Mate

Sixteen

I'm sorry, this is a filler! It had to be done - but I'm sure you'll all like it!

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*Aspen's POV*

I seem to be waking up like this quite often lately. I stared up at the dark ceiling above me, letting out a breath. It was dark, but I sensed someone was beside the bed. Not only that, but I heard soft snores coming from the area to the left of me. Somebody was definitely there, and I wanted to see who it was, but I feared moving would wake them. No doubt they were a wolf.

I did't want to be the one to deal with a possibly angry lycan for waking him/her, and I didn't care to answer questions at this ungodly hour. However, I was almost 100% positive I knew exactly who was in my room. The only ones that make sense to be here with me now are Makenna, though we still haven't been able to speak much aside from yesterday, or Julian. But Makenna had found her mate at the banquet, so there were no doubts in my mind that she was with him. So that left Julian.

It was sweet that he stayed with me, and I felt my chest tighten at thinking this. He already cares so much for me - I almost feel bad for pushing him away so harshly. But then I remembered what he said that made me so against being with him, besides the witch thing. He seemed to accept me just for who I am, but he's said it was his job to do so. To a lot of people, that may not seem too bad, but to me it just seems like he's forcing himself to love me, and I am not okay with that.

I sighed and finally turned over so I was laying on my side, facing Julian. I could just barely see his face through the darkness. The moon was hidden tonight and thus was no help. But I absently smiled at the dim sight of him.

His lips were parted ever so slightly, revealing the tips of his perfect teeth. His eyes were closed and his face completely relaxed. It was kind of adorable how he was slouched to one side with his head resting on his own broad shoulder, one arm drooped over the armrest of the chair and the other's elbow was what was holding him up. He was wearing only basketball shorts and I found myself having to constantly avert my eyes from his defined torso.

He may look absolutely childishly adorable in that position, but I knew he'd wake up with a crick in his neck and an aching back, and even if he was a lycanthrope and would heal very quickly, I found myself not wanting him to hurt at all. Ever. The overwhelming feeling to protect him from something so simple and stupid confused me.

I quickly dismissed the concerned thoughts away and rolled over again, so my back was towards him. I closed my eyes and tried to go back to sleep, but guilt overcame me and I sighed and sat up, gently placing a hand on Julian's leg, which was the closest thing to me.

He tiredly opened his eyes at the touch and smiles sleepily, not seeming awake enough to realize that I was actually awake or to worry like I figured he would.

"Hey," I spoke softly. "You look uncomfortable - would you like to sleep in my bed?"

He nodded silently and got in the bed. Just as I was about to get up to sleep on the floor or something, he wrapped his arms around me and buried his head in my shoulder. I stiffened, wondering what he was doing. But then another quiet snore alerted me that he was already asleep again. I let out a breath and smiled softly.

He liked to cuddle, it seemed.

I fell asleep with his strong arms securely wrapped around me and slept better than I had since I was very little.

.~.~.~.~.~.

Sunlight shined brightly through the open curtains of the window and I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Go away," I told the sun in a gritty whisper, turning over and burying my head into my pillow. Or, what I thought was my pillow. It was firmer than my soft pillow and much bigger - did I have a body pillow last night?

I slowly opened my eyes, squinting in the light of the room, and gasped when realizing that it wasn't a pillow at all. It was Julian. I was using his bare chest as a pillow and my leg was draped over one of his legs.

I blushed and looked up to see him awake and staring at me. I remembered what happened last night clearly now and I quickly got out of bed. I wasn't supposed to let him sleep with me, but I couldn't help but feel safe in his arms. I can't be leading him on like that, as if he has a chance. Unless he does...?

No.

I couldn't look at him. It was awkward right now. I ran a hand through my hair, still blushing furiously, and quickly grabbed some clothes from my closet before going to take a shower without a word, leaving Julian alone.

After my shower, I got dressed and brushed my hair before flipping it a few times and allowing it to air dry. I stepped out of the bathroom and was relieved to see the room free of an alpha werewolf. I sat on my bed, only to have a knock sound on my door and have to stand up again. I hate when that happens.

I opened the door to see Dustin standing there with a tired smile. I guess he's not much of a morning person.

"Good morning, Luna," he greeted.

"Aspen," I corrected. He waved the name off and continued.

"Alpha Julian requests your presence in a meeting with the visiting alpha and beta."

I let out a sigh but nodded. "Lead the way."