Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Axel's POV

I was confused and broken, but fuck my life if my mate didn't smell like rose berries. My mate? Goddess! What's all this?

I watched her run away, tears streaming down her chubby face, and felt my wolf howl in protest. I never saw her that way. Never liked her, but never really hated her either. I just hated that she was loud. Hated that she was big. Hated that she couldn't do anything to fix herself.

And she was my best friend's sister. I've known Blaic since forever. Knew he was gonna be an Alpha someday. The only reason I ever tolerated Sera was because she was an Alpha's daughter—a powerful one at that but I couldn't say it.

But her looks? Hell fucking no!

"Goddamn it," I muttered, running my hand through my hair. "This can't be happening."

I prayed she wouldn't trip as she ran. The last thing I needed was my mate sprawled on the ground for everyone to see.

I don't want a big fat mate. The embarrassment would kill me. And sharing her with the others? No fucking way.

"You good, Viper?" Jaxon asked, his face still twisted with disgust.

"Do I look good?" I snapped.

I strapped on my helmet and turned to the boys. "Were you able to deal with those cagers from Summer West?"

Ryder couldn't even speak. He just kept shaking his head like he was trying to wake up from a nightmare.

"I'll get rid of that thing," he finally growled. "Our mate!"

"Shut your piehole," I hissed. "Don't even say it out loud."

I hate it….I hate my life and I fucking hate sharing. I don't like how she's so big for her age.

But...

Sera was nice. A very, very sweet girl. My heart ached whenever she cried. I hated it so much that my wolf went crazy. That's why I bought a whole damn towel and handkerchief company with a customized collection. Every day at school, I knew she'd cry, so I'd either give one to her directly, pass it through one of the boys, or sneak it into her locker.

I even bought her that teddy bear for her birthday. Her smile that day was the best thing I'd seen in years.

"I need a smoke," I muttered, pulling out my pack.

Back on my bike, I sent her a cold text:

Never say a word about what happened. Get ready to be rejected. There's no way I'll be mates with someone like you.

I didn't mean it. God... I really wanted to claim her secretly. But society is so fucking against girls her size. Maybe I could buy her weight loss pills, make her eat something to slim down. Make her mine after the others rejected her.

"Fuck my life," I whispered, gunning my engine.

I arrived at Moon Crest Pack for the Festival, parking my bike among the expensive cars of visiting dignitaries. The place was lit up with torches and fairy lights, wolves from all over the territory mingling in their fancy clothes.

She wasn't there. She never attended these things, and I knew why. Her brother made sure she stayed hidden.

I adjusted my leather jacket and ran a hand through my hair. Maybe I'd sing tonight. The Alpha's mate loved hearing me perform. Next week was my big concert at the arena, but Sera never got to attend those either. They never allowed her.

Beautiful wolves were everywhere, displaying their forms in the moonlight. As usual, Blaic would take the win. His wolf wasn't just powerful….it was beautiful but I didn't like showcasing mine. It was powerful too, but what was the point?

My phone beeped with a message from our group chat. Knox.

It's her…fuck my life! Can't pick up any other scent in my pack. That's why I can't honor the invitation… I'm going crazy here. !

I typed back quickly: Chill, bro. Come over. We'll talk about this tomorrow.

His response made my blood run cold: I'd rather eat glass than make that cow my old lady!

Ryder agreed immediately: Fucking embarrassment. My rep would be shot to hell.

Then Jaxon surprised me: Don't care who she is. She's my mate and that's what matters. I'll build her into what I want.

A pang of jealousy hit me so hard I nearly dropped my phone. He should fucking reject her too. All of them should reject her so I'd claim her and use her how I wanted. Sera liked me and I knew that way too fucking well.

But Knox's next message threw me completely:

I'll kill her. If I kill her, we'll all get our second chance mates. I'm going back to school tonight….. don't worry about me and fuck every arguements.

My fingers flew across the screen: DON'T TOUCH HER. She's my best friend's sister!

A voice note came through, Knox's voice filled with rage: "You're fucking sick! You think I'd let you claim that disgusting pig and bring her into our association? I have the final say, and I'm taking her out tonight. She's roadkill."

"Shit!" I shoved my phone in my pocket and ran.

My bike was blocked in by other vehicles. No time…. I'd have to use my wolf.

I sprinted toward the woods, stripping off my jacket as I went. Sera's life depended on how fast I could get back to campus.

"Hey, Axel!" Blaic's mom called out. "Everyone's waiting for you to sing!"

I ignored her, diving into the trees. As soon as I was out of sight, I shifted, my bones cracking and reforming into my wolf.

My wolf was massive, with dark fur and green eyes that matched my human form. I was faster in this form, and could cover the miles between Moon Crest and Silvercrest Academy in half the time.

Hold on, Sera, I thought as I ran. I'm coming.