Quinnie

I could see the frustration building in his eyes as I challenged him. His grip on my waist tightened slightly, his fingers digging into my skin.

"So, it means that I have a claim on you," he replied, his voice laced with determination.

I scoffed, trying to hide the effect his touch had on me. "Claim? Is that what you think this is? Just because we're mates, it doesn't give you the right to control my life."

He leaned closer, his breath brushing against my ear. "I'm not trying to control you, princessa. I'm trying to protect you. There are things you don't understand, things I can't explain right now. But I need you to trust me."

Trust him? After everything he had put me through, how could he expect me to trust him so easily?

"You've given me no reason to trust you, Nicholas," I said, my voice filled with frustration. "You pushed me away, humiliated me in front of everyone. And now you expect me to believe that you're here to protect me?"

His grip on me loosened slightly, and I could see a flicker of remorse in his eyes. "I know I've made mistakes, Quinn. I've let my anger and fear get the best of me. But deep down, I've always cared about you."

I couldn't deny the conflicted emotions swirling inside me. A part of me wanted to believe him, to give him a chance to explain. But another part of me was wary, afraid of getting hurt again.

"You have a lot to prove, Nicholas," I said, my voice softening. "If you want me to trust you, you need to show me that you're worth it. Words alone won't be enough."

He nodded, understanding the weight of my words. "I'll do whatever it takes, Quinn. I'll prove to you that I'm not the person you think I am. Just give me a chance."

I looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. Despite the doubts lingering in my mind, I saw a glimmer of hope, a hint of vulnerability.

"Fine," I said, relenting slightly. "But don't expect me to forgive and forget so easily. You have a long way to go to earn my trust back."

He nodded again, his grip on me releasing completely. "I understand. I'll do everything I can to make things right."

As we stood there in the dimly lit closet, I knew that our journey wouldn't be easy. There were still many obstacles to overcome and secrets to unravel. But perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance for us to find our way back to each other, to discover the truth behind our connection. Only time would tell.

"What do you mean, so?" He said frustration evident in his voice, and I couldn't help but smirk, enjoying his misery.

"I mean, so what if you're my mate?" I replied, my tone laced with defiance.

He gave me a stern look, his eyes flashing with intensity. "This is not a joke, Quinn. You know what being mates means."

"Oh, do I?" I retorted, maintaining my facade. "Please, enlighten me."

His frustration grew, and he once again pinned me against the wall, his hands on either side of my body, trapping me in his gaze.

"Yes, you do," he whispered, his face dangerously close to mine.

I held my breath as his fingers grazed my lower lip, sending shivers down my spine. He rubbed his thumb over it and spoke again.

"I can't stand to see you with other men. I won't allow it. You're mine. They have no right to touch you in any way." His voice turned into a low growl, and I couldn't help but gasp.

"But he's my best friend!" I reasoned, ignoring the electrifying sensations coursing through my body at his possessiveness.

He shot me a skeptical look. "Are you sure about that?"

I nodded, my defiance still intact, and he groaned in exasperation.

"Damn it! Are you blind? Can't you see how he looks at you? It's as if you're the center of his universe. And if you continue like this, it will only fuel your desires and intentions. Do you think I didn't notice? He was all over you today, and I won't stand for that. You're my mate, not his!"

His words ignited a fiery rage within me.

"You have no right to order me around like this!" I screamed, pushing him away. Suddenly, being near him felt suffocating.

"You may be my mate, but that didn't stop you from being with every other person out there," I accused. "So don't you dare accuse me of being with someone."

I was breathing heavily now, my chest rising and falling with anger, but he didn't react as I had hoped. Instead of apologizing or showing remorse, he smirked at me triumphantly, his expression oozing smugness.

"Are you jealous?" He taunted, and I fought the urge to slap him then and there.

I clenched my jaw, refusing to give him satisfaction.

"No," I said, my voice dripping with confidence.

Swiftly, I maneuvered between his arms and managed to wriggle free from his hold. Unlocking the door with enhanced speed, I escaped as quickly as I could.

His calls reached my ears, but I didn't look back. I couldn't face him, not when tears streaked my face.

The fact that he didn't deny rejecting me wasn't lost on me...

...

I parked my bike in the garage and made my way to my room, whispering to myself, "I'm home." I quickly glanced in the mirror, ensuring I didn't appear as if I had been crying. I didn't want to worry my parents.

It's funny how as kids, we want our parents to know when we're crying, but as we grow older, we try to hide it from them. We attempt to lick our wounds alone. What changes in us to make us do this?

"Quinn!" My mom's voice called from the kitchen as she rushed out to greet me.

"Oh my God, Quinn! You're home! You're 10 minutes late! Are you okay? Did something happen? Did you eat properly? Is everything alright? Oh, Jesus! Why aren't you answering?" She exclaimed, fussing over my slight delay and enveloping me in a hug.

I chuckled and felt warmth fill my insides at her affectionate concern. I shook my head and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm okay," I assured her, even though I wasn't.

Her smile widened, convinced by my response. She nodded and returned to the kitchen to prepare something for me to eat.

On her way, she turned back and said, "Oh, and I forgot to tell you something, honey."

I raised an eyebrow and asked, "What is it?"

"There's another party at the pack house tomorrow. Your father and I received an invitation. I don't think we'll be able to attend, but he wants you to go."

I frowned. "What's the occasion for this party?"

Or rather, who is this party for?

My mother smiled mischievously. "Remember Gamma Landon?"

I nodded, a sense of pride and respect filling me for the man who had sacrificed his life for our pack's safety. "Of course. How could anyone forget him?"

I instinctively lowered my head slightly in reverence.

Her smile transformed into a grin. "Well, his son has completed his training in Alaska and is returning tomorrow to assume the Gamma position as a legacy and responsibility."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"You mean..."

"Yes! George is coming back!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement. "I can't wait to have him over for dinner after tomorrow's party. It will be just like old times!"

She continued gushing about the possibility of George and me being mates and how thrilled she was to see him again. However, I tuned her out as my mind processed this newfound information.

George Landon, the Gamma heir and my childhood crush, was returning for real.

My mother was well aware of the enormous crush I had on him. He was two years older than me, but ever since he rescued me from bullies in elementary school, I was smitten. He was the only boy I had ever liked, my only crush, until he left three years ago to undergo training following his father's passing.

George loved his father more than anything or anyone else. He idolized him. Perhaps that was why his father's death had taken a part of George with it. Suddenly, the fun-loving, carefree guy I once knew turned cold and serious. It was as if the harsh realities of life had slapped him in the face, and he was determined to avenge his father's death and fulfill his pack responsibilities with the same fervor.

In no time, he left for training, never looking back.

I hadn't seen him since. I knew he hadn't forgotten our friendship; he had simply prioritized his duties to the pack above everything else.

Because of that, I respected him.

My crush on him gradually faded over the years as I grew up.

But now, he is returning.

And I couldn't help but feel apprehensive.

Jesus. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse.