Choosing Mr. Destiny - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Arthur's POV
Today's the day Benny goes back to Cali. But before she leaves, I made sure we get to spend some time together with the family and also her close friends. Knowing she won't be back again any time soon.
After she finished her project 2 days ago, we've been hanging out nonstop. We've done working out in the Gym together, we went to the lake inside the pack lands, I went shopping with her even though it bored me to death, and most importantly, Benny, my Family and I had a small and simple gathering before her departure.
If I'm being really honest, I can truly say that the pack, my family, and I, had a great time in the two weeks that Benny stayed here. I had the time that I need away from my office as I drown myself with too much work load. And even though it's only a temporary happiness, I still manage to enjoy it while it lasted. She also did a great job in making me forget about the longing feeling I had for my mate, in which I give her all the credit. She did all she can do to distract me from sending my thoughts towards my mate and I was happy that she did it in the past two weeks that she stayed.
Benny is my life saver. If she didn't choose this town for her project then I would still be in my office doing pack duties and paperwork. If it wasn't for her efforts of at least giving me a time off from all the responsibilities in my shoulders then I would still be the Alpha that mops in his room wondering when his mate will finally come. And if it wasn't for Bethany, I would have lost my mind. Even with the tiny drama that happened during the course of her stay. I must say it was still fun and memorable, as well as relaxing for all of us, even the pack.
I know saying thank you isn't enough for what she did for me and the people I cared for. Because what she can't be expressed beyond words. She did something that no one else can do, other than my mate. And that is to save me from complete insanity. I will be forever grateful for what she had done. Bethany "Benny" Lane Trevino, you're not just my baby sister but my one true angel. You're a heaven sent and I thank the Moon Goddess for giving me the best sister I could ever have.
Just think about it. If she never came, I would still be the moping Alpha locked inside my office doing nothing but pack duties and paperwork. And then I would also be trapped inside my own head as I keep thinking about my mate.
The stress and the longing. That's few of the things that are eating me alive everyday. But the longing was the strongest emotion out of the rest. And Benny saved me from drowning from all of it.
Longing for my mate. Anyone who haven't found their other half would understand the feeling.
The feeling of total loneliness.
I always hate it when every morning I wake up excited that I'll get to see my mate's beautiful sleeping form laying peacefully next to me. And I always hate it when I end up seeing was an empty space waiting to be filled. It also hurts and disappointing when I thought the dream I had that night was real.
I would often wake up in the middle of the night because I was dreaming about my mate calling my name.
I even Shouted "babe I'm home" one time thinking my mate was there to greet me after I entered my apartment door after I finished training the pack warriors.
And most of the time, I would imagine cuddling with my mate in my bed. I would imagine my mate surrounded with my pups. I would imagine that we were watching a movie with my mate close to my chest, then our pups would suddenly burst into our bedroom and join us watch a movie. I even imagined my mate laughing, giggling, and smiling brightly when he's taking care of the pups.
I've been longing for my mate so bad that I even had baby names ready in my laptop.
Silly right? I know, and I had it bad.
But in all honesty, that's what happens when you want to have your mate so badly that you do silly things without even realizing it. You would think that your imaginations were real but once you realize that they weren't, you become more depressed.
But for two weeks, Benny made me forget all the worries, imaginations, fantasies, and longing. She made me forget about my depression for not having my mate, and made me happy even for a short period of time. Although that happiness was only temporary, I still appreciate all her efforts in cheering me up and I can never be more thankful.
It warmed my heart that my little sister made all those effort for me.
Knowing that she cared about me so much, brought me so much happiness.
But like I said, Everything was just a temporary getaway. Right after she departs, everything would be back to the way they were before, especially me.
Now, I am standing here watching Benny pack her things and putting it back into her Duffle bag. She looked at me then gave me a smile, but it never reaches her beautiful hazel eyes.
I smiled back and leaned my shoulder on the door frame.
She stood up straight and looked at me dead serious in the eyes.
"Now that I'm going back to Cali, I don't want you moping around because of your mate again." She said sternly as she stared at me.
I nodded with my lips forming a thin line.
"I'll try. But no promises, Benny." I replied with a forced smile.
