. Connor was found guilty of lying and false claiming the mate that was in fact isn't mated to him. He was also being declared by her honor herself, Elder Sofia, that he was born to be a Wanderer. And just like what I have suspected way before, Connor was born to be my mate's protector.
It was a weird situation with a tense atmosphere lingering in the air, but we managed to survive. For me at least. I don't know for Connor as well as the rest of the elders, especially after Elder Sofia gave them punishments.
Even with the hatred I have for Connor as well as a little offended feelings towards the elders, especially Romanus, I still wish them well.
Now, I'm back inside Ash's room where I left him earlier.
"Arthur?" A soft, angelic voice rang up in my ears like baby's lullaby.
I turned my head to my mate with a soft smile gazing my lips.
"Hmmm?" I hummed as I stared at him in the eyes causing his cheeks to turn a cute shade of red.
"Uhm, W-What will happen to Connor now? Will he... will he be okay?" He asked voicing his worries out, and it's completely understandable why he's worried.
"I'm not really sure, Ash. But from the looks of it, His Alpha and elders will give him punishment for what he did."
He frowned at the mention of the said word.
"Punishment? Like..... Like what?" He asked again with his face contorting into sadness.
I hesitated for a sec whether I tell him or not. I don't want to worry him more than he already is. So as much as possible, I want to leave him out of the current issue.
"It's okay Arthur. I'm fine. I can handle it." He said. "I guess." He added lowly under his breath but I was still able to catch it.
I sighed.
"Well, he's a Beta, which is second in command next to an Alpha, so my guess, if I'm not mistaken, they will take that title from him." I admitted in which Ash nodded his head.
"Oh." He said while looking down to his feet. "Is it because of me that they're punishing him?" He asked with sadness in his voice.
I frowned as I sent his way a sad look.
"No baby. It's never your fault. He was the one who made the act of claiming you as his own mate and he also lied to his pack about him being a wanderer. So don't ever think you have a fault in this because you don't. It's his actions, not yours, okay?" I told him softly as I held his soft cheeks. "Remember that." I whispered while kissing his forehead.
He sighed. Still not looking up to meet my eyes.
"But still, I feel like it's also my fault that he's....." He started but I cut him off as I placed a finger on his lips.
"Shhh. It's not your fault okay? It's not your fault." I told him as he looked up at me with teary eyes.
He nodded. "But are there more punishments that the Alpha and elders going to give him? Because I feel like there are more." He said fearfully.
I sighed knowing he's too smart not to figure out that they might be more punishments for Connor. "There is. Well uh, as far as I know at the moment, they will also banish him from this pack."
"What?" He exclaimed. "B-But that's too much." He exclaimed as tears started to well up in his beautiful eyes, before one by one, slowly cascaded down his soft cheeks.
"I know baby." I soothed as I engulfed him into a hug. "But that's what the elders and the Alpha have decided. There's nothing we can do about it." I told him apologetically.
He suddenly let out a silent sob on my chest.
"Then h-how can we change their mind i-if we don't do something?" He said as he tried to restrain himself from crying further.
He looked up at me with pleading eyes before he pulled away from the hug.
"Arthur, we have to help him." He said in plead.
I cupped his left cheek as I gave his forehead a comforting kiss.
I shook my head slowly. "I'm afraid there's nothing I can do, Ash."
His lips quivered as more and more tears fell from his eyes, and it hurts me seeing him hurting.
"Why n-not?" He asked through broken sobs.
I pulled him into me as I tried to rub his back to sooth him a little bit.
"It's not my pack to decide, baby. It's the Alpha as well as the elders who gave him the punishment." I reasoned out.
"He doesn't deserve any of those punishments." He cried. "They have to at least reconsider and give him another chance. They can't just do this to him."
He then looked up at me with his eyes now turning puffy from crying.
"He is still my boyfriend, Arthur; my soon to be husband. And even if I'm not his mate, I did fell for him and I do love him. I can't just let this happen because of the fact that he claimed me as his and he lied to his pack. Those punishments are way too much and he doesn't deserve any of it."
And that right there, stung like a b*tch.
It took everything in me not to cry right then and there. And it took every fiber in me to conceal the semi rejection that he just did.
"Is that your way of choosing him over me?" I stated as I held the hurt from coming out of my voice.
"No. That's not what I mean Arthur, you know that." He said looking away from me. "Yes I do love him, but can you blame me? He was my boyfriend an hour ago and he still is. You can't just expect me to get rid of my feelings for him in that amount of time. He's my boyfriend for almost two years and he was suppose to be my future husband so you can't just go telling me that I chose him over you." He argued.
Even though I was fully aware that he was right, it still f*cking hurts.
I sighed, getting a hold of my own emotions before it gets the better of me.
"I understand." I spoke, still feeling that pang of hurt in my chest from what he said earlier.
