Liam

I have a secret.

I'm struggling with not telling my mate what it is. I don't like keeping secrets from him. I have never done it before, in fact. As the song says: "my life gets kinda boring."

So yeah, it's eating me up inside. I haven't even told Seb about it yet, though he's still reeling from Justin's mate revelation.

Anyway, I have told my mom what it is. I needed to tell someone and she's literally the person I trust the most in this world.

She was there for me, without judgement, as she usually is. I wasn't afraid to tell her.

Actually, for someone who fucked it up as much as I did, I have never been afraid of telling my mom anything, except when I failed to graduate school last year.😳

I was mortified by that.

But that was then, this is now.

We're in March and I'm rocking at school like never before. Granted, I only have half as many classes as the rest of the seniors.

Still, I'm acing it left and right with all the time I have to spare at the library. Fortunately, it's looking like I'm graduating next May just like my mate and our friends.

This is not the issue anymore. The guidance counselor even encouraged me to apply to some community colleges, saying there are some online courses I could take.

I'm keeping my options open. You never know.

Anyway, aside from the secret I'm harboring from him, George and I have been great together. And his family has been so welcoming to me. Honestly, it's the best feeling in the world, especially considering my last name.

If it was a struggle to take me into the pack, I can't even imagine what it was like for Alpha Stonehold to accept the fact that I'm his son's mate.

I'm sure he cursed at the Goddess at some point. But he never, not once, treated me differently since I got here. Even before I discovered my mate, he has been nothing but a decent guy to me and my mom.

They say it's the true mark of someone's character. How they treat you when they don't need anything from you.

I have nothing but the utmost respect for the guy. Even when I rejected his son, he didn't glare at me. Though he wasn't happy about it, - no parent would be, I'm not saying he's a saint - he barely even looked at me when I entered his house with Principal Burke on that fateful day.

I still have no idea what possessed me to reject my mate, but I'm claiming temporary insanity.

I mean, seriously. Have you seen my mate?

He's the most gorgeous boy I've ever met!😍

If he wasn't in line for Alpha, he could be a model or something. Just saying...

After not seeing my mate for a week due to the need to cram for exams - he needed, not me. I mean, I also studied but like I said, my school workload is light next to him.

But now the exams are completed and we have a little room to breath. Still, no complaints here.

Everything is going so well for me that I should be forthcoming and tell my mate the goddamn secret. It's not that big of a deal.

I'm sorry, that's a lie.

It's a huge deal.

Enormous. And I don't know if he's going to look at me in the same way ever again after I tell him.😓

I'm sorry to say this, but I'm not prepared to reveal my secret just yet.

However, I can tell you something else. I'm sure you're all dying to know who Justin's mate is.

I know, right? So excited for him!

Not for him, strictly speaking. I'm just excited for the pairing. Now that I have my own mate, I can actually enjoy mate reveals instead of cursing at the Moon Goddess for making me mateless.

Drum rolls, please. A few weeks ago, in February, at the school hall...

"MATE!" - Justin's voice was deep and husky. His eyes shone brighter than ever before.

Though no one outshines his mate.

He could illuminate the corridor with his brightness. I'm not even exaggerating... much.

That boy's eyes are glowing so bright right now. I don't know if he's finding his mate or shifting into wolf - our wolves are the closest to our human selves when we discover our mates. It's why you can't escape a mate (bond) once you find each other. You have to scent them first or your wolf will shift and take over your consciousness.

In any case, it's absolutely stunning to see it.

There're dozens of students watching this play out, also mesmerized by his shining happiness.

Everyone is quietly witnessing this event. No one is saying a word, just waiting for them to accept each other like the Moon Goddess intended.

Though we're surprised by this pairing, deep down, we should've known it was going to happen. I mean, come on!

They are perfect for each other!

"MATE!" - He replied with a deep, husky voice.

They took each other's scents for a moment, as mates must do. Then, Justin approached his mate with an undying smile that shone almost just as bright as his eyes.

Though I must repeat: no one could beat his mate's radiantly happy shining smile. It was beautiful to see it. And it warmed my heart.🥰

"I, Justin Underwood, accept you Sebastian Stonehold Adams, as my mate."

"I, Sebastian Stonehold Adams, accept you Justin Underwood, as my mate."

And then they kissed. Passionately. Hungrily.