She sighed as she made her way towards me. "Come on Arty, you know your mate will come. It's just a matter of time and you're already losing hope. I know you and Zion are stronger than this. I know you and your wolf are strong enough to pass all these struggles you're facing." She paused. "Listen, and I want you to put this inside that thick head of yours." She said in which I replied with a nod of my head.
"7 billion people are living around the world and you think your mate is not one of them. Your mate may be somewhere in the other side of the world and who knows maybe they're in the same country we're living. I know and I completely understand that it's hard and I also get that you are struggling, but just don't lose hope, okay? You're mate will be here, I am very sure of it." Benny said seriously then she gave me her genuine smile.
I smiled back at her a bit taken aback about what she had said.
I nodded then sighed heavily, knowing that her words were right. "Yeah I guess you're right. 7 billion people are living all around the globe, and I'm already losing hope. But I can't deny the fact that there will always be this nagging feeling telling me 'what if my mate was not one of them? What if he won't come? What if..." I said but before I was able to finish my sentence, Benny cut me off.
"Arthur, if you keep having those kinds of thoughts, those will always be the main reason why you'll lose hope. You let all this negativity get into you. Those 'what ifs'. Can't you be positive for once? Those 'what ifs' are the words that will keep on pulling you down. Those two words will only give you heartache and sadness. Just think about your mate, what would he or she feel about what you're saying right now? I bet your mate will feel saddened about the fact you're already loosing faith. You may not realize it, but with you acting up and thinking like this, you're already ending something beautiful that hasn't even started yet. You're still 21, Arthur. You're young and capable, So just have hope and don't give up. Things will work out the way it's suppose to be. Just give it time. The only thing you can do for now is have faith. Hold tight on it and don't ever let go." She ranted in which all I did was nod my head as I sink all her words in.
"Besides, you are an Alpha. It's in your instinct to keep going. You shouldn't be acting like a weakling Arthur. It's not in our nature. You're strong and you are born to lead. Though honestly speaking, what you're showing everyone right now is nothing but pure weakness. You are an Alpha, you're sitting as the Pack's leader, and you have the Alpha blood running through your veins Arthur. So better act like one." She said bluntly while watching me very seriously, and my ears perked up at her words.
Though it kind of disrespected me that she's somewhat calling me a weakling, I can't shrug off the fact that she's right in so many levels.
With a frown, I tried to restrain my wolf instincts at her obvious disrespect. I didn't want to snap at her especially when I know she's just trying to help me.
I gritted my teeth as I held Zion back.
Between me and my wolf, he's the one who is way more hot tempered than I am.
So I'm not surprised if he reacted that way.
When I didn't utter a word, Benny held my hand that was curled into fist as she looked up at me.
"If you don't like to be called a weakling then don't act like one." She said a little gentle this time. "I didn't mean to be a b*tch but it's the hard truth. If you keep this up, people will think of you as weak, no matter how disrespectful it is." She said.
"You think you're doing great in hiding your true emotions from the pack and from everyone, but you're not. Everyone knows Arthur. Everyone in this god damn place knows something is up with you. Everyone knows that you're hurting and depressed that you didn't even realize you're pushing everyone away. Everyone cares about you Arthur. Not just because you're our Alpha but because you are important to all of us. I know you're doing your best to get through all of this, and I can see that you're trying. But don't push anyone that tries to help you, because we are a family here. No matter the ranking, we will care for each other. They're hurting too, Arthur. I know cause I also feel it. It hurts to see our Alpha, our leader having to go through this because we all care about you. And if you keep up with this moping and being depressed, then you will surely go even weaker. The pack depends on you Arthur, our pack depends on you. So if I did disrespected your title then I am very sorry." She said her face full of different emotions. Anger, fear, sadness and worry.
I stared at her pointedly for a few seconds then sighed, because I know that what she said was true.
She may be the Youngest but she can lecture me like Mom does, so I am not really that surprised.
I chuckled. Benny looked at me briefly with a confused expression.
"Are you sure you're the youngest? Because I swear you sounded a lot like mom just now." I said with a smile to clear the tension that has built up.
She grinned before she nodded her head.
"Yeah, I guess so." She replied feeling proud.
I chuckled.
I shook my head with a loud sigh. "I'm really sorry Benny. I know I can do better. It's just that, it's really hard. Sometimes it's no longer in my control of how my thoughts work. My mind just go right to the thought of my mate even though I'm against it. I'm trying but I know it's not enough." I stated.
