Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 4: Mate Connection

The next morning, my eyes fluttered open, annoyed by the relentless beeping of my alarm. I groaned, stretching out a lazy arm to turn it off, then sank back into my pillow, turning away from the side of the bed that felt unusually empty. Last night's party had left me drained.

"I hate morning alarms," I mumbled, pulling the covers over my head.

But five minutes later, another alarm went off, piercing the silence even louder than mine.

I realized instantly-Aras's alarm. With a sudden jolt, I threw the blanket off, rushing to get to the bathroom first. Just as I reached the hallway, I saw him bolt up from the couch. We locked eyes, both of us ready to sprint, like gunslingers in a showdown.

"Move, Aras. I was here first," I said, already reaching for the handle.

"In your dreams, kiddo."

"Please, I can't be late again-"

"You should've thought of that before you hit the snooze button," he interrupted, grabbing my shoulders and, in a swift move, hooking his leg behind mine. I stumbled, falling backward as he darted through the door, slamming it in triumph.

"Aras!" I pounded on the door, letting out a frustrated scream. I heard his shameless laugh from the other side.

"Lesson learned," he called, voice thick with amusement. "Mess with the elders, and you get what's coming."

I stormed off, fuming, tossing his blanket and pillow off the couch in revenge. I flicked on the TV and tried to distract myself. Finally, twenty minutes later, he emerged, still smirking.

"All yours," he announced smugly.

I didn't dignify him with an answer, just rolled my eyes as I slipped into the bathroom. Little arguments like these were routine for us-a way of showing affection by constantly getting on each other's nerves.

After a rushed shower, I pulled on my black jeans and a T-shirt, grabbed my phone, slipped into my sneakers, and headed to work at Alia's café, grateful for the morning distraction.

As I entered, I started up the machines and arranged the chairs, getting everything ready. Just then, a sleepy "Good morning" greeted me. I looked over and saw Logan, my co-worker, entering.

"Oh, hey," I replied, adjusting a few chairs.

"Happy belated birthday, by the way. You feeling alright?" he asked.

"Fine, thanks."

"Good to hear," he nodded, then paused as his phone buzzed. "Excuse me for a sec..." he muttered, taking the call and moving aside.

As I flipped the sign to "open," Logan returned, tossing me a curious glance. "So... have you figured out who your mate is yet?"

"Not yet, and honestly, I'm not in a rush to find out," I replied, shrugging. "I've got enough on my plate."

"Maybe, but these things don't wait for anyone. Mates can show up when you least expect it."

"Then maybe I'd rather they didn't show up at all. It's easier that way..." I mumbled, mostly to myself.

Just then, the first customers began trickling in. I fell into the rhythm of work, filling orders and wiping down tables, relieved to keep my mind occupied.

A few hours later, Alia dropped by, and we chatted about random things. But suddenly, mid-conversation, a new scent caught my attention-a warm mix of vanilla and coconut that seemed to thicken the air around me. My senses went on high alert, heart thudding as I tried to keep my focus on Alia. But the scent seemed to seep into my mind, clouding my thoughts.

"Turn around! Now!" Derya's voice demanded in my head, pulsing with urgency.

"No, calm down," I whispered, afraid to turn and see who had entered the café. Deep down, I already knew.

---

Derek's Story

It was midnight when, for the first time in three years, I felt a pain like the one I'd experienced at eighteen, during my first shift. It surged through me, sharp and consuming, until it finally faded. Lying in bed, drenched in sweat, I grasped what had happened.

"My mate... she must have shifted for the first time," I thought, my mind racing. I called the master of ceremonies, seeking answers.

"Alpha Derek, there were no ceremonies for first shifts in our pack last night," he replied.

I hung up, frustrated, and began to think. "If she's in another pack, I shouldn't feel her so close." There was only one possibility. I felt anger bubble up, shattering the glass in my hand.

"It can't be. My mate can't be some outsider, a lesser woman, or worse-a rogue," I spat, voice bitter. "Great goddess, why would you do this to me?"

"No," I decided firmly. "Tomorrow, I'll find her. And if she's some outcast, I'll reject her. If she's a rogue..." I shuddered at the thought. "She should thank her lucky stars if I let her live."

I told myself I could choose another to be my Luna if I wanted. But deep down, I knew a chosen bond would never be as strong. Still, I was determined-this wasn't just about me. As future Alpha, I had a duty to the pack, to protect them from any perceived weakness.

"The outcasts, those lesser people on the outskirts, were weaker, untrained, and unworthy. They clung to their anger, resenting my family simply because they were born into hardship," I thought, coldly resolute.

---

The next morning, my twin sister, Julia, burst into my room.

"Derek, come have breakfast in town with us. Bruce and Clara are coming too."

"I'm not going anywhere," I snapped, not bothering to look up. "I have things to take care of-pack matters."

"Pack matters, this early?" she raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms.

"Julia, leave. I told you I have no time for this," I said, my patience waning.

"Derek," she said with a sigh, "you're not Alpha yet, and I know there's nothing pressing right now. Get up, take a shower, and let's go."

I clenched my fists, annoyed. "Don't try to match me up with Clara again. How many times do I have to say I'm not interested?"

"Why? Do you have better options?" she teased. "Or do you plan to wait around forever for your mate?"

"Don't start, Julia," I growled.

"Fine, but stop acting like a brat," she said, leaving and slamming the door behind her.

I clenched my jaw, then sighed. "Julia?" I reached out through our mind-link.

"Yes?" she replied, clearly still annoyed.

"I'll come with you. I'll deal with my business later."

"Thank you! Be ready in five," she said, her tone softening.

---

Narrator's Voice: As Deniz and Derek unknowingly draw closer to their first encounter, their worlds are about to collide. Bound by destiny, yet separated by differences, will they be able to overcome their prejudices and fears, or will they be torn apart by the very bond that's supposed to unite them?