Marked

17 ~ The Compromise

Mazzel

"Tell me again why this has to happen?" my dad questioned, not even trying to hide the concern in his voice.

"We've been over this, Tony." My mom sighed. "The Alpha can't be Mazzel's mate if we keep her locked up here. She needs room to breathe."

"We don't know he's my mate," I corrected her.

My mother's choice of words was painfully ironic, considering I'd be far more stifled and confined at Jayden's house than here.

My father pulled me into a bear hug. "I know you have to figure out if he's your mate or not, but it doesn't mean I'm not going to be worried sick about my baby girl. I wish you'd stay."

The more I thought about it, the more I knew that this was something I had to do whether I wanted to or not. I'd never know if Jayden and I had a real chance at a relationship if I didn't actually give this a shot, though I had my doubts about his intentions.

I hugged both of my parents tightly. "You guys don't need to be worried about me. I promise."

"Yes, of course... You'll be fine." Mom said, bursting into tears. "My last daughter leaving the house and mating with an Alpha. I can't believe you're all grown up!"

I remembered how my parents had acted when Matilda had moved out. It had been just the same. even though she was their daughter by blood and I'd been adopted, it didn't make one lick of a difference to them.

It made me love them all the more for it. I was going to miss them. Biological parents or not, they were mine. And maybe my mom was being melodramatic, but, right now, I appreciated it.

"I'll be back soon, relax." I said, hugging them one last time. My mom's hug was a little bit too tight for comfort.

Luckily, a loud car horn beeped outside, offering up an escape.

"That must be my driver! I've got to go but I love you guys lots!" I yelled as I ducked out the door.

Outside, Gilean was waiting for me. He had an almost suspicious grin on his face. He picked up both of my suitcases and put them in the trunk while I sat in the passenger seat.

Gilean hopped into the car and revved up the engine like a frat boy about to go for a joyride. Although I very much doubted this would be an enjoyable ride.

We drove in an awkward silence for a while before Gilean finally turned his head to look at me.

"It's nice to officially meet you, Mazzel Jansen," he said with that odd grin. "I'm Gilean Hoek, the beta of the East Coast Pack."

"Yes, I know," I said, trying to read him. "It must feel good to be chosen for that position."

"It must feel good to be in your position too." Gilean said with an accusatory tone. "So while we're here, why don't you tell me how you did it?"

"Excuse me?" I knew there was something off about that phony smile.

"Don't be modest." His voice was soaked full of sarcasm now. "You need to tell me your technique. How did you trick the Alpha into marking you?"