Awakening (2 book series)
Awakening – Rejected Mate Chapter 41

Everyone leaving the room at once causes mayhem in this narrow corridor, and I can't tell which way we're even moving as we're crammed among so many, it's like ants evacuating a collapsing den via the only escape route. It's claustrophobic. "Yeah, I think we used to play in the same places as children." I answer distractedly, as I avoid collision with oncoming traffic, trying to be polite, but I'm too busy side-stepping large males pushing by, and trying not to get trampled underfoot. "We did. I remember you. You had a brother, Jasper, about my age." The use of his name, from someone else's mouth, sucker punches me unexpectedly, and I have to bite my lip to stop the sudden inhale from the slice of pain it inflicts. Even after all these years, I've never really fully mourned the loss of them. I try never to think of them and push it down whenever one surfaces.

"I did. He didn't come back from the wars." It's a fast audibly painful response, my voice wavering, as I shake my head to expel the vision of him, so like my father in looks, and turn my eyes to the ground instead to watch my steps. The comment about his age means Matteo is older than Colton by at least five years, if not more, so it's weird that Colton is the sub alpha and not Matteo. It gives me something else to focus on and not the memory of a brother I will never see again.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I guess time is not a healer, like they say." He seems momentarily uneasy and I smile his way, bringing my eyes back to his with a sympathetic shrug. It never is the right time to have these kinds of awkward conversations. "I'm not used to hearing anyone say his name. At the home it was forbidden to talk of our loved ones, because they're seen as shamed. They failed our people by dying." I grind, tightening my limbs, as I churn out the words I heard so many times. Matteo frowns, something dark in the depths of his eyes, hinting at a reaction I don't understand, and then it's gone.

"This way." Matteo changes topic and points to a corridor veering off to the right of where we are, taking us out of the crush of people and into near silence of an empty passage. He stands for a moment looking around and I can tell he's mind linking, probably calling their pack to where we're going. It takes him a minute or so and then he turns his attention back to me. "The rest are on their way so we may as well show you it before they get here." He walks ahead, down the dark corridor and opens a door at the very end with the use of a keypad. Pushing open a heavy solid cherry wood door and revealing an already lit room inside. It has working lights, so I guess they started replacing bulbs down here first and we walk in, letting the door swing shut behind us.

It's like a large study from an old-world time, with huge leather armchairs and a massive wall hugging fireplace off to one side. There's one large walnut desk with a heavy dark green padded chair behind it, facing out into the center. Matching dark green leather couches by two of the walls; bookcases lining another and what looks like a mini bar in the gap left by the door. There's a thick animal hide rug under our feet, I think it might be a brown bear, or some huge rough haired animal, and absolutely no windows in here at all. "Every pack has a communal room for hanging out, bonding, and talking shop. Ours is obviously the best because we're lucky enough to have Juan Santo's son as our Alpha. It's a perk as we get favor." I can't tell if he's being serious, or sarcastic, and don't pick up on any real malice in his tone. It's an odd thing to say if he isn't trying to be an ass. He nods me towards a seat as he strolls to the fireplace, presses a button, and it explodes into instant flames. I thought it looked real, but I guess it's gas.

I sit close to it on one of the armchairs, not really cold, but watching flames has always brought me a sense of calm and reminded me of another time and place when my mother would brush my hair by ours. A time when I had no cares in the world, when I was secure and loved, nestling in the lap of my family. I try not to dwell on it and stare into the depths, emptying my mind.

"Drink?" Matteo pulls my attention to him, now at the dark wood and glass bar and I shake my head. The last thing I need is to dull my senses and get drunk with a guy, or pack, that I don't know and have every reason to treat me cruelly. I'm already nervous about them arriving and I can't relax, even if he does seem more tolerant of me than most of this pack.

You okay?

Colton comes through loud and clear, checking on me, and for a second it warms me that he does, that maybe he felt my nervousness. His voice is that sound of home that I never knew I needed, and I replace myself exhaling, like I've been holding my breath, as I lean back into the chair less stiffly.

Just waiting on the others and sitting by the fire.

I reply, setting his mind at ease and hoping I sound as comfortable here as I am pretending to be.

I won't be long, my father kept all the leaders back to talk plans, schedules, you know what I mean. If you need me, I'll leave our link open. Don't let any of them give you any shit or else they'll have to deal with me. His deep husky voice has me pining for his presence, and I sigh wearily.

Matteo is being a gentleman and taking care of me; I'm sure he'll intervene. I'm trying to make him relax, but the overwhelming surge I get back from his emotions that he didn't like what I said, surprises me. It's a hint of jealousy and I blink at Matteo as though I'm missing the point. He has his back to me, pouring his drink, and nowhere near me.

Right. Like I said I won't be long.