"It will take me time to adjust from all of this, Arthur. All I'm asking is for you to allow me to have the time that I need." He said. Still not meeting my gaze.
I nodded my head as I stared at the side of his face.
"I will. All the time that you need, I'll give it to you." I stated.
He sighed as he wiped the remaining tears on his cheeks before he nodded his head. He turned and meet his gaze with mine as he gave me his grateful smile, that somehow lessen the pain aching in my chest.
I know it may be delusional of me to think that he's over his feelings for Connor when in reality, he's not. He was his boyfriend; fiancé even, and was about to step into marriage sometime soon, but he can't blame me for having such way of thinking. I've been through so much during the course of my time searching for him; my mate, and I've also been in so much pain. But obviously, Ash doesn't know any of the things I've been through, and I don't intend on telling him anytime soon, maybe at some point where things are finally being settled down. But for now, I'll give him what he ask, time.
"Thank you." Ash spoke with a small smile.
I stepped closer to him. Slowly minimizing the gap between us until he was only a mere inches away from me. I took his hand into mine and gave it a firm and reassuring squeeze as I stared into his mesmerizing eyes.
"Just know that I will do anything for you, Ash." I whispered as our faces grew closer by the second.
I don't intend on kissing him just yet because I do feel like he's not ready for it. As what he have said, he's still trying to adjust into all of this and I understand how overwhelming it must have been for him. So as much as possible, I want to make things easier for him to the best of my ability.
He nodded once again.
"I would like to start by talking to Connor, if it's fine." He softly asked.
I gave him a smile before I responded back.
"If that's what you want."
He smiled warmly before launching himself towards me.
"Thank you Arthur." He whispered into my neck and I couldn't contain the smile from showing on my face.
I know everything will be a slow process, but I'm willing to go through it all if it's for Ash. I've managed to endure all those years trying to find him, and now that he's finally here in my arms, I'm sure giving him the time he needs to adjust won't be too hard.
Honestly, I'm actually quite impressed at how he's been doing since the big revelation. Even though he passed out after I fully showed myself to him, he still manage to take everything in; though not as smoothly. But I already expected something worse for a reaction, so after seeing how he reacted after I revealed myself, I was glad it wasn't as bad as I expected.
"Is it okay if I go talk to him right now?" He asked, still latched into me. Though I'm no near complaining.
I hummed. "It's fine by me." I spoke as I slowly placed him back down to his feet, making sure he have his balance.
He once again smiled at me before he stood on his tiptoes and gave my stubbled cheek a little kiss.
And with that, he turned on his heals and made his way to the door.
Connor's POV
Even though I knew I was fighting a loosing battle, I still tried. I didn't expect that everything that I'm afraid will happen, would actually happen. Now, I have to face the price that I've paid for lying and claiming Arthur's mate as mine. But then again, I feel like everything was all worth it specially when I have the most memorable times with Ash. I had the happiest one and a half year of my life because Ash was there to make every second of it perfect. I was the happiest person to ever walk on this earth during the time when Ash was still mine. However, it all had to end. And now I have to face the consequences of it all like a grown up.
I know it will be hard; difficult even, but knowing what I had done made me happy for the past year, I know I can endure all of it like it was nothing. Those punishments are a piece of cake specially with Ash's face swimming in my thoughts as a distraction. He's the only person that made my life brighter. He's the only person that I love truly and deeply, and till this very moment, I still love him so badly and I know it will never change. Ash is my life's little sunshine, and he will always be.
Ash is the only person that keeps me going.
Ash is my strength.
He's my everything.
Now that I fully accept myself being a wanderer, I thought it would be hell for me. But then I figured that it won't be so bad at all after the elders told me that Ash was the person I was meant to protect. I was relieved at the same time ecstatic that he's the one my life was given purpose to. He's the one I'm suppose to protect with all I have and with my life, and I'm no near complaining at that. Ash is everything to me and I'd do anything even if it cost my life just to keep him safe. After all, that's my soul purpose in this world, right? Safeguard the person you're destined to protect. And knowing that it's the love of my life I'm going to safeguard, made everything a lot better.
Now, after things turned out for the worst for me, I decided maybe it's best to be with myself for now, and just think about all the things that Ash and I had shared in the past year and a half that we've been together.
Those are the memories I'll treasure forever till my very last breath.
Recalling the happy days we've had together as a couple only made me feel depressed than I already am. It was torture thinking about it especially when just an hour ago, Ash was still my soon to be husband. And now everything made a complete one hundred eighty and turned out to this. Although it sucks badly, I can't blame anyone of my own doing except me. I made the decision to leave and search for my mate even though I know in myself that I'm not destined to have one. I believed in my own fantasies that I'm going to be happy living my life with my other half. I also believed in all the lies that I told myself ever since I found out what I am. And now the outcome was a huge b*tch ass slap in the face and I didn't do anything to stop it knowing fully well that it will surely happen.
