Chapter 6
Chapter 6
He said yes.
Yes for crying out loud!
Gosh I never thought one word could've caused such turmoil within me. Normally the word 'yes' is associated with good news or requests, but right now it just made my stomach churn.
I knew it was probably unnecessary that I was upset about it, given that it was before we even knew we were mates. But the thought of it happening just made me sick.
And to make it all worse, that bitc- I mean girl felt like she had the right to be jealous. He's MY mate.
I felt anger build up in me even more by the second, and as much as I wanted to walk out and find somewhere else to go, I had an urge to know more. God knows why.
"What did you guys do?" I muttered through clenched teeth as I balled my fists tightly.
He looked utterly petrified at the situation, and I knew he wished he hadn't let that one slip.
"I promise you, I've never slept with her" He rushed out, and I visibly relaxed. "We did....other things, but I had enough respect for myself and my mate, and her and hers to keep it pure. I would've never wanted to take something from another man what is rightfully his"
"But you did anyway," I shot back. "You may not be her first in that way, but you were her first everything else. And she yours"
He sighed, looking down. "I know. But she had the biggest crush on me since we were kids, and I guess I kinda liked her too.... For a while" He added quickly. " When she shifted and realized that I wasn't her mate, she got all sad and I guess because we both were teenagers of different sexes, things tended to get out of control" He explained, and I scoffed with a dramatic eye roll.
"But I cut things off with her when I turned seventeen. It was just a messed up year. I'm really sorry Zoey. I don't know why I did it but I was young and curious. I knew I told you that I always suspected that you were my mate and hence I should've waited. But once I shifted for the first time and everything became heightened, it was hard not to give in. I really am sorry if this hurts you or makes you uncomfortable " He added, but it barely calmed me down.
I knew I had no right to resent him for his past actions. As long as we were unaware of our mateship, I couldn't hold him responsible for being 'adventurous'. But I was hurt, and I wouldn't hide it.
"Okay" I mumbled as I turned to leave. "I think I'll take a guest room for tonight if you don't mind"
For a while there was silence, but I didn't want to turn around.
Eventually he sighed, stepping ahead of me and showing me to the room across from his. Without a word or a look back, I entered the room and gently closed the door behind me.
I just got here and already I felt sad.
I knew this wouldn't be easy, and I knew we had to work things out, but I guess it would have to wait until I cooled down.
Just like my sister, I had a temper that could light a whole forest on fire. Don't let her sweet and calm demeanour fool you into being rude or disrespectful to her. She will end you.
And so would I.
That was the main reason why I requested to stay in a separate room for now. I knew that if I stayed and listened to him trying to explain or make it better, I would erupt and say things that will hurt us both in the end.
I knew it was weird, but I recovered from my moods alone where I can't hurt anybody or cause anymore trouble.
For now, I just needed to accept what is. But I had no idea how I was gonna be cool around Asia, knowing that she still obviously has feelings for my mate. Hell, I didn't even know how I was gonna get through dinner.
The tension alone will be enough to choke me to death.
***
"So Zoey, how was the drive here?" Niall's mom asked in an attempt to initiate conversation.
It was dinner time, and I was still not talking to Niall. I didn't even sit beside him, but regretted it instantly when Asia plopped her ass beside him.
She was still very much upset with me being here, and the awkwardness among us was evident to everyone else. It sorta made me feel bad.
"It was okay I guess. I was sleeping for almost all of it so I couldn't say" I replied sweetly.
"You made the right choice dear. The six hour drive is almost dreadful. Though I'm sure my son's company would've been great" She laughed, and I chuckled awkwardly.
I threw Asia a glare when I heard her scoff, and even Jared gave her a warning look.
"This is delicious Roxy. I dont think I'll ever miss home if I continue to get more of your food" I joked, deciding to ignore the red-haired bitc-
"I'm glad you like it. I want you to feel very much at home here. We all do"
I simply nodded as I continued to eat the delicious food.
Niall has yet to utter a word since we got here, but I could feel his piercing gaze on me. His stare wasn't the only one on me though. I really wondered if she didn't know that she has a mate out there.
"So Zoey" A perky voice called, and I was shocked that it came from the demon herself.
She had a fake smile plastered on her lips as she stared at me. I, on the other hand, don't do fake. So I showed her my uninterested bored face as I waited for what she had to say.
"I heard you shifted for the first time a couple days ago on your 18th birthday. How could that be?" She faked curiosity and blinked her eyes rapidly as if she didn't already know.
"My brother-in-law assumes that it has to do with my mom being human" I answered in a bored tone without looking at her.
"So does that make you half wolf?" She asked again, and my grip on the fork got tighter as my irritation grew.
She damn well knew it doesn't work like that.
"No..." I dragged slowly. "Once I have the wolf gene, which I got from my dad, I am a full bred wolf. There's no such thing as a half wolf"
"So why did you shift late?" She pushed, and it took everything in me not to sail the fork right in her eye. Because I could.
"I. Don't. Know" I gritted out, this time looking directly at her to tell her to drop it. But the stupid girl didn't seem to get a hint.
"Perhaps it means you're not as strong"
"Oh I can show you just how strong I am" I threatened as I barely pushed my chair back and attempted to get up. But Jared, who was right beside me, held me put.
"Zoey" Niall warned calmly, and I could see that his eyes were pleading rather than demanding. But nonetheless, it hurt me so I shot him an unbelievable look.
She was literally here picking on me all this time, and he chose to talk when I actually answered the bitch? Yea there I finally said it.
"Really Niall? You talk to me but not her?" I asked harshly, and he looked slightly guilty.
"That's quite a temper for someone who is going to be the Alpha female. Not to mention the fact that you're half wolf and probably weak; that's not a good start for a Luna" Asia retorted.
