Accepting My Twin Mates

Chapter 24

Accepting My Twin Mates Chapter 24

Chapter 24 – So, What Do You Say?

Evie

I never realised this had weighed so much on Badru’s mind for so long. Up until yesterday, I thought that night was just a footnote to him. Part of me hoped that it was guilt that made him avoid me or turn and run away whenever he saw me. However, a painful doubt always lingered in the back of my mind, wondering whether he was embarrassed in himself for almost kissing the rogue Omega.

There was one thing he said that instantly melted away any last lingering shreds of hostility, he had never thought about his actions till then. He truly was ashamed that he might have hurt someone, as he had hurt me, and not even know about it.

I was used to an Alpha only caring about reputation, and pressing that his word was law. In this moment, I saw the hope that both he and Astennu would be different from their father. Alpha Issac was a well-respected leader in our pack, he wasn’t cruel or domineering, but he was elitist, just like the Luna. Neither mistreated Omegas or pack house attendants; we weren’t treated like slaves or overworked. But we were looked down upon as lesser wolves, me more so for being rogue and shiftless; although the ‘shiftless’ issue may be rendered moot when my wolf finally decided on whatever was missing. The twins had accepted me for all I was, without question and, as it seemed, would have accepted me without Evva’s presence either.

‘Uh, just remember that it was my presence that finally kicked their asses into gear. I would like some credit too, human,’ Evva grouched.

‘You kicked their asses into gear at the worst possible moment. Come back and demand validation when you’ve worked on your timing some more,’ I mentally smirked to her in triumph as she slinked away back to linking with her wolf boys without a retort.

“Winter Solstice is only a month away. How about we take you away? Go up into the mountains?” Astennu asked.

“Yeah, just the three of us. No one else,” Badru tagged on and that very cute boyish grin reappeared on his face.

Was that why he had asked about why I worked each Solstice holiday? I had worked up in the pack ski resort many times; I had been planning on it this season too. It was work that I actually enjoyed, loving the landscape up there. But I had never actually stayed without working; ski equipment was expensive to buy and rent, so I hadn’t ever bothered.

It would be nice to just relax there, and in their own lodge too. I could just see it now. I hoped they had one of those retro conversation pits with a huge fireplace in the middle that looked out into the snow. I could curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and whipped cream. Astennu and Badru would be there on either side of me, one with his arm around my waist and the other with my legs laid across his lap. Would I have shifted by then? I wanted to let my wolf run loose with the twins’ wolves… I really needed to learn what their names were.

As nice as my little fantasy was, would I be ready for it to become a reality in just over a month’s time? I still had Astennu to hear out, though I knew already I could never reject them, regardless of what he said. But they were Alphas and accepting them as mates would never be simple. It came with a whole host of obligations. Accepting them meant accepting a role as their Luna, to a pack that held no fondness towards me, a pack that hated rogues.

“Evie?” Astennu, slid his fingers along my jaw when I had remained quiet for too long.

“It sounds wonderful and I will think about it… but can we get back on topic?” Now was not the time to be talking about going away for the weekend.

“Yeah,” he sighed, sounding deflated.

Astennu

I had planned what I wanted to say, long into the night. And now in front of Evie, that plan was unravelling quickly. Of course now wasn’t the time to be talking about taking her away for a vacation. She hadn’t even accepted us as her mates yet!

I hated thinking about that day, and even less talking about it. If I was ever going to win over Evie, I would need to face this old demon.

~~~~

9 years ago

This had been a horrendous day at school and the only highlight was that it was over. My concentration had been haywire all day and my mood had switched with little goading, from somewhat calm to raging over the slightest thing. As such, my after-school debate meet had completely tanked, only souring my mood further.

It was almost 5pm, my brother would be home soon with our dad and, hopefully, I could kiss this whole f*****g mood goodbye. The two had gone to our close ally, Opal Sun pack, early yesterday morning. I couldn’t go because of the debate match, which now I wish I had blown off. I had completely lost my cool, wrecked my entire argument I had been planning and lost my match. I was sure Badru was in a similar state presently, if not worse; he was the impulsive one. This was our twin bond at work. It was annoying at times that our separation had such an effect, but few werewolves would ever know the type of bond we shared.

As I sulked my way home, kicking the odd stone in my frustrations, I overheard some raised voices. I had taken the shortcut home that passed by the old wishing well of the pack, completely dried up from its use as an actual well decades ago. By the well were two kids, a boy holding onto a girl, who looked to be trying to fight her way out of his grasp.

The boy I sort of recognised, Damien…

~~~~

“Damien!” Evie suddenly exclaimed, interrupting me. “That’s his name! I couldn’t for the life of me remember it. It’s been bugging me for a while.”

