Abandoned By My Mate

Mated Mind Rot

I led my older brother down to the dining hall. It was close to the training grounds to make it easier for the tired males to eat before dragging themselves off to bed.

"Are you okay, Lin?" Bryn asked softly, "They seemed so excited to see you..."

I shrugged, pushing down the feeling of disappointment, "You know how they can be. I'm sure Az will take care of them for us."

"Take care of them how?" Bryn asked, giving me a pointed look, "Azrael didn't look like the type that would want to talk to them about being nicer."

I smiled, "Do you really care? You heard what they said about Marie. She is the nicest person I've ever met. You know they won't change, but maybe they will learn to hold their tongues next time they want to start talking like that again."

"You're right," Bryn shook his head, "I doubt what he is doing to them is no worse than how Henry would react if they said that to him."

"It is a good thing he isn't here." I replied, smiling at the males that nodded to us as they left the dining hall.

"About that," Bryn hesitated, frowning, "He should be here in a day or two."

"What?" I snapped, whipping around to face him, "Why didn't you tell me? You said he wasn't coming."

"He wanted to surprise you," Bryn huffed, frowning at my reaction, "Thought it would be a good thing for Marie to get a change of scenery."

"Fuck," I growled, "We will talk about this tonight. Don't say anything about it when we get to the table."

Bryn huffed, running a hand through his hair but remaining silent. I forced a smile on my face and approached the table filled with my friends. Theorn immediately noticed my approach, looking behind me in search of Az.

"Where is his grumpiness?" Theorn asked with a smirk, "Did meeting the parents not go well?"

"No, it didn't." I frowned, watching as the playfulness drained from him.

"What happened?" Esmae asked as we sat down.

"They were just being their usual selves," I replied, "This is my second eldest brother Bryn. He is studying at University right now."

"That is Theorn and Esmae," I said, pointing at them.

"Are you guys together?" Bryn asked, glancing between them.

"No," Esmae laughed, "My mate isn't here. Theorn is unattached though if you're interested."

Bryn laughed, but his shoulders were still tense from earlier, "Not my type unfortunately."

Theorn pouted, stretching and flexing his muscles, "You sure? I've been told I'm quite handsome."

Rolling my eyes at their antics I focused on Esmae, "Would you guys be interested in showing Bryn and I around town? I still haven't gotten the chance."

Esmae frowned, her normally rosey cheeks turning pale, "I would love to, but..."

"It's okay," I assured here, internally cursing my carelessness, "Theorn would you be able to?"

"Of course," He nodded, taking the last bite of his food, "Do you want me to tell Az we are leaving or should we just head out now?"

"Let's just leave now," I said, standing from the table, "You sure you don't want to come, Esmae?"

"I'm sure," She said, hugging herself, "You guys enjoy yourselves. I'll just go read."

"Come on Aslin," Theorn urged, standing and beginning to walk out of the dinning hall.