Forbidden Mate: Awakening

~LILY'S POV~

Smash!

The glass box slipped from my hand and crashed onto the floor with a sharp sound. I stepped into Tyler's room with my heart racing like a wild stallion. And there, right in front of me, my worst nightmare came true.

The Alpha's son, Tyler-the guy who had been my crush for as long as I could remember, the one who had held my hand and promised me an eternity as his only-was holding Audrey in a romantic embrace, making out with her on his sofa.

It felt like the whole world had frozen. The promises, the dreams we had shared together, all shattered like fragile glass.

Tears blurred my vision as I turned away. The pain was too intense to bear.

"Lily!" Tyler's voice sounded desperate as he called my name, but I couldn't stand to listen. I couldn't face him. Feeling so hurt and angry, I just ran. How could he betray me like this? After everything he said, everything he promised me...the tears refused to flow but I could barely see as I was running.

I bumped into Jaxon at the entrance. His eyes looked worried and confused as he searched mine, wanting me to explain. My voice failed me as I was totally lost in my feelings. Jaxon held onto my shoulders firmly but gently, wanting me to tell him what had made me look so shattered the way I was.

"Lily, what happened? What's the problem? Why are you-"

I didn't even hear what he was saying. I wanted to say everything, to yell about the betrayal that was tearing me apart, but the words stayed stuck in my throat.

I hurried to the car, and the driver's eyes widened when he saw me on the brink of tears. I didn't say anything, just told him to take me home, to the grove. The car started loudly, drowning my feelings.

Tears finally ran down my cheeks as he drove, and the road ahead looked blurry. I kept seeing Tyler's face next to Audrey's in my mind. The way he held her waist and their lips entwined in each other's...

"Fuck!" I cussed and removed the bracelet he gave me for my 17th birthday last year from my wrist. I stared at it for a while, wanting badly to wake up and realize this was all a dream. But I wiped my tears and felt the reality bitterly sink in. I threw it at the glass window and brought my palms to my face. In no time, my hands were soaked with tears. I couldn't hold it in any longer.

"Ma'am, I thought you wanted to stay till evening for the young master's party?" The driver asked innocently but I belted out my frustration on him.

"Just shut up and drive, okay?!" I yelled at him and he nodded, focusing back on the road.

I just couldn't...believe it.

The things he promised and the secrets we shared seemed to fall apart just like that. Tyler betrayed me. He betrayed me. I shook my head and kept in that position till we got home.

_____

When I got to the grove, a fresh wave of sadness hit me again. My wound was still new but upon getting home, it seemed like it was reopened. The other members of the grove looked at me with pity and understanding as I walked to the mansion. It seemed like they already knew I was heartbroken, like they could feel how much I hurt. Was this going on for a long time, even before I found out? Had this been happening behind my back? So everyone knew and noone told me about it? Wow. I felt even more stupid and foolish with each step I took.

I couldn't even face my parents or anybody for that matter at that moment. The hurt and confusion inside me were too much to handle. The weight of it all made it hard to breathe. All I wanted was to escape, to be far away from everything that reminded me of Tyler's betrayal. I just needed to be away, away from everything.

I went to the garden for comfort. Being alone in that garden felt like the only way to find some peace, even if it was just for a little while. The trees provided a shelter, and the rustling leaves seemed to understand my pain. Nature was my refuge. I could sort through my thoughts and figure out how to heal from the pain Tyler had caused. The aroma of flowers around me made me feel better, even though my heart still hurt. Watching the flowers dance in the basking sunlight made me realise life would still go on despite this utterly devastating thing that just happened to me, but still, it hurt.

Audrey.

That sneaky bitch.

I always knew she wanted to have Tyler. She had tried everything to entice him and have him for herself, but I paid no attention to her because I trusted in Tyler's faithfulness. Guess I was more than stupid and unobservant. I let her slip under Tyler's arms right under my nose.

I palmed my forehead.

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

But Tyler wasn't less to blame. How could he? I gave him everything. Everything I had, everything I had to offer; my time, my attention, my love, my care...for god sake I just turned 18, and I already knew by the goddess that I would marry him. I had crushed on him for the longest time, but we recently just started dating. Still, I knew I would love no other and he would never betray him.

This was life spitting at my face.

All of a sudden, a strange voice seemed to come from the wind and called my name.

"Lily..."

I felt my heart beating fast, and I looked to where the voice came from. It was eerie but oddly familiar. I knew that voice. Even though the pain of Tyler's betrayal was still raw, I felt curious. I followed the mysterious voice carefully down the garden trail, not sure what I would find.

