Forbidden Mate: Awakening

The sun was beaming down as I walked up to Jaxon on the training field, my head still spinning from the mystery of the artifact Aunt Belinda told me about the previous night. I was trying to act carefree, but my excitement about uncovering the truth was written all over my face.

“Hey, Jax,” I greeted with a playful smile, hoping to catch him off guard.

“Had a good night’s rest?” He was busy arranging some firearms.

“Hardly.”

“Why?” He raised an eyebrow at me.

“Hey Jax, have you ever heard of an ancient werewolf artifact?”

Jaxon stopped what he was doing and our eyes connected for a second. He chuckled lightly, obviously amused by my sudden interest in artifacts.

“Why are you suddenly so interested in that?”

“Cause I am.”

He looked at me with a sly smile, “Are you sure you’ve not been snooping around?”

My cheeks flushed, “No, what are you saying? Just tell me if you have or not.”

“Fine, the artifact….” he replied, contemplating. “People used to talk about it a lot before but not anymore. Your father ordered so. What I know about it is that they say it possesses some immense power, capable of altering the course of werewolves’ lifespan. But my knowledge of it is limited to the ancient werewolf lore I’ve come across.”

My heart skipped a beat when he mentioned the artifact’s power and its potential impact on our lives. Aunt Belinda said it possessed immense power too.

“Woah, have you seen it before?”

“It’s been lost for centuries, Lily.”

“Doesn’t mean it can’t be found.”

He rolled his eyes, “And why would you want to find it?”

“I didn’t say I wanted to find it.”

He mumbled some words I didn’t hear properly.

“I wish I could ask my father about it directly,” I mused aloud, “But you know how strict and evasive he can be.”

Jaxon nodded in understanding. However, his next words caught me off guard.

“Lily, sometimes there are things we’re not meant to know,” he said earnestly, his eyes searching mine. “Some secrets are better left undisturbed.”

I was really irritated when he said that. How can he just ignore the importance of figuring out the mysteries of our family and the artifact? This object could literally change the fate of our people, and he’s cool with not knowing?! How can he be so content with ignorance?

As if sensing my growing frustration, Jaxon quickly changed the subject. He motioned towards a heavy body suit armor that needed to be moved.

“Help me with this, will you?” he requested, diverting my attention to the task at hand.

As we struggled to carry the weighty armor, I contemplated on Jaxon’s words. He was very wrong. It was essential that I found out the truth. If this ring held the potential to shape not only my destiny but the fate of our entire pack, then it was important we found out it’s possible whereabouts before it got into the wrong hands. Then again, I didn’t understand why my dad was personally interested in finding the ring. For himself? No, I doubt.

I silently promised to find out the truth myself. I had to. I looked at Jaxon and smiled, my eyes gleaming.

Then, I heard the gates open and the security official announced my parent’s arrival.

They’re back, finally.

No more duties and yes, answers from my father.

“I think your parents are back.” Jax told me.

•••••••••••

My dad had finished addressing everyone in the grove when he retired to his office. I had casually welcomed my mum before she went out to do her business. Neither of them had commended my supervisory skills yet but I didn’t make it seem like they had to.

Later, I found myself standing outside my father’s office, nerves tingling within me. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door, entering cautiously. My father, engrossed in his work, looked up at me and remembered he had a daughter. He had only glanced at me once since he got back.

“Oh Lily, how’ve you been, dear?”

“Just taking over things in your absence, nothing much.” Nah, I lied. I did care that I was commended by them.

“And it seems you’ve been doing a very good job with that. Though, I heard the complaints at the boundary faction….” Those darn people, “You’ve done well.”

“Thank you very much. I hope your trip was successful?”

“Yes, yes. We were able to achieve something.”

“Dad, can we talk?” I asked, my voice trembling ever so slightly.

He looked concerned by my sudden request. “Of course, Lily. What’s on your mind?”

I straightened my posture and met his gaze. “I want to know more about our pack’s history,” I stated.

My father’s eyes narrowed slightly as he observed me, “Why the sudden interest?” he inquired.

“I know you just came back from your travel, and in this short span of time, I took the reins and led the pack,” I explained, my voice steady. “I realised I wasn’t adequately prepared…I didn’t understand the requisites of the position.”

He nodded slowly, his expression softening. “Very well. I do suppose it’s time you learn a bit more about our pack’s history, but there’s not much I will tell you that hasn’t been said to you by your mom or I.”

I hesitantly proceeded, “And what about the artifact, Dad? What can you tell me about it?”

His eyes locked onto mine, “What artifact?”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Em…. I heard of an…artifact.”

“From who?”

My throat went dry, “Em, it was -”

“Have you been snooping around my room and belongings, Lily?” he asked sternly.

I shook my head vigorously. “No, Dad, I haven’t. I’m genuinely just curious.”

He continued to scrutinize me. “I’ll ask you again, Lily, have you been tampering with my personal belongings?”

Once more, I shook my head, my voice unwavering. “I swear, Dad, I haven’t. I’m simply just asking because I remembered Aunt Belinda mentioning it some time ago.” Oh no. I quickly put my hand over my mouth. I didn’t want to mention her name but I failed. Pressure was choking me and my mouth just rushed open.

