-Theo-

''Dude, what the hell? Why did you leave like that? weren't you guys having a moment back there?'' Charles yells as he follows me inside the apartment. ''Theo....''

''Look man, you saw what I did there didn't you? I awakened the mate bond. If I would have stayed there for long she would have realized it and blocked me out like before,'' I explain to him.

''Ohhh right, yeah yeah, you're right. But what happens when she does realize?''

''We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now I'm just glad that she is okay, although I'm not comfortable with her having these migraines over and over again. We need to find Selene. Goddess, if only we could get a clue to her whereabouts. Just a single clue and I will personally hunt her down and drag her here,'' I growl out.

''I wish we had it Theo, I really do,'' Charles sighs and pats my back as he makes his way to his room to do God knows what.

I grab a glass and pour some whiskey in it then walk out to the balcony, looking out into the night. ''Where are you hiding witch?''

The next morning, I put on my grey suit, grab my files and keys before walking out of the door towards the elevator. Charles decided to stay in today and workout the pack details together with the Gamma.

I close the door behind me while making a turn towards the elevator when I collide into someone, ''oof, sorry,'' she says, ''I wasn't watching where I was going,'' she apologizes then looks up. The softness in her eyes is  immediately replaced by annoyance.

''Ohh it's you,'' She rolls her eyes at me. 

''Morning Athena,'' I smirk at her but she scoffs and starts walking ahead.

Damn she looks hot in that caramel colored pantsuit, if I'm not wrong it's the same one she wore to the alpha meeting a year ago, not that she remembers. ''You know it's rude not to reply when someone greets you,'' I call out as I catch up to her.

''Morning,'' she says curtly and presses the elevator button. We both stand in silence waiting for the elevator to come down from the 09th  floor. It felt like eternity until it finally dinged open.

We both walked in simultaneously to join the other three people who were already in there. Athena chose the far right corner so naturally I stood next to her.

By the time we reached the 05th floor two more people had walked in. The elevator was now crowded to a point where we all had to squeeze in to give the last person space. Not that I minded, especially if it meant I'd get closer to her.

The woman who entered last had a big ass bag with her which needed more space then available, so I moved. Which in turn had me facing Athena in such a close proximity. Her breath hitches upon our contact and she looks up at me, her beautiful green eyes captivating me.

The mate bond starts buzzing in excitement at this, my wolf was high on alert, ready to protect his mate in case anything bad happens. Her scent, which is driving me crazy by the minute hits me like a truck. 

''You're really enjoying this aren't you?'' she whispers low enough for only me to hear.

''Why, aren't you?'' I question her back, a playful smile playing on my lips, ''You can't run away from this Athena, try as much as you want, I will always find my way back to you.'' I lower my head to her ear and whisper back. 

I notice her shudder and tighten her grip on her bag. A victorious smile plays on my lips.

''I can and I will, watch me,'' She replies and pushes me back so that she can leave the elevator. I turn and see that we've already reached the basement so I follow her out.

''Our offices are on the same street, why don't we just take one car, we'll be helping the environment you know? Less pollution and all that.''

''Thanks but I'd rather stick pins in my eyes than get in a  car with you,'' She replies and walks to her black BMW. I choose not to reply to that and walk to my car when I hear her shout. ''What happened? Suddenly you have nothing to say, cat got your tongue did it?''

I chuckle at her silly accusation, ''let's just say I know when to stand down,'' I reply and get in my car without sparing her a glance.

-Athena-

As I walked into my office that morning, only one question was running through my mind. Was I too rude? I shouldn't have replied that way to him. But why did he have to be so irritating, he had it coming.

''Athena hii...good morning, glad you're here, there is a call for you. I know this is weird and I shouldn't even be asking you but why is Kovar calling. Aren't they like the competition?'' Nancy tells me as soon as i pass her desk.

''Kovar called? As in Amunet? What does she want now?''

''Actually It was her secretary who called. They really seem to want to speak to you, they've called twice in the past 20 minutes.''

''Whoaa okay....... Just dial them back and transfer the call to me,'' I tell her as I sit at my desk, ''and close the door behind you.''

A few minutes later my phone rings and I see Nancy signaling me from her desk. ''Twice in 20 minutes, you must really be missing me,'' I say dauntingly.

''Ohhh darling you wish,'' she replies in her thick accent and I can imagine her waving her hand.

''What do you want Amunet?''

''I want nothing, at least not today. I just wanted to ask you if you got the invite to the fashion awards that are happening two weeks from now. All the biggest and the best fashion designers, manufacturers, producers, A-list celebrities and billionaires are going to be there. Although looking at it now, you might not be invited, since you don't fall under any of these categories obviously,'' she mocks me and laughs.

''I assume you're invited and that's why you're rubbing it in my face,'' I roll my eyes.''

''Well aren't you a smart one. Of course I'm invited. Most of the people on the judge panel wear my designs, in fact I just signed off 3 amazing gowns for a few of them,'' she brags.

