She was bouncing with excitement, a whirlwind of energy that was new to me. My wolf had never felt such exhilaration before. The alpha caught Drew's gaze fixed on me and remarked, "Felicity is now working part-time as a chef," which piqued my mate's interest. "But why are you serving?" Luna inquired. "I heard we were short on waitstaff with all the guests we have," I replied nonchalantly. She chuckled softly, but I could still sense Drew's eyes on me. When I turned to meet his gaze, he flashed a smile that sent a jolt through me.
As I continued my tasks, his eyes tracked my every move. It was undeniably Drew, though if his mother hadn't called him by name while asking about the food, I might not have recognized him. He had transformed so much since he left; we were just kids back then, but now he was impressively built, with a strong jawline and glossy brunette hair. Jane was clearly smitten, but I wasn't interested in him. The thought of him being our mate unsettled me.
Jane chimed in, sensing my thoughts. "So, you're planning to reject him?" she asked, hitting the nail on the head. Yes, I intended to reject him. I had no fondness for him, especially considering our past interactions. He could still be insufferable, even if I felt an inexplicable pull toward him.
After finishing my serving duties, I made my way out of the dining area to change when suddenly his scent enveloped me, teasing my senses. He seized my arm and led me to a secluded spot. "Can you please just leave me alone?" I snapped. He looked at me intently and said, "Why does my future Luna ignore me?" I scoffed at the term. "What does that even mean?" I knew what it implied, but I had already resolved to reject him, and Jane was vehemently opposed to that idea. He pulled me closer, our faces inches apart, and the proximity stirred something deep within me. I felt an overwhelming urge for him to kiss me. What was I thinking? His breath brushed against my skin as he murmured, "You are my mate." Seriously? "Well then, mate, I reject you."
He simply chuckles, as if he thinks I'm joking. What's so amusing about this? "I'm dead serious," I insist, but he just smiles. "Well, duckling, I can sense your arousal." Damn it, I've been feeling this way ever since he pressed me against him, and I despise it. "Don't overthink it," I tell him. He releases me and steps back, leaving me confused. What is he up to? He removes his collar, just like he did years ago, and I gasp—the bite mark is still there, untouched by time. He notices my shock and says, "Sorry, love, you've already marked me; you can't reject me."
No! This can't be happening, it can't be real. What have I done? Despair washes over me, but Jane is practically buzzing with excitement. "You can't reject our mate; you've marked him already. No wonder I felt such a strong pull toward him." Seriously, can you please quiet down? "So you see, Felicity," he steps closer again, "you are mine forever, just as I am yours." He takes my hand and kisses the back of it.
Is this the insufferable Drew? Don't be deceived; he was once like this years ago before he changed. I yank my hand away from his. "Well, I guess there's nothing I can do about it, but please don't tell your parents just yet. I need time to process this." He nods and replies, "You better hurry; my patience is wearing thin." I'm about to respond when he suddenly kisses me, catching me off guard. But the most shocking part was I kiss him back, as if I've been starving for him. My fangs itch with the desire to mark him again, but I have to hold back. If I let Jane take control, we might end up losing our virginity tonight, and I'm not ready for that. He breaks the kiss, and I gasp for air, feeling my cheeks flush. He chuckles, but I can see the struggle in his eyes as he fights to maintain control. Then, without warning, he leaves me and walked away, more like runs away.