Help Me

Chapter 37: Nathan's Mate

Riley's POV

I was lying around lazily, listening to Nathan babble on about his unknown mate. My feet rested on his lap and my torso leaned against Ashton.

"I bet she would be smart, beautiful, charming, beautiful, kind, beautiful-" Nathan kept rambling on about how his mate would be.

"You repeated beautiful three times." I pointed out.

"Because she's going to be beautiful." Nathan said dreamily.

"Like Riley." Ashton piped up. I blushed at his comment.

"Yup, just like Riley." Nathan looked at me suggestively. I playfully pushed him with my foot.

Ashton growled protectively. "She's mine."

"Dude! I'm just kidding!" Nathan said, putting his hands up defensively.

Ashton glared at Nathan whilst I laughed at the both of them.

We didn't notice the living room door until someone whispered, "Mate..."

We froze. The three of us were the only ones in the room. Ashton and I were mates, so there is only one person who is mateless: Nathan.

Our heads slowly turned to see the shaking girl standing in the doorway.

"Erin?" I said in confusion.

Ashton and I looked at Nathan to Erin. They seemed to be in their own little world. For some reason, Erin wasn't wearing any makeup.

She must be too lazy to put on those layers of cosmetics, I thought.

Nathan was the first one to snap out of the trance. His eyes went from love to embarrassment to anger. He abruptly stood up and left.

Erin's eyes followed him and when he brushed past her, pain flashed in her eyes.

For once in my life, I felt truly sorry for the girl. She was just ignored by her mate. How could anyone do that?

It was silent for a few seconds. Then Ashton stood up. "I'll go talk to him." He gently brushed his lips over my forehead and followed Nathan.

Erin was still rooted on the spot. Even when Ashton walked past her, she didn't jump into action to try and flirt.

We stay in awkward silence for a while. "Why don't you sit down?" I asked softly.

Yes, I Riley Thompson, am being nice to Erin, the girl who tried to take my man away.

Erin didn't move, but slowly, she took tiny steps and made her way to sit on the couch opposite from me. We didn't say anything after that.

If you said that this was awkward, that would be a major understatement.

"So, how's your grandparents? How's life treating you?" I tried starting a conversation.

She stayed silent before saying, "... Did he just reject me?"

I pressed my lips together. "I don't think so. I would be shocked if he did. He was waiting for you his whole life... But before you left, how did you not know that he was your mate?"

"A few weeks ago, he was still fifteen. He went away for a couple more weeks and I think that was when he had his birthday. When he came back, I'd already left for my grandparents' house. I also had my birthday a week ago."

I nodded my head in understanding. "You know," I started. "I never thought I'd ever have a civilized conversation with you."

She managed to crack a smile, not a smirk or a sneer, a pretty and genuine smile.