*

We're at a pub, by we, I mean, Avery invited me to come out with her friends and my friends whom I've made in the past few months. She was on another table, but her eyes were on me the entire time, subtly winking at me when no one was looking as I sat with Timothy, Elijah, and Beatrice, leaving me in a heated mess, trying not to blush every single time. Can't really stop myself when she looks so sexy all the time. And she's looking at me with suggestive eyes.

The owner of the place was another wolf too, a warrior wolf, I briefly saw him exchanging hellos with Avery and Jake earlier. Yeah, Jake was here too.

And now, he's the reason I'm feeling like my heart's gonna rip out of my ribcage.

Jake's on stage, with a guitar, singing. I didn't know he could sing, and he's so good at it. The only part which makes me want to run away is the way he's looking at her and singing, at Avery.

I don't think I should be here. I know my face is morphed into horror listening to what's happening. My heart is a mess and I'm inches from breaking down.

It was as if no one else could see this but me, was I imagining things? I know the song he's playing, I know what it means, and it's so convenient that he's singing it now. While I was there. Was he not expecting me to come? Or Avery not to invite me? Did he want me to hear this?

I don't ever ask you

Where you've been

My breathing is a little ragged at this point, my eyes finding Avery's and I see her looking at him in disbelief and anger? Then she finds my eyes and I try not to tear up, holding it in my throat.

I can't even think straight

But I can tell

That you were just with her

He likes her.

He really does like her.

And she never told me.

And I'll still be a fool for you

My hands were trembling now. Why is this happening now? Why is he doing this?

Just a little bit of your heart is all I want

I look at Jake and see how much agony he's in singing this. God, he really is into her. Did I come in between them? My throat tightened. She was never supposed to end up with me, was she? Was this a love declaration? Why would he do this? He knows we're mates, he knows I'm there. I just....dont understand.

Just a little bit of your heart

I was just a mistake. I and her were not suppose to happen.

Just a little bit is all I'm asking for

Tears were welled up in my eyes now, I'm so glad the lights were dim. I could feel Avery's eyes on me but I couldn't look at her. I didn't want to see what I couldn't bear to see; pain, regret, longing for Jake.

I know I'm not your only

But at least I'm one

I heard a little love

Is better than none

Jake looks at me now and the wind gets knocked out of me and I'm out of my seat, tears down my face. My legs were shaking, my breathing getting heavier as I ran out of the place. I needed to get away.

There was something clearly between them, no one just looks at you like that. There was so much pain and discomfort in his voice, like he knew he shouldn't but he needs to. He looks at her the entire time, the entire time.

This is why people talk about them being together. Why does Avery not say anything? Is she okay with it? What am I then? Just a dirty secret? A mate too early? A stupid dumb human?

"Sam!" I froze hearing Avery call out my name, running behind me.

"I'm going home," I mutter back not wanting to look at her. I didn't have it in me to deal with this now. The speculations in school and now this, was she hiding things from me?

"No, wait, it's dark, you're not walking, I'll get someone to take you home," she said and I scoff turning to her, anger in my veins.

"Who? Jake?" She looks taken aback and then her expression morphs into something else. She looks hesitant like she didn't know how to approach this.

"You know it's not what it looks like, he just.." she trails off and I look away.

"He's in love with you, isn't he?" I whisper, my heart aching again.

"He's just delusional. He doesn't. He's gonna get a mate someday and this will all be gone." she says, anger underlying her tone, and then Jake approaches from the pub and I take a step back. He walks up beside her first and I feel her mind link something to him. My heart breaks a little at that. She was never supposed to be my mate. Clearly, fate messed things up.

"Go back Jake, please. I need to talk to her!" Avery got out angry, pushing Jake's chest, she was livid.

"Avery listen..." he mumbles.

"No! You told me you won't do this again, you promised me. She's right there Jake, what the hell is wrong with you?!" Her voice seething like she was gonna snap. He looked at her like she had slapped him, in pain, regret but still with longing. I look away.

I hear him apologize and mutter something before I heard footsteps. I look up again and see him walking towards me.