The stupidity of what I did was just beyond anyone can think of. I mean, convincing yourself of something that was obviously a lie was stupid in itself. What more when I went as far as claiming someone's mate as mine?
For sure I'll get an award for the most stupid human half wolf ever that even the Moon Goddess herself will agree.
"Connor?" A voice followed by a knock on the door interrupted my depressing train of thoughts.
"Yeah." I responded vaguely.
"Can I come in?" The voice spoke once again and there I realized who it was. Alpha Kellan.
"Of course Alpha." I responded back and he slowly opened the door and stepped in walking towards me.
"I'm really sorry about what the elders have decided, Connor. I was against the idea of banishing you out of the pack but sometimes when it comes to this kind of circumstances, the elders will be obeyed. Specially when you.....you lied to all of us." He said as he stood in front of me while I remained seated on my chair next to the window.
"It's not your fault, Alpha. You did what you can do and I appreciate your effort in stopping them from making that decision. But maybe they're right? Maybe it's best if I do leave."
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"I've caused too much trouble and chaos in this pack for you to keep me here. So maybe with me leaving the pack won't be as bad as you think it would."
"I understand where you're coming from Connor, but I hope you'll reconsider the fact that you also made a lot of achievements as my Beta. Not just from you being the second in command but from you being a good warrior and protector of the pack, and you can't just ignore that." He said and I nodded understanding what he meant.
"I am well aware of that, Alpha. But maybe it's a good thing that they wanted to get rid of me though, knowing that it was Ash I'm going to protect."
"Well maybe it is. But are you really going to give up everything?" He asked as he sat on the edge of the bed facing me.
"For Ash? I am." I replied without a second thought.
He then gave me a sad smile.
"You love him so much, huh?"
"I do. More than my life." I trailed off staring out the window.
He sighed. "You know, it was a huge mystery for all of us, especially for the elders that you fell for your soul purpose that deeply." He stated with his eyes showing off a look of curiosity.
"What do you mean?" I asked as I perked up to what he had said.
He sighed again. "Nothing. It's stupid and beyond impossible anyway so it's not worth the talk." He admitted as he shook his head. "So have you made a decision? Because if you want to stay, there is a high chance that I can convince the elders to change their mind." He added a question and I nodded.
"Yes Alpha. I did." I paused and turned my gaze to him. "I'm leaving."
He nodded his head in understanding. "I respect that. But don't be a stranger and come visit us, okay?"
"But you know I can't do tha....." I started but he quickly cut me off.
"Don't worry about the elders. The least they could do for making that decision is to let you come visit us every now and then whenever you want to. Besides, your family are all here, so they can't hinder you from coming back to see them every once in a while." He reasoned out effectively shutting me up on my seat.
"Kellan, you know what banish means, right? The word in itself tells me I can't come back." I said confused.
"I know that. But as the Alpha, I can make some adjustments too, you know." He said a bit cockily.
I chuckled short. "Yeah right. But the elders surely won't let you do that."
"We'll see." Is his only reply.
"Don't give me false hope, Kellan." I admitted turning my gaze back out to the window.
"I'm telling you the truth, Connor. The elders won't have a say about this." He reassured.
"And how can you be so sure?"
"I just know." He replied unfazed.
"Okay. But I still don't believe you though." I told him as I shake my head at my friend's idea.
"Sure. Just don't be surprised if I gave you a call one day telling you that you can come and give us a visit."
"What ever, asshole." I replied playfully.
"Shut up d*ck head." He retorted back playfully as well.
"Yeah, I suck d*cks for breakfast just for you to know."
He laughed heartily.
"Damn. I don't even have a comeback for that." He said with a chuckle.
"That just proves that you're still my friend 'the loser'." I teased also with a chuckle.
"And you're a dork. A hopeless romantic, d*ck sucking dork." He teased back and I let out a laugh.
"Should I be offended?" I asked grinning.
"For what? For calling you a d*ck sucker?"
"Nope. For calling me a dork." I replied and we both laugh in chorus.
"You're so f*cking impossible." He said as he continued to laugh.
"I know. But I'm still your friend though."
"And that right there is my biggest mistake." He laughed.
"Ha! Totally." And we continued laughing like there wasn't any problems in the world.
After I had a fun talk with the Alpha, I decided to go look for Arthur so I can have a serious talk with him.
I'm sure he knew that I'm Ash's protector. And hopefully he'll let me be around Ash so I can do my duty and watch over him even if he's there completely able to take care of his mate. I also hope he doesn't take our rivalry into an even more complicated situation just because I'm his mate's soul protector.
I know he hates me with a burning passion but for the sake of Ash's safety, I hope we can keep it on the down low. I don't want any more drama between me and Arthur just because I know it will also affect Ash in so many ways. I don't want to cause any more troubles to Ash when I know I already have before. I just want to be there by his side and be the destined protector that the Moon Goddess have given task to me. I know it's not easy to accept for Arthur, but for the sake of his mate, I hope he'll learn day by day.
As I walked around the pack house, I noticed most of the pack members giving me this looks. The sympathetic, pity, disappointed and judgemental looks plastered on their faces. And as much as I don't want to say it but, It freaking stings. Seeing some of your friends sending a look of pure disappointment your way would surely make you feel a worthless piece of sh*t. What's worse to that is, they were one of my closest friends before they found out about what I did. The only ones who didn't even spare, not even one malicious, or hurtful look my way was my own family. They were disappointed finding out about it, yes, but those things that I did weren't going to make them turn their backs on me. And I'm very thankful that they did stayed by my side.
The last thing I wanted is my family hating on me and disowning me from the stupid things that I have done. If ever that happened, I don't know what would have become of myself.
Deciding to just ignore the looks the pack members are throwing my way, I continued my search for Arthur or Ash.
A few minutes later, I was halted on my feet when someone called my name. And that someone happens to be the one and only love of my life.
I turned around to face the most beautiful being I've ever laid my eyes on, and gave him a warm loving smile.
"Hey." I spoke first, seeing as he's somehow got lost in his thoughts.
After he registered my voice, he quickly shook his head and smiled at me; though it didn't really reached his eyes like the one I was grown used to.
"Hey." He breathed out.
I looked around before returning my gaze to Ash.
"What are you doing here walking in the hallways? Where's Arthur?" I asked surprised, seeing as Arthur let him out his sight for even just a minute.
Ash then started fumbling with his fingers before he answered.
"I uhm... I told him I wanted to talk to you." He said barely above a whisper.
I frowned a little.
"And he let you?" I questioned which Ash nodded, confirming it without saying a word.
With a smile, I kept my gaze locked to Ash.
"What do you want to talk about?" I asked softly.
Ash opened his mouth but wasn't able to voice out whatever he have in mind.
"Uhm.....I-I wanted to talk to you a-about.... us." He stuttered as a cute red tint quickly covered his cheeks.
And right at that point, I already know where our conversation will take us, closure for him but more heartaches for me.
But like I said before, if it's for Ash, I will endure anything.
"Would you like to talk somewhere private?" I suggested and he quickly nodded his head. Finally feeling everyone's looks towards him. It wasn't one of hatred nor of judgement, but one that I would say a look of curiosity. Most of the pack members doesn't really have any idea what was truly going on, they were merely feeding on rumors, so I bet all of them are hungry for some information.
"Is the garden fine for you? Most of the pack members aren't really allowed in there seeing as the garden is home to some rare flowers, so I thought it would be a perfect place to have some privacy." I suggested once again.
He nodded. "The garden sounds fine."
And with that, we made our way there.
After we entered the door leading inside the magnificent garden, Ash took his time admiring his surrounding as he drown himself with the beauty of each plant residing inside the transparent garden house.
"This place looks so beautiful." He breathed out with his eyes still roaming around.
"It is." I replied. "Luna Cheska loves flowers so much that's why the Alpha decided to build this garden house for her." I stated.
"That's really generous of the Alpha." He spoke.
"He will do anything for his mate." I paused as he turned to look at me. "The same as I'd do anything for you." I admitted as I stared deep into his eyes that I love so much.
"Connor." He started. But even without him saying it, I already know.
"I know Ash. But it's not going to change. Even when we're no longer together, I will still do anything for you."
Ash looked down, suddenly avoiding my gaze.
"It's crazy how everything changed in that short amount of time. I remember quite well, you were this mysterious looking guy when we, I, met you back in the Philippines. You were the one who would always make Ja......" He suddenly paused, looking like he's dreading to speak the name. "....make him feel so uncomfortable." He finished. "You were the one who rescued me from my own self when I broke down. And just a few hours ago, you were still my boyfriend. But now.... now we've come to this." He stated, now lost in his thoughts. "You were suppose to be the one I'm going to get married and build a family. The one I'll get to spend my life and grow old with. But I guess destiny has other plans." He paused as he finally looked up at me, now sporting a teary eyes. "I really thought we were meant for each other, Connor. I really do. But after all these, from me finding out about your kind, to finding out I was destined to be with someone else and not you, I didn't know what to feel anymore." He said as tears streamed down his face.
I held his face as I tried to wipe the tears away.
"It's okay Ash. I know the Moon Goddess have a lot of great things reserved for you. For the both of us. And I know things happen for a reason and this, this is surely a part of it." I told him as I stared into his eyes. Not even bothering that I was also crying myself. "Just know that even though you're no longer mine, I will always love you, even till my death."