Like Burning Rain (boyxboy)

Chapter Fifteen-Part One

Talon felt really weird walking into the pack meeting with Jericho. It was so stupid considering that they were in the same pack, but they had never hung out. He felt like everybody was staring at them and talking behind their backs. It made his skin crawl and he made sure he did not stand too close to Jericho. If anybody started to suspect they were mates before they were ready it would foil the entire plan.

He nodded and smiled at all of his pack mates. Some of them looked at him with sad eyes and patted his back in comfort. Obviously they were aware of the mate rule and figured he would be unable to claim the pack tonight. Which was funny, because not finding his mate wasn't the issue. He had found his mate, just like he had promised his father he would. In the end though, it hadn't mattered. He knew now he was meant for bigger things than running this old, close minded hillbilly pack.

The more he thought about it the less it bothered him. Just a few minutes ago he had figured this was going to be the biggest, most heart breaking event that would ever happen to him. He had convinced himself for so long that the only thing that could ever care about was being alpha. Maybe that was still true, but he was still going to be an alpha, and for a much more important cause.

Jericho lightly brushed his arm, not enough to raise suspicion but just enough to let Talon know he was there. He smiled at his little red-headed miracle and realized he had nothing at all to be sad about. As long as he had Jericho there was nothing in the world that should be able to bring him down. That was how the mate thing was supposed to work, once you found them everything else became insignificant.

"Hey man!" Talon turned his head at the voice of his best friend, Mike. He smiled, he had missed Mike in all of this Jericho craziness. He gave him a bro-hug and slapped him on the back.

"Hey, long time no see!" He said excitedly.

"Ya man, you like dropped off the freakin globe this last month. What the heck you been doing that you culdn't make a little room for your best friend?" Mike asked looking at him curiously. It was a strange occurrence, him and Mike had been pretty much inseparable from birth. They had grown up together and he trusted him with his life. Somehow though in the last month he had completely forgotten he even knew Mike.

"I've been trying like crazy to find a mate." He told him, but it felt weird lying. He trusted Mike completely and he had never once told him a lie. He got this fluttery feeling in his stomach, like his body was rejecting the very idea of it. Mike was about the same height as him, and had nice muscles as they worked out together a lot. He had large brown eyes and dark brown hair, so dark it was almost black.

"Oh ya, well rotten luck about that stupid rule. I feel real bad." He looked at him and Talon could see the truth of his words in his eyes. He decided then that he had to tell him.

All of a sudden a pretty brunette came up and wrapped her arm around Mike. She looked unfamiliar, and he could tell she was not a part of their pack. Mike looked at her and his eyes melted into an expression of pure love. Talon knew then that the girl had to be Mike's mate.

"Oh my gosh, did you find your mate? And you didn't tell me? You butt-head!" Talon yelled in happiness for his friend.

"Well you haven't exactly made it easy to get ahold of you man! You were the first I wanted to tell, but I couldn't freakin reach you!" Mike yelled back, smiling so wide it was a wonder his lips didn't bleed.

"Man that is great, I am so happy for you! Can i talk to you for a second alone though? Just real quick." Talon felt butterflies erupt in his stomach as Mike nodded and led them to a small wooded area. All he could think was, please don't betray me.

Jericho watched them leaving with worried eyes. Talon had forgotten he was even there, maybe he should get a CAT scan if he kept forgetting all these important people. He nodded reassuringly, but it only caused panic to come full throttle into his mate's eyes. Talon mouthed an apology, only just then realizing he probably should have asked Jericho's permission for this.

Once they reached the clearing Mike turned around with wide eyes. "Oh I almost forgot, happy friggin birthday man!"

"Thanks, but I'm not entirely sure how happy it is going to be." Talon said quietly.

"Oh cheer up man you will find your mate in no time." Mike said trying to lift his spirits.

"That is not what I am worried about. I already kind of did find a mate." Talon said slowly, wishing he could take back the words as soon as they left his mouth.

"Well why didn't you say so? That is awesome, but why are you so upset?" Mike had started off real excited, but ended a little worriedly.

'My mate is Jericho." He said and then looked to the ground real fast, terrified of Mike's reaction. It was silent for a long time, but then he felt a gentle hand on his chin, pushing his face up.

"Hey, if your worried about losing me right now, don't be. We don't get to choose our mates, and me and you are like brothers. I'm just worried about you, we both know that different is a dirty word in our society. Whatever you do though, I will be on your side. I promise." Talon grabbed his friend in a huge hug, and almost started weeping at his words. He didn't want to admit it, but he had been terrified he would lose Mike.

Talon looked over and smiled at Jericho, letting him know everything was alright. The relief in Jericho's eyes was immense. Talon then looked over to see Mike's mate, watching them with a confused look on her pretty face. He suddenly let go of Mike as an idea struck him. He grabbed Mike's shoulders and giggled excitedly.

"Do you really mean it? That you will have my back through anything?" Talon asked.

"Of course." Mike said in a determined tone.

"Then I have an idea." Talon said and then turned and stalked toward their mates with a very confused Mike in tow.

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Hey guys :) I am finally out of school! Wooohooo!!!! So I am going to be writing a lot more. This was really short because it is just part one and I want some suspense in here! Thank you guys so much for the new fans and the votes and ESPECIALLY THE COMMENTS! I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate those of you who take the time to comment! Also, if you guys ever want to talk to me or anything feel free! Half the time when I am on here I get bored without taking breaks. I want to get to know my bubbles!!! Haha, I love you guys who follow this story even though I fail to update it a lot :( You guys are just too amazing! <3 I don't have a song right now, but if any of you guys think of on be sure to tell me! I will try to get part two up soon, which I should be able to do seeing as school is no longer an issue. I can't wait until I am done with high school, oh well, HALFWAY THERE! Haha

LOVE,

Mrs. Optimus Prime