Chapter 44

Sandra's POV

"How did you feel about the hot spring bath?" Alessia grinned "isn't it good?"

I chuckled "you know how to ask huh?"

She laughed "thanks to you, I could get a spring bath. You know, even if it is mom's private place I couldn't get there whenever I want. And hell this is so frustrating"

"Why is that?" I asked, sipping on my tea. After the fresh bath in the hot spring, I felt my body was clean and refreshed.

"Mom didn't let me go there. Whenever I visited I would ask her permission. Besides there's also one thing why I don't want to go there uninvited" her face twisted with a frown.

"You are hiding something " I stared at her.

Alessia nodded "believe me you won't want to listen"

"Oh, is your experience too bad?"

"It's not like that but..." She paused for a while "well, I was 15 when I was too curious to take a bath in the hot spring. So I sneaked in without telling mom. I was so happy and thought I could even take a nap in there but...what an unfortunate moment, just as I got there I heard..." She leaned towards whispering "I heard a woman moaning. Well, I didn't know what's happening so I went inside only to witness that....mom and dad having sex"

I laughed out "really?" I couldn't stop myself. "Oh god, you are really...." I shook my head.

"Hey, don't do that okay. I was so embarrassed that I ran away from there. I am glad they were involved with each other, that's why they didn't know I was there. Fuck, I would never want to see such thing"

"Why?" I gave her a teasing smile "you will have your mate too, are you saying you will be refraining yourself at that time too?"

Alessia looked at me then her smile sadden "well, may be I could never have that"

I frowned "what do you mean?"

"Leave it Sandra, let's talk about something else"

"Alessia, I am sorry if I hurt you unknowingly. But I can't understand why you said that?" I said immediately. She didn't reply. "It's okay if you don't want to share it. I can understand " I gave her an assuring smile. I never thought my words would hurt her like that. Fuck, I shouldn't have said such thing to her.

Alessia shook her head "it's not like that. I just don't want to remember it. But you don't have to feel guilty, because it's not your fault as you don't know anything"

I hold her hand which was on the table "you can tell me, you know"

She looked at me for sometime before sighing "I have a mate, but having him or not is same thing"

"You have a mate?" I was surprised. I never knew it. Though I thought about it, the matter of her mate never arose so I never asked her too. But hearing it from her, I am really surprised.

"Where is he?" I asked hoping to hear something from her in answer.

"He and I really don't have any kind of relationship other than the bond. I was 18 when I found my mate who unluckily happened to be the playboy of course. His name is Jarek, and he is from another pack. Even after knowing I am his mate he involved himself with another woman. He didn't even want to recognise me as his mate" her face was pale.

I squeezed her hand "maybe he couldn't see your good heart and was blind enough to neglect you. Don't worry Alessia"

She nodded "It was hard, but it has been years. Sometimes I really feel bad for myself. For a werewolf to stay alone is painful even when I have mate"

"Oh god, you need a hug my dear" I got up from my chair and walked to her side before pulling her into a warm hug. I never knew she was in pain. She never let her pain reflect on her face. She is such a strong girl.

"Everything will be alright okay?" I smiled. She nodded.

"Hey you two" I heard another loud voice. I turned to look at Lysithea who was walking towards us.

"What happened?" She asked, smiling.

"Nothing," Alessia replied.

"I heard you enjoyed the hot spring today?" Lysithea asked with a smile.

"You sure know how to get information, Lysithea," Alessia stated.

Lysithea smiled, "Luna said about it. By the way Sandra, how was the bath?"

I smiled "it's good"

Suddenly Alessia's phone rang "I am sorry, I need to take it" she said and walked away.

"So how long is it for you and Andriel to know each other?" Lysithea asked, starting the conversation.

"Valentine's day" I replied.

"Wow, what a fortunate moment" she nodded "so judging to it you both hadn't been together for a long"

I frowned, "what do you mean?"

