Mate Bond

The dark-haired beta let out yet another weary sigh as she came to the resigned realization that her efforts were futile in halting the relentless stream of tears cascading from her younger brother's eyes. Throughout the entire evening, he remained ensconced within the shelter of her embrace, his sorrow unabated and his sobs echoing in the dimly lit room.

She found herself at a loss, unable to conjure anything that might offer even a modicum of solace to her brother. The milk chocolate he once cherished now lay scorned, leaving her with only one recourse: to envelop him in a tender, affectionate embrace, her fingers gently combing through his damp hair, remnants of the earlier shower.

"Oh, my baby brother... please, stop crying," she implored, her voice laced with concern, as she settled onto her bed, drawing him close within her arms. "You know that your precious tears are hurting your sister too, right? Do you want me to cry with you; huh?" The brunette’s cerulean eyes brimmed with empathy as she sought to comfort him in his distress.

"Al-Al-Alexa," he stammered, his voice trembling with emotional turmoil, “my h-h-heart... h-hurts. She-s-she r-rejected m-me. W-what will I-I do n-n-now? I-I like h-her very much-no, I l-love her. Now... I-I fear, I-I... I-I'll d-die or even worse... I-I could b-be m-m-mated to s-someone u-u-unwillingly." The brunette boy dissolved into tears once more, his heart weighed down by the crushing sorrow of his inaugural rejection.

However, in Alexa's perception, her brother's lamentation seemed somewhat exaggerated.

Once more, Alexa's sigh filled the air, a weary exhalation born of the weight of her thoughts. Then, a sharp 'tsk' escaped her lips, a testament to her growing agitation as the notion of 'all teenagers being the same' infiltrated her restless mind. With reluctance, she relinquished her embrace, turning her attention to her baby brother. His flushed cheeks puffed out with sobs and glistened with the residue of salty tears that seemed to flow endlessly.

The sight of her younger sibling in such a vulnerable and shattered state tugged at Alexa's heartstrings, prompting another sigh to escape her lips. Yet, this time, it carried a note of frustration rather than concern.

"Alex," Alexa chastised, her tone firm as she addressed her brother. "She hasn't rejected you yet. So, what's your plan now? Are you going to keep wallowing in self-pity over something as trivial as this? Your sister is still very much alive whom you’ve been trying to kill with your persistent tears for the past three hours!" Her words carried a weight of frustration, but her brother only responded with a sullen pout.

Taking a moment to compose herself, she spoke again, her voice gentle yet determined. "Come on, little brother. Let's get you cleaned up before you catch a cold. And I promise, tomorrow I'll have a chat with Celeste about all of this," Alexa said, her words laced with reassurance. With a tender touch, she wiped away the tears staining Alex's flushed cheeks, his sniffling the only sound breaking the silence. He gazed up at his sister with wide, innocent cerulean eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, resembling a breathtaking galaxy of stars.

"B-but... what if she... rejects me? Again?" Alex's voice wavered, uncertainty tainting his words. Another sniffle threatened to escalate into tears, but Alexa intercepted swiftly. "If that happens," she responded without hesitation, "shed your tears then."

Alex glared at his sister; his expression twisted with anger at her sarcastic remark. Frustration bubbled within him, and he whined plaintively, "Alexaaaaa! W-what will I do t-then?" Alexa sighed once more, her demeanor exuding confidence despite the tension in the air. "Listen, Alex," she began, her tone firm but reassuring. "She asked you to seek my permission, and since I'm on board with this arrangement, there shouldn't be any issue. So, stop the tears, freshen up, and come eat. I made cream soup, your favorite."

Alex blinked away the remnants of his tears, then collapsed onto his sister's bed, burying his face in her pillow. Quietly, he muttered, "Not hungry." Alexa couldn't help but roll her eyes in exasperation as she heard Alex's stomach growl loudly just moments after he declared not being hungry.