"Sam, I'm sorry." He says nearing me and I shook my head. For what? For singing? For loving Avery? For wanting to be with her? For thinking that it should be you instead of me?

"Jake, go inside," Avery growls at him, her eyes flashing silver. There's something else going on. What is he doing?

"No," he mumbles, looking at her and I see her face morph into fear, and before she can say anything he speaks.

"She needs to know I'm sorry about the kiss." And my heart drops.

My eyes snap to Avery and my walls break. They kissed? He kissed her?

I staggered back, gripping onto a pole, my mind clouding with the images I've seen a million times before in every nightmare. It actually happened. He kissed her.

"Baby...wait." Avery starts but I'm already hyperventilating at this point. They kissed.

They kissed.

Avery kissed Jake. When was this? Why? Why didn't she tell me? Was she ever going to? I look back up at her, my expression was torn, and I see hers reflecting mine.

"You...." I couldn't even speak, my mind getting darker. She didn't tell me. Did I not matter? I don't deserve to know? Did she like it?

"You didn't tell her?" Jake whispered to Avery, clearly shocked as well.

"I was going to. I just, we didn't have... I didn't know how." She says desperately now and I can't look at her.

Just tell me you didn't want more. Tell me you didn't like it. Tell me it's still me you want!

"I'm sorry Sam, it was nothing, it's not Avery's fault. It's mine. I came onto her." Jake says, trying to douse the situation, seeing as he created a mess but I don't say anything. I want him gone. I want Avery to talk. I want to know everything.

"Jake, just go." Avery sighs and I hear him apologize again. I gulped holding in my tears. He walks away.

"Baby girl, I'm sorry. I should have told you. It was a mistake. He just, he was upset he doesn't have a mate and he asked me how it felt like being with you and he told me that he...he has liked me for a while and he kissed me. I didn't kiss him back babe, I promise. I pushed him off." she says and I feel her near me. She can't come too near and at this moment I didn't want to be near her. I didn't want to touch her. I feel lied to. And cheated on. I feel like I don't matter.

"When was this?" I ask still not looking at her, finding some strength. She didn't kiss him back. She pushed him off. My mind cleared off a little. Avery wouldn't do this.

"At the academy." My eyes blow open as I stare at her in shock and hurt. That was so long ago. W-why?

"I was gonna tell you, Sam, I swear.," she said, panicking now as I'm moving further away from her. I see so much worry in her green eyes, fear too.

"Why didn't you?! Don't you think I'd want to know this? You're with him every day Avery, every day!" I roared back at her after a while, I was livid. This was the first time I'd ever raised my voice. I was so hurt. I looked like a mess, with tears pouring down my face and my face red. I just wanted to know the truth. I've been so honest with her, I thought she was too.

"I was going to, after all this! I promise. I was. It didn't mean anything Sam, it was nothing. I and him got nothing going on, we never had. Ever. It doesn't matter if I'm with him every day you're still my mate, you're the one I want." She says desperate, her eyes getting teary and I don't know what to think. It's been so long. I'm so hurt. I don't even know why, but I am. I trust her. But I'm hurt. I just never expected it, it was all nightmares and now it's right here in front of my eyes.

"I never asked you about this, I always had a hunch that he liked you. I was just- I was so afraid of hearing what you would say." I mutter, calming down now, my heart in literal pieces. I'm exhausted. I hear her take a few steps in front, towards me, and I meet her eyes.

"I would say it doesn't matter because Sam, I love you." My breath hitches and my heart pound loudly, I feel the blood rushing to my head.

What?!

I look at her in disbelief and happiness, a grin waiting to break out onto my face.

She loves me?

"You're lying." That is the first thing I say. No fucking way! I'm still staring at her in shock and I see her face soften, a small smile emerging. She shakes her head.

"Not lying. I love you Sam, goddess I've been waiting so long to say this to you, so darn long. I should have just told you about the kiss when I came back and said I love you then because I do, but I was just being...I guess stupid and thought it could wait. It can't, I couldn't wait to tell you." I whimpered at her words which were boring into me staring at her green eyes and I see the truth in them.