"Who...is it?" I then stopped and went to sit back down. I was just hearing things.

"Lily...help." but it called my name again. And it called for help.

My ears and hairs stood.

I stood up again.

I thought I was hearing things or my mind was playing tricks on me. But the faint sounds persisted, drawing me deeper into the garden. I stopped. What was I doing? Gosh. I needed a bath. My heart was still heavy. I began to walk back only to bump into someone. I looked up, and there he was – Tyler.

What was he doing here? What the hell did he want?

I couldn't bear to look at him, not after what I saw. I would either tear his face apart or break down crying rivers.

"I didn't expect to find you here," he said with an unserious voice.

That's what he wanted to say to me? After what he did? Fine. Cool. We'll play that game.

I gulped then shrugged, keeping my gaze away from him. "Guess you never really know where someone might end up when they're hurting." My voice shook but I tried to mask my nervousness.

He rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand, "I've been looking for you everywhere."

I chuckled sarcastically and then pressed my tongue against my cheek. "Of course you have, or you've been busy...busy making out with people other than me."

He sighed with a heavy breath. And then he surprised me. He reached out and gently turned my face to meet his gaze. "Lily, why did you go there? Without even asking for my permission?"

A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I pushed his hand away from my face. "Permission? When did I start asking for permission to visit you, Tyler?"

He wanted to talk but I didn't allow him.

"Is it wrong for your friend, or should I say girlfriend, to wish you a happy birthday on your special day?"

His grip tightened on my arm. "Lily, you know it's not what you think."

I shook my head, a dejected smile on my lips. "Tyler, I saw you with my own eyes. There's nothing left to say."

He released me, frustration flashing in his eyes. "You're not even going to let me explain?"

He wanted to explain. I laughed drearily in my mind. After I had caught him red-handed, it was hard to believe there was any plausible explanation. The pain I felt hung over me like a dark cloud, making it hard to even try to understand anything he would say.

When I looked at him, he seemed frustrated and sorry at the same time. It made me a bit sad. We had been close, and now things felt like they were falling apart, all at once. But his actions spoke louder than words, and in that moment, and right then, I needed to think about how I felt. All those years I had lived for him and thought only about what he wanted me to do, what he wanted us to be and how he wanted things to be done. I had never prioritised my own feelings and mental health, all in the sake of having a first true love. I doubted at that moment if it was ever even true love. But I knew I had sacrificed a lot for him. Enough of that. At that moment, I had to think about what was best for me.

"Explain..." I scoffed and crossed my arms, meeting his gaze with sadness and anger all over my face. "What's there to explain, Tyler? You've obviously made your choice."

He raked his fingers through his hair, something he normally did when he is frustrated. "It's not like that, Lily. Audrey... she's just a friend."

I scoffed again, disbelief evident in my tone. I was almost annoyed at that point. "Some kind of friend, huh? The way you were romancing her, it didn't look like you were 'just friends'."

His shoulders slumped, and he let out a defeated sigh. "Fine. I know I messed up," he admitted with a low and remorseful voice. "I never meant for things to turn out like this."

For a moment, I wanted to feel sympathetic for him and empathy tugged at my heart. But the hurt was still too fresh and the wound was too raw. "It's too late for explanations now," I said softly, looking down from his gaze.

Tyler let out a frustrated breath. "Lily, please, just listen."

I turned away, my heart aching. "I've heard enough, Tyler."

His voice softened, almost pleading. "Lily, please. Don't walk away like this."

I faced him again, my eyes heavy with unshed tears. "Tyler, I freaking trusted you. You know how much I did for you. You know how much I gave to be with you. Can you even remember?!"

I remembered how he and I used to run in the field when it rained, even though my parents would get upset with me for bringing him along. The memories flooded back, each one like a hammer and nail hitting through my heart.

I remembered how we would laugh until our sides hurt, how the sound of his laughter was the best melody I knew. I remembered the way he looked at me, like I was the only one in the world who mattered. The happy times we had felt so warm, but now the cold truth in front of me was very different.

I remembered the fights we had, too. The way we'd argue about the silliest things, only to make up with a heartfelt apology or a shared smile. I remembered the late-night conversations and all the secrets we shared under the moonlight after we'd go through so much hassle to sneak out of our rooms anytime he stayed at the grove.

But then, there was that one memory. The recent one I had tried to push away. The memory of catching him with her, the way they looked at and held each other. It broke the idyllic picture I had imagined in my head. All those beautiful memories were tainted by that one painful scene.