She gave me a sad smile. "And I am proud of you for trying. I know having a battle with yourself is never easy, so I give you a big salute for that. But Arthur, don't ever lose hope. Just keep on trying but never ever give up." She said in which I nodded.
"I will." I replied.
She smiled. "Good." She said before she wrapped her arms around me.
I hugged her back as I gave her head a kiss.
"If you ever feel like giving up, don't ever hesitate on asking for help, especially to Mom and Dad. They will always give you a helping hand no matter what. And don't forget about us your siblings, your friends, and the pack. We will always be here for you." She said still not breaking away from the hug.
I nodded as a smile gazed my lips.
"I will." I whispered as I gave her head another kiss. "Thank you Benny." I mumbled.
She pulled away slightly to look at me in the eyes.
"What are you thanking me for?" She asked with confused face.
I smiled at her. "Well, other than you calling me a weakling..." I teased making her roll her eyes at me. "I still want to thank you for making me realize that I shouldn't give up easily, and that, I should stay positive." I continued.
"You're welcome!" She beamed. "But yeah, I'm still very sorry for being too blunt. You know me, I don't have any restraints when it comes to my words." She added with an apologetic smile.
I shook my head at her. "It's all good now Benny. Plus, you succeeded in putting some sense inside my head so no worries."
She giggled then winked at me playfully.
I furrowed my brows. "What are you giggling for?" I asked
"Nothing. I just realized that you will surely be a whiped Alpha once your mate gets here." She said teasingly and playfully which cause for me to give her a pointed look. "And I bet he'll be wearing 'The pants' in the relationship." She said with a giggle.
My jaw dropped after hearing what Benny just said.
"Woah! I'm the Alpha which means I'll be wearing the pants in this relationship." I said with my head held high.
She scoffed. "We'll see about that."
She grinned evilly at me and I just glared at her.
I stood there as I watch her smile widens wickedly and I quickly planned my sweet revenge. When an Idea came to mind, I smirked at her evilly and she dropped her grinning face and looked at me suspiciously.
"We'll also see if you can handle this." I said before I grabbed her by her waist and began tickling her for my revenge.
She screamed loudly and tried to escape from my hold but failed. She dropped to the floor while still laughing hysterically due to my tickling. I didn't stop though, I'm still not done with my revenge on her so I continued. I tickled her on her armpits, her waist, and her neck, where she's ticklish the most.
"Wahhhh! Ar-artyyy! Sto-opp! Noo... ahhh! A-arthur... hahahaha no stop...ah! No t-that tickles, no!... Wahh, s-stop! Mommy!" She screamed while still laughing and I continued my revenge on her with tickles. She deserved it for making me pissed.
"Oh so you're calling Mommy now huh?" I said without stopping from raining her with tickles.
"Ahhhhhhh!... Hahahaha, s-stop A-Arthur... hahaha I-I'm g-g-gonna peeeeeeeee...hahahaha! I w-was just k-kidding on w-w-what...hahaha! I said. Please.. wahhh! S-stop. Artyyy!..Hahaha Mommy, d-daddy helppppp!." She screamed loudly and I chuckled at her helpless calls.
"Mommy and Daddy are downstairs and they won't rescue you this time. Hahaha." I said then I laughed evilly.
"I-I'm g-g-g-going too...hahahaha. p-p-pee in my... ahhhhhhhhh! Hahaha! Pants A-Arthur please s-stop... ahhhh! No!... Hahaha." She said in between laughter that I can see some drool splattered on her chin and lower lip. And I saw tears in her eyes due to excessive laughing.
Then I heard the door of my apartment open.
"Stop tickling your sister Arthur Jones Trevino. You two are not kids anymore." Mom said with Dad next to her.
"Mommyyyy, Daddyyy!" Benny shouted dramatically like a little girl asking for help.
"Listen to your mother, Arthur." Dad ordered. I stopped raining tickles on Benny and stood up. I held my hand to Benny who's still on the floor while breathing unevenly but still giggling.
She took it and I pulled her up to her feet. She fixed herself up and wiped the drool on her chin and lower lip, then she wiped the tears in her eyes.
"Arthur here won't stop tickling me and now I feel like I just peed in my jeans, so thank you for that Arthur." She said sarcastically.