I know Seb longed for it. He tried to disguise it as best as he could, but I know he was dreading this day with a crippling fear of losing Justin. And I don't mean that (just) because he's pregnant.

I understand this happens to almost every teenage couple before mated - it has literally happened to me and George. We all know we're in for a heartbreak.

They are not different from anybody else.

But their situation is. And though one can easily judge Sebastian for it - like his father did - he wasn't aware this could happen to him.

No one could've predicted Seb would get pregnant. But maybe now, I'm thinking the county hospital should start testing newborns for the omega genes.

You never know.

There's a round of applause led by my mate for the happy couple.

"Congratulations, my friend! I couldn't be more happy for the two of you!" - George cheered them on, grinning.

"Thank you, Alpha! I really didn't think this was going to happen. I was so ready for the worst!" - Justin admitted, painstakingly.

Seb blushed uncomfortably next to his mate, but I know he felt the same. He could only dream of being mated to his baby daddy.

But as it happened to Junior's parents, this is an unicorn. A freak case. One in a million. And no one should expect it to happen again.

I do mean no one.😬

"Girl, congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" - I hugged my best friend, who glowed with happiness.

"Thank you, Liam! I was so petrified of losing him that I almost skipped school today. I'm glad I didn't." - He smirked, shining his beautiful pearly whites.

All our friends congratulate them as we make our way to the classroom.

As expected, both of their parents were absolutely thrilled for the pairing. Sebastian's father was a little skeptical at first - really, bitch? How can you fake a mate bond? In front of the entire school?🙄

But by Justin's birthday party - it took place in the following Saturday. It was a great bash. - the families were united and joyful over the occasion and their unexpected mating.

I mean, once you think about it, Justin is descendant of the second most prestigious family of the pack. The Underwoods are as high placed and powerful as can be, dating back to the inception of the pack.

Sebastian is the son of the under Delta with the most prestigious surname of the town. There's a certain ring to it when you say the name Stonehold.

It carries a weight, a power. People pay attention when your name is the same of the pack. This I have learned after being mated to one myself.

So, with these parameters in mind, it's not that surprising that they were mated to each other. Omegas are naturally drawn to Alphas, yes. But since Seb couldn't be mated to one, an Underwood is the next best thing in terms of pedigree.

It's a match made in heaven.

Honestly, it still baffles me that Seb is a Stonehold in the first place. It's a funny thing.

Alpha Stonehold doesn't have any siblings (anymore). His father was an only child. By this optics, you'd think there shouldn't be that many of their family members around town.

However, his great grandfather had 6 children. It was a different time back then. So while his oldest son became Alpha, the five other children lived their lives and multiplied.

And though only descendants of the Alpha can succeed him, there're plenty of other Stoneholds to go around. Some of them work at the office with my mom.

Justin and Sebastian completed the bond right away, as expected (not at school). But then again, why wait?

They have been completing the bond since November.😅

Now they look fulfilled as ever properly bonded. And I'm so happy for them.

Back to March... Present day.

"Good morning, mate. You know, you are allowed to quit driving my brother to his dates. His driver's license is due any time now." - George greeted me on Saturday morning.

He slept in my room, as we take turns in each other's houses on weekends. However, he's not allowed to eat breakfast at the pack house with me - rules are rules, this isn't a hotel 😬 - so he waits for me in the room and we go to his house afterwards.

"If Charlie's license is due any moment, then you shouldn't worry about whether or not I drive him. It will be over soon and I'll be out of a job." - I rolled my eyes at this.

Privileged white boys, am I right?🙄

"Sure. I'm just saying..." - He insisted.

"I've been driving your brother since October. I don't think now is the time to stop. Nor do I want to. Plus, it's not like you've been taking me to so many dates lately." - I jabbed at him, who winced at my words.

"Maybe if you had Saturdays off, I would." - He argued, then kissed me.

I could debate this all morning but kissing him is better.

After I returned from the dining hall, I brushed my teeth, changed clothes and we went over to his house. Because of the time difference for breakfast in both houses, we arrived with his dads sitting at the table.

We greet everyone and I bow my head to the Alpha. It's not a thing I mind doing, as we all grow up with this notion, but it will be weird for me to NOT bow to the future Alpha, once George ascends.

Not that I'd want to bow my head to my own mate. There's a reason the Luna is the only adult not required to bow.

