My Innocent Mate

XIII

"What?" I asked, surprised from hearing that traitor's name. 

"He needs to speak with you," Luciel repeated. "I thought you would be delighted to see him?"

"I guess I'll see him. I'll explain to you on the way there," I said, replaying the events that happened with me and Jason.

"Okay, he's at the entrance right now."

I got up and walked alongside Luciel, mentally preparing myself.

"You see," I explained. "When we arrived at the Big House, he found instantly found his mate."

"Oh, good for him!" Luciel interjected.

I sighed. "And then, he just left me. Didn't have any care in the world when finding his mate. I was left, alone. I couldn't believe he just threw me away like trash for someone he just met."

There was a pause of silence.

"Ella... you have to understand..."

I looked at him curiously. "Understand what?"

"There's an incomprehensible feeling when meeting your mate. There's a rush of all kinds of emotions and you just want to go through the motions. Isn't that how you felt when you met Asher?" he asked.

"Well, the first time I met him, I was trying to block out the image of him eating the face of another girl so..."

Luciel halted. "What?"

"We're here," I said, dismissing the subject.

There was Jason leaning against a pillar. When seeing us, he ran over to me with a giant hug. I was taken aback by this sudden gesture.

"Ella... I'm so sorry," he said.

I lightly pushed him away to have a look at his face. It held sincere remorse. I thought about what Luciel said, trying to comprehend it. Jason must've been so ecstatic to finally meet his mate.

I remembered meeting him... and the rush of emotions that washed over me and how happy I was. It felt like I could do anything and be anything as long as he was there. I forced my brain to block out the sad memories.

"It's okay. I get it," I said, attempting to look at him straight in the eyes, but ultimately failing by looking at the pillar behind.

Jason could tell and said, "I know you don't mean it. It's not okay. But, if you're willing to give our friendship another shot, I will do better."

I shook my head. "No, I'm just being too sensitive. I'm sorry. And of course, we can be friends again. It wasn't like we weren't in the first place."

Jason smiled. "Well then... hello Ella. It's been awhile."

"Hey...now tell me all about your mate. What's her name again?" I asked.

We were interrupted by Luciel. He cleared his throat and asked, "Jason, the only reason you came is it to make up with Ella?" 

"Oh yeah!" Jason said. "I totally forgot. You see... Alpha Asher wants to talk to you. He commands you to go back to the Sirius Crescent Pack. I volunteered to do it so I can talk to you about everything."

"Wait..." I said. "You're part of the Sirius Crescent Pack?"

He nodded. "Yes, my mate, Iris, is part of it, so I just moved in with her."

"And he commands me to go back?"

Jason nodded, again. 

I huffed. "Well, tell him that I command him to not come here and wait."

"Woah, you're not following directions for once," Luciel said, raising an eyebrow.

"It's because it involves Asher," I said, crossing my arms.

Jason had a scared look on his face. "B-but... he's scary. If I don't come back with you he might kill me."

"He wouldn't do that. If he does, I'll reject him. Tell him that if you feel like he's about to hurt you... there will be consequences. Plus, I need to sort everything out here."

I turned to Luciel who looked the other way.

"Did something bad happen? Is the pack okay?" Jason asked, worried.

I made a slight smile and reassured him. "Everything is okay. I just need to sort out something. You should go back to Sirius Crescent before Iris worries."

Jason hesitated. "Alright... but I'll be back to check up on you and the pack. Luciel, I'm sorry I can't stay long. Tell my parents that I'm doing well for me, will you?"

Luciel nodded.

And with that, Jason left with a wave.

After he was out of sight, I turned to Luciel. "Have you talked to Alpha Steven yet?"

Luciel looked sternly at me, his jaw tense. "Why would I? He has done something unforgivable."

"I admit, it's not a topic I would enjoy discussing. I didn't even know my mother wanted another child. I'm all for it, but I wished she would've discussed it with me first."

Luciel nodded. "I can't say I approve of the idea... but I'm angrier at the fact he didn't tell me. I honestly had no knowledge of this until you came. My dense brain just assumed your mother was eating a lot due to you being gone."

"Do you want to talk to him?" I asked.

Luciel instantly shook his head. "No."

I glared at him. "Why not? Don't you want to sort everything out?"

"I'm just not ready to talk to him like you and your mate," he explained.

I spark entered my brain, realizing that perhaps I was being a hypocrite. But, my situation's different. Right?

"Look," Luciel interjected. "I thank you for wanting to fix all of this, but our relationship was built on trust. After what he pulled, it's going to take time to rebuild it."

"I just hope this doesn't interfere with pack duties," I said, sighing. "Just, please at least try to talk to him once."

Luciel shook his head yet again. "He should come to me then. I'm not initiating it."

A feeling of frustration washed over me. "You are too stubborn."

Luciel decided to escort me back to my cabin, so we could catch up. I gave in.

We entered to see Alpha Steven waiting on my bed.

"What do you want?" Luciel asked, gruffly.