Unforgivable

Sophia knew she had made the right decision, but it wasn’t easy. Rejecting him had devastated her. Like her brothers, seeing the love and respect between her parents, mates were something to cherish, something sacred. But forced to note that this idea was not shared by everyone. She shifted into her wolf before running as far as she could. She wished she could disappear, but she didn’t want to worry her family again. After everything she had put them through. What a fool! How could she be so naive? How could she have forgotten how strong her father and brother were as Alphas. And from what she had seen Mara was a formidable enemy. Why had she allowed him to brainwash her into believing his pack was over. Bella’s disappearance had deeply shocked her into giving in to Calvin’s ideas and poisoning their drinks.

Suddenly she heard a noise behind her. Fuck, you couldn’t be alone in this pack! She thought. However she was surprised, however, to see that it was Mara, alone. How had she managed to get here so quickly.

“Don’t look so surprised. The advantage of not having a clear barrier with my wolf is that even though I can’t shift, she’s there all the time and so I have her abilities even in my human form.” Mara explained to her through the mindlink.

“You did something very difficult tonight and believe me I know what it is. I’ve been there too and I really would have preferred to have my heart ripped out directly rather than experience the pain of the rejection.” Mara added, coming to sit next to her.

“How long will this last? How did you get over it?” Sophia asked her.

“Weeks and I’m not the good example. I tried to kill myself because I couldn’t take it anymore. Breaking your brother's heart over and over again was the most difficult things I've ever done. Then seeing him move on - as he deserved - made me realize that we will never be... That was the last straw. And when I woke up I was just angry at everyone. Anger helped me get over my pain but it’s still not the right solution.”

“I don’t have your strength.”

“Of course you do. You just need a little time to find it back. Give yourself time.”

“As if... I’m so stupid!”

“No you’re not. You grew up with a perfect model of mate’s couple. It’s natural to want the same thing. Mourn the loss of your mate because you need to, but remember that he doesn’t deserve your tears. You cry for yourself, never for him. And stop blaming yourself, we would all have acted the same way. Love makes you blind. What would Bella say if she saw you?”

Bella... If only she knew she was safe. Oh, how she missed her. She could really use her friend right now.

“Well, she’s not here, is she?!” Sophia snarled.

“She’s safe, don’t worry. I took care of her personally. I’m not telling you anything more so don’t try to ask me.”

She was dying to know more. She needed to know and to speak to her friend, to tell her how sorry she was... But she knew Mara will not tell her more. It was already a huge secret she just shared with her, also meaning that she was trusting her, surprisingly.

“You’re not the only one who’s been rejected or rejected your mate. Nash and Peyton are in the same boat as you. You’re not alone and I know they’ll be happy to help you deal with your rejection.” Mara added.

“Okay...”

“I’m going to leave you because I know you need to be alone. I’m going to make sure you have time to grieve, but if you start beating yourself up about your past decisions, I’m going to be your worst nightmare.” Mara warns her in a loud voice before standing up.

“Come to me if you’re looking for a revenge. I’d be happy to help you.” Sophia heard Mara in her head.

Two weeks had passed since Sophia had rejected Calvin and although the pain and hurt was still there, she wanted to keep going. Nash and Peyton were very supportive and despite the age gap a real friendship was forming between them. Their stories were as sad as hers and she felt angry for them both. What kind of person treats their mate like that! This helped her to put things into perspective and to want to move on. Even though she knew she needed time.

Mara’s friends were quite funny and spending time with them was always entertaining and a good way to forget about her predicament. That’s why when they had suggested going to a club the following Saturday she had immediately accepted. As the girls got ready all together, Sophia even had a hearty laugh, the first since the rejection. She was nostalgic for Bella’s absence. But Mara had allowed them to call each other and Sophia had been happy to hear that her friend had found her mate. Mara had managed to convince Elijah, the nightclub owner, to allow Hayley to come. Well, Mara was the co-owner so that made it easier to convince him.

The evening went well and Haley had even provided them both with fake IDs so they could drink alcohol, mixed with wolfbane. They just had to avoid the bar where Sam worked. It was a good thing there were five rooms and six bars in that nightclub. Hayley was also avoiding the room where Sam worked because she had promised Mara to behave. Sophia had been offered several drinks and it was a real ego boost to know that she was so appealing.

She always had one of the gang with her, except when she decided to go to the bathroom. On her way out she was surprised to find herself cornered by Calvin who was waiting for her. He was apparently drunk and what was he doing here? Seeing him again was more painful than she had imagined. It was reopening a gaping wound that had yet to heal.

“You should leave. If my brother sees you he’ll kill you.” Sophia warned him, trying to free herself.

“Why did you do this to us?! We were perfect together.” He muttered.

“They tried to rape my mother! If it wasn’t for...” She took a deep breath and calm back down, she almost said too much!

“If it wasn’t for Sage they would have raped her! How could you let that happen? It’s a good thing you underestimated Sage’s strength!"

“You promised me!” She cried, slapping his chest.

“I didn’t know. I swear to you, princess!” He replied, trying to pull her into his arms.

What about Bella? The question burned in her mind but she knew she couldn’t say more without revealing too much and he would use everything against her pack anyway. She’d been had once not twice!

“Get off me, Calvin!” She ordered but he only tightened his grip.

“No! You're coming with me where your belong! You’re going to take your rejection back and we’re going to live happily together!”

“No! I don’t want that. Accept my rejection, it’s your only choice.” She growled.

“I will never accept your rejection. You are mine, Sophia. Do you hear me?” He declared, aggressively.

“That’s good to know. I’m glad to hear that you’ll feel everything while I’ll make her mine.” A deep, masculine voice said behind their backs.

Calvin let go of Sophia to face the newcomer but the latter ignored him to focus his attention on Sophia.

“I’ve been looking all over for you, baby doll. Do you want me to ask the security guards to get that prick out of your way?” He told her.

“Yes, please.” She murmured softly before throwing herself into her savior’s arms. Something drew her to him and once she was engulfed in his arms she had a sense of safety and comfort that she had never felt before.

With a snap of the fingers, the guards picked up Calvin who shouted at Sophia.

“Thank you.” Sophia said to him, not leaving the warmth of his arms.

“My pleasure, baby doll.”

“Sophia, my name is Sophia.” She replied wanting him to know her first name.

“I’m Lincoln. It’s a pleasure to meet you gorgeous, Sophia.”

Lincoln sighed, “Unfortunately I’m going to have to release you. Your friends are coming.”

Sophia was disappointed. “Can I see you again?” She asked him.

“I hope so, I was serious about making you mine.” He replied carressing her chick.

Sophia heard her friends calling her as Lincoln disappeared into the crowd.

“See you soon, baby doll.” She read on his lips before she lost sight of him.

Sam was worried sick when he saw the guards dragging Calvin out. He left his post to find his sister surrounded by her friends. Once she assured him that she was fine, he went back to his bar - not before kissing Hayley hungrily.

Sophia spent the rest of the evening thinking about Lincoln and his words. She looked for him in the nightclub but to no avail. Just as she gave up, a waitress brought her another drink that was offered to her. The accompanying coaster was signed by Lincoln with a phone number.