(ON HOLD) My memories, my mate, my enemy

Part 10

Helloooooooooooooo! I finally uploaded the next part. It took forever and a day to write it but what can I say? I got held up. Every time I was about to write something, I would be interrupted over and over and then I couldn't concentrate. Well, at least I finally made it... Yey me!!! :)

What else? Oh right!

Enjoy!!!

And as always... vote and fan - if you like :D - and most importantly comment. It means a lot.

Souzane

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Recap

And then realization hit like me a ton of bricks. We did know each other, it was him. Oh my, it’s him! It’s his scent but somehow different. Still dominant but sweeter. Everything came back. The memories of that day, the day I first saw that black wolf saving me a couples weeks ago, how he fought for me, his warm brown eyes, his strong scent, the feel of him under my skin sending shockwaves though my body, the remembrance of my family’s history.

And he knew, oh he definitely knew. He stood there, watching me intensely while I went through all those emotions. When I was afraid of the other wolf, mesmerized by my savior, confused and understanding about what had happened. And acceptance about what would soon follow…

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More memories came back. I was now around fourteen and I was with my grandmother at the same clearing I saw in my dream – well, more like in my memory. This was our spot now. We would go there every day and just sit and talk away from everyone. She’d tell me more stories, old and new.

This time she was telling me about the mating process. I wouldn’t stop giggling about it. It sounded so weird. I knew how people ‘mate’. It can’t be that different, right? I was too young to actually know, but I did learn about it in school.

‘Stop laughing about it Luna!’ nana scolded me ‘This is serious stuff! It might happen for you too one say you know. Just like it happened for me when I met your papa!’ she said. Ok, she’s doing that serious face of hers. The one that says These are important matters of our life and you WILL regret not paying attention later on. She is right though. What if I do? What am I gonna do then?

‘So, isn’t it the same as regular, everyday people? What is the big fuss about it anyway?’ I asked, feeling a bit scared, trying to prepare myself for what I would probably hear. Ahg, my ears are going to bleed today! I can’t believe this is happening.

‘Oh Luna, you have so much to learn. And please, please try and understand that we are a different kind. Why do you have to make an argument out of everything?’ she asked, now clearly annoyed by my attitude. I sighed in defeat and hugged her tight

‘I’m sorry nana, you’re right. I don’t know, I – I just can’t help it.’ I admitted.

‘It’s ok hon, I know. You will understand one day why I insist so much.’ she answered, hugging me back.

‘So…what’s the big deal about it? I asked again, playing nervously with my hands. What the heck am I nervous about? It’s not like it’s gonna happen to me. Not any time soon at least.

‘Mating is a lot more than you think hon. It is a special bond, one that once made, can never be broken. There’s no divorce in our world’ she patted my head and laughed at that last part 'To know who your mate is, there are no dates or flirting involved. That usually happens afterwards, in order to get to know each other better. A touch is all it takes to know.' she continued.

'What do you mean?' ok now I am confused.

'Well, it's exactly what I said. When I first saw your grandpa, when our eyes met, we knew that something was happening. Something was already changing. We were drawn to each other, feeling the need, the urge to be closer. And when we did, all he did was to hold my hand in his. And that was all it took' she paused, a look of happiness across her face. She was happy and nostalgic for those days.

'Electricity went through our bodies and in that precise moment everything changed. The emotions are sometimes different for some of us. We experience it differently. But in the bottom line, the outcome is the same' she kept on.

'Different? How?' I asked. I was getting pretty curious now.

'It depends. It all comes down to character. I've heard stories and seen a few cases where mates were overly possessive, jealous, easily got mad. And that never ends well...' she trailed; she looked so sad but quickly composed herself. It must have been someone she knows -or knew. I wanted to ask more but deep inside I already knew the answer.

'Anyway, like I said, everything changes. No matter what your priorities are, or what you want in life, doesn't count anymore. Your mate is now your life, your entire existence. You will find that you'll even be ready to sacrifice yourself for him to live. His happiness will be your happiness. His sorrow, yours. Without your mate, honey, you’re nothing.'

The look on her face, she was like an open book to me. Love and affection, horror and grief. She didn't even have to say more for me to understand. I couldn't stop myself. I threw my arms around her and hugged her tight.

'Honey...I...I can't...Can't breathe.' she mumbled. Oops, squeezed too hard I guess.

'Sorry nana' I said, relaxing my grip on her. But I didn't let go. I needed to hold her, show her that everything will be ok.

'It's ok honey, I know...' she knew me so well. I didn't have to say a word. 'So, marking your mate is the next stop.' Whoa, what?!

'Wait, you mean like...like marking your territory? Branding your mate like a freaking cow?' Well, that's definitely possessive. I was ok with it so far but marking? I don't mind giving myself entirely to my other half but come on, you have to admit it's just plain crazy! I'm not a damn possession!

'Honey, I know what you're thinking and I promise you it's not like that' she was trying to reassure me. 'This is only for others to see and not try to mess with you in any way. It's kind of like a wedding ring to make it official. And the mark is also a very distinct one - one that your mate will be overly proud of - so it will be known who your mate is. Trust me; it's not a bad thing. I could see the truth in her eyes. She wasn't just reassuring me. I won't ask more about it. I hope she's right.

'Ok, I think I'll have to handle it when the time comes.' I hope I won't have to but anyway... 'So...this is it? Or should I know something else?' I was getting a bit anxious; I didn't want to hear anything embarrassing.

'No, not much. Only one last thing.' she was a little uncomfortable about what she'd say next, shifting a bit on her side. Oh crap, here it comes. The speech... THE speech. Please don't, please.

'The mating will be complete once you and your mate...well...how do I put this? Um....' wow she really is uncomfortable. But she shouldn't, right? Didn't she talk to mom as well years back?

'Once we have sex, right?' I filled in for her. No need to beat around the bush about it. She looked at me, her eyes wide with shock and I burst out laughing. 'Oh nana, if only you could see your face right now!' It was priceless! She joined me a moment later and we laughed hysterically for a few minutes before she composed herself, a serious look on her face.

'Yes, but it sounds cheap when you say it like that!' she scolded me 'This is a lot more than just sex. This is a declaration of love. Finding your other half and finally being complete. And it is magical.' Ok, ok I think I get the point but I still feel embarrassed.

'Ok nana, I understand. You don't have to say more' hoping that would end the conversation. She sighed in defeat, I could tell there was more, but she wouldn't push further. Not now at least. Of course I wouldn't get away with it that easily.

'Sure hon, sure.'

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