''Did you just call to brag, because honestly you're behaving like a teenager right now, and trust me that is not a good look on a 600 year old. Look I have better things to do, so I suggest you stop wasting my time.''

''Ahh well you're right. Anyway, have a good day or not who cares. Let me leave you with this little reminder that I'm just getting started with you,'' and with that she disconnects the line. ''What is this woman's problem with me?!''

I push all thoughts of Theo and Amunet at the back of my mind and concentrate on my work. Towards the evening Nancy walks in with a gold envelope in her hand.

''You have been cordially invited to the fashion awards on Saturday at the Four seasons hotel ballroom,'' she announces and places the card on the desk.

I open it and go through the contents, ''Hmm.... two weeks from now, guess I'll need a gown then.''

''Yes you do and Leo Grey needs a tux, he can pick you up and you can both walk the red carpet together. It will be your first official public appearance,'' she squeals in delight.

''Come on now, come down, come down and bring your castle with you too,'' I tell her and she pouts at me like a child.

''So what are you going to wear? Better yet, who are you going to wear?''

''I literally just got the invitation Nancy, you think I've already decided?''

''Well not exactly but knowing you, you already have something in mind,'' she says and I smirk at her in response, ''I have this weekend don't I? I'll just go buy something.''

''Speaking of the weekend, would you mind if I take this one off?'' She asks me timidly.

I crack a smile and nod, ''Sure.''

''Seriously? You're not even going to ask me why or where I'm going?''

I chuckle at her reaction, ''It's because I know where you're going Nancy.''

''You do?'' she asks staring at me incredulously. ''Mmmhm.... you're going for your extended family gathering at your parents' house outside the city, which happens every year and your mom makes her famous lasagna with the secret sauce,'' I wink at her.

''Oh my gosh! Athena! you remember! Holy shit! You remember, wow, that's amazing. Maybe...maybe your memory is coming back now,'' she squeals in excitement.

''Uhhhh I don't think so Nancy. I remember this 'cause your mom always sends some for me, she has ever since you started working here.''

''Right...yeah. Dang it! I really thought you're starting to remember stuff bit by bit. Hey, have you thought of seeing a doctor?''

''I...I....ummm, a doctor? I really don't think it's a good idea,'' I bite my lip nervously. How am I supposed to explain to her about my memory loss without leaving out who or what I truly am. And if I do, I might just be chasing away the one normal friend I have made in the city.

She is about to speak up when my phone rings and I have to stop myself from sighing in relief. She leans over and peeps to see who is calling then scrunches her face up, ''ugghh I thought It was Leo. Why is Charles calling you? omg are you dating him too?''

''What no! ew! Charles is just a friend and you should leave or else you're not getting the weekend,'' I threaten her.

''Okay, okay I'm going,'' she raises her hands in surrender, ''but you can't deny me the weekend since you'll be benefiting from it too,'' she smirks.

''Touché,'' I wink at her and she leaves. ''How can I help you today Morgan?''

''You took your time in answering the phone Athena,'' Charles says from the end of the line.

''You do realize I have a business to run right? I just don't sit here and look pretty!''

''Who said anything about you being pretty?''

''Excuse me! You take that back! like, right now!'' I yell at him but he laughs, ''no can do, it is what it is.''

I scoff, ''If you're done insulting me, mind getting to the point?''

''Right yeah. So umm how does dinner sound? Say this Friday?''

I grab the glass of water from my desk and take a sip out of it, ''you're asking me out on a date? Seriously?''

''Nope not a date, more like a threesome,'' he replies and I choke on my water, ''What!!!! Are you out of your damn mind?!''I cough and splutter.

''Chill you dirty minded woman, I meant dinner but with 3 people.''

''3 people.....ohh you mean me, you and....you-know-who'' I roll my eyes.

''Yup. Me, you and Voldemort. So should I count you in for Friday?'' he jokes.

I laugh at his antics, ''please tell me you're not trying to set us up, we're not in high school Charles.''

''What no, of course not, that's the Moon Goddesses' job not mine and by the looks of it by which I mean your mark, her job is already done. The only problem is that we have come across a hurdle, a huge one at that and so.......''

''Okay! stop it, stop right there! I'm ready to talk about the memory problem okay, I'll do the Friday night dinner so long as you stop talking right now, I'm down for it.''

''Yesss!! That's great! Also please don't come at 07:00 like every other guest, you need to help out in cooking so I expect you to be at my place by 05:00,'' he commands.

''Are you for real right now? You're inviting me to your place for dinner and you expect me to cook??'' If he was physically here right now, I would have strangled him.

''I'm as real as it can get baby, 05:00pm be there or I'll send Theo to drag you out from your apartment and trust me he will really like it but you won't. Okay see you, bye,'' and with that he cut the call.

''Godammit Charles!'' I yell in frustration, the urge to throw my phone across the room growing by the second but I control myself.

