TESSA’S POV
“I don’t understand why you have to act that way in front of him. It’s upsetting,” I said to my Aunt Alice while we were preparing for the dinner invitation by the Brookes family.
Atlas left as soon as my Aunt Alice sent him away. She didn’t exactly tell him that she didn’t like him, yet her actions spoke louder than her unvoiced words, and I hate it. It was rude. I knew the feeling of being unwanted; of being thrown away and at some point I felt bad for Atlas. He just wanted to hang out with Blue and me, and that was the treatment he got from my guardian.
Aunt Alice put on a necklace on my neck, and looked at my reflection in the mirror.
“I thought you like Cohen more than the future Alpha,” she said, giving me a malicious look. “Do you suddenly have a change of heart, sweetheart?”
Her question made my breathing hitch. I suddenly started to examine my feelings, but had no words to explain it. I wasn’t sure if I had come to like Atlas, but I wouldn’t deny that I was cool with him being around me.
He wasn’t that bad as I thought he was when we first met…
“Atlas is like a forbidden fruit, Tess.” Aunt Alice held both of my shoulders. “Just because you tasted the forbidden fruit once, doesn’t mean you can own it.”
“I don’t like this word game, Aunt Alice.” My forehead creased as I spun on her. “Atlas is not a bad guy. He doesn’t deserve a cold treatment. So, please, stop doing it to him, ’cause I can’t help but feel bad.”
She sighed in defeat. “Alright, I’ll try.”
“Aunt Alice.”
“Okay, I get it, sweetheart.” She raised both of her arms as if she was surrendering. “I’ll set aside my grudge towards his mother and treat him the same way I treat Cohen.”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise,” she said and then looked at my entire physique. “You look good in this blue dress I bought.”
I looked back on the mirror to check on myself again, and I smiled afterward.
Minutes passed and the three of us finally left to meet the Brookes family at their home. My heart thud loudly as we walked into the pathway going to their mansion. It looked like that they owned a big part of the pack’s land. Their mansion was situation on the center of a vast Bermuda grass, and in front of it was a huge fountain that had a wolf statue.
“Tessa!” Mikhaela welcomed me with a hug.
“Good evening, Mik,” I greeted her.
Cohen’s sister looked adorable in her champagne-colored sleeveless dress. She wore a headband on her hair that added to her cuteness. She tugged me inside and as we walked into the living room of their house, my mouth could only drop open, totally amazed at its exquisite interior design.
“Mom cooked so many dishes for this dinner.” Mikhaela looped her arms against mine. “And my brother is excited to see you!”
“Cohen?” I turned to her.
She nodded in response, and then checked over my shoulder with a smile. “Oh, there he is.”
I spun on where she was looking, and saw Cohen walking towards us like a real model sporting a v-neck coffee-colored shirt, a black pants and pair of shoes. He basically walked with such oozing temptation in his aura that could make every girl turn their heads to see him.
“Hello, Tess.”
“Hello, Cohen,” I greeted him back with a smile.
“I thought you’re going to decline this invitation given the short notice.”
“We can’t refuse the kindness of your family,” I said.
We heard a clap afterward. “Kids, time for dinner!”
It was Mrs. Taylor, who was then with my aunt and uncle. Mikhaela quickly towards her mom, and I was left with Cohen in the living room.
“About what happened that day…”
I looked at Cohen, confused. “That day?”
“I mean when you went home… with Atlas.”
I blinked. “O-Okay?”
He inhaled heavily, and then held his nape. “I’m sorry if I ever acted like a possessive mate. I didn’t mean to make you feel that I’m crossing the line. I sure knew I have to wait for your decision.” He then swallowed hard, giving me a careful look. “I hope I didn’t leave a bad impression. I’m sorry, Tessa.”
“You’re forgiven, Cohen.” I nodded my response before I sighed. “But I think you have to apologize to Atlas. I mean, you two are best of friends. I don’t wish for your relationship to get ruined because of this whole mate thing…”
He licked his lower lip. “I guess it’s our natural instinct that makes us fight. You see, werewolf doesn’t like to share something he supposes to possess.”
“But no one owns me yet. I haven’t…” I trailed off and he nodded his head.
“I know. Neither of us could own you until you feel the mate bond going through you.” He sighed in defeat. “But this wolf thing can’t really be controlled most of the time.”
My expression softened. I guess, I really had to understand the werewolf’s natural behavior. Everything was still new to me, especially this mate issue I got myself stuck on.
“Anyway, you look as stunning as always,” he commented as he looked at me intently. “Always perfect.”
“T-Thank you,” I said, beginning to feel the heat on both of my cheeks.
“You’re welcome.”
“Cohen, Tessa!” Mikhaela called us out from the dining area.
We both chuckled. He motioned for us to go there, and I only nodded.
Mr. And Mrs. Brookes looked very happy to have us for dinner. The table was filled with so mouth-watering dishes. As I sat down next to Cohen, I could not help but observe the people around me. Both families were cool about each other. Mrs. Taylor Brookes seemed to be so friendly, and she and my aunt were getting along well. Same went to the current Beta, Mr. Hugo Brookes, and my uncle Harry.
As the dinner went on, the table wasn’t silent at all. A few topics were discussed related to the hospital where my guardians were both working, pack affairs that I was really interested in hearing out as I got to have more idea how the highly-ranked members led the entire werewolf community, and lastly-the least I expected-the mate issue I was facing.
“I feel bad that Tessa has to go through this conflict,” Mrs. Brookes said as she looked at me apologetically. “How are you coping up from the unexpected fiasco, my love?
“I’m good, Mrs. Brookes.” I politely smiled at her, and then glanced at Cohen beside me. “They are giving me enough time to process everything and I appreciate Cohen and Atlas for that.”
“However, you shouldn’t be relaxed, Tessa,” said the Beta. “The earlier you could come up with a decision, the easier for the two of them. As we all know, they are the future of this pack. We can’t allow them to harbor grudges toward each other because of this conflict. That could only prevent them from leading the pack properly.”
“The Beta is right, Tessa,” Aunt Alice said. “Consider the option that will make things easier for you.” She then looked at Cohen as if telling me that choosing him was the best thing I should do. “You see, the Brookes accept you for who you are, and where you came from.”
As my gaze turned to Mr. And Mrs. Brookes, both of them gave me a nod. Even Mikhaela… and Cohen, who smiled sincerely at me.
My heart tightened for some reason. Sure, this family was perfect.
But my mind… it pictured Atlas.
Atlas and Blue, and I wasn’t sure why that thought was more appealing to me.