The Pup's Mate

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

Arielle's POV

A couple of times, I felt myself waking up in a blurry state before going back to sleep with warm hands touching my cheeks. Everytime it happened, I could feel the tingles.

It then dawned on me that Tristan has been staying by my side when I fell unconscious.

I opened my eyes wide and felt my body restricted as his arms were secured tightly over my waist. I looked down at the familiar head as he was sleeping soundly.

Reaching out for him, I let my fingers softly tangle with his hair. I could feel a sticky feeling as I groaned aloud. How long has he not washed his hair?

The slight groan slipping from my lips seemed to have woken him up as he scratched the back of his head and looked up. His eyes rested on mine as his smile widened.

"You are finally awake." He said, holding onto my sides tightly. I nodded, allowing my eyes to scan his face as they landed on his saggy eye bags and sunken cheekbones.

I can't help but to lightly brush past his saggy eye bags with my fingers as I felt him grasping onto my hand tightly as though I was his lifeline. He leaned into the touch and smiled. "Have you always been staying by my side?" I asked, feeling as though my throat was clawed.

He seemed to have notice my discomfort when he poured a glass of water and fed me. I licked my lips as I watched him brushing his hair to the back.

"By the way, Tristan. How long have you not washed your hair?" I blurted out, curiosity getting the best of me. He lowered his head as his shoulders shook vigorously, laughter erupting from him.

"Hey, what is so funny?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows deeply as I crossed my arms. He shook his head as he looked up. "Since you can crack jokes, it shows that you are fine."

I shook my head, giving him an eye roll. "Yeah, yeah. I am already fine thanks to you, big guy."

"Arielle?" I looked up to see my dad coming forward as he hugged me tightly. I let my arms wrap around my dad's large figure as I sighed.

"I am sorry, dad. Sorry for getting you and mom so worried." I pouted as I looked at him. He patted my back, rubbing slow circles as he chuckled deeply.

"As long as you are safe and sound, all is good." He said, ruffling my hair. I let myself bask in my dad's enclosed arms as I sighed.

He pulled away and looked towards Tristan, motioning for him to go outside. He turned towards me and smiled. "I will have a few words with Tristan. Have some rest, Arielle." He informed, gently patting my head as he left the room with Tristan.

I sighed as I laid down and rested my head against my open palms. I stared at the ceiling and thought through the whole thing. Tristan had gone through a lot with me and I can't help but to feel myself warming up to him

Does he feel the same way as well? I must be crazy to even want him. He must be destined to have another mate. I can't do that to his future mate who might be the Luna of this pack.

Tristan entered the room as he smiled down at me, though he seem slightly troubled. "What did my dad talk to you about?" I asked in curiosity. He shook his head and shrugged.

"Nothing to worry about. It's just some pack matters." He simply replied, his shoulders still tensed. I could tell that he was hiding something from me and yet, he won't tell.

I mentally slapped myself. Whatever secrets he was hiding from me, it was none of my business. When he finds his own mate, he will eventually tell her everything.

It wasn't my business to snoop into his secrets as well.

"You should go back and take a rest." I replied coldly, trying to sound neutral as I didn't want to lead him on or anything. He have helped me and I will return the favor next time.

"No, it's fine. I want to stay with you."

"No, you don't. You are tired, I am tired. We should rest." I said, shifting to the side as I kept my eyelids closed. I heard a groan from behind before the door was shut.

I sighed as I peeked my eyes open. When the door opened again, I fumbled with the bed sheets and shifted to the side. "Tristan, I thought I said---"

When it was Teagan, I shut my mouth immediately and sat up. "What do you want, Teagan Warden? Haven't you done enough damage?" I snapped in annoyance as I looked away.

"Look, I am sorry. I didn't mean to make things turn this way. I was just joking with you and decided to come back for you later."

"I just... I just didn't expect you to be almost drowned and got attacked by the rogues midway when you and Tristan were coming back." She trembled as tears rolled down her cheeks. She looked up, her eyes looked as though it could hold so much tears to water the plants.

Alarmed, I opened my mouth to comfort her, but decided against it. For all I know, this could be another trick to get me to warm up to her before she turns her back against me.

I had enough of her nonsense.

"Look, Teagan Warden. I am really tired with all the jokes and troubles. I just don't want to fight with you anymore, okay? So, could you just leave me alone from now on?" I pleaded in exasperation.

She shook her head and wiped away her tears. "I am sorry, Arielle. I came here to bury the hatchet and start over with you. So, no way am I going to leave you alone." I groaned at her words as I collided my head against my palms.

"Besides, your dad has informed us that you guys will be staying for another week until you fully recover. You can't bother Tracy to play with you all the time. You need friends, Arielle. And, I truly want to be your friend."

I looked up upon her words and curved my lips into a smirk before letting my expression turn serious. "Teagan, if I trusted you again, I would be the dumbest fool in this world."

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