Torn Between Tides

Chapter Two

"I can't believe you found your mate," Theo said as the three started walking toward Colt's car. Trevor had showered and changed into different clothes, and now they were on their way to the party that Roman had invited them to.

"And I can't believe it's my teammate," Trevor pitched in.

"It's not really that big of a deal," Colt muttered, annoyed at how the two brothers were reacting.

"He's your mate, it's a massive deal," Theo deadpanned. "On top of that he's human."

"All the more reason that there's no point in discussing this. I'm going to reject him," Colt stated. Both the brothers stopped in their tracks, staring wide-eyed at the bomb their alpha dropped on them.

"With all due respect, are you fucking insane?" Theo exclaimed. Colt gritted his teeth, not appreciating his beta's tone. Theo took a tiny step back as he realized his mistake. "I apologize, but seriously? You can't just reject him!"

"Why not?"

"Because he's your true mate!" Trevor stated. "You know how rare it is to have them! You literally didn't even have to try and find him, he pretty much landed on your lap and you're just... you're going to throw it down the drain? Why?"

"You know what my opinion is on mates," Colt said. "They're a distraction. As the Alpha I can't afford my focus being elsewhere."

"Mates aren't a distraction, they can be your greatest strength," Theo retorted with a frown.

"Maybe if he was a werewolf too, sure. But a human mate cannot be my greatest strength. I can't waste my time and energy looking after him and protecting him constantly. My priority is my pack."

"If that's the case then why did you agree to come to the party?" Trevor rose a questioning brow.

"Because—" Colt paused. He didn't know the answer. He wasn't thinking straight when Roman was around him, which proved his point even further. "You're right. That was a mistake."

"What? No," Trevor shook his head rapidly, cursing himself internally for what he had done. "I didn't mean that! You should come. You have to come."

"I don't have to do anything," Colt muttered.

"Right, right," Trevor repeated, glancing at his elder brother for help, who simply sighed tiredly.

"Well, you're probably right," Theo said, shocking the other two. "If you think you can't even manage to be under the same roof as him...then yeah. He'll just be a distraction for you. You should probably stay away if you don't have the self control."

"You're saying that I don't have self control?" Colt questioned, his voice angry.

"It might be too hard to be near him and you clearly—"

"It won't be that hard. I can manage it just fine," Colt snapped.

"Prove it, then," Theo challenged, a sly smirk on his face. It took Trevor a second to realize what his brother was trying to do, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise once he did.

"You think I can't tell that you're trying to manipulate me?" Colt spoke. The color drained from Theo's face at his alpha's words. Damnit, he had been caught. "Do you take me for someone who's stupid enough to fall for your games?"

"Alpha, I didn't—"

"Don't disrespect me any further," Colt said, making Theo shut up. "I'll come to the party. Only because I told him that I would and I stay true to my word. But don't expect me to stay for long. And don't think it's because of your sorry excuse at gaslighting me."