"You are most welcome Ms. Bethany Trevino." I replied with a wink as I bowed my head for better effect.
"Whatever wierdo." She rolled her eyes before she walked back towards her things and continued on packing once again.
"Is there anything else you have to do before you leave, hon?" Mom asked with her soothing motherly voice.
"Uhm, nothing really. I have everything I need for my project ready so I am sure I'm all good." Benny responded.
When she had her shoes back inside her duffle bag, Dad spoke.
"When will you visit again?" Dad asked.
Benny halted and turned her attention towards us. "I'm not really sure Dad. With a lot of things going on in school and exams coming, my schedules will be full. I'll try my best but I can't promise you if I can visit anytime soon. I'm thinking maybe after the exams are over then I'll come back for a real vacation, though I'm still not so sure about that yet. But like I said, I'll try." She stated as she looked at us.
She smiled before she walked towards our parents who looked like they're about to cry, specially mom.
Benny noticed their faces and she frowned.
"Mom, Dad. Even with the desire for me to come here for a vacation, I can't. With all this things still going on I don't even know if I can still hang out with my friends. I hope you guys understand." She said apologetically to my parents.
"We do understand, dear. It's just that, we can't help ourselves for missing you already." Mom said with watery eyes.
"Your Mom's right, Bethany. It's been a whole year that you've been away from us and we only see each other using skype. Us being your parents can't help but miss you so much." Dad said sadly while still holding Mom on her waist.
"I just hope you can come here for christmas, dear." Mom said with tears starting to fall from her eyes.
"Like I said Mom, I can't promise you anything. But I will do my best to be here this christmas and spend it with you guys." She said while wiping the tears from Mom's cheeks.
Mom and Dad nodded their heads in understanding while I just stood their watching them talk.
"We understand, Benny." Mom responded with a small smile while Dad only nodded.
"Thank you." Benny said then she hugged them both with a sad face.
"No need to thank us Benny. We're the one who should thank you for coming here and surprising us all." Dad replied.
Benny pulled away from the hug and gave them her sweet genuine smile.
"It was a fun two weeks though, and I enjoyed it very much." She replied with a big smile.
My parents and I nodded in aggreement before I walked towards her and gave her a hug. She hugged me back just as tightly as mine as she hid her face in the crook of my neck and felt her smile. I smiled back in return even though Benny couldn't see it. Soon, my parents joined the group hug.
We only pulled away when Benny mumbled she can no longer breath and that she can smell my armpits.
"Put some deodorant on, Arthur. Your armpit stinks so bad that I feel like my lungs are burning." She said playfully as she covered her nose.
I took a whiff on my armpits to know if what Benny said was true.
"I can't smell anything though, so you must be lying." I said defensively.
My parents laughed before they told us that they'll wait downstairs.
"But for real Arthur, please do put some deodorant." Mom said playing along as they headed out of my apartment with Dad closing the door behind them.
"Told you!" Benny said with a cheeky grin.
I frowned. "How come I can't smell anything?"
Benny giggled. "Maybe your senses malfunctioned."
I glared at her playfully. "Smell it again, then. Maybe yours is malfunctioning and not mine. Now come here." I said while motioning her to come close to me.
"Hell to the No, Arthur. Your armpits can kill any living thing with how bad it smelled, then you want me to sniff it? No freaking way. I am one hundred percent sure I saw a fly died just now." She said in exageration while searching the goddamn floor for the freaking fly.
I narrowed my eyes at her but she only gave me a cheeky smile after she looked up. Then she once again dramatically covered her nose to emphasize how bad my armpit smells.
"You're exagerating, Benny. I just had a shower and I am sure I don't smell bad or weird." I said with a raised brow while wearing an unimpressed expression on my face.
"Well, then you obviously needed another shower again because you stinks, I'm not even joking." She said with a playful grin as she wiggled her eyebrows teasingly.
"Whatever. Maybe you have mistaken the scent of my masculinity as something else." I said while making my way to my bedroom.
"Yeah right." She stated as she watched me walk out.
"Hey where ya' goin' brotha?" She shouted with a horrible accent from her room.
"None of your business, wierdo." I shouted back.
"Oh are ya' gonna have anotha showa?"
I fought the urge to groan right then and there.