“How did you forget it?” Badru questioned, confused.

“Uh, some of the details of that day are a little sketchy,” she muttered, uncomfortably squirming. “The doctor said it was normal with the sort of thing that happened.”

Great! If I didn’t feel enough of a jerk, as it was.

~~~~ Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

… Damien. I only recognised him because he was in the same art club as Badru. He was a few years younger than us, 14 I think.

The girl I would recognise anywhere. Evie.

I knew she was a rogue-born and that rogues were bad people that had committed terrible crimes, according to my mom. But Evie didn’t seem terrible, she was the prettiest girl I had ever seen.

“…But you’re a rogue. Rogues don’t care about that sort of thing,” I heard the boy say and, now in sight, I could see he was trying to lean in and kiss her.

She didn’t want any of it. She was trying to push him off. And he was ignoring her protests. She even shouted ‘no’!

My sour mood quickly turned to rage. White hot, blinding rage.

I leapt at him, pushing Evie behind me and grabbing him by the collar of his coat.

“Get the hell away from her! She said no!” I pulled him off his feet, snarling in his face.

“What the…!” He cried out, startled. “Get off me, man!”

He struggled in my grasp, trying to pull himself free and managing to plant his feet down on the ground. I felt something tugging on me and something collide with my elbow. As I sent a strong punch to Damien’s face, I heard a squeal somewhere at my side. He scrambled to his feet and quickly ran away, wiping at his eyes.

I scanned the area. Where had Evie gone? Had she run away? s**t, did I scare her?!

My eyes fell on the well… oh no… that ‘something’ that collided with my elbow…

Cold dread now replaced my rage.

I hesitantly crept nearer, peering over the edge. It was deep and dark but I could just about make out her figure.

“…Evie?” I tried to call out past the lump forming in my throat.

The lack of reply only solidified my panic and I began to shake; and not from the cold winter breeze blowing.

Oh goddess… what had I done… I didn’t mean to… it was an accident… what if she was… dead?

That thought almost made me throw up.

I needed to get home.

I needed to tell someone.

My phone was no good, it had gone flat an hour ago because I had been on it all day messaging Badru. f**k, if only I had shifted, I could mind-link someone!

I ran home, calling out for my mom as soon as I was through the door. There was no reply and our Alpha wing seemed empty. I hurtled upstairs to grab my charger and hurriedly pressed for the power. Why did this take so long to restart?! I needed to call someone, now!

My panic was starting it make my stomach lurch and my head pound and spin. I just about made it to the bathroom to throw up, violently. My vision started to grow patchy and began spinning, quickly fading to black.

*

*

*

“Aste!” A shake on my shoulder woke me, and that voice…

“…Ru?” I croaked.

“Shit…” he exhaled heavily. “I thought I was gonna have to drag your ass to the pack hospital.”

“What?” I groaned, confused and disorientated.

“I knew something was wrong. I just thought it was because we’d been separated. I didn’t think you had actually passed out. What happened?” He helped me sit upright. I felt cold and clammy from being on the hard tiles of my bathroom floor. “Mom heard about your debate match. She thought you were stewing and left you to calm down before dinner. I’ve been trying to wake you for a few minutes.”

Oh goddess! Evie! f**k how long has it even been?!

“What time is it?!” I grabbed hold of him, trying to stand and regretting it instantly. He gripped my shoulders to keep me upright.

“Steady. It’s just before 7pm. What the hell has you this worked up?” His concern increased.

“Ru… I did something really bad…” my eyes started to sting and water as I told him everything that had happened… everything I had done.

“Ok,” he looked a little nervous, but focused nonetheless. “We’re gonna go to dad, he’ll know what to do. She might just be hurt is all.”

I nodded silently, trying to prepare myself to have to repeat all this to our dad. He was going to be so mad with me… and disappointed.

“Hey?” My brother nudged me, resting his forehead against mine. “I’ve got your back the whole way.”

I gave him a weak smile and let him lead me downstairs. I heard my parents’ soft laughter in the living room, growing louder as I drew closer.

“Aste, habibi (darling)…” my mother’s bright smile quickly vanished when her eyes landed on me. “Oh, habibi, what’s wrong? You look terrible.”

She stood immediately, engulfing me in her arms and pressed her hand to my head. My dad was right behind her, cupping my face and asking what was wrong. I told them everything, expecting them to be

angry with me, shout, tell me I was a disappointment. I expected my dad to chew me, to place me in the pack cells. How could he not? I had hurt a pack member… and possibly killed them.

My mom surprised me by wrapping her arms around me, rocking me gently. “My baby, I’m sorry. I thought you were just upset. I should have checked you earlier.”

“Son,” my dad prised me out of my mom’s arms. “Don’t worry. I’ll sort all of this out. It was just an accident, none of this is your fault.”

We heard the door open and Beta Kate appeared, alone.

“Alpha, we ready to go?”

My dad nodded and moved to leave with her.

“Wait, dad. I shoul-” but he silenced me with a warning look.

“Stay. Here,” he ordered.

