The One Who Takes Control

When we arrived home, the oven pinged. I walked to get the cake out of the oven. Bradley’s eyes widened, “Is today your birthday?”

“And our anniversary, yes.” I said flatly.

Changing his attitude, he quickly rushed to my side and got the candles out of the drawer and placed them on the cake. He lit the candle with his lighter and got the cake from the table and held it out to me. He started to sing.

“Happy birthday to you…happy anniversary to us…” And he continued until the song was over.

“Make a wish.” He said.

It’s moments like this that reminds me that he is my mate, but it doesn’t erase the fact that he’s cheating on me.

I closed my eyes and, in my head, I said, “I wish that I, Yasmine Connor, reject you, Bradley Kane, as my mate someday soon.” Then I blew the candle.

He smiled softly and kissed my temple, “I know I’ve been working a lot and not involving you as much. How about I make it up to you? I’ll bring you to our next meeting with our sister pack? We have a problem that maybe you can help solve.”

I looked up at him, his eyes looked so sincere that for a second I forgot that he was cheating on me. But it was only for a second, “Maybe next time? I still have our wedding to plan.”

His smile went wide, “Our wedding.” He said dreamily, as if it’s all he’s been thinking about. He kissed me then, like he loved me. Maybe he did love me though? It’s just…he needs another outlet for his stress.

Before I could say anything out loud, Bradley’s phone rang again. He pushed me away roughly, enough for me to have to catch myself at the table.

His face changed, one full of lust when he read whatever message was sent, “I’ll be right back.” Then he placed the cake on the table and rushed upstairs.

I let my tears fall then. All this time, I’ve been holding them back. But this time, I didn’t want to. So I let myself cry as I cleaned up the kitchen. I let the Omegas go home early, wanting to do something with my hands.

When I was done cleaning, I laid down on the couch, not wanting to go upstairs and sleep in the same bed as Bradley. I rested my head on the pillow and fell asleep almost immediately.

Under the glow of the full moon, I was sitting in a forest with my wolf staring at me, her grey eyes looking at me with disappointment. “No, I will not let you justify his actions, Yasmine.” My wolf said in my head, “His actions are vile. Leave him.”

“But I love him.” I told my wolf, “He has been there for me since I was young.”

“Yes, you’ve been through so much together. But don’t you think so have we? As long as you have me, you’ll be fine Yasmine. Trust me. Reject him.”

“But what if I reject him and my life becomes worse than it already is? I already started over once, can I really do it again?”

“Yes you can,” my wolf said softly, “Of course you can. Believe in me, believe in yourself, believe in us.”

The glow of the moon flickered and –

I was startled awake with Bradley’s hand running through my hair. He was humming the song that was playing when we first met as teenagers.

Slowly I realized he carried me to our bed last night.

“You’re awake now? Why did you sleep on the couch?” He said, his voice soothing.

“Didn’t want to disturb you.” I said in a soft voice.

“Ah, my Luna. Always so considerate.” He kisses my forehead, “I’ll go out this morning but I’ll be back in the afternoon, I promise.”

He gently disentangled himself from me and left the room. I still remembered my dream, as I always did. Since that is what my wolf wanted me to do, I should follow it. She’s been with me longer than I’ve known Bradley, she knows me better and knows what’s best for me.

I got to my laptop and sent a private message to my mom and dad, asking them if I can visit for a bit. If ’m leaving, I need to explain to them why. I have to tie my loose ends.

Then I quickly looked for the next plane ticket to anywhere in Europe that I can afford. I found one, it’s scheduled to leave the day before our wedding.

…Our wedding that I worked hard on. Our wedding that’s supposed to show everyone that despite hardships, despite me being from a different pack originally and shifting to this pack because I met Bradley, we still could get our happy ending.

But then I remember last night, the way that girl’s ankles were caressing Bradley’s leg and how he was just allowing it to happen.

I remember the way Bradley was lying to my face, even though he knew I saw proof of his cheating for myself.

So, I booked the ticket.