James's POV
"Are you kidding me?"
Vincent still couldn't believe what I said about Aimee being my mate.
"Of course not. Why would I lie? I understand why you're shocked. I've been too embarrassed to admit it all this time. She's a weak omega who doesn't even have a wolf."
"What?! Wait a minute, why have you been keeping so many secrets? She doesn't has a wolf? By the way, since when has she been here? I've never seen or heard of her. I thought she was a new member of your pack."
It's no wonder Vincent has never met Aimee. She often stays alone in her separate room and is sometimes prohibited by other members from going out. Aimee is assigned to clean the back area of the pack.
"Yes, she only started showing herself two years ago. As a weak omega, she was often bullied. Especially since both her parents passed away when she was young. I actually feel sorry for Aimee's life. But no matter what, she's not suitable to be by my side."
Vincent furrowed his brow. I understood the expression he gave me; he was disappointed to hear the truth I just revealed.
"So, you didn't reject her?"
I shook my head. I understood where this conversation was headed. "No, I had another purpose in mind. It isn't effortless. I just wanted to protect my heart for Emilia. If I rejected her, there's a possibility that the Moon Goddess would give me a new mate. I'm afraid a new mate might tempt me or that the new mate would do something bad because of the rejection. In short, it's all about Emilia. Aimee doesn't know who her mate is, so... this secret is safe."
"Idea is crazy, and I don't know how to respond to it. You're making statements that could even make me depressed again. Don't you realize how cruel your actions are? Why don't you tell Aimee that you're her mate? Just because she has no powers doesn't mean you can take advantage of her like that, dude."
I have highly regarded Vincent's wise attitude. He's never afraid to speak up about my wrongdoings, and I'm never offended when he reprimands me.
"Like I said, you and I are different. I still uphold my status as an Alpha, and I don't want to accept a mate carelessly. Aimee is visually perfect, beautiful, with snow-white skin and long blonde hair that adds to her charm. Even the bullying she faces from pack members is mostly because they envy her beauty. But that doesn't add any value to me. I need a strong Luna. Aimee can't provide that; she doesn't even understand why, at the age of 19, she still hasn't obtained a wolf."
I didn't tell her she was my mate, but I asked her to be my mate. It sounds complicated, so I made it seem like I genuinely wanted her to be my mate, not because of the Moon Goddess. She agreed to it, but there was no real connection between us. It's all just a facade, a status I need to avoid having a new mate. I hope you understand, Vincent."
Vincent chuckled. I don't know what's funny about my statement just now. I was quite serious in this conversation.
"Your words are truly beyond reason, to the point that my brain finds it difficult to comprehend, and it hurts. You and she are in a 'mate' relationship, and she knows it's intentional, not destined. And you allow me to get close to her? I won't pretend; I was captivated ever since I first saw Aimee. It's difficult for me to like someone, and in the past four years since Elsa's death, this is the first time I feel my heart beating again."
Vincent's eyes looked melancholic and teary, representing his longing for Elsa and the love that once filled his days. Compared to me, Elsa's departure was indeed a terrible thing.
I will never know how I would be if Emilia were reported dead. I might go insane, or maybe I would even commit suicide. When it comes to power and authority, Vincent might be below me, but when it comes to love, I am much weaker than Vincent.
"Well, you don't have to worry about what happens between me and Aimee. Remember that I'm borrowing Aimee to ensure I don't get a mate. It may seem selfish, but look at the result now, you can have your mate, and the Moon Goddess will understand and pave the way for you to be together. I guarantee it! I want you to be happy, Vincent. I've understood since earlier that you really like her, and I'm not saying she's a bad choice. You can make her a worthy Luna for you!"
I patted Vincent's shoulder; for some reason, my heart felt a little relieved after saying everything. Allowing Vincent a chance to get close to Aimee might make me lose what I'm currently enjoying. Yes, Aimee's body is something that's addicting me.
But it's not a big issue. Aimee's changing behavior and starting to see me as the anchor of her heart is beginning to make me sick. I no longer need to deal with Aimee suddenly asking me to kiss her as a real mate would.
Vincent is staring at me intently now. I know doubt is creeping into his heart; he's always cautious about love and friendship. We used to both like the same woman and as soon as he found out that I was the first one to like her, he backed off.
"James, if you've really said that... then I hope you truly let go of Aimee and allow me to get closer to her. I see this as a fresh start to move on truly."
Ah, I'm so happy to hear that. I move to sit next to Vincent and embrace him warmly. "Of course, Vincent. Your happiness is the best gift for me. I hope you can truly regain your light through Aimee. It's time to step back into your life! Elsa would also want to see you happy."
We both exchange smiles, then embrace each other. I never expected that our first meeting after four years would yield such great results.