"Fine, don't eat dinner," Alexa relented, her tone softened with a hint of resignation. "But do me a favor and at least finish this chocolate bar. You can have your dinner later, maybe around midnight or something. Deal?" She awaited a response from her pouting brother, and upon receiving a nod, she proceeded to unwrap the chocolate bar and handed it to him.

Observing as Alex took small, deliberate bites of the chocolate, Alexa couldn't help but smile at the sight of his wide, glistening eyes. He looked so adorable and innocent in that moment. Unable to resist, she reached out to ruffle his hair gently, then trailed her fingers along his slightly damp bangs with a tenderness that spoke volumes about her unlimited love for him.

"Can I go see Chris?" Alex's voice was gentle as he widened his sparkling cerulean eyes, employing his signature puppy-dog look—a tactic that never failed to tug at the heartstrings of those around him, especially the young beta. He was well aware of the power his gaze held, knowing full well that it was a surefire way to get his way.

It was a tactic he knew and took pride in, a subtle manipulation that never seemed to fail.

His puppy eyes were his greatest weapon, his sister's weakness, and the reason why his friends, like Chris, tended to spoil him excessively. He was just too darn adorable, and those puppy eyes had a way of winning over anyone's affection.

Alexa grumbled out in frustration before rolling her eyes a bit when she saw those huge adorable puppy eyes on display. "If I allow, then will it make you feel any better? Because you're still feeling so down and sad. Would spending some time with your bestie would make you feel any better?" The brunette beta asked, her tone softening. She observed her brother in concern, who was delicately dabbing tissue on his still-warm, flushed cheeks, remnants of his recent heartfelt sobs.

Alex nodded quickly, though he appeared somewhat dazed, a concern that weighed heavily on his elder sister's mind. Alexa sighed before nodding and agreeing, "Okay fine then! However, you must be back within one hour and no more than that. Got it?" Though her words were gentle, there was a firmness underlying her final question, leaving no room for debate, especially directed at her younger omega sibling.

"Two hours, pretty pleeease," Alex whined, his pout melting Alexa's heart like butter. However, as a caring and responsible sister, she understood the boundaries she needed to set for his safety. With a sly smile, Alexa responded in a deceptively sweet tone, "I believe staying home would be wiser, don't you think?"

Alex's doe eyes widened in a cute display of surrender before he muttered in exasperation, "Alright, fine! One hour it is." With a puff of his cheeks, the brunette omega folded his arms and turned away from his sister, positioning himself to her left side so she wouldn't see the hint of frustration on his face.

Alexa offered a soft, slightly apologetic smile as she imposed a time limit on her brother's outing. Being an omega, she couldn't shake off the constant worry about his safety. Even a slight delay, like Alex going out to meet Chris at 8:04 pm, would inevitably send her anxiety skyrocketing because she preferred to maintain a curfew of seven for him but today served as different for them because she wanted to make sure that he was happy all the time and lively so, she had to allow him to meet with his friend even past curfew for today or else he would remain in distress throughout the remaining day and it would’ve been concerningly stressing for Alexa.

In the depths of her being, she harbored the understanding that without Celeste's presence, she couldn't fully shield her brother from the predatory Alpha females who pursuing and pinning after him in secrecy.

Alexa sighed in resignation before acquiescing, "Hmm... as I thought. Don't leave until you've freshened up, and make sure to layer up with a warm jacket over your hoodie. It's freezing out there. Maybe throw on a t-shirt underneath too."

With a nod, Alex left the room and headed to his own. Being werewolves and part of the pack had its advantages. They resided in a cabin, albeit a modern one equipped with all the amenities necessary for a cozy and comfortable life.

Nestled within the heart of dense woodlands, their cabins stood as silent sentinels amidst the whispering trees, a testament to their secluded existence. In this hidden enclave, they forged their own society, christened by outsiders as the 'Green Eden'. While whispers of their presence circulated among the townsfolk of Kingston, the allure of the forest's embrace deterred most ordinary humans from seeking residency within their enclave.