He turned, leaving with Kate, but we overheard them as they left.

“We gonna be able to do this, just the two of us?” Kate questioned.

“We’re all we need to keep this contained. You’re the only one slender and strong enough to get down that hole. I’ll pull you up with…” their voices were cut off as the door closed behind them.

My mom pulled me down to sit. I felt numb looking outside. It was pitch black out and cold with winter drawing in.

“Habibi?” She wrapped her arm around me. “I’m proud of you. You stepped in when a young girl needed you to. I’m sure she’ll be just fine. She seems rather tough.”

I knew my mom was trying to make me feel better, but until I heard back from my dad with confirmation of… something… nothing was going to calm me.

After what felt like an agonising wait of hours later, which was only in fact half an hour, the front door opened, revealing my dad a few moments later in our living room. He looked a little muddy and damp.

“She’s fine, alive and at the hospital now,” he sighed wearily. “Looks like her wolf came forward.”

“She shifted?!” My mom exclaimed.

“Not quite, just came forward temporarily to keep her warm. Looked as though her leg may have been broken too and somewhat healed. She was lucky,” he looked down at his clothing. “I’m gonna go clean up. I’ll have to put a damn grid on that well so this never happens again.”

As he disappeared upstairs, I let out a breath that had been building in sheer relief. f**k, I felt like jelly.

“Here habibi, let me make you something to eat. You’ll feel better,” my mother patted my arm and stood.

“No, mom, I can’t eat right now,” I tried to pointlessly refuse.

“It’s one of your favourites, fatayer bi jibneh with real akkawi. I already made them up. Just try to eat something,” she whirled away and I heard her rustling around in the kitchen.

They were middle eastern cheese pies and delicious, but I really couldn’t eat, not that that would ever stop my mother.

I tried to chew the pie my mom put in my hands, ignoring my protests. All it did was sit in my stomach like a lead weight. It was approaching 10pm when my dad suddenly stood and indicated me to come with him.

“She’s awake. Come on, this is a lesson for you to learn as an Alpha, to protect the integrity of the pack.”

“Wait, I’m coming too!” Bardu jumped up with me. Our dad nodded his head and I reluctantly followed, not wanting to have to face Evie.

After the short drive to the hospital, our dad led Badru and me down to the ward and spoke to one of the nurses at the station. A human doctor, Dr Sanders, was with her currently.

“The young girl is stable and she appears to be just fine,” the nurse handed my dad some papers which he signed. Both Badru and I sighed, hearing it out loud from someone else.

“Aste?” My dad called, urging me to follow. My twin gave me a sympathetic glance as our dad led me away and into Evie’s room.

“…To talk to you about what happened…” the human doctor was just saying as my dad opened the door to walk in.

Evie sat in her hospital bed, dressed in a gown and connected up to some beeping machine and an I.V drip. I noticed the lump by her leg, a cast. She looked so small in the bed, so vulnerable; I felt like I could throw up again.

“I expect this to stay completely confidential?” My dad stopped the doctor before he could leave. It was his tone that left no room for argument from anyone.

The doctor nodded and left quickly, closing the door behind him. My dad pulled me to stand beside him at the foot of her bed. Whenever she was around, I would find any excuse to look at her at school. She was so pretty and always commanded my attention, no matter what. And now in front of her, I couldn’t bring myself to look anywhere in her direction. I willed myself to try and look at her face and when our eyes locked, all I felt was a pang of crushing guilt.

“The hospital staff tell me you’re stable. Is this correct?” My dad spoke after a few moments of silence. She only nodded in response.

“Good. And this whole affair was simply an accident, yes?” His tone hardened, which made her shrink back and look down at her hands, remaining quiet.

f**k, this was crushing my insides.

“I need some words, young lady, that it was an accident and no one else was involved. You lost your footing and nothing more?”

I looked up at my dad confused. I wanted to ask what he meant. This was more than just an accident. He gave me his warning glare, one which meant ‘be silent or else’. I cast my eyes down, feeling a deep shame creep into my skin… this felt wrong.

“Yes, Alpha,” she whispered, barely audible.

“Good. That boy, who started all of this, has been disciplined and won’t bother you again,” he finished and moved to the door. “Aste? Come along.”

I followed him out and something deep inside made me look back toward Evie. I wished I hadn’t. Seeing her a final time just sliced at my chest again. My dad’s hand guided me out and we met up with my brother to walk back to the car.

“Dad…” I was about to ask why he was covering all of this up but he cut me off.

“She’s alive, that’s all that matters. Leave the subject alone.”

“But…”

“Don’t argue,” he spun me around by the car and gently gripped my shoulders, stooping a little to look me in the eye. He didn’t look angry, just concerned for me and cupped my jaw with one of his hands. “A rogue orphan is hardly worth ruining your reputation for. She has accepted it was an accident and nothing more. I suggest you do the same.”

…This still didn’t feel like the right thing to do.

