Solstice Howl

15

Of course, I knew the literal definition of jealousy.

It's just never been an emotion I'd consider feeling, an emotion that never occurred to me.

There wasn't much to be jealous of when I was underground, everyone pretty much equally had it bad.

I briefly licked my chapped lips, trepidation welling up in my chest.

"I'm sorry-" he began, he had seen my reaction to him calling me jealous, the astonishment, the burning hatred.

"I didn't mean to make you embarrassed."

I scoffed, he had added fuel to the bottomless pit of fire.

Words could not express the emotions I am feeling, but fortunately- or unfortunately- I can project them to him without words.

I surged him the raging emotions, enraged to the point that red hazed around the corners of peripheral.

"Mya," he gritted his teeth as he felt the onslaught straight through his chest- or more specifically... his heart.

"You can not seriously hate me for something you feel!"

Does he seriously think that is the only reason why?!

It was ridiculous, this whole situation.

He's under some false pretense that everything can be okay in the end, that we're going to slide down a beautiful rainbow, holding hands and laughing cheerfully with our little litter of monster children following our wake, and the whole pack cheering us on.

It's like no matter what I say, he won't budge on his absurd fantasy.

"I'm not jealous."

Brilliant, I'm brilliant with replies, I mentally applauded myself.

A wry chuckle, "of course."

The interaction reminded me of one I had with Carter a long time ago. Often times, Carter knew me better than I knew myself.

Whenever I was too stubborn to admit something that caused me embarrassment, he'd sarcastically agree with me.

Carter.

It were as if I forgot about him, my best friend.

Bile rose in my throat.

I had been so preoccupied with my own problems, he hasn't even been a thought.

My best friend since childhood.

I looked back up at the Alpha, debating if I should discuss the topic with him. If I handle it wrong, he could decide to end Carter's life, I have to tread carefully.

"I want Carter freed."

The Alpha barked a short quip of laughter.

"He drugged you, and you expect me to let him go?"

"Carter is innocent in my eyes, I will never even consider the claim if you do not let him go.

That sparked his interest.

Claiming is completing the bond, finally allowing us to be one.

It requires me to accept him fully and unconditionally, in every way.

"Mya-" He is being pulled in different directions by his wolf.

On one hand, the mate bond being completed, something he's wanted since the first time he saw me; the other, seeking vengeance on those who wronged him and what's his- pride.