"Stop the accent Bethany." I called out. "It's not pleasant to hear. And besides, I already took a shower earlier so I'll probably just jerk off since I haven't done it for a while. Gotta get this milk out sometimes too, you know." I stated casually as I proceeded to my bedroom.
"What the hell, Arthur! I don't need to know that." She shouted dramatically. "God. Guys and their junks." She added and I smirked.
Shaking my head at my sister's wierd behavior, I made my way towards my bed. She still does act like a toddler, and even though she's already old enough to be acting like one, she still looked adorable. Then a wicked Idea came into my mind. I kept the door of my bedroom slightly open so she can hear me what I was planning to do.
I sat on my bed then fake a moan, groans and sexual noise as if I was really jerking myself off.
"Ohhh yes! Baby that's it! Ahhh that feels so good." I moaned and groaned a bit too loud for better effects.
"ARTHUR! NO PLAYING WITH THAT JUNK OF YOURS WHEN I'M IN THE FREAKING ROOM!" She shouted before I heard loud footsteps. "That's it, I'm out." She said as she banged the door close.
"Men and their pet." She yelled from outside my apartment causing for me to finally loose it.
I burst out laughing at her reaction as I drooped into my back and clutched my stomach.
That was f**king hilarious.
I stood up from my bed still chuckling and ran out of my bedroom then out my apartment to catch up with Benny who's currently waiting for the Elevator door to open.
She was frowning and she had her arms crossed on her chest.
I burst out laughing again when I saw her face.
I was laughing so hard that I had to lean on the wall to keep myself upright as Benny watched me with a death glare.
After I calmed down a little bit, I followed her inside the elevator.
"Sorry about that sis! Can't help the urges, you know." I said while trying not to laugh at her reaction again.
She turned to me and gave me a disgusted face before she glared daggers towards me.
"Nope. I did not want to know that." She said dismissively as she looked at me with a frown. "The next time I'm visiting, I'm staying somewhere else." She added with a huff.
Since she gave permission to let someone use her room, now she doesn't have any place to stay when she comes to visit.
"That's fine with me, I can have my apartment all to myself and have my sexy time when I want." I chuckled as she turned to me again and gaped.
"I swear Arthur, if I hear one more time about you playing with your stick, I'm gonna crack your sorry balls." She threatened as she gave me a stern look the same as Mom does.
"What? I'm just being honest." I defended with a smirk on my face.
"Well too much honesty Arthur, too much honesty." She shuddered as she walked out of the elevator after it opened. I grabbed her duffle bag as she began walking towards the Huge living room.
Mom and Dad saw us first and motioned us to come over. We walked towards the couches and sat. Nathan and Jenny looked up after we sat down and gave us their bright smiles.
"So, you really are leaving, huh?" Nathan asked Benny with a neutral look on his face. Obviously, he's sad. He's just trying to mask it.
Benny nodded her head "yes" at Nathan's question.
"Sad to say but yeah, I am. But I'll be back soon before you know it." She said. "So no more sad faces you guys. It's going to make me cry and wouldn't want to leave." Benny said with a pout and a defeated expression on her face.
"She's right, Maybe in less than a year she'll be back. Who knows, maybe even earlier than that." I told them to lighten up their mood.
They nodded their heads understandingly at what I had said.
"But even less than a year sounds too long for me." Nathan whined like a kid.
"Shut up, Nathan. You're not helping." Jenny scolded. Nathan pouted exageratingly.
"Okay that's enough before everyone burst out crying." Dad stepped in. "Now that it's settled, rid those sad faces and hug your sister so she can go to the airport early." Dad commanded them. Mom stood up first then Nate and Jenny with Jasmine in her arms.
"But we're all going to the airport, right? So maybe we should save the hugging and crying moments when we get there." Nate said with furrowed brows.
Benny gasped. "Hey, you don't want to hug me?" She said with a pout.
Nate rolled his eyes. "No it's not that, it's just......oh, nevermind." He said. Then Mom stepped in first as she opened her arms waiting for Benny to hug her.
"Promise you'll be careful out there, okay. I don't want you getting hurt or sick because no one will be there to help you, especially me. So make sure you take good care of yourself." Mom told Benny as she hugged her tight.
After Mom pulled away, Dad came second and gave his daughter a hug as well.