Though aware of the fact that humans can buy a cabin there yet because of the wildlife around, few dared to tread the winding paths that led to the heart of their verdant sanctuary.

The ethos of 'Green Eden' was marked by a commitment to modernity and luxury, a testament to their desire to harmonize comfort with nature's embrace. Despite the allure of these lavish accommodations, the prospect of residing within a forest setting proved daunting for many prospective human residents. The harsh chill of winter only added to their apprehension, dissuading all but the most adventurous souls from braving the wooded expanse. Moreover, lingering tales of past encounters with untamed beasts served as cautionary whispers, casting a shadow of fear for humans that further deterred settlement within the borders of 'Green Eden'.

Alexa! I'm going!" Alex announced whilst wearing his white sneakers in the hallway of the entrance; to which Alexa smiled and replied, "Okay, dear! Be back after an hour!" Once that was out; a soft grumble was heard in return which made Alexa's smile widen before the door creaked open and then gently clicked shut behind him.

With a gentle shake of her head accompanied by a soft smile, Alexa rose from the comfort of her bed. Determination flickered in her eyes as she approached the baby blue basket nestled near the wooden door of her bedroom. Within it lay a pile of freshly laundered clothes, waiting to be neatly folded and restored to order.

Adjusting the fit of her orange sweater over her blue jeans, Alexa smoothed out any wrinkles before lifting the basket and setting it gently on her neatly made bed. Just as she was about to embark on the task of folding her clothes, the familiar ringtone of her phone interrupted the silence. Hastily retrieving it from the nightstand, she deftly balanced the device between her shoulder and ear, quipping, "Well, speak of the devil and she shall appear."

"Why? Did Alex mention me?" inquired the deep, velvety voice. The young beta merely rolled her eyes in response as she continued folding her clothes. "I wish he had just mentioned you," she sighed, "but no, he just had to sob his eyes out until it felt like my heart was being squeezed out. You know how I can't bear to see him cry. Yet here he was, crying like a baby while I felt as if the world was crashing down on me."

Following her statement, Alexa was met with a brief moment of silence before a small voice offered a hesitant reply, "I'm sorry." With a heavy sigh, Alexa began, "Look, Celeste... I'm still a bit puzzled about what really happened between you two. Even though Alex confided in me, I still find your situation somewhat cryptic. Maybe even quite a lot. Would you be willing to shed some light on why you can't accept Alex as your mate, especially when his omega has imprinted on your Alpha? I would have tried to talk him out of it if his omega hadn't already imprinted on an Alpha who doesn't reciprocate the feelings. But now... both of you are in a very complicated and delicate situation, I'm afraid."

As Alexa waited for the Alpha's response, she detected a sigh of frustration emanating from the other end of the line. With a deep scowl etched across her features, she continued to methodically fold her clothes, her impatience palpable in the tense silence that hung between them.

"Listen, Alexa... My wolf, he's... he's a volatile, possessive, fiercely aggressive Alpha," confessed the voice on the other end, laden with uncertainty. "I'm afraid I might lose control, especially in situations that demand it... And, I'll admit, I find Alex incredibly endearing, charming, beautiful... handsome, both inside and out, more so than any other omega. But do I really deserve him? Do I deserve an angel like him? Would you still be okay with him loving me? Would you still approve of us... being together, even knowing there's a hundred percent chance of me... hurting him?"

Under the bleak canopy of a starless sky, Celeste bared her soul, unburdening herself of the anxieties that had clenched her heart. As she gazed upwards at the crescent moon, a chorus of cold, harsh winds encircled her, their icy fingers grazing her flawless skin as she was clad only in a black t-shirt and black jeans, and tangling her open and flowing raven hair in their tumultuous dance.

