I am the Unwanted Mate

I was breathing heavily now, my chest rising and falling with anger, but he didn't react as I had hoped. Instead of apologizing or showing remorse, he smirked at me triumphantly, his expression oozing smugness.

"Are you jealous?" He taunted, and I fought the urge to slap him then and there.

I clenched my jaw, refusing to give him satisfaction.

"No," I said, my voice dripping with confidence.

Swiftly, I maneuvered between his arms and managed to wriggle free from his hold. Unlocking the door with enhanced speed, I escaped as quickly as I could.

His calls reached my ears, but I didn't look back. I couldn't face him, not when tears streaked my face.

The fact that he didn't deny rejecting me wasn't lost on me...

...

I parked my bike in the garage and made my way to my room, whispering to myself, "I'm home." I quickly glanced in the mirror, ensuring I didn't appear as if I had been crying. I didn't want to worry my parents.

It's funny how as kids, we want our parents to know when we're crying, but as we grow older, we try to hide it from them. We attempt to lick our wounds alone. What changes in us to make us do this?

"Quinn!" My mom's voice called from the kitchen as she rushed out to greet me.

"Oh my God, Quinn! You're home! You're 10 minutes late! Are you okay? Did something happen? Did you eat properly? Is everything alright? Oh, Jesus! Why aren't you answering?" She exclaimed, fussing over my slight delay and enveloping me in a hug.

I chuckled and felt warmth fill my insides at her affectionate concern. I shook my head and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm okay," I assured her, even though I wasn't.

Her smile widened, convinced by my response. She nodded and returned to the kitchen to prepare something for me to eat.

On her way, she turned back and said, "Oh, and I forgot to tell you something, honey."

I raised an eyebrow and asked, "What is it?"

"There's another party at the pack house tomorrow. Your father and I received an invitation. I don't think we'll be able to attend, but he wants you to go."

I frowned. "What's the occasion for this party?"

Or rather, who is this party for?

My mother smiled mischievously. "Remember Gamma Landon?"

I nodded, a sense of pride and respect filling me for the man who had sacrificed his life for our pack's safety. "Of course. How could anyone forget him?"

I instinctively lowered my head slightly in reverence.

Her smile transformed into a grin. "Well, his son has completed his training in Alaska and is returning tomorrow to assume the Gamma position as a legacy and responsibility."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"You mean..."

"Yes! George is coming back!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement. "I can't wait to have him over for dinner after tomorrow's party. It will be just like old times!"

She continued gushing about the possibility of George and me being mates and how thrilled she was to see him again. However, I tuned her out as my mind processed this newfound information.

George Landon, the Gamma heir and my childhood crush, was returning for real.

My mother was well aware of the enormous crush I had on him. He was two years older than me, but ever since he rescued me from bullies in elementary school, I was smitten. He was the only boy I had ever liked, my only crush, until he left three years ago to undergo training following his father's passing.

George loved his father more than anything or anyone else. He idolized him. Perhaps that was why his father's death had taken a part of George with it. Suddenly, the fun-loving, carefree guy I once knew turned cold and serious. It was as if the harsh realities of life had slapped him in the face, and he was determined to avenge his father's death and fulfill his pack responsibilities with the same fervor.

In no time, he left for training, never looking back.

I hadn't seen him since. I knew he hadn't forgotten our friendship; he had simply prioritized his duties to the pack above everything else.

Because of that, I respected him.

My crush on him gradually faded over the years as I grew up.

But now, he is returning.

And I couldn't help but feel apprehensive.

Jesus. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse.