My nemesis turns out to be my mate

Confronting my arch-nemesis, Drew Maxwell, the future alpha of our pack, I couldn't believe my ears when he declared, "You are my mate." Seriously? "Well then, mate, I reject you."

"Give it back! He refuses to return it!" (bite) "Ouch!" (smack) I made sure to leave a lasting impression on his neck. "Alright, kids, that's enough! Look at what you've done to Drew, Felicity," Miss Brighton, our teacher, interjected. Drew clutched his neck, panting. "I could have done worse; the idiot slapped me first," I retorted, turning to Miss Brighton and pointing at my right cheek. "Yeah, I saw it, but you bit him first," Drew smirked, knowing everyone would always side with him because he's the alpha's son. I couldn't stand him, and the feeling was mutual.

I shrugged. "Then tell him to return my textbook." Miss Brighton sighed, "Drew, give her back her textbook." He tossed it to the floor, sneering, "Pick it up, Tuart. I'll never forget you biting me," before strutting away.

I had known Drew forever; we weren't always at odds. Once, we were close friends, but everything shifted one summer when we were seven. He abruptly stopped talking to me. When I asked why, he coldly replied that I wasn't his type. That was two years ago, and now he acted like a spoiled brat, doing whatever he pleased.

As I made my way home, I heard someone call out, "Felicity!" It was Frederick. I waved him over, and he sprinted to catch up. "Hey, what happened to your cheek?" he asked, noticing the redness. I rubbed it unconsciously; it stung. "Drew slapped me," I replied. Frederick's face turned furious. "Why does he keep doing that?" Just then, a rock flew through the air, hitting Frederick. We turned to see Drew standing there, smirking. "Why don't you both keep walking? You're just polluting the air," he taunted.

I grabbed Frederick's hand. "Forget him, let's go." He nodded, "Yeah," but just as we started walking, another stone was hurled at us. That was it. I released Frederick's hand and charged at Drew, who quickly backed away and ran off.Does he really think this is a game? I strolled over to Frederick, and together we made our way home since we lived close by. "Alright, see you later! I need to freshen up," I called out as we waved goodbye. Stepping inside, I found my mother settled on the couch, engrossed in her show. "I'm back!" I announced. "Oh, welcome back, City!" she replied, and I leaned down to give her a kiss.

My father had been the former beta of our pack, but he passed away two years ago, leaving us reeling like a ship caught in a storm. Our pack was thrown into chaos, and now it was just my mom and me. The alpha has been kind enough to sponsor my schooling until I reach adulthood.

After a quick freshen-up in my room, I slipped into a comfortable gown and dashed outside to join Frederick. He's been a great friend, almost like a stand-in for Drew, who can be quite the troublemaker.

We played until we were completely worn out, finally calling it a day as the sun began to set today is Friday so no school till Monday I was so happy. I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend ahead.

When Monday rolled around, we were back at school, and there was Drew, looming over me with his arms crossed. "What did you put in that bite last week?" he demanded, a hint of annoyance in his voice. I raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "What are you talking about?" He pulled down his collar to reveal the mark my teeth had left. "This should have healed by now, but it's still there. It won't go away!" he grumbled, clearly irritated. "So what? Just give it some time, and stop whining like an old man!" And just like that, our daily bickering began, a familiar dance we often engaged in.

Days passed as they usually do, but one day at school, I overheard some students saying, "The alpha has sent his son Drew to live with his mother's pack; he wants him to grow up there and learn some manners." Honestly, he could use some lessons in etiquette, and I couldn't help but wonder if this meant I would finally be free from him. I hoped this news was true.

And it was true. I couldn't have been happier; he could stay there for all I cared. I shared the news with Frederick, and we both celebrated the thought of no longer having to deal with the annoying Drew.

Fast forward ten years.

I was utterly exhausted and collapsed onto the sofa, not even realizing when I dozed off. When I finally woke up, it was late at night. Life had been tough; my mother passed away five years ago, the weight of losing her mate was too much for her to bear, leading her to join my father in the afterlife. Since then, the alpha has taken responsibility for me. Now, at nineteen, I work part-time as a chef in the pack's kitchen while attending college. I can't wait to finish my studies; I'm so worn out.

I got up from the sofa and glanced out the window. Frederick lived next door, but I knew that good things don't last forever.

Frederick and I had started dating three years ago, but just six months into our relationship, he found his mate after we both got our wolves. He ended things, and while I don't hold it against him, it's frustrating that he distanced himself from me. Now, we only exchange polite greetings.

His apartment was brightly lit, a stark contrast to my gloomy one. I often wonder how we ever fit together, so perhaps it's for the best that we maintain our distance. I sighed, feeling the weight of loneliness pressing down on me. At times, it gets so overwhelming that I slip into depression, but what can I do?