"I love you too," I say back and I see the surprise in her eyes before they well up too.

"You do? Really?" she whispers softly, her eyes reading me, and I nod, smiling shyly, but looking at her nonetheless.

"Yeah, I do. I love you, it's been a while too. I just wasn't sure if you...you know l-loved me so I didn't say it." I mutter, embarrassed. I just wished we could close the distance between us. I want to be in her arms. I wanna kiss her so badly right now.

"I felt it was too early to say it. We barely knew each other, and I was falling for you so hard baby. I thought it was just me, cuz it's a wolf thing, the mate bond and I didn't know if you were affected by it as much as I was, so I didn't say anything." My heart still thumping loud. I am affected Avery, whether it's by the bond or you, I'm a goner. I have been.

"But I did. Pretty early on. I was just waiting for you to come home, for this to be over." I reply and she smiles.

"I know love, a few more months. I'm sorry about not telling you, I was afraid honestly." She says, her eyes on me. I see it in her eyes and now I'm sure, it's love in them. All thoughts about Jake and the kiss are gone. I trust her. It has always just been how Jake is with her and not the other way. I trust her.

"I didn't mean to make it seem like you're unimportant. I'm sorry." She states, going to the point like she knew that was how I was feeling. I nod, giving in. I know, I trust her. Especially since Jake apologized.

"It's okay. I'm sorry for bursting out, I..I-I get pathetic when I'm j-jealous." I whispered, looking down, cheeks flaming now, all my tears gone. I hear her chuckle, making me smile.

"Us both then." She mumbles, giving me a small smile. She then removes her jacket and throws it at me, I giggle catching it, holding it up to my nose, looking at her from under my lashes.

"You're cold. Plus, you look sexy in my clothes." She says giving me a wink making me weak in the knees. All the tension from earlier is gone. I put it on nonetheless, loving it, feeling her warmth, her smell.

"You okay love?" she asks softly, like she always does, checking if I'm actually alright and I nod.

"I am now." She loves me. I look at her as she looks back at me, we look crazy to outsiders standing with a few feet between us but looking at each other. She's so beautiful, so strong and caring and she's my soulmate. I'm so lucky. And she loves me? I break out into a cheesy grin as she smirks like she knew what I was thinking.

----------------------------------------------------

"Sam? Pass me the knife honey." I hummed and gave it to mum. We were in the kitchen making dinner. It's Christmas. I'm meeting Avery's family, and grandparents whom I've spoken to on the phone a couple of times, they're all so lovely. Avery was coming too.

"Do I look okay?" we both turn to dad who was holding up two bow ties, to match his red and green shirt he bought. Mum chuckled and walked over to him and helped him with the collar.

"Looking good dad," I said smiling and he grins.

"Thanks, hun, which one, white or black?"

"Black." Mum and I said together making us giggle, I watched as mum fastened it for him and he turned to look at himself in the mirror.

"Damn baby, don't I just look fine, reminds you of our first dance yeah?" he says smiling brightly, kissing mum on the cheek making me feel so warm. They love each other so much. Mum giggles and pushes him away.

"Yeah yeah. You looked younger then." She says cheekily making me laugh. Dad turns to me and pouts.

"Look at your mother, just cause I've retired from being beta she thinks I'm getting old." I giggle and walk up to him, hugging him.

"Nah dad, you never aged one bit." He kisses my head and I feel so protected.

"Thanks, sweetie. Now let me help, you guys get changed, I'll make sure the turkey is fine." He says. Mum and I agree and went to get ready.

I checked my phone and saw texts from Avery making me smile immediately.

A❤ - Hi baby girl

A❤ - Can't wait to see how pretty you look. I got you presents, mum said I can stay later, maybe a sleepover if we're lucky ;)

A❤ - I miss you

A❤ - I know it's been hours since we talked but I miss you

A❤ - I love you

Oh God, I smiled loopily. Only she does this to me. I quickly type a reply back to her.

S- I miss you too.