~~~~

“…I used to get panic attacks for a while each time I saw you afterwards,” I disclosed. These were things I had never told anyone. “Only Badru knows. Our dad isn’t good with that kind of thing. I don’t think he would understand.”

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t know,” Evie held a deep crease between her brows with worry. “I always wondered why I was left down there so long. I never thought it was because…”

“It’s not something I really tell anyone,” I coughed, feeling a heat creep into my face and neck. “Passing out from panic doesn’t exactly scream ‘Alpha’.”

“It’s nothing to feel ashamed of and I wish more men knew it,” she tugged at me to look at her. “You were just a kid. It’s completely understandable. Plus, I was kinda touched by how you swooped in to defend me. I would have preferred it if I hadn’t been accidentally knocked into a pit…”

“What actually happened to Damien? Aside from hearing he was ‘disciplined’, I never actually saw him again,” Evie inclined her head.

“Oh, yeah,” I tried to remember what my father had said. “My dad gave him a strict curfew for a full year, he could only ever go to school and home. He was warned to not go near you ever again and if anyone reported him doing anything like that again, he and his family would be expelled from the pack.

I think his parents moved to the other side of the pack and he went to another school. He still kinda avoids us. But that might be more to do with the fact Ru knocked him out at school the next day.”

“Colour me surprised,” she smirked at my brother, who frowned. Here we go with my moron.

“Yes, it was a joke,” she patted his cheek. At least she learnt quickly how to handle Badru.

“So… what do you say? Will you give us a chance to be your mates?” He asked hopefully, grinning at her contact.

“You’ve given me a lot to think about,” she paused. “I don’t want to walk away from ‘us’…” my heart and my wolf howled in elation that she wanted my brother and me. However, just as quickly came the downslide. “But, you come with a lot of other things too. A pack that really doesn’t like me and I would have to be their Luna… and then there’s your mother…” her eyes widened and her lips tensed.

“When the time comes and you’re ready to let the pack know, we’ll handle it. Because if anyone does or says something to you there will be consequences,” I almost growled. No one was going to stop me claiming my fated mate over something so stupid and trivial as a f*****g rank.

“Unfortunately, our mom will definitely b***h, but she can b***h to her heart’s content,” Badru eloquently spoke. “Aste can flash her the puppy eyes and smooth things over. She can never say no to him.”

I glared at my brother.

‘Great, now our mate is gonna think we’re some mama’s boy on top of being completely inexperienced,’ Aasim grumbled.

Our moron strikes again.