She just smiled "it's just I thought you two had been together for years but knowing the truth it's like about a month isn't it. You may be don't know him too well"

I looked at her expressionlessly. What does this girl want? Is she here to compare me to herself? Mates are destined so even if I am human, the bonding is not false. We have a strong connection and now I am understanding about this mate thing.

"What are you trying to say?" I asked directly.

She smiled "I am not trying to say anything Sandra. You must have taken my words wrongly. I am saying that you haven't known him for a long period, that's all. But it's also right, you came into his life recently and stating that fact, we are different isn't it?"

I knew she was comparing herself with me. Lysithea is trying to compete with me. Now I am truly sure of this.

"I know you are his childhood friend. But do you really need to compare yourself with me?" I asked her. Since she is taking the initiative to talk I don't think I need to be pretentious anymore.

She smiled "who's competing? Sandra, you don't even know your mate like I do. I guess you don't even know his favorite food" she chuckled "so what's the point of comparison? I was trying to make it clear to you who has the upper hand. And by now I guess you know the answer right?"

"Lysithea, are you forgetting who his real mate is?" I gritted my teeth. This bitch!

"Come on Sandra don't make me laugh" she chuckled and placed her hand on the table giving me a challenging look. "If you want to get proof, wait for it and keep an eye on the gate. I will take him with me" she leaned in and whispered in my ear "for a date, doesn't it sound wonderful" she moved and smiled before walking away.

I stared at her back as I clenched my fist. She is challenging isn't it. She is trying to prove to me how much of an influence she had on him.

"Where's she?" Alessia looked around.

"She left," I said and sat on the chair.

"What did she say?"

"Something which is enough to ruin my mood" replied.

"That girl" Alessia hissed "I don't know what's her real problem. She always tries to get close to mom and Andriel. Whenever she is around them, she would behave like she was their caretaker" Alessia rolled her eyes.

I tapped my fingers on the table "is Andriel really close to her? I mean I know they know each other from childhood but-"

"Sandra don't believe in her words okay? She is tricky and smart. But I know my brother too. Of course they grew up together but Andriel and her are considered childhood friends only on the surface. So don't let her manipulate you" Alessia looked worried.

I smiled "don't worry, I am not fool"

"Thank goodness" she sighed.

After some time I got a call from mom.

"Mom," I said cheerfully.

"Hi honey, how are you?"

"I am good. How about you? Are you enjoying your vacation?"

"Definitely. I have captured beautiful scenery here. I will show you how I enjoyed the time. You won't believe me" she chuckled.

I grinned "I am looking forward for it"

"I am missing you here honey, I wish you could be here so we could enjoy everything together"

"Aw, I wish for the same mom. But I am glad you could get chance to see your favorite place"

"That's right. Anyways I called you to tell you something"

"What is it?"

"I am coming back. The vacation period is ending soon. So I will be taking a flight soon. It will take time to change the airlines too"

My eyes widened. "Are you coming back?"

"Yes, honey. In a week"

"Oh God, it's a great news mom"

"See you soon honey. I love you"

"I love you too mom"

"So...." Alessia raised her eyebrows.

"Mom is coming back" I grinned.

"Wow, she is finally going to return," she smiled.

"Yeah" I nodded.

"Are you going to tell her everything?"

I shrugged "I really don't know. I mean I don't want to keep her in the dark. So maybe I guess I will''

"Well, if you ask me I would also say the same"

"I hope everything goes well and she understands the situation" I sighed.

"Ummm...ummm finger crossed '' Alessia showed her crossed finger to me.

Later that evening I stood on the balcony from where I could see the entrance gate of the pack house. Suddenly two figures appeared. I can see them going into the car and driving out of the gate. As Lysithea said, she actually did it. He really went out with her just like that? My fingers curled clutching the railing in a hard grip.

Anger blasting in my chest. The woman in my mind jumped in - what the fuck?

Is he really going on a date with her? Andriel Klaus Ruiz, I will see you when you return back. Humph.