Markie

Ruby's Ceremony / Ryan POV*

"I can't breathe!" Ruby says as we get ready for the big day.

"You're going to do great! It's Malak. Come on, no need to be nervous." I tell her.

"I know... but oh my! I'm going to have a mate!" She is so excited!

"He's all you've thought about for three years, and now you're nervous? Seriously, Ruby?!" Rachel grins, pushing her.

We get dressed and head to the banquet hall. They didn't want it big, just family and friends. The hall was decked out for the ceremony. Alpha Aaron officiated it, and I swear he was about to cry. It was beautiful. The way Malak looked down at her... you could see the love in his eyes. When he kissed his mark on her, she threw her arms around him. They are so cute!

"You could have that." My wolf reminds me.

"No... I can't." I look over to Ryan, and of course, while everyone else has their eyes forward on the happy couple, he is watching me. I look away. How can he still look at me like that?

Soon music was playing and people were dancing. Food was served. I watch Ruby and Malak. She is attached to his side, nuzzling his neck. They are adorable. I am broken from my thoughts by a hand in front of me.

"Dance with me, Marker!" Alic says, grinning.

I can't do this! I want to support Ruby and Malak. They are my friends. If I dance with him, it will hurt Ryan. If I turn him down, I'll hurt Alic. This sucks... I should just leave.

"Sorry, Alic... I think I'm gonna head out." I say standing.

"Come on!... one dance!" He grabs my hand and spins me around. I laugh as he pulls me into him with a goofy grin. We sway a moment before a hand appears on Alic's shoulder.

"Mind if I cut in little cuz?" Ryan asks.

"No problem." Alic says, and his arms are replaced with Ryan's.

"You look beautiful, little mouse." He whispers in my ear. I can't help but lean into his touch.

"I told you not to call me that." I whisper back. He sighs.

"I can't help it... you are just so dang cute!" He keeps his voice low so as not to attract the attention of the other wolves.

"I need to leave." I break his hold, but he doesn't protest. I congratulate Ruby and Malak and head out.

I don't know what to do. Nothing seems right. If I reject him, he can move on... but I will be alone. If I accept him, he will be stuck with a half-hearted mate. That's not fair. I am so screwed up!

Ryan's POV

(This is a shortened version of the story from Ryan's POV it may be repetitive as it is the same story, so you can skip the rest of this chapter if you want. If you want some spoilers digging into Ryan's past, read the story Ryan to see why he believes he deserves this.)

I didn't expect to find my mate here... what are the odds?

She keeps running away. Every time I get a whiff of her, she runs... she hasn't even met me, and she runs. I'd get it if she knew my past! I'd get it if she did, but she hasn't even given me a chance! Who is this girl!

I won't let her get away next time!

●○●○●

"Every time, woman!" Here I am in front of a tree again. She uses it to hide her scent, but seriously... this is the third time! I know she's in the tree. "It masks your scent, but when you do the same thing every time, it's pretty obvious where you are." I circle the tree looking for her. I know she doesn't want to talk to me... I don't want to force anything on her, but I need to know why? "Come out, come out wherever you are." This little game of cat and mouse is killing me. I feel myself growl. I will search every mouse hole for her. I will catch my little mouse. Until she rejects me, I will be here for her. "Fine, I'll leave."