My father murmured a regressive “Belinda…” making me mortified at the thought of Aunt Belinda getting into trouble because of my flimsy mouth.

My father’s gaze bore into me. “Curiosity can be a dangerous thing, Lily,” he warned, his tone firm. “Some matters are best left untouched. They aren’t relevant to your role.”

I opened my mouth to speak but he raised his hand, cutting me off. “That’s enough for now,” he declared, his attention already drifting back to his work. “I have pressing matters to attend to. Leave me be.”

I nodded silently, my heart already sinking. I excused myself, stepping out of his office and closing the door behind me. Leaning against the wall, I let out a heavy sigh, disappointment and frustration swirling within me. I had a feeling it would happen and sure enough, I didn’t get the answers I was looking for. My curiosity was still there, but I just wasn’t getting any satisfaction.

The fact my father refused to tell me about it brought more into light. What was it about the artifact that he couldn’t disclose to me? Aunt Belinda and Jaxon had filled me in on some details, so what was holding my father back?

I could only wander.

•••••••••••

I sat idly in the library, lost in my own thoughts, when I heard the door lock. Adrian approached me with a friendly smile. It had been days since I saw last him or even had time to spend with him.

“It’s been forever. How’ve you been?” I missed his voice.

“The same as I’ve always been. You?”

“Missing you.” He knew how to make me blush so easily. “What are you doing now?” He stared at me with genuine curiosity.

“Nothing…”

My eyes narrowed slightly as I studied him, unable to ignore the question that just popped into my mind as I realized something.

“Why are you moving around so freely in the house now?” I questioned, my tone guarded.

Adrian chuckled softly. “Jaxon managed to get permission from your father for me to assist with minor tasks in the pack,” he explained.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I nodded in understanding. “Oh. Jax is such a nice person,” I remarked.

Adrian’s eyes sparkled with agreement. “Indeed, he is,” he replied. Adrian’s noticed my expression so he asked, “Is anything bothering you?”

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to share my worries with him. Ultimately, I decided against it. It may bring consequences that I won’t be able to face now, neither did I want Adrian to.

Unguardedly, a blush crept onto my cheeks as memories of the night we shared that passionate kiss flooded my mind. I bit my lower lip and hoped he didn’t notice it. The heat of embarrassment washed over me, and I struggled to find my words.

Adrian sensed my discomfort and seemed to realise what caused it, ” I’m sorry”.

“For?” I looked at him, clueless.

“I’m sorry for that night. I crossed my boundaries and… I could’ve asked for your consent first. I’m sorry.” He instinctively apologized.

I was really bummed when he said that because it wasn’t what I expected to hear. I had cherished the kiss and thought he had too.

Managing a smile, I reassured him, “You don’t need to feel bad about it. We were both caught up in the moment, expressing our feelings.”

Adrian’s emerald eyes widened in surprise, his innocence shining through. “Are you saying you’re not angry about it?”

“No, did I ever say I was?”

“Really. Oh that’s good, cus I thought you were…”

“Why would I be?”

The monetary silence between us only intensified the desire welling up in me.

“Can I…do it again?” He asked tentatively, his voice sounding flirty.

My blush deepened, rendering me momentarily speechless.

Before I could come up with a reply, he held my right cheek and stroked it softly. I felt the pull between us growing stronger, until we were once again drawn into a passionate kiss.

Overwhelmed with emotions, I surrendered to the moment, savoring the taste of his lips. Every time he touched me, I always wanted to surrender my entire self to his doing. I melted between his fingers and allowed his skin to sink into mine as he drew himself closer to me. I didn’t realise I was already standing, leaning onto the table and he had placed his other hand on the edge. I wrapped my hands around his neck and savoured every single moment and taste as much as I could. I didn’t even know if I had fallen for this man but I knew one thing – what he made me feel, I had never felt that for anyone ever.

His hand left the edge and glided down my lap which was bare because of the shorts I wore. The hairs on my leg stood and I let out an inaudible gasp. Why did this feel so good, yet so bad and unnatural? I wasn’t meant to be doing this but I didn’t care. The thrill of the moment was all I needed to affirm my right to the pleasure I felt at the moment.

“Lily…” His lips had left mine for a second but I didn’t allow him say another word as I went into him again. There was no better feeling than what I felt now, and nothing could ruin it.

I was wrong.

Sadly, our stolen moment of bliss was abruptly disturbed. The door I thought was locked was burst open and in the corner of my eye, I could see my father step into the room, accompanied by an elder of the pack. Adrian was still into the moment and I had to roughly push him away before he realised what was happening.

“Adrian, stop…” I exhaustingly said as soon as his lips left mine.

My heart leaped into my throat as I locked eyes with my father. His face had already contorted with anger and disbelief. The elder quickly excused himself, leaving us to face the wrath of my father alone.

“Get away from my daughter right now!” My father commanded in a thunderous voice.

Adrian walked back, far away from me and stood with pursed lips. I could only wander what was going through his mind.

I stood there, stunned and speechless.

That’s when I saw Don, standing beside the door, with a pair of keys in his hand. He twirled it around his index finger and gave me that look that I hated. Then I realised….

The bastard.

This time I blinked thrice, but it was really happening.