Chapter 16 - Returning to my rejected mate
Shay's Point of View
"No. No, I can't. I, Shay O'Connell.."
In a flash he's infront of me, covering my mouth with his hand and I gasp as the sparks run through me.
He narrows his eyes at my.
"Don't you dare finish that sentence. I'm not letting you go this time."
I bite into his hand and he yanks away cursing and frowning at me. I narrow my eyes at him. "Don't tell me what to do. And you had no problem rejecting and letting me go five years ago." "I was a stupid kid then Shay! And I made a mistake, a stupid one but you're the one that wanted the rejection back then."
"What did you expect me to do? I woke up alone and naked, thinking maybe you were bringing breakfast. I came down to find you, cause you never came upstairs and I caught you with your tongue down someone's throat. The very first morning after we've found each other and mated. Did you expect me to beg you to be with me? You didn't even want to mark me, all you wanted was one night to get me out of your system and to get to brag about being the only guy to bed me. You said it yourself. And I deserved more than that. I still do."
"I know okay?! And I am sorry. I was young and stupid, thinking I didn't want to be tied down yet, I didn't want to reject you I just wanted to push you away until I was ready. I know it's stupid and selfish, but I thought you'd just stick around and wait for me. And then when you demanded a rejection and you didn't seem that bothered about it my ego was hurt. So I uttered the rejection, hoping that would make you ask me to stay, but you didn't. You accepted it. I'm not the only one that did something stupid. You demanded that rejection and then you hid our son from me for five years!"
"You cheated on my Zane! On day one! And the things you said to me were horrible and they hurt. I thought you didn't want me. I thought you'd throw him aside as well. You weren't even ready for a mate, how would you have dealt with the news of a baby!"
"But I did want you Shay. I still do. And I wouldn't have thrown him aside, maybe if I'd have know I'd have gotten my act together sooner."
He tries to approach me but I take a step back and shake my head.
"Well how was I suppose to know? I did what I thought was best. And no, I don't think you do.
It's just because of the new matebond. You didn't want me then so why would you now and even
if you did why didn't you ever come to me?"
He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair.
"I did. I did come for you. For 2 months I tried to get you out of my mind. But I couldn't. And
then when I finally came for you, you were already gone and no one would tell me were you were."
I looked at him in silence. Thinking about his words.
"Shay?"
"How many were there?"
He frowns.
"What do you mean?"
"How many girls were there before you decided to come to me?"
"Shay.."
"No, tell me. How many?"
"There was only one."
"The girl from the kitchen?"
He looks away but nods and I feel my heart constrict.
"Did you sleep with her?"
I see his jaw tightening but he doesn't answer and I give him a bitter smile.
"So you did? How many times?"
He sighs.
"Why are you doing this? What doesit matter?"
"Just answer me."
"Fine. Only a few times, I tried to get you out of my system. Tried to make myself feel better
about your rejection."
"Where there others?"
His head snaps to me and he shakes it.
"Only her, and only in those first two months."
I scoff at him.
"You're an Alpha and you expect me to believe you've been celibate for the last five years?"
"I swear to you Shay, I haven't been with anyone since then."
"Why?"
"I told you I've been waiting for this day for five years. I want you Shay. I've always wanted you. And to find out we have a son.. I screwed up so bad. And I regret what I did. Because I was a stupid, selfish kid, I lost five years with you and our son. I've been hoping that when we meet again I can convince you to give me a chance, even without the matebond. I can't explain to you the joy I felt when I smelled you today. The moon goddess gave us a second chance, gave me a second chance to prove to you that I can be better. That I want you and our son, and alot more babies. If that's what you want."
I just stare at him. Not sure how to feel.
"Is this something you'd want?"
He asks softly and those molten eyes draw me in, mesmerizing me like always.
"Shay?"
I shake my head, to clear to fog and look away from him and I take a deep breath.
"I don't know. You hurt me. And I'm not sure if that's something I can get over and forget about. I don't know if I'll be able to put myself out there again and trust you. If you want to get to know our son, I'm fine with that. But for now that's all I can give you."
He nods and gives me a sad smile.
"I'll take what I can get. But I'll prove myself to you. Just give me a chance."
I sigh and look away.
"We'll talk about this some other time. Right now I just want to focuse on Zayde. We can have a
discussion about him later, but for now.. Would you like to meet him?"
He gives me a big smile, and nods his head vigorously.
"Yes, please. I've been on edge since finding out about him."
I start to walk back to the packhouse and he falls into step with me.
"Does he know about me?"
I nod my head.
"Yes, he knows. To be honest I haven't talked about you alot, but I did tell him about you. He's really excited to meet you."
"What's he like?"
"He's so full of light and his laugh brightens my day. He is out going and makes friends really easy. But he's strong willed, and also very protective and caring. A true little apha."
We near the playground and I hear Zayde's laughter ringing out. I look to my side to see Zane rooted in his spot, his heart racing as he stares at our son that is running around with the other pups.
Zayde sees me and gives me a big smile before he comes rushing over.
"Mommy! Your back!"
I kiss his head and hug him tight.
"I am. Were you good for grandma?"
"Of course. Look I've made new friends!"
He beams brightly at me pointing at the pups running around.
I ruffle his hair and smile at him.
"I'm glad baby. Zayde, I want you to meet someone."
I say and turn towards Zane. Zayde suddenly realize I'm not alone and his eyes widen as they fall
on Zane.
He turns his wide eyes on me.
"Is he my daddy?"
He whispers rather loudly in awe, and before I can answer Zane kneels down and smile at our
son while he nods.
"Yeah buddy I'm your dad. My name is Zane."
"Almost like me! My name is Zayde!"
He smiles brightly at Zane and Zane nods.
"I know. It's really nice to finally meet you Zayde. Can I get a hug?"
Zayde looks at me asking for permission and I nod at him, trying to swallow the lump in my
throat.
He rushes into Zane's arms and Zane pulls him tight against his chest.
I see the tears escaping down Zane's cheeks and the tears I've been trying to hold back breaks
loose.
Suddenly my heart feels very full seeing my son hug his father for the very first time. Zane and I make eye contact over our son's head and I give him a smile that he returns. Maybe this can work.. Who knows what the future holds, but this meeting gives me hope.