As soon as I get home that evening, I change into my gym clothes and leave. Theo's scent lingers in the hallway making me gasp every now and then. Not trying to be a creep or anything but I used my enhanced hearing to listen to his heartbeat but I got nothing. Oh great, he is not home. ''Wonder where he could be?'' I ask myself then stop, ''Ugghh...why do I even care!? Stupid scent making me feel things ugghh, as if!''

I quickly walk to the elevator. Once I'm outside the building I take in a deep breath and feel my mind clear, ''Ahh fresh air!'' I send a text to Leo informing him that I'm on my way to the gym. Speaking of, He hasn't called or texted the whole day today, could it be because of Theo? If it is then I need to clear the air with him.

As soon as I get to the gym, I spot Leo in the corner by the punching bags, punching the life out of one poor bag.

''What did that bag ever do to you?'' I ask as I walk up to him, a smile playing on my lips.

''Not the bag, just the person who I'm imagining it to be,'' he grunts, his raven black hair matted with sweat, his blue eyes darkened in anger, his jaw clenched tight making his cheekbones pop. Goddess he looks hot, ohh, I could kiss him right now. ''If you're trying to distract me, it's working, ''he suddenly speaks up.

''Huh, what?'' I blink my eyes multiple times and look at him. He stops punching and points at my lips, ''The lip biting, pretty distracting if you ask me and look it actually made me stop.''

''Ohhh I see,'' a sly smirk plays on my lips as I take a step closer to him. His breath hitches when I place a hand on his chest. ''Athena....I.....I ummm....ahem,'' he clears his throat as I place a small kiss at the corner of his mouth, ''umm....we need to talk.''

I look up at him, his blue eyes which have now turned a shade darker than before looking down at me, at my lips. I know he wants to kiss me just as much I want to kiss him but he is right, we do need to talk. I take a few steps backwards and he releases the breath he is holding in.

''Come on, let's take a walk,'' I signal him and start walking towards the exit.

He joins me a few minutes later, zipping up his hoodie, ''where to?''

''Wherever the road leads us,'' I reply. He looks at me wide eyed and shocked. ''Chill, we are just going to the nearby park,'' I chuckle and start walking.

He steps to my left and I can feel his gaze on me as we walk, ''what happens now that Theo is here?'' he asks.

Okay wow, straight to the point much? I mean, he could have started with the weather or how work was today. Damn it, he dived right in. So I guess we're really doing this. So much for avoiding the 'T' word.

''What about him?'' I ask nonchalantly. ''You know what I mean Athena, He is your mate for crying out loud, the moon goddess paired you with him. I...I think you know what I'm trying to say here.''

''Tell me Leo, why have you not asked me to go to the fashion awards with you?'' I ask him.

''Wh.... what? Athena are you being serious right now? You know why I haven't asked right? It's because he is here and I assu.....''

''Of course, you assumed that because Theo is my mate I will run into his arms because that is what we're expected to do? Of course no one cares what I want or who I want? It's like plop! Here you go, this is your mate, whether you like it or not, who cares if you have feelings for someone else, definitely not the moon goddess.''

''Athena.... listen...'' Leo starts but I raise my hand up to silence him, ''I'm not done yet. Look Leo, I like you, I really do. Mate or no mate you are the one I want to be with, not someone who just waltzes into my life and ignites sparks and starts making me feel things,'' I say a bit louder than I expected. We have reached a bench in the park and Leo chooses to sit down. He pats the empty space next to him and I reluctantly take a seat. ''You are something else Athena Robinson,'' he says as he holds my face between his hands.

He leans down and takes my lips in his, kissing me hard. I gasp in surprise at first but give in and kiss him back with the same passion. Just as it started heating up Leo pulls away leaving me confused as I raise an eyebrow at him, ''I'm afraid that's the last time I'll ever get to do that.''

''What do you mean?'' I ask him, knowing fully well what is coming next. He gives me a sad smile, ''I really like you Athena, I do. But you and I both know that we're not meant to be. The moon goddess pairs us perfectly with one another, a perfect match and that's what Theo is for you. I can never be that.''

''Leo....no...please...don't say that,'' I stifle back the tears that are now starting to build up.

''it's doesn't matter Athena because it doesn't change the truth. And the truth is that you and I don't belong with each other,'' he says softly and I close my eyes in hopes that it will hurt less but I just feel worse.

''I'm doing the right thing Athena and so should you. Mates are very sacred to us wolves, hence the mark,'' he points to my mark, ''and I don't want to come in between something so sacred. Can I give you a piece of advice?''

''You will do it, even If I say no, so just go ahead,'' I tell him.

''Stop trying to force yourself into building a new life and a new future because your future lies in your past. You need to get your memories back, stop fighting it. Now close your eyes,'' he says and I do as he says.

He strokes my hair and places a light kiss on my forehead; I feel a wet drop on the back of my hand then, nothing. The cold air of the evening caresses my face as I open my eyes to find myself sitted on the park bench, alone. A lone tear rolls down my cheek as my lower lip trembles before I break down.

***

Thoughts on the chapter?

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Also, Stay home. Stay safe everyone :)

-Jessica.S