S- I'll ask mum about the sleepover.

S- I got you a present too, babe :D

S- Can't wait to see you.

S- I love you tooooo ❤

I smiled at myself at started to get ready. I took a quick shower and blow-dried my hair, letting it fall over my shoulders. Mum got me a red dress for tonight and it's so pretty. I hadn't worn red in so long, it's always like a bold colour for me. And I guess I've gained a little confidence in the past few months and I was gonna try out wearing things other than black jeans and hoodies.

I put on the dress, it was up to my knees in a flowy skirt with small white dots, as if they were snow and a bow around my waist. It's beautiful. I stared at myself in the mirror, hoping Avery would like how I looked. I sprayed some perfume and decided not to wear any jewellery except the necklace Avery got me a year ago, which I have not taken out even once.

I then took her present and brought it down, placing it under the tree alongside what I got for mum and dad.

I waited with mum and dad as everyone started to arrive. Grandma Kate and Grandpa Ben, hugged me extra tight, kissing my cheeks saying that I was so beautiful for a human, which made me blush and also that they were so glad they got another grandchild to spoil. It dawns on me that I've got a family.

We sat in the living room, drinks and bites in our hands, the aroma of the turkey and Christmas cookies in the air, the chatter of everyone, loud and happy. This is what it means to have a family, a home, to belong. I felt completed. I've got everything I could ever want. It's my first Christmas with a family. Back in the orphanage, we would usually get ice cream seeing how we couldn't get gifts and such and with my old parents well they never did. But now, here, it's like my life changed and I'm so happy, so lucky too.

And then Avery walked in, our eyes immediately finding each other. I beamed almost wanting to run to her, but of course, held back. I waited for her to greet everyone as my eyes took in what she was wearing.

And God, she looks so hot. She has a white button-down shirt, loosely fitting her figure, a bralette on the inside, a red one, and some pants ripped jeans. I had to steady myself against the wall as I saw the swell of her breasts and her abs. Damn. I saw a glint in her eyes as she walked over to me, her eyes sharp, animalistic, flashing silver, and I tried not to gulp. Fuck.

"Baby girl." She says lowly, as she stood a few feet in front of me. I blushed.

"Hi," I mutter weakly, staring at her face, her eyes, and god, her lips. I see her lick them and felt something warm pool in my stomach.

"You look like a full-on meal, baby." She said and I flamed, looking away. My inner thoughts squealed at the compliment. Ever since we exchanged I love yous, Avery has been more vocal and bold in her words, especially when we text. I also think it's because I'm gonna be 18 soon, and we've both grown so comfortable with each other, but of course, I still stay a puddle of blush every time she says stuff like this.

"Getting shy again love?" she says and moves to lean against the wall as well, so I turned to look at her. Honestly only she could make it look like leaning off a wall sexy.

"Uh, no..but they can hear you, Avery.." I whisper glancing around and she smirks slightly.

"You don't want them to hear how much I want my mate seeing as how she looks before me today?" my breath hitched, my eyes still on hers.

"God, I wish I could see how far that blush runs down your neck," she whispers, her eyes flashing silver slightly as they trailed now my neck and chest before snapping back to me. I whimpered softly at her hungry gaze and bit my lip looking down. Oh, Jesus. Jesus. Oh, God.

"See you at the table love." She mutters hotly beside me and walked away. Fuck fuck. I swear the looks she gives me nowadays, the glint in her eyes like she can't hold back any longer.

And honestly, I don't want her to anymore. A few months, that's all, I need to endure this. I tried to calm down and my eyes followed her figure, falling on her ass, seeing how fit it looks in her jeans. Jesus, I'm so fucking gay for her.

-------------------------------

A/N:

I wanna say thank you to everyone who's reading and taking their time to vote as well, it makes me extremely happy and grateful that you guys are enjoying my first attempt at writing a story like this. I really appreciate each and every one you. Thank you so much!

I promise to try to hurry up with the updates. Thanks again for reading, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Sorry for any mistakes, even though I've read it a million times, it gets overlooked at times.