I sluggishly made my way to bed, knowing tomorrow would be another exhausting day filled with school and work.

After school, I hopped into a cab and headed to the packhouse for my shift. Upon entering the kitchen, I noticed everyone was bustling about. "Are we expecting a guest?" I inquired of Patricia, who looked at me in confusion. "You didn't hear? A message was sent out that young master Drew will be arriving today." I quickly checked my phone and found the notification-my nemesis was returning. I couldn't help but wonder how much more insufferable he had become; apparently, he didn't remain there for eternity after all.

The day was hectic. Are we really throwing a feast for that jerk? If so, it seems a bit excessive. Once we finished cooking, I found a spot to sit and removed my apron. "He's here, he just arrived," someone announced. Great, here we go. "Waiters, serve the meal immediately! Young master Drew is here! Felicity, come here!" It was the head chef. "We're short-staffed since the young master isn't the only one here, so could you assist the waiters?" Can't she see how exhausted I am? But I had no choice. "Alright, I'm on it," I sighed, feeling the weight of my frustration.

I was dressed in a white shirt, black pants, and a tie with a pair of black shoes looking quite professional, but inside I felt terrible. I made my way to the dining area and spotted the alpha seated with others at the table. To his right was the Luna, and to his left-wait, who is that incredibly handsome guy? Suddenly, Jane shouted "mate!" and the striking figure, who I hoped wasn't Drew, turned to face me as if he had heard my wolf react to the word. Wait, mate? Jane, what on earth did you just say?

She was bouncing with excitement, a whirlwind of energy that was new to me. My wolf had never felt such exhilaration before. The alpha caught Drew's gaze fixed on me and remarked, "Felicity is now working part-time as a chef," which piqued my mate's interest. "But why are you serving?" Luna inquired. "I heard we were short on waitstaff with all the guests we have," I replied nonchalantly. She chuckled softly, but I could still sense Drew's eyes on me. When I turned to meet his gaze, he flashed a smile that sent a jolt through me.

As I continued my tasks, his eyes tracked my every move. It was undeniably Drew, though if his mother hadn't called him by name while asking about the food, I might not have recognized him. He had transformed so much since he left; we were just kids back then, but now he was impressively built, with a strong jawline and glossy brunette hair. Jane was clearly smitten, but I wasn't interested in him. The thought of him being our mate unsettled me.

Jane chimed in, sensing my thoughts. "So, you're planning to reject him?" she asked, hitting the nail on the head. Yes, I intended to reject him. I had no fondness for him, especially considering our past interactions. He could still be insufferable, even if I felt an inexplicable pull toward him.

After finishing my serving duties, I made my way out of the dining area to change when suddenly his scent enveloped me, teasing my senses. He seized my arm and led me to a secluded spot. "Can you please just leave me alone?" I snapped. He looked at me intently and said, "Why does my future Luna ignore me?" I scoffed at the term. "What does that even mean?" I knew what it implied, but I had already resolved to reject him, and Jane was vehemently opposed to that idea. He pulled me closer, our faces inches apart, and the proximity stirred something deep within me. I felt an overwhelming urge for him to kiss me. What was I thinking? His breath brushed against my skin as he murmured, "You are my mate." Seriously? "Well then, mate, I reject you."

He simply chuckles, as if he thinks I'm joking. What's so amusing about this? "I'm dead serious," I insist, but he just smiles. "Well, duckling, I can sense your arousal." Damn it, I've been feeling this way ever since he pressed me against him, and I despise it. "Don't overthink it," I tell him. He releases me and steps back, leaving me confused. What is he up to? He removes his collar, just like he did years ago, and I gasp-the bite mark is still there, untouched by time. He notices my shock and says, "Sorry, love, you've already marked me; you can't reject me."

No! This can't be happening, it can't be real. What have I done? Despair washes over me, but Jane is practically buzzing with excitement. "You can't reject our mate; you've marked him already. No wonder I felt such a strong pull toward him." Seriously, can you please quiet down? "So you see, Felicity," he steps closer again, "you are mine forever, just as I am yours." He takes my hand and kisses the back of it.

Is this the insufferable Drew? Don't be deceived; he was once like this years ago before he changed. I yank my hand away from his. "Well, I guess there's nothing I can do about it, but please don't tell your parents just yet. I need time to process this." He nods and replies, "You better hurry; my patience is wearing thin." I'm about to respond when he suddenly kisses me, catching me off guard. But the most shocking part was I kiss him back, as if I've been starving for him. My fangs itch with the desire to mark him again, but I have to hold back. If I let Jane take control, we might end up losing our virginity tonight, and I'm not ready for that. He breaks the kiss, and I gasp for air, feeling my cheeks flush. He chuckles, but I can see the struggle in his eyes as he fights to maintain control. Then, without warning, he leaves me and walked away, more like runs away.