I wished I could forget. I wished I could erase that memory and all the others that now seemed bittersweet. To have a clean slate, a mind without the weight of what once was. But memories don't fade that easily, and I knew I had to find a way to carry them.

I blinked, tears hanging on my eyelids and then stepped back. "I gave you my heart, Tyler, and you broke it." I said with a broken voice.

He took a step closer, his eyes searching mine. "Lily, I'm so sorry."

Tears blurred my vision as I shook my head. "Sorry doesn't fix this, Tyler. I never want to fucking see you again."

I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me. "Wait."

I sighed and balled my fists, my patience wearing thin. "What now?"

Tyler took a deep breath as he stared at me. "Audrey is my second mate."

I froze, trying to let what he just said sink in. Second mate? That wasn't something I had expected. I didn't understand and it made me sadder and confused. "What? What does that even mean?"

He stepped closer with a pained expression on his face. "It means that I thought I had lost my chance with you. I thought you stopped feeling the same way. You know I chose you..."

My heart hurt so much. I felt both mad and a bit hopeful. But did what he said even make any sense? How would he lose his chance with me? I'd always made it known that he was the only guy I loved and ever wanted in the entire pack and literally everyone knew too. So, what kind of silly excuse was he giving?

"Why would you think I stopped loving you, Tyler? Who told you that? Did I? And did you ever ask me? I've literally only ever liked you. You fucking know that! So what are you even saying now?!"

He took my hands in his, his touch warm against my skin. " I..." Of course, he didn't have the words to speak. What could he say?

"Audrey... she's important, but not like you." He completely disregarded what I just said and said something more annoying.

"Oh, save it." I rolled my eyes and dragged my hand away but he held it again.

He gulped and stared down at me, "Lily, I'm telling you the truth. She's a connection, but you're the one I love."

I pulled my hands from his grip fiercely as my emotions were almost out of control. "You expect me to believe that?! After everything?"

Tyler's eyes pleaded with mine. "I know I messed up, Lily. But I can't change the past. I can only hope you give me a chance to make things right."

I stared at him, torn between my heart and my head. My feelings were all jumbled up inside and I was so unsure of what to do.

Finally, I said, "I need time, Tyler. Time to process all of this, to think about everything. But I don't think I can ever forgive you. Not ever."

He looked like he didn't really want to try anymore. He just nodded and let go of my hand, like he was giving up.

"Fine." He said.

There was a brief silence between us before he spoke again.

"Actually," he began slowly, "I think... we should break up."

I felt surprised for a moment, even though deep down, I kind of saw it coming. Then, my surprise turned into anger. "Fine," I said in a huff, my voice sharp and frustrated.

I turned away from him, feeling like I needed to get away. The emotions inside me were too much to handle, and I didn't want him to see me cry. I turned and left, feeling really sad and mad. My steps felt heavy, like there was a weight around my ankles. He stayed behind and watched as I walked away.

I didn't want to look back but I did just once and yelled at him, 'Fine!' before running into the house.

Tears kept running down my cheeks as I stumbled my way back to my bedroom. I couldn't get the picture of Tyler and Audrey out of my head. It was like a pain that wouldn't go away, deep inside me.

All the memories rushed in, hitting me like a wave. More tears wet my pillow. It was so hard to believe he actually ended our relationship. Despite how angry I was, I knew I couldn't just hate him.

I remembered the words he said.

"She's a connection, but you're the one I love."

Like hell I am.

How could I possibly believe him? How?

Had he forgotten all the promises he made me? To never leave or betray me? How could he let it all go down the drain like that?

All the fucking promises. They felt empty now, like they didn't mean anything. I still wished that when I woke up, everything would be back to normal. I hoped this was just a really bad dream.

I managed to fall asleep, the exhaustion finally pulling me under. The last thing I remembered was Tyler's voice, his words hanging in the air.

"I think... we should break up."

