I am the Unwanted Mate

Quinnie

I could see the frustration building in his eyes as I challenged him. His grip on my waist tightened slightly, his fingers digging into my skin.

"So, it means that I have a claim on you," he replied, his voice laced with determination.

I scoffed, trying to hide the effect his touch had on me. "Claim? Is that what you think this is? Just because we're mates, it doesn't give you the right to control my life."

He leaned closer, his breath brushing against my ear. "I'm not trying to control you, princessa. I'm trying to protect you. There are things you don't understand, things I can't explain right now. But I need you to trust me."

Trust him? After everything he had put me through, how could he expect me to trust him so easily?

"You've given me no reason to trust you, Nicholas," I said, my voice filled with frustration. "You pushed me away, humiliated me in front of everyone. And now you expect me to believe that you're here to protect me?"

His grip on me loosened slightly, and I could see a flicker of remorse in his eyes. "I know I've made mistakes, Quinn. I've let my anger and fear get the best of me. But deep down, I've always cared about you."

I couldn't deny the conflicted emotions swirling inside me. A part of me wanted to believe him, to give him a chance to explain. But another part of me was wary, afraid of getting hurt again.

"You have a lot to prove, Nicholas," I said, my voice softening. "If you want me to trust you, you need to show me that you're worth it. Words alone won't be enough."

He nodded, understanding the weight of my words. "I'll do whatever it takes, Quinn. I'll prove to you that I'm not the person you think I am. Just give me a chance."

I looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. Despite the doubts lingering in my mind, I saw a glimmer of hope, a hint of vulnerability.

"Fine," I said, relenting slightly. "But don't expect me to forgive and forget so easily. You have a long way to go to earn my trust back."

He nodded again, his grip on me releasing completely. "I understand. I'll do everything I can to make things right."

As we stood there in the dimly lit closet, I knew that our journey wouldn't be easy. There were still many obstacles to overcome and secrets to unravel. But perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance for us to find our way back to each other, to discover the truth behind our connection. Only time would tell.

"What do you mean, so?" He said frustration evident in his voice, and I couldn't help but smirk, enjoying his misery.

"I mean, so what if you're my mate?" I replied, my tone laced with defiance.

He gave me a stern look, his eyes flashing with intensity. "This is not a joke, Quinn. You know what being mates means."

"Oh, do I?" I retorted, maintaining my facade. "Please, enlighten me."

His frustration grew, and he once again pinned me against the wall, his hands on either side of my body, trapping me in his gaze.

"Yes, you do," he whispered, his face dangerously close to mine.

I held my breath as his fingers grazed my lower lip, sending shivers down my spine. He rubbed his thumb over it and spoke again.

"I can't stand to see you with other men. I won't allow it. You're mine. They have no right to touch you in any way." His voice turned into a low growl, and I couldn't help but gasp.

"But he's my best friend!" I reasoned, ignoring the electrifying sensations coursing through my body at his possessiveness.

He shot me a skeptical look. "Are you sure about that?"

I nodded, my defiance still intact, and he groaned in exasperation.

"Damn it! Are you blind? Can't you see how he looks at you? It's as if you're the center of his universe. And if you continue like this, it will only fuel your desires and intentions. Do you think I didn't notice? He was all over you today, and I won't stand for that. You're my mate, not his!"

His words ignited a fiery rage within me.

"You have no right to order me around like this!" I screamed, pushing him away. Suddenly, being near him felt suffocating.

"You may be my mate, but that didn't stop you from being with every other person out there," I accused. "So don't you dare accuse me of being with someone."