Forbidden Mate: Awakening

The other pack hunters noticed my growing connection with Adrian, as a result of the number of hours I spent with him. Ever since the last incident, we had been cautious to not be seen alone so we planned to meet only at nights. When a month already passed, we got more comfortable talking during the day, as far as we were in the midst of others, except my father.

The others disapproved of our connection, and their worried expressions showed their concern. It seemed like my involvement with Adrian had stirred up fear and uncertainty among them.

One by one, pack members came to me (including people I had never talked to), looking worried and cautious. They spoke quietly, telling me to stay away from Adrian and break the bond between us. They warned me about the dangers of being with “someone like him” and going against our pack’s traditions and values.

“You’re our leader’s daughter, you should know better.” One guy who looked like Brad Pitt told me.

“I had asked you out not too long ago and you chose him over me? Really?” This was Elliot. The clown of the grove. He did ask me out about 3 weeks after Adrian came and I did reject him but not to choose the latter over him. He wasn’t just my type.

“What if your dad finds out again?”

“If your mom sees you both all lovey dovey, she’d lose it on you.”

“Why not just settle for one hunter in the grove? Why mix blood?”

“You’re making a big mistake, girl.”

“You really want to cause another issue in this place.”

“If I were you, I’d do the right thing and cut all connections with that dude.”

And that’s how more came to me everyday. Their words weighed heavily on me. I understood their concerns and their desire to protect the pack and our way of life. But my connection with Adrian was complicated. It was based on understanding and a bond that went beyond us being from different species – I knew they didn’t know that.

I tried to explain to the pack members that Adrian wasn’t the enemy they thought he was. I told them about his struggles, the inner conflicts he faced, and the pain he had experienced before he arrived here.

But they didn’t seem to listen. The pack members stayed firm in their disapproval, not wanting to trust Adrian. Their fear of the unknown overshadowed any chance for understanding or acceptance.

As days went by, I faced an internal struggle. My own people’s disapproval hung over every interaction I had with Adrian. We had to meet in secret, once again, stealing moments together, cherishing the glimpses of his smile and the warmth of his touch.

But keeping our relationship a secret and dealing with the pack’s judgment took its toll on me. I couldn’t bear the thought of having to choose between my love for Adrian and my place in the grove.

Why didn’t they just understand and in fact – leave us the fuck alone?!

•••••••••••

I had gotten the most dreadful news that month.

Sarah’s mom was like a second mom to me, always kind and gentle. We had many happy memories and shared secrets, and her love brought warmth to my life.

Then something terrible happened and she was unexpectedly taken away from us. I felt a deep sense of loss.

I couldn’t bear to see Sarah in pain during those sad days. I knew she needed a safe place to find comfort and support. Without hesitation, I begged my parents to allow her to live with me, offering her a home where she could heal and grieve.

Sarah moved in with me, and our days became a mix of happy and sad moments. We held each other tightly and found comfort in our shared understanding of loss. Together, we went through the emotions that overwhelmed us, finding strength in our friendship and love.

During those times of sadness, we leaned on each other and found comfort in the memories we shared. We talked about Sarah’s mom, celebrating her kind spirit and how she had influenced our lives. We cried together, letting our tears wash away some of the pain in our hearts.

“I can’t believe she never told you she had breast cancer…” My heart broke as I said to Sarah who was laying her head on my lap as I stroke her hair slowly. My laps were soaked with her tears and so was my bed we were on.

“I don’t know why…she kept it away from me. She only told me it was a…mild sickness…” Sarah stuttered and I could feel the pain in her voice.

“It’s okay, dear. She’s in a better place now.”

“I miss her everyday…it’s been 2 weeks but…I haven’t been able to…to …oh mom…” She cried into my lap and I rubbed her back more gently. “First dad, now her…I have noone left.”

“No, don’t say that. You have me. You have all of us.” I reassured her.

Why did bad things always happen to good people? Sarah’s mom was such a good person and she didn’t deserve dying so early and so young. Sarah didn’t deserve this truckload of pain and loss at such a young age and for such a bright and lovely person she was.

Because of this loss, I wandered how I’d react if anything happened to my parents. I couldn’t even stand to think of it, so that was just a glimpse of what Sarah had to face from now onwards in her life. This was so unfair.

As time went on, Sarah and I started to heal, although it was a slow process. We found comfort in simple routines, the familiar patterns that made life feel a little more normal. We cooked together with my mom, shared already told stories and laughter. We also went out, but not to parties, and took walks a lot.

In the evenings, we sat on the porch, enjoying the peaceful silence as the sun set. The gentle breeze reminded us that even in sad times, there was still beauty and hope in the world.

Through it all, our friendship grew stronger. Sarah became not just my closest friend, but also someone I could rely on when I felt vulnerable. In the midst of our pain, our friendship became a source of strength, guiding us through the darkest times.

As I looked at Sarah, I saw sadness and gratitude in her eyes. I wondered if our friendship would continue to grow, reminding us of the strength we found in our grief.

•••••••••••••

The room became tense as Audrey put her sneaky plan into action. I was there minding my own business, not paying attention to her mingling around the area whilst I was pressing my phone. I could have known she wanted to play one of those her dirty games.

“Where is she?” I heard Tyler’s voice ring in as he burst in through the door to stand in front of me, Audrey leading on behind him.

“What is it this time?”

“Oh, ‘this time?’ What did you tell Audrey about my mom?” His face had already contorted with anger.

“What did I tell Audrey about your mom?”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“Audrey, talk.”