The front door clicked, and I was bombarded by my brother.
He wrapped his arms around me, squeezing me tightly.
"Thank goddess, you're okay." He let go of me and checked me over for any signs of injury. "How are you feeling? Maybe you should sit down. I'll get you a glass of water." He began spitting out being the typical big brother.
"Seb, I'm fine. Honestly, just go on with your day."
"Want to play pool? Mei is coming over in a bit. We can play doubles."
"Of course. I'll get some snacks and be there in a minute." He hugged me again before walking out of the room towards the game room. Orion didn't follow him.
"How are you feeling, Esmerelda?" He took small steps towards me.
"Fine, thank you." I backed away until I hit the counter. I swallowed the lump in my throat as he appeared in front of me.
"I could feel all your pain. When I felt the mate bond start to disappear, I came to mark you. But I couldn't. So, my wolf accepted yours. I hope that's enough for now?"
I put my hand on his chest to stop him from coming any closer.
"You know what will make this right, but you once again have refused to do it. I almost died from the heat so rejection will certainly kill me. If I could just pretend you didn't exist, I would." With that, I pushed past him and into the games room.
Sebastian had already set out the table and Mei was scrolling through her phone to put some music on.
"Esme!" She screeched once she noticed me and ran to hug me. I braced for her and managed to keep myself upright.
"Goddess was I worried about you! I made you a playlist though. I know you'd like that." She ushered me over and I looked at her phone. I smiled as I saw all my favourite and wacky songs from Hamilton to AC/DC. I thanked her and put on a crazy tune. She danced a little before laughing and I grinned. She would always make me laugh.
As I turned, my smile flattened as I caught Orion's eyes on me.
Make it a little less obvious, please. I spat through the mindlink. We might not be mates but as a future alpha, he could talk to anyone in the pack. Immediately, he turned around and began pouring himself a drink at the bar.
"So, boys v girls?" I asked the group. Mei agreed much to Seb's distain as she was the best 8-ball player out of us all. We quickly split off and began with the boys to give them a head start.
The music filled the room as we danced around the table, shooting back shots left and right, getting us a little tipsy. Obviously, Mei and Seb got hornier as the game went on. Mei ground herself on her mate making me laugh as she chose the sappiest song to do it. It was like a slow-motion camera.
As I went round to make my shot, I completely missed the white ball making me laugh and lie on the table. Orion came up behind me, pressing himself into me and lined up the cue to ball.
I wiggled myself to try and get free but heard a groan from him.
"Don't do that, Esmerelda." He whispered in a husky voice. I turned my head to see his eyes were darker with lust.
"Sorry." I murmured. I gripped the cue and shot landing the black ball into the pocket. I turned to come face to face with him. His eyes didn't leave mine as his hands trapped me against the table.
Mei began celebrating that we won but I could hardly hear her cheers and whistles, entranced by Orion's gaze.
Orion's hand slid down across the table and onto the hip, making me gasp at the contact. The sparks fizzled across my skin like an addict finally getting their fix. As much as my head screamed for me to push it away, my heart longed for his touch. Did he deserve it? No of course not. But I did.
I sucked in my breath as his fingers glided across my shirt, slipping underneath. As his finger slid around my trouser, I gasped in anticipation of what would happen next.
But just like every other dream I had of him, he stepped back removing all contact. I watched as his chest heaved before he took off out of the room. Thankful of the table, I steadied myself against it before I walked myself slowly up to my room.
Shutting the door behind me, I slouched down on the chair of my vanity table. My cheeks were redder than a tomato and my eyes widened with anticipation. I felt my heart thwap against my ribcage thinking of Orion's hand on my body.
A gentle knock out the door made me lock those thoughts back into the box they escaped from. It was mum.
"Esme, darling. Are you feeling okay?" Her face warped into concern as she placed her hand on my forehead.
"I think I'm just a little dehydrated. Too many shots." A laugh stumbled its way out of my lips.
"Well, I was thinking we'd have a little get together to celebrate your recovery? The invite is open to all. If you want him there, Seb has promised not to hurt him." I smiled at her concern.
"I'd love a little party but he's not ready to come." She nodded, understanding but I could see it hurt her.
"Well, Orion is coming with Sienna. Obviously, Mei is coming an…" I stopped listening as I thought of watching Sienna and Orion together. It made my whole body stop and I felt my heart snap again.
"Sounds great, mum. I'll join the party in a bit." I interrupted her but she smiled, kissed my forehead and walked out shutting the door behind her.
I slouched myself down in front of my mirror and watched the tears fall yet again. I didn't bother to wipe them, watching them hit the desk.
What happened to the tough woman who is strong enough to take down enemies twice her size and sneaky enough to be right in front of them without them noticing? That woman wouldn't be sat here crying over a man-child who can't commit because he's scared of mummy and daddy. Woman up!
My wolf spoke fiercely in my head, words I never expected to hear from her, but she was right. I took a deep breath and wiped my tears, putting on a brave face. I got up and took a shower, rinsing off all the bad vibes before washing my hair. I used all my favourite products before getting out and shaving my body.
As I stepped out of my bathroom, I could hear noises from downstairs. I dried my hair before tying it into two buns. Slipping on a long-sleeved top, a short dress, and knee-high black boots I felt ready. I touched up my face, putting on some vibrant eyeliner and eyeshadow, and took another look in the mirror.
There's my bad bitch. I smirked and got myself up, walking downstairs into the lounge.