Alexa paused mid-step, sensing the weight of sorrow beneath Celeste's heartfelt words. With a resigned sigh, she gently returned the blue t-shirt to its place in the basket before retrieving her phone in one hand and slipping the other into the pocket of her light blue jeans. Turning her gaze towards the window, she began, "You're not wrong. I wouldn't choose an Alpha like you for my little brother. But then again... I'd prefer you as his mate over some other Alpha female who only knows how to wield power and authority over a vulnerable omega. We both know the dark side of our society all too well. Too many Alphas and Betas take advantage of fragile omegas for their own gain, and I... I certainly don't want that." Alexa's narrowed eyes softened slightly as she continued.

"All I understand, Celeste... is that my brother is an incredibly sensitive omega, and if you were to reject this imprint... I fear he would... no, I'm certain he would die. And given your aggression, possessiveness, and volatile temper... that might not pose much of a challenge. Trust me on that. Taking into account the realities of wolf dynamics, it's only natural for an Alpha to be possessive. And as for the matter of temper, once you embrace this bond, trust me when I say this... you'll find it impossible to stay angry at him, even when he's in the wrong or being unbearable. Now, when it comes to aggression... all I need to emphasize is that once you begin living with him and fully accept him into your heart, any trace of aggression will vanish from your memory while you're with your mate. So, I believe that my brother will be safe with you."

And lastly, Alexa added with a smile while she played with her neck-length ponytail, “Indeed, you might find yourself short-tempered or prone to aggression with others, as you've mentioned, but regardless of how heated the situation gets... I trust that your Alpha will swiftly learn how to remain composed in the presence of your mate, who only craves love, affection, and care. After all, your mate is your foremost priority. Your Alpha would never inflict harm upon her omega, especially when he is everything to her in this world."

Celeste's stormy grey eyes welled up with tears, conceding to Alexa's insight. Every word rang true. Her Alpha had no one else in this world… not even her parents. While she acknowledged her own tendencies towards aggression, a quiet assurance resonated within her that she would never cause harm to Alex. She believed her possessiveness might manifest in aggression, but deep down, she knew it would only scare the young omega… not inflict genuine harm.

However, just like everyone else, Celeste harbored her own dark side.

She had darkness in her soul that danced differently from those of others.

This dark side of her remained hidden from the world, lurking in the depths of where shadows lie. They hungered for something darker, something more sinister—the blood of innocence. Would these shadows, this dark side, accept the pure and fragile omega as a mate, as she had? Without causing him any harm? Celeste pondered; the weight of uncertainty heavy upon her heart.

In the chill of the air, Celeste released a sigh, feeling the tension ease from her shoulders. She resolved to set aside her own internal turmoil for the moment, knowing there was a huffing beta in need of her comfort.

"You're absolutely right. I must confess, that I'm willing to give my best as Alex's mate, but if you sense anything amiss in my approach, please don't hesitate to correct me immediately. After all, you understand better than anyone that I've never experienced the warmth of someone's love before... so, I might stumble. Feel free to take the lead, and I'll wholeheartedly follow your guidance, no matter what decisions you make to set things straight. If you trust me to keep your brother loved and safe... then I trust you to have full authority over our relationship."

A soft chuckle escaped Alexa's lips at the depth and drama of her best friend's words. "It's a deal I'm eager to uphold," she replied warmly. "And Celeste... I have every confidence in you as a mate because... you're willing to acknowledge your imperfections, and I'll be there to help keep them in check whenever necessary. You have nothing to worry about, my friend. I'll always be here for you. Just like I always been."

A broad smile graced Celeste's lips as she welcomed the chilly embrace of the swirling wind, relishing in its playful dance as it tousled her hair into a beautiful disarray, time and again.

"Thank you for placing your trust in me, Alexa. I promise to have both yours and Alex's backs," Celeste affirmed with a small smile, her steps carrying her deeper into the forest, away from the safety of their pack. "I believe I'm ready to tell Alex that I'm prepared to move forward with the mate bond."

Halting in her tracks, Celeste lifted her gaze to the moon, its radiant glow casting a brilliant light across the entire forest.

The sight was so captivating that it stirred a thought within Celeste; perhaps she had already discovered her life's long-lost illumination, embodied in the form of a charming little omega with captivating cerulean eyes.