When Dad pulled away, Nate came next and hugged her tight. But before he pulled away, he mumbled something in Benny's ear.
As Benny listened intently at what Nate was telling, she suddenly had her eyes wide in shock and blushed bright red. Nate finally pulled away from the hug, but not without wearing a smug smile on his face.
I frowned slightly.
Nathan turned to look at me and gave me an innocent look.
I looked at Benny questioningly who was still blushing like mad.
"So uhm, w-who's next?" Benny said trying to act casual while still sporting a bright rosy cheeks.
"It's your place to tell Benny, not mine. So it's all up to you." Nathan said before he shrugged.
We, except Benny, raised our eyebrows at Nathan but he just gave us a shrug.
Confused, I turned to Benny to ask her about what Nate told her that made her blush like crazy.
"I didn't mean to ask Benny, but we felt so lost right now. Can you at least enlighten us at what you guys were talking about?" I asked in obvious confusion in my voice.
Benny blushed even brighter after what I said. Then she turned to Nathan and gave him a death glare, who only shrugged nonchalantly.
Benny turned her gaze to me with her cheeks still blushing bright red.
"Uhm, well h-he was j-j-just telling that uhm, I uh......well, he," she stuttered and struggled on her words.
"He's telling you what?" I urged.
"Erm. Well........ it's nothing." She said trying to shrug the subject off.
"Just spill it, Bethany. What is it?." I asked starting to get even more curious as what they were talking about.
"W-w-well I uh, I am, I mean, I uh," she stuttered again as sweat formed on her forehead. She then started fiddling her fingers, telling me she's nervous.
What was so important about this matter that had her so nervous all of a sudden?
We heard Nathan sigh loudly.
"Bethany found her mate." Nathan said straight to the point, leaving nothing behind.
After Nathan spoke, everyone including me, went silence.
Everything went silent.
Even the whole pack seemed to have heard about the news since the house was eerily silent as well.
It was like, each of us was afraid to utter one single word.
It was so quiet that you'd think you'd hear a pin drop from thousands of miles away.
Even a silent fart from the other side of the world would be heard from how quiet it was.
Most importantly, I was able to hear Benny's heartbeat going faster and faster by the minuter with her breathing going erratic.
"What the f**king hell are you talking about?" Dad said breaking the long silence with a voice of disbelief.
"Dominic, your granddaughter is in the room. Filter your words." Mom commaded sternly while still wearing a shocked expression.
Dad sighed, calming down.
"Sorry, dear." Dad apologized.
Dad looked at Mom in apology before he turned back to Nathan with a questioning look.
"Bethany, your daughter, and youngest child found her mate." Nate emphasized for everyone to understand.
I stood there looking at Benny with mixed emotions.
She found her mate.
How lucky. I thought.
She found her mate before I found mine.
I'm not saying that I'm not happy or whatsoever, because in all honesty, I am ecstatic for her. I was just shocked that she found her mate and I also feel a slight hint of jealousy.
She's so lucky. Unlike me.
"So who's the lucky guy then?" I asked while wearing a forced smile.
Benny turned to look at me before she blushed even brighter if it's even posible.
"Uhm, It was Brandon actually." She said with a bright blush.
"Oh okay." I said blandly then frowned.
Did she say Brandon?
"Wait!....Did I heard that right? Or am I hearing things?" I asked for clarification.
"You said Brandon, right? Brandon as in my f**king Beta?" I asked in disbelief and my mouth agape.
"Well uh, yes. I meant Brandon your Beta, and please stop cussing." She said shyly while scratching her arm. I know her body language like the back of my hand, so I know she's uncomfortable when she does that.
"Since when did you found out that he was your mate? Why didn't you tell us immediately? And why the hell didn't anyone knew about this?" My voice was present with shock, disbelief, and annoyance with a tiny hint of anger.
Just a tiny bit.
She flinched at the tone of the voice and then she looked down avoiding eye contact with me.
"I found out that Brandon was my mate right after I came out of the door at the gathering the first day I arrived here. Do you remember when I told you I was going out to find some interesting architectures for my project?" She asked, still fiddling her fingers, and I nodded my head.
"I was actually meeting up with him. And that was also the reason why I came home a little late." She explained.
I frowned again. "So how did Nathan found out about you two?"
