Chapter 2 - Dangling On His Shoulder 

REESE'S POV

I don't know how long the car drove. I slept on the way out of tiredness. And when I woke up the car was already stopped and John got out of it. He was talking to someone on the phone. I tried to hear what he was saying but it was low and I couldn't understand his words other than those low-pitched sounds. I straightened my back as I saw him hang up and turned around.

Flashing a smile on my way he walked to my side "you woke up already?"

"Where are we? Can I go now?" I asked, ignoring his smile.

"Why are you always aiming to run? I have already decorated, you can't don't I?"

"Who are you to dictate what I can do or not? Don't plaster yourself too much where you are not needed" I snapped. My words are intended to hurt him so that he can just understand I am bad for him. I want to pose myself too badly in his view.

My expectations were poured into the water when he flashed another attractive smile. My heart flattered instantly, whenever he smiled he looked more handsome and I just hurt this man in every possible way I could and still hurt him. Regret filled my chest, almost making me suffocate.

"You can yell all you want but know you are not going anywhere. It's not possible at all. Besides, after today you won't be able to escape" his smile suddenly shifted to smirk "I have lost the first chance yet I am not a fool to repeat the same mistake over and over again. My love I am gonna cage you even if I need to"

Fear built in my body. He couldn't be serious is he? How could he say such a thing so easily? Cage me? What does that mean?

"What do you mean?"

"We are already at the entrance of Silver Shine. And now I am going to take you in the pack. Once we step into the boundary.." he leaned almost whispering "there's no escape for you anymore"

No, no, no, I couldn't let this happen. Silver Shine is his pack. No one will help there. All will be his people and me, I am a stranger for them. I have to get away.

"Who told you I want to live there?" I groaned, "you assume too many things and do whatever you want. You said I am your mate, but have you considered my feelings? What do I want? I told you I don't want to live with you. Why can't you understand this simple damn thing?"

He opened the car door and pulled me out instantly. His eyes glared down at my figure making me smaller than I already am. I felt like an ant under his towering masculine body.

"You say, your feeling?" He hissed "have you ever considered my feelings when I met you? You were in love with that bastard Alpha, even rejecting your own mate. Have you ever thought how hurtful it was to utter that rejection?"

Shame filled my body making me feel disgust with my own being. I dreamt big, snatching others mates, hurting my own. What I wanted was my happiness but at the end what? I was drowned into misery because of my wrong choice. What could be done now? Avan is dead, so is the family I was related to. I am a rogue, a wild being without any identity or any reputation. I don't have anything to give. Not even my heart or body which was covered with mud.

"Was that my fault?" I met his eyes retorting. I know my next word will hurt him but I have to do this. Hardening my expression I said again with a mocking tone "what are you? Why do you think I would ever go with you? You are nothing but beta blood. The instructor under the Alpha's rule. Why should I go with you? I told you before, I can't live my life as your mate because I don't want anyone above me, ordering me around or anyone to whom I have to bow my head" I moved back a little, maintaining some distance from him. His musky scent makes my mind crazy.

"You can live your life ruling on the beta position but I can't. I want someone who could give me title, prestige and power. Which I consider you don't have. You have to work under your Alpha, and obey whatever you are asked to do. Do you think I want to live a life under Luna? Obeying whatever she says?"

He frowned "you don't even know them. How can you just predict their characteristics with your imagination?"

"I don't need to know them. I don't have any relationship either. What I am saying is why I don't want to be with you. I refuse to live under the guidance of other people. Do you know why I wanted you to reject me at that time? Because I was bored when I heard you are just beta. I never wanted my mate to be a beta. I wanted to be Luna but unfortunately moon goddess gave you as my mate" I snapped.

You are a lying shit ~ my wolf Eve growled angrily. I know I was selfish in the past but now I am still selfish for him.

I made a mocking face "what? Do you want to hear more? Avan was a bastard, he ran after his ex mate even after being rejected like a fool and at the end he had to face the wrath of his ex's other mate. Since my so-called sister got her second chance, maybe you can have yours too. You are foolish for not waiting for the right one and trying to drag me in the mess. You see, what I want is best for us. Both of our sides will be clear and in future you don't have to have a headache like Avan did. Isn't it good for you and me? Maybe you will be tied with another mate and at that time, you don't have to think about being lonely. As for saving you-" I paused "I did it because I wanted to see where my training got me. I hope my words are comprehensible enough"

He didn't say a word but kept looking at me with his forest green orbs. Gritting my teeth I avoided his gaze. I am not able to hold it for long. I couldn't do that, not when the regret and lies are piling up in my chest. Taking a deep breath I turned around showing my back to him. Maybe he is pondering over the things I said. He didn't reply to anything. This is the chance I needed to take to get away from this place. I could just disappear into the forest and never return. I don't know how true my words will be about him finding a second chance mate. But I want him to have one. She could give him what I can't. Even if it hurts like hell, I am willing to take the challenge for him, for his life. He will certainly forget my existence isn't it?

But can you? ~ Eve asked again. ~ he is our mate. I can still feel the bond. It's strong and unchangeable. Why don't you just accept it?~

How can I? Especially when my whole being is ruined because of my ambitious mind.

~ but it's hurting ~ Eve winced. I blinked my eyes several times trying to control the heartache. Him being with another woman - I don't even want to imagine in my mind.

"Since we are translucent over this complication, I need to leave now. I don't want others to have another thought seeing you with me. Goodbye" I was about to step when he spoke up.

"Are you done?" I frowned. What kind of question is that? Whatever it is, I don't have time to ponder over it.

"Yes" I replied shortly and prepared to run. In a swift moment I felt my body was caged by strong arms.

"What the fuck are you doing?" I yelled with surprise.

"You are done, but I am not. What made you think you could escape with a speech. Do I look like a fool?"

I was speechless. What's with this man? Aren't we clear? Didn't I make myself convincing enough just now? Why is he behaving like nothing happened?

"Snap out of it. Do you want to become a second Avan?" I hissed, picking up whatever point to make him let me go.

"Who said that? I am not Avan. He was foolish enough to let go of his own mate and indulge himself with other's mate. I will never do that. I first let you go because I saw you loved him. I was hurt and the only thing I could do was reject you to sustain the pain. But not anymore"

"You are clueless. Let us discuss this again"

"There's no point" he turned me around making me face him. "You can't change my heart and mind no matter what you say. And now, it's time to go home" before I knew he hoisted me up, throwing me on his shoulder.

And once again I am dangling on his broad shoulder like a sack of potatoes.