And then it was all black.

~~~~~

The next morning, I found myself standing at the familiar training field. The air was crisp, and my heart was more than heavy. Jaxon joined me and concern was evident in his eyes.

I knew what he would first ask me. He opened his mouth to ask about Tyler, but I cut him off. "I don't want to think about him, or any of that."

I got him wrong, apparently. "I wanted to ask how you're doing, Lily." He said with soft eyes.

I looked at him and almost broke into another session of crying but I sniffed my nose and nodded, faking a straight smile on my face. "I'm fine, I'm well."

We both looked at different directions because there wasn't much to be said at the moment. Jaxon knew I was super sensitive and the incident was still too recent to be talked about.

"What I meant was that I don't want to talk about it, Jaxon." I clarified myself.

I was happy he was considerate and respectful. He nodded, and I could tell he got it from the way his face looked. "Alright. Let's focus on training then."

We sparred, the sound of our blades clashing and the effort of the fight sort of distracted me from my thoughts, just for a little while. But then, out of nowhere, I heard her voice. It was like Audrey's presence cast a shadow over everything. My whole mood changed in an instant. She brought all the bad feelings back, and the distraction from training was abruptly gone.

I observed Audrey, looking at her pretty face and how her luscious brown hair flowed around her. What exactly was it about her that made him choose her? Her eyes sparkled and her smile was warm but tenacious, and had a mischievous glint to it. I couldn't help but notice how she moved gracefully and seemed confident.

I watched closely, thinking about why Tyler liked her more. It wasn't just about how she looked, but maybe something about their connection confused me. I tried to understand it, to figure out what made her so special. Was it how she talked to Tyler, or how she made him laugh? I had paid attention to every little thing she did, hoping to find out what Tyler saw in her that I didn't have. Yet, she still succeeded and took him from me.

Inside, I felt unsure about myself. But I also knew that relationships were complicated and not just about looks. As I looked at Audrey, I realized I wasn't defined by who someone else chose. I was just starting to learn more about myself, and I had a lot to offer beyond appearances. I shouldn't care about whether she was prettier than me or not. I shouldn't care about whether she was more graceful than me or not. But it did bother me that he chose her over me.

I flipped my hair sideways and turned my attention to cleaning my blade as she got nearer. Jaxon grumbled something which made me look at him then at her.

He then excused himself to the corner, leaving Audrey and me facing each other. She walked over, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, look who we have here. The little heartbroken girl." She then made annoying pitiful sounds.

I clenched my jaw and tried not to let her get to me. "Audrey, I don't have time for this or for you."

She laughed, the sound grating on my nerves. "Of course you don't. You're probably too busy crying over Tyler."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. "You can say whatever you want, Audrey. It doesn't change anything, neither does it affect me."

She leaned closer, and her voice sounded like she cared, but I knew she was pretending. "Aw, did I hit a nerve? Poor little Lily."

I closed my eyes, counting to ten in my head. "Audrey, just leave me alone."

Jaxon, sensing the tension, finally intervened. "Hey, it's a bit early for arguments, don't you think?"

Audrey huffed, shooting me one last smug look before walking away. I felt a bit relieved but also mad when she left. Jaxon came back to me, looking like he understood how I felt. "You okay?"

I shrugged, not trusting my voice at the moment. He patted my shoulder gently. "Let's go eat breakfast."

We made our way to the dining hall, and it smelled like food everywhere. It felt both nice and strange. We sat down, and I played with my food because I wasn't hungry at all. Jaxon pressured me to eat a chicken lap and drink some juice. My hunger had gone but not the pain.

~~~~~

Later, I found myself on the phone with Sarah, my bestie. I didn't want to talk about Tyler, so we talked about her coming to visit instead. We talked about her plans, and for a little bit, I felt kind of happy even though things were messed up.

"You haven't taken me to the new mall at Hempstead, babes. My mom gave me her credit card. That means shopping spree!" She squealed and my ear drums banged. I always loved her energy.

I laughed at Sarah's excitement. "Definitely, we'll hit the mall and go on a shopping spree like there's no tomorrow! I just hope my dad would give me his card too."

"Why won't he? He pampers you, babes. Plus, you're already an adult. You should have your credit card by now."

"My mom says I don't need one since I use hers." I played with my fingernails as I talked to her.

"That's BS." I rolled my eyes and giggled at her remark, "You'll need one when we go for a trip to Neraguah Resort next month. Noone to tell you, you have a spending limit."

"Would be nice..."

While we were discussing all the things we could do, I heard voices coming from outside my room. It sounded like my parents talking. I got curious and quieted down to listen. They were saying something but I couldn't really hear.

"Hey, is everything okay on your end?" Sarah's voice broke through the thoughts in my head.

"Yeah, I think so."

"You think so?"

"I mean yeah. Let me call you back in a bit," I replied and quickly ended the call.

Feeling a bit uneasy, I got up and walked closer to the door. I put my ear against it to hear better. I heard them saying things like "soon," "too young," and "responsibility." Then they stopped talking suddenly.

All of a sudden, the door opened, and I lost my balance and fell down. I let out a grunt and slowly rose my head up. My parents stood there, looking surprised and worried at me. My heart raced, and I looked back at them. I'd just been caught red-handed eavesdropping on their conversation.

Yep, I'm toast.