Chapter 11: Pursuing Ravine

(J.J. POV)

I am in the dining room with my parents, having afternoon tea when my mom noticed that my mood was quite vibrant.

"You seem to be in a good mood."

"I am." I said without looking at them since everything is still awkward and we haven't really discussed the fact that I have a male mate.

"Son, are you still upset with us?"

"I am not upset because I finally spent time with my mate. Although, still feeling a bit awkward because we never had the opportunity to discuss it." I said.

"Son, look at me." Dad said. I reluctantly did what I was told to avoid conflict when the weirdest thing happened.

"I'm sorry!"

I was shocked. My dad rarely apologizes. Growing up in the Vanderbilt pack, he's the one who's always right. He's the one who's perfect. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks. His ideas are the only thing that matters. Alphas are not known for apologizing so the moment he did that, I was completely lost for words.

"Really?"

"I am. I am sorry for pressuring you all the time. I am sorry for being hard on you and I am sorry for making you feel bad when you discovered your mate. Just so you know, it never really mattered to your mom and I who your mate is going to be, whether if it is a boy or girl. We just want you to learn the responsibility of protecting your mate and your pack. I am truly glad to see you happy and enjoying time with your mate but hopefully now that you discovered who he is, you can be more serious in taking in the role of an Alpha for him and the future family you will build with him."

"I will never forget my responsibility dad, especially to him. Mark my words, I will be a good Alpha." I said.

"That's what I like to hear." He said.

"We are always proud of you, J.J.! Don't forget that as well." Mom said.

"I won't."

I felt like I had a sense of renewal after my conversation with my parents. I felt like I had earned their newfound trust.

"From now on, I'll be more attentive to pack meetings and everything else that I need to learn in order to be a great Alpha. I am sorry too for being an asshole and hopefully, I can make it up to both of you in the future."

"I have no doubt you will son." Dad said.

----

(Ned POV)

The future Alpha has summoned me to the dining room and I can't help but wonder why. Rosa said J.J. has something important to say.

"Good day, future Alpha."

"Good day to you too, Ned."

"Rosa said you have something important to say."

"Yup."

"May I ask what it is?" I said.

"How long have you known Ravine?"

"Ravine Canella, the scholar?" I asked.

"Yes, him!"

"Ever since he joined the writer's club." I answered.

"I see. I am going to have to tell you something that only Marco and my parents know. I would appreciate it if you would keep it to yourself as well."

"Of course, future alpha."

"Ravine's my mate."

My jaw dropped at what he said. The J.J. Vanderbilt, the most popular guy in school, highly worshipped by girls and a future Alpha is gay?

What's even more shocking is how Ravine became his mate. Ravine looks weak and vulnerable and I honestly don't know if he will be a strong Luna. He is not in the same level as J.J.

"Congratulations, you found your mate." I said.

"That sounds so forced." J.J. laughed.

"No, I honestly have no problem with it, J.J. It's just surprising because I never thought of you that way but at the same time, I'm a little worried because most of our pack members are conservatives. They are expecting a girl like Anya to be your mate and I don't know how they will react once they found out that your mate is a boy."

"That's why I am asking you to keep it to yourself." J.J. said.

"Do you think Ravine can be a strong Luna?" I asked.

"Quite frankly, I don't give a damn if he isn't as strong as me because I love him and that's all that matters."

"Right." I said.

"I called you here because you are going to serve as my eye. I am putting you in charge of him. Since I have to attend pack meetings now and there will be moments wherein I might not be there with him, you will have to personally guard him and see if he's having trouble or problems. If something happens to him, you will inform me about it, understand?"

"Yes, future Alpha."

"Thank you, my friend."

-----

(J.J. POV)

"Anya!" I called to her as she was stuffing her luggage in the back of her car.

"Hey J.J.!" She said softly.

"Marco told me you're leaving." I said.

"Yup."

"Anya, I'm sorry."

"It's fine, J.J. You don't need to apologize, I completely understand." She smiled.

"Are you going to be okay?"

"I will. It would be for the best. I am actually looking forward for a fresh start so I'll be fine." She reassured me.

"Okay then, take care!"

"You too, take care of your mate." Anya said before waving goodbye and getting in her car to drive away.

Should I be sadder? I asked myself.

There's an underlying happiness right now. I know I shouldn't be happy but I cannot not be happy. I am completely free. Nothing is holding me back anymore. I can fully pursue Ravine now that Anya is gone.

The only problem I have to deal with right now is coming out to my pack. This is the hardest one now.