She bit her lip. "He uh, he kinda saw us. Well, saw me, actually." She said. "He said I was acting weird that night after I stepped out the house so he decided to follow where I was going just to make sure I didn't get in trouble. And that's how he found out. When he caught us, he was honest about it, he told me everything. That he snuck up on us and eavesdropped. That he heard me calling Brandon 'Babe' and Brandon saying that he's happy to finally find his mate, and that he was even happier that his mate was me." Benny took a deep breath after she explained what happened. "So yeah, that's what happened."
I stood there staring at my sister like she grew two more heads. While Benny just looked at me cautiously, it was like she was waiting for me to burst any second.
When my mind returned back to earth, I looked at her with a pissed expression painted on my face. She gulped really loudly preparing herself for a long lecture from her oldest brother dear.
"Why didn't you tell us then?" I asked kind of pissed and angry.
The look on Benny's face practically shouts nervousness and that, she was hella scared. On the other hand, my parents looked at her with serious expressions waiting for her to tell us her reasons.
She took a glance at Mom and Dad's reactions about the information she shared, but when she saw the dead seriousness visible on their faces, she snickered then turned to me. She looked scared and ready to pass out but I didn't care at that moment. I wanted to know why she kept this from us and why she didn't tell us that she found her mate.
Benny keeping this from us made us think that she wasn't happy that Brandon was her mate, or even the Idea of finding her mate at all.
She sighed then looked at me worriedly.
I instantly frowned.
Why is she looking at me like that?
She took another deep breath before she looked at me with dead seriousness in her eyes.
"I didn't tell you because I was scared that you'd be sad and get depressed even more bacause I found my mate before you find yours. I was scared to see the look on your face when the news was out. It already hurts me to see you sad every time you watch every mated pack members so happy and contented with their own family. And I didn't want to add up to that sadness. Most importantly, I was so, so scared to hurt you even more knowing that you were already hurting, even though you won't admit it out loud." She stated lowly.
"It's not that I'm not happy that I found my mate like what you all are thinking right now, because deep down, I'm over the moon because of happiness and pure joy. I really am." She said as she looked at everyone in the room.
She then turned back to me with a sad smile. "But when the thought of you being sad and depressed came to my mind, Brandon and I both decided to hide it temporarily. We were actually going to announce it to you all after I get back very soon but because this happened, I have no other choice but to tell you a bit ahead of schedule." She said the last part with a chuckle then turned to look at our parents and Jenny.
"So I'm really sorry for not being honest to you guys, I really am." She said guiltily.
Sighing, I walked up to her and hold her shoulders as I looked at her straight in the eyes.
"I will be honest with you, I am upset that you didn't tell us. But, I'm also thankful that you thought of me first before you made your decision. I appreciate it." I told her as I gave her a smile. "You may have kept this from us for a short while, but were glad you finally told us." I said.
"Now, I will have a serious man to man talk with your mate later when we get back from the airport." I told her. Then she let out a sigh of relief and gave me a small smile.
I let go of my hold on Benny's shoulder and stood straight.
"I know most of you here are worried about me being lonely and depressed and I won't deny it. Well, how can I deny it when it's very obvious, right?" I asked with a chuckle as I paused for a second, then took a deep breathe. "It's almost 4 years that I have been waiting and searching for my mate and with every attempt I always come home empty handed. That's the reason why I'm like this, lonely and depressed most of the time. But, I can assure you all that I am fine and you don't have to worry about me. I am the same Arthur you all knew and the Alpha that will serve you with all that I had, even if without my mate's presence here beside me." I told them in all honesty.
What's the point of denying when most of them already know about my situation? So might as well tell them the truth at the same time assure them that I am completely fine.
Even if I'm really not fine.
They gave sympathetic looks at first but then they nodded their heads and smiled.
I looked back at Benny when I heard her sniffed.
"Your mate will be here very, very soon, Arty. I just know it." She said encouragingly with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I know Benny, I know." I responded with a sad smile.
She hugged me while still crying. I wrapped my arms around her waist and she hid her face into the crook of my neck again. I smiled, knowing she likes doing that a lot.
"Don't ever lose hope, Arty. Okay?" She whispered.
"I won't, Benny. I promise." I replied back while kissing her temple.
"Good." She said before she pulled away with tear-stained cheeks.