"Oh and immature, impulsive and ignorant are just the perfect qualities of a Beta" I shot back, and this time I managed to stand. The look on her face was priceless, but I didn't want to look at her any longer.
"I'm sorry Ace and Roxy. Thanks for the beautiful meal. Excuse me" I quickly apologized and headed for the exit.
I noticed that they didn't look astonished by my outburst nor did they seem to disapprove of my reaction, which I was happy for.
I quickly made my way to the stairs in hopes to get to my room before Niall caught up to me. He came after me when I ran out of the kitchen. But I knew that if I was angry then, it was far worse now. So talking was the last thing I wanted.
"Zoey!" I heard him call after me once I reached the floor that our rooms were on. I continued to move swiftly, not wanting him to catch me. "Zoey wait" He caught me just before I stepped inside.
"Yea why should I?" I semi-shouted as I spun around to face him. "Why don't you go comfort your little princess and let me be"
His face fell at me mentioning her as his princess. This was the exact reason why I don't talk when I'm angry. I say irrational shit.
"She's not my princess Zoey. I-"
"You surely stood up for her when she was the one attacking me! I know you guys are close from like baby days and stuff but I'm your mate Niall. You're supposed to be on my side" I cut him off swiftly by saying.
"I am on your side Zoey. I just didn't want you to push the argument. Asia is better when avoided"
"Well I'm not good at keeping my mouth shut. So if you want this Luna-Beta relationship between me and her to work, tell her to stay the hell out of my path!" And with that, I stepped inside the room and shut the door.
I ran to the bed and grabbed my phone as I searched for Victoria's number quickly. Luckily, she picked up at the first ring.
"I told you to call me as soon as you arrived and it's now six in the evening!" She scolded as soon as she picked up. I rolled my eyes at her extraness and sighed deeply.
"Vic I don't like it here" I mumbled lowly, and I wished I had her to hold onto.
"Awe what happened sweetheart?" She asked, her before irritation now non-existent.
"I don't think I can put up with Asia. She hates me and I don't like her either. Niall seems to have some family bond with her that makes him loyal to her and Jared is fine but I don't know if he will take her side too and Roxy is great and her cooking is spectacular but-"
"Zoey" My sister cut me off. " You're rambling" She highlighted. I sometimes ramble when I feel pressured. "And you have to give things time sweetheart. You've only been there what, a few hours? You can't judge how the rest of your stay will be like. People don't always start off on the right foot, but you have to know that things will get better"
"And what if it doesn't?" I asked softly.
"It will. But if in a few weeks you still feel uncomfortable, I'll have Luka talk to Ace or Niall and see what can be arranged. But you're a big girl now Zoey. I won't always be there to look after you." She said gently, and I knew she was right.
"You were always mature for your age, so I know I won't have to worry about you.... Do you remember what I told you two years ago when you didn't shift and you felt uncomfortable around your friends?"
I nodded, but then realized that she couldn't see me. "You told me to be calm, and that the world isn't out to get me. Everyone is not teaming up against me" I chuckled at the memory still so clear in my head.
I always had this striking nerve feeling that everyone is against me because I'm different. If not in one way, then it's the other. I guess with everything today, the feeling came back.
"Exactly. Give them a shot--give Niall a shot. I saw the way he admires you Zoey. The guy is probably just nervous about bringing you home for the first time. I bet he just wants the best for everyone"
I pondered on her words for a while, feeling a lot better. She always had the power to do that.
"Thanks Vic. I guess I needed that reminder." I mumbled. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
"Anytime sis. Now whatever that happened between you and Niall, I suggest you sit down and talk to your mate." She added, a little bit more stern.
That was always the case with Victoria. She didn't know the exact issue, but she would still know what to say.
"I will. But I won't talk to Asia. She can kiss my a-"
"Zoey Isabella Boysen don't you dare!"
I laughed so hard in my pillow at that. She was acting as if she was any more innocent.
"Okay okay, I won't say it. But I mean it though" I laughed.
"Don't you go on causing mischief now little sister"
"I'll try," I sighed dramatically. "Thanks for the talk. Bye, love you"
"Love you too" She ended and the line went dead.
I sat on the bed silently for a while, contemplating going to Niall or not. I was much calmer, but I didn't trust the fire in me to keep a bay. I mean, I couldn't 100% blame Niall for going through an exploration phase. I've been through many. Just never any intimately with another person.
I guess I could see that he was genuinely sorry, and that he was mature enough to be honest with me rather than going around corners and telling everybody that knew to keep hush about it. And if I was being honest, most of my anger stemmed from jealousy.
Asia got to do things with my mate that I haven't even done myself. She kissed him before me, touched him before me, probably tasted him before me.
Gosh it made me so mad!
And then the burning fact that they knew each other so well, and the fact that she's so drop dead gorgeous just made it worse.
If I really sat and thought about it, I was angry at her and not really Niall. He said he was the one to cut it off after all. And as far as my eyes can see, he isn't still attracted to her.
But I couldn't say the same for her. And that is what pissed me the hell off.
With a long sigh, I grabbed my bag and headed to the room across the hall. I didn't bother to knock, and when entered, I saw him lying on his back on the bed with his feet on the ground. He got up as soon as he sensed my presence, and I offered him a small smile.
"I guess we need to talk," I said softly, and I saw as hope filled his eyes.
But when I saw the smile that stretched onto his face, I knew that what Victoria said was true. No doubt that Niall adores me, and soon enough he will love me.
But if I continue to compare myself to Asia, I will forever be at everybody's throats. Yes, she knows him better than I do, but I will in time. I will even know him more than she does. The fastest way to kill something special is to compare it with something else.
So here's to giving it a shot. See where this goes.
Good places, I hope. Good places.