Rejecting The Beta

As we reached Ace's home, we crossed paths with my ex-alpha Mason.

"Nice to meet you Alpha Mason." I greeted him.

Though, he is now retired, but still I call him 'Alpha'.

"Good to see you Jez. And please, call me Mason."

"Uncle Mason, then?" I cocked my eyebrow, at him and he chuckled.

"As you wish, dear." He replied warmly.

He was the best alpha, our pack could have gotten.

We quickly made our way towards Ace's office and Thea looked tense, by every passing minute.

We came to stop by the door and when I was going to open it, I was surprised when the door burat open and we saw a panting Ace.

"Ace, what happened?" I asked, surprised.

But he wasn't looking at me, he was looking at Thea.

They both were staring into each other's eyes and that's when Thea whispered, "Mate."

No.

This is not possible.

Thea? Ace's mate?

My life was so messed up.

I looked at Ace for confirmation and his eyes did. His eyes darted towards me for a second before he looked back at Thea.

I didn't even know how to react.

My heart broke even more when Thea ran and put hersef in his arms.

Ace was frozen. He didn't move. He didn't do anything. While Thea, inhaled his scent, her face in the crook of his neck. Thea and I had become very good friends in the past few days and I don't think she'll like me after she knows, what Ace is to me.

Suddenly, Thea pulled back, with a worried expression. Of course, she had expected her mate to react and when he didn't, I can understand how she must be feeling.

"Mate," she whispered and cupped his face.

Then, I remembered what Ethan had said. She was a mind reader. And if she touched him, she'll know. She'll know everything whatever Ace was thing right now. The confusion, the doubt, the sadness of me not being his mate. Everything. Nothing could be hidden from Thea now.

She let her hand fall from Ace's face, and turned towards me, her expression murderous.

"You...you are a traitor. You betrayed me. You betrayed your mate," she spoke angrily.

"I never betrayed anyone," I said in my defense.

"Then, why... Ace is mine. He is my mate."

Okay. That hurt.

"Thea stop," Ace held her arm as she started striding towards me.

His touch seemed to relax her.

I was too stunned to move. I don't know what she'll do next.

"Stay away from me and my mate." She spat, while struggling to get herself loose from Ace's grip.

I felt the anger surge through me but controlled myself.

"And also, stay away from my brother. He deserves better." She shouted.

And all I saw red.

I lost it.

"Enough! Enough with your babbling, Thea." I said.

My anger subsided just as quickly as it had come as I felt an arm wrap around my waist. It was my mate. It was Ethan.

My heartbeat quickened when he said in his calm voice, "What's going on here?"

I said nothing. I just turned around and hugged him, his arms immediately engulfing me in his warm hug. I inhaled his scent, and felt myself calm down.

"She has betrayed all of us, brother. You don't deserve her." Thea spoke and I clenched my jaw and in the process I had Ethan's shirt in my fist.

But, I dared not pull away from him because he was the only one who kept me sane at the moment.

"You're wrong Thea. She never betrayed anyone." He said.

"Don't you know? Ace was his boyfriend. I saw everything, brother. She has even kissed him!" she exclaimed.

I felt Ethan, turn rigid.

Then, he took a deep breath and said, "She never promised me anything, Thea. She didn't feel the mate bond at that moment."

I couldn't believe, Ethan didn't react on hearing those words. He still was on my side. I could feel the unconditional love, radiating from him. For me.

"But she kept on hurting you brother..." Thea trailed off. Apparently, tired with all this. I don't blame her though.

"We'll sort this out later. I need a moment with my mate, if you'll excuse us." Ace said.

I felt Ethan nod and I heard the door to Ace's office close.

I gulped. I don't even know for whom I feel.

"Don't stress yourself, Jez," Ethan whispered in my ear, "and sorry. Thea can over-react sometimes. But when she knows the truth, she'll feel bad."

I pulled back to look at his angelic face.

"You still... trust me?" I asked.

"You're my mate. I trust you more than anyone else in this world." He kissed my forehead and I relished the moment.

"Now, should we get back to your house?"

"Okay," I whispered, entwining his hands with mine.

--

As we reached home, Ethan led me to his room.

I sat on the bed, unwary of what will happen next.

"Don't be nervous. I am not going to ask anything," Ethan tried to make me comfortable and I was thankful for that.

At the moment, I wanted to relish this time with my mate. I wanted to pour out all the confusions infront of him. After all, he and I share the mate bond and there is no denying that. He, of all people would understand me.

I took a deep breath before I told him everything. How I felt about him, about Ace and my fears about making certain decisions.

He listened patiently and when I was finished, he took my hand in his.

"Jezebel, I understand. I will never force you to choose me, though, my wolf sometimes becomes restless," he smirked and continued, "just remember that, I love you."

My breath was caught in my throat and my heart beat quickened.

I felt him lean forward and his eyes asking for my permission. I closed my eyes and felt his hands on my waist pulling me closer. Just as I felt his lips on mine, our bedroom door burst open and we jumped away from each other to look at the intruder.

Thea.

"He rejeced me. Brother, my mate rejected me." Thea sobbed, her eyes red.

As Ethan made his way towards his sister, I saw Ace at the door, his eyes looking hollow.

As he entered, Ethan motioned him to go away.

"Jezebel, a second please?" Ace said, his voice hoarse.

I looked at Ethan, and to my surprise, he nodded.

I made my way towards the door and then Ace took my hand and led me outside the house.

I wonder what he has now to say.