I wiped away the tears that were starting to fall from her eyes before I gave her forehead a kiss.
"Okay. Enough with the dramas already, and lets get going. I don't want Benny to be late on her flight, because we all know that plane tickets are crazy expensive." Dad said playfully to rid the sad atmosphere around us.
"Alright, lets get going." I said as I turned to my sister. "Are you ready Benny?" I asked then she nodded her head.
My parents, Nate, and Jenny went to their cars, while Benny went to mine's. I put her duffle back in the backseat of my car then made my way towards the driver's seat. Benny buckled herself up and I did the same.
After getting secured, I turned on the car then pulled out of the Pack house's driveway then went to the highway heading to the airport.
I turned the radio on with my right hand with my left still holding the steering wheel. Benny hummed along everytime a song comes up that she knew. She's not a good singer, so she preffered humming.
The 15 minute drive to the airport was spent mostly in silence except for Benny's humming.
After we parked our cars, I took Benny's duffle bag from the backseat of my car then we walked our way towards the airport's busy lobby.
The place was filled with people who were also busy in finding their flights. I dropped Benny's bag and tapped her shoulder. She turned around and looked at me with a smile.
"So this is it then? I'll get to see you after another year or less." I said with obvious sadness in my voice.
"Yeah, I guess so. But don't forget about what I told you, okay?" She said mirroring my emotions.
"Aye, aye Captain Benny!" I said childishly while saluting.
She giggled.
"Okay good." She said with a beaming smile.
I will surely going to miss her giggles.
She went to my parents and said her goodbyes to them. Mom was already crying as she snuggled herself in Dad's arms. Benny hugged them tightly, then pulled away to hug Nathan and Jenny, and also Little Princess Jasmine.
"You take care of Mommy and Daddy, okay? And also Grandma and Grandpa. Most importantly, look after your Uncle Arthur. Be a good girl so I will buy you lots and lots of purple toys and dresses next time, what do you say Princess Jasmine? Is it a deal?" She said nicely and softly to Jasmine.
Jasmine nodded her head really fast while beaming at Benny.
"Yup, yup, Benny! Me pwomise!" Jasmine said adorably as she held her pinky finger.
Benny took it and smiled widely at Jasmine.
"That's a good girl. Now gimme a bear hug." Benny said while opening her arms wide for Jasmine to climb on. Jasmine jumped to Benny and gave her a bear hug. Benny kissed Jasmine's head then smiled at her with watery eyes.
"When you back, Queen Benny?" Jasmine asked innocently with a tilted head.
"Soon baby girl." Benny said.
Jasmine looked at her with questioning gaze. "When is soon? Tomowwow?"
Benny, along with us, laughed.
"Soon." Was all Benny said.
"So tomowwow?" Jasmine persisted causing for Benny to shake her head with a smile at her niece.
After Benny gave Jasmine back to Jenny, she walked towards me and gave me a hug. I hugged her back then pulled away.
"I'll miss you, Benny." I said while blinking back the tears that was starting to fall.
"Geez Arthur, you're such a cry baby." Benny said teasingly.
"Says the person who cries alot." I retorted teasingly.
"Meanie!" She said with a pout.
"Whatever, you love me though." I replied with a smirk.
"Yeah, yeah, I love you too, butthead." She said while she smacked my arm playfully.
When her flight was being called, she said her final goodbyes to each of us. Then she started making her way towards the right gate to check in. When she was out of sight, I turned to my family and gave them a small smile. I know what they feel right now. I know they already missed their little Benny even though her flight haven't departed yet. I completely understand them because I was also feeling the same thing. But all I can do now is wait for her to cone back again, and that would be very soon, hopefully this christmas.
After we decided to leave the airport's busy and crowded lobby, we went back to our cars. But this time I will be driving alone, since Benny was no longer here.
Right from that moment I felt the feelings and emotions that I was ignoring for the past two weeks came back to me like a tidal wave. The longing, sadness, emptiness, and loneliness hit me hard in the face, and I don't even know if I can keep myself from breaking the promise I made to Benny. That I will be optimistic and will always think about the good things and not the opposite.
I don't know If I can keep myself strong when I know deep inside I'm crumbling to pieces. I don't know how I will survive without my mate by my side.
I just hope my mate will be with me before it's too late.