The Tripartite Mate Bond Chapter 12: CHAPTER TWELVE

“Oh," I replied, taking a step back. "Is something wrong? Did I do something -"

"No, no, no, you didn't do anything wrong," he cut in, coming closer to me and taking my hand. "In fact, you're just too perfect and it's so difficult for me to do this, but I have to. Please understand?"

My face fell, but then I stood straight. I wasn't going to let him know how much this affected me, he didn't need to know that my heart broke with his words, and I didn't even understand it as well. I looked up to him with a small smile. "So you want us to pretend we're actually getting to know each other?

“Well, yes. So just cooperate with me and in return, you get anything you want. You could also propose activities we can do outside, but we're just faking it. In two months, or even less, you will tell them you don't want to be with me.”

I didn't like this idea at all, but then I imagined all the things I could benefit from this arrangement; a new wardrobe wouldn't be so bad. I've always had a limited amount of it and maybe a few pieces of jewelry and my own car! The list was endless.

But the downside was having to be so close to him all the time. I didn't want to lie to myself, but I knew it'd be difficult to resist the temptation of him. Even though he literally just rejected me, his shirtless form still made my head spin, so I knew I had to make sure the next two months wouldn't be hell for me, resisting what I craved so badly and pretending I was okay with his rejection.

“If that is what you want, there is no problem. It'll make things easier. You said something about training? I can't just stay here and not do anything.”

He looked shocked that I'd moved on so fast, sad even, but I didn't care. They were the ones who dragged me into whatever this was, so if he didn't want me at the end of it all, I'm happy he's honest about it.

I planned to find a library as soon as possible and find out more about them, especially the whole Mate concept. I only know that some animals mate for life, so if I'm to guess correctly, whoever I choose may be my husband, just with a deeper connection than a marriage certificate.

“Alright, I'll leave you to it. The bathroom is through that door, and you have new clothes in the closet over there as well.”

I noticed he avoided eye contact, which was strange. He was the Alpha in the room; it should be the other way around, but I breathed a sigh of relief when he eventually left me to myself.

I had gone through several painful emotions today and as I unpacked my bag, I thought about how everything I had ever known came crashing down.

***

After a well-enjoyed bath, I went out for dinner. I didn't have much of an appetite considering everything that had happened today, but I didn't want to upset Ares.

I had expected it to be just the two of us and I would have preferred that after the day I had but when I walked out of my room, I began hearing voices.

At the sound of my feet, they quieted down until I got to the dining room. It had a homey feeling to it, the glass table and a vase in its center and it could seat eight people. The chairs were wooden with decorative arms.

I stood awkwardly at the entrance, unsure how to proceed.

“Hello, look at you? Come, come. They failed to tell me you look gorgeous,” a beautiful, aged woman said, rising from her seat with her arms beckoning to me.

I smiled sheepishly, my fears dissipating as I went to her side.

“Good evening, ma'am," I greeted her.

“Evening darling. You look hungry. Axel dear, fill up her plate,” she commanded, and it dawned on me that this was their mother.

I noticed her dimples when she smiled, and her hair had a few white strands that contrasted with the smooth, black color. She looked motherly, warm and jovial, but I could sense sadness in her eyes that drew me in.

Unknowingly, I stared at her, my eyes boring into hers. I lost control of my movements as my hand went to her face and I massaged her temple.

“He's missing you too, but he wants you to live a little longer. For them," something made me say, shocking me and everyone else in the room.

“What is happening!?” Ares exclaimed as their mother closed her eyes and I regained control of myself.

I looked at them and the look they gave me showed I had done something terrible.

“I don't know what happened, I swear. I just thought her eyes were sad and that was all. This has never happened to me before, this place makes me feel strange," I explained, my tears pouring down on my dress.

“Well, you better pray she wakes up soon! Whatever you are, I don't care, but you cannot hurt her and go scot-free. There will be consequences." Ares shouted at me, making me cry more.

“Ugh! What is that noise? I thought you boys had gotten over the desire to scream at each other so much.” I heard their mother's voice, filling me with so much joy and relief. I don't know what would have happened if something happened to her. It was my first time here, for goodness sake.

“I'm so sorry ma'am. I didn't mean to do whatever it is I did.”

"Oh, my child, you have done me a great favor. I got a glimpse of my dear mate. Oh, Richard,” she replied, a tear escaping her eyes.

“Mom, what do you mean? You saw Dad? How?” Axel asked, perplexed.

“Yes. When she touched my face, she created a connection between our worlds. She must be exhausted; such a feat takes its toll, and if one isn't strong enough, they may enter into deep sleep. Now eat your food, my child. You need to rest," she told me.

I had lost my appetite completely, but I couldn't say no to her. I didn't understand what was happening, and it was all happening so fast I failed to catch up.

Did I just do something supernatural? It wasn't just the healing? So many questions were pouring through my mind as I ate the food, only realizing how much I'd eaten when my plate was empty.

I looked up, and the twins were staring at me.

“You must have been starving. Do you want more?” Axel asked.

“I told you that sort of power drains the person. Take her to bed, Ares. We don't want her falling on the way. And thank you, Aurora; I've not felt this free since my mate died. I don't know what you are, but I have a great feeling about you” she said.

“Thank you ma'am.

“Nonsense, call me Grace.”

I smiled and nodded to her, still in a haze

“Good night everyone,” I said and got up, but I was too fast, and I nearly fell from the lightheadedness, but Ares caught me quickly.

“Wow, you were right. I'll take her to bed now,” he told me.

He carried me up and placed my arm around his neck. It felt really nice, and I smelt his aftershave; it was so strong and addictive, but I had to remind myself he was never going to be mine. I guess he already had someone in his life before nature, or whoever was responsible for these matings paired him with me. But my resolve didn't stop my body from craving him in a way it shouldn't, and I could see him struggling as well, taking deep breaths and all.

He got to the room and quickly laid me on the bed as if my skin burned him and stepped away from the bed. I thought he was going to leave, but he stood there, staring at me for a few seconds.

“Thank you for doing that for my mom. I haven't seen her smile in a long time,” he finally said, his hands in his pocket.

“I didn't actually do anything. Something took over my consciousness and did that. I still feel weird," I replied, fatigue crawling over me.

“It's how my wolf feels sometimes, so don't overthink it. We'll figure out your identity soon. Meanwhile, get some sleep. You have a long day tomorrow. You will be introduced to the pack. Well, let's hope they forget the war was disrupted at a point where we may have won because we found you.”

Talk about pressure; I mean, what if they hate me?