There can't be any hierarchy between mates. And I'm happy for that, especially considering I can't work a regular job and will be depending on my mate's money to get by.

"Charlie, where are you taking Annie today?" - Luna Tyler asked his son as they finished having breakfast.

"To the mall. There's a new beauty fair she wants to check out." - He replied, so enthusiastically it's almost weird.

"She's already beautiful. What else she's gonna do?" - George snickered.

"Probably get more beautiful. As long as she's happy, I am too." - He replied, unshakable.

"Good for you, son." - His father said, cheerfully.

George rolled his eyes. But I think it's sweet.

"I can understand why Annie is so happy with you, Charlie. You're gonna make for an excellent mate. Your commitment to her is exemplary!" - I complimented him, who smiled radiantly at me.

"Thanks, Liam. That means a lot!" - He said, grinning wide.

"Son, you should take the opportunity you're going to be home alone and go over those documents I showed you earlier this week." - Alpha Stonehold suggested to his son in a serious tone.

"It's Saturday, dad. Aren't you off today?" - He countered, annoyed.

"Yes, I am. Because I already know how to be an Alpha. But if you don't apply yourself, I will make you intern under me for years until I feel you're ready." - He shot back and even I felt the jab in my gut.

An uneasiness settled at the table. I lowered my head as I don't want to take part in any of this.

Since January, George has been learning the job with his dad. He's been interning at least one hour every day until the time he ascends.

But whenever he ascends, it is up to the Alpha. And him alone.

"Sure, dad. I'll get right on it as soon as my mate goes away with Charlie. I promise." - He conceded, blushing.

It's no use arguing against the Alpha. I mean, unless you're his mate.

"You should book his ascension ceremony for the last weekend of Summer, this way he'll have the entire season to learn properly." - Luna suggested it.

"Great idea, Ty. You're a genius!" - Alpha agreed, excited at the suggestion.

The mates kiss each other and we stand up to clear the table. I mean, the boys do. I didn't have any breakfast as I'm already stuffed from what I ate at the pack house.

Later at the guest room, my mate and I enjoyed each other for a good time. I love our moments together, though I'm a little self conscious to take things too far with his entire family knowing we're here.

Not that it's such a big deal at this point. But I'm much more comfortable inside my room for naughty activities.

"Are you okay, Liam? You seem a little distant." - George questions me, frowning.

"I'm fine. I need to tell you something. But I'm still working up the courage to do that." - I replied, bashfully.

"There's nothing you can't tell me! I'm here for you, mate. Always." - He told me firmly, but in a sweet tone. He caresses my head and I melt under his touch.

"I know, mate. I will, I promise. Once I get back from the mall, I will tell you everything." - I pledged, trying my best to work up the confidence for it.

In the afternoon, as scheduled, I took Charlie and Annie to the mall. I also checked the beauty fair and even managed to get a free eye make up.

Later, I stopped by the food court and had a light snack as I'm already hungry and won't be able to make it to dinner at the pack house. But I already knew that.

I went to the parking lot to wait for them by the car. They shouldn't take long now. I can still enjoy the evening with my mate and tell him my secret.

*Fumbles with the car keys in nervousness.* I'm sweating already in anticipation of the upcoming conversation I'd have with George.

I have a very sensitive nose.

I can scent anyone coming from any direction. But since I'm at the mall parking lot, I barely even registered when some guy approached where I was.

I assumed he was going to his car parked next to mine. It's Saturday evening, so that's normal. Not a big deal. I even heard his car's alarm sound off as he unlocked it.

I'm minding my own business waiting for the lovebirds when suddenly I'm hit by a needle injecting something toxic on me.

It happened very fast. I barely had time to look at the guy holding the syringe before I pass out. At least, he was nice enough to NOT let me fall into the ground.

Last thing I know, he's holding me as he opened the door to his car. Then, it all went black.😵

https://youtu.be/LOZuxwVk7TU

A|N: BOOM!

I apologize for making Seb and Justin's mate pairing so predictable. But in the words of Mariah, "there ain't nobody better." I can't brake up a family. Sorry, not sorry.

I wonder what the secret is. And who just abducted Liam?

Next chapter is called PRAYING. As in you should be praying he doesn't die. :'(

Prepare for darkness.

Love,

Léo.