Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17





DOLLY LIKED Jeffrey a lot. Especially when the kid appeared patient and shy whenever he talks with her. Dolly didn't feel like they have a huge gap between their status.

"Uncle Max is not known for his patience and kindness. Most of his life he's been hard-pressed into playing the role as a leader. Even his experience in love are all shallow and it never crossed his mind to settle down. That's going to change now." Jeffrey smiled. "I only hope for Uncle Max' happiness and nothing more."

Dolly told him about her happy memories in her childhood. Jeffrey wasn't a passive listener and did his best to tell her more.

Max took one glance in their direction and smiled. He was about to approach the two when Cedric stopped him mid-way.

"I need to talk to you about something."

Max shrug carelessly. He already knew what is this going to be all about. "Anywhere specifically that you want?"

Cedric raise a brow. He motioned his hand outside. His actions becoming more agitated as the seconds passed. Max pursed his lips in distaste. This man can't handle himself amidst pressure. How can he handle his own mate in the future?

"I didn't like how you take my matters into your hands as if it would make me, and your nephew, delighted about it," he started, "What? Aren't you scared of what can I do to you? To your precious coven?"

Max gazes the magnificent view of the manmade lake below. He smiled wanly. "I took you in because I pitied you, I never knew that you'll bite the hand that feeds you, Idrik."

Cedric swallowed hard. "It was not my fault, Max. I didn't know. I couldn't stop it. I tried to fix it with my absence, okay? I saw him. The bond took place but I still have my wolf. He can't feel the pull because he's only half a vampire. My wolf didn't scent him, and it was fine. Totally fine. Perfect even. Why did you have to send him on my doorstep? Why did you have to do that?! Now I can't even live past a peaceful day without scenting him!"

Max sighed. His brow furrowed. "Don't you think it's unfair for my nephew? Everyone talks about how I spoil him a lot, I treat him like he's my own son. I should let him know about the things that may or may not affect his future. That includes you, Idrik."

"Then how about me?!" Cedric snapped. His eyes glowing with yellow light. "How about my right to refuse this bond?!"

"You don't like my nephew, is that it?"

"Yes!" Cedric's pent up frustration burned in his chest. "What's there to like about him? He doesn't have the right parts for me! He doesn't feel right! He will never be right for me, Max!"

"Uncle Max..." Jeffrey's voice followed his lament. He was serene. He was calm despite everything he heard. "Your mate is searching for you. My mom has arrived as well."

Cedric's eyes blanked. Max watched him warily. The amusement in his mood heightened. Max planned this all along, and Cedric fell for it. "Jeffrey..." he called then stopped.

What's there left to say?

The guy had already heard about everything.

"I don't know what's your problem with Uncle Max, but please don't shout at him like he's someone you don't respect." He crossed his arms. As if comforting himself. "I asked Uncle Max for a transfer. That should put Mr. Mallory at ease. The bond... it was never strong in the first place. It took, but that's only shallow. The time we had spent together was neither good nor gentle. It was hardly a good memory for me. The bond didn't foster, you made sure of that with all those insult and shit you gave me. All I have to do is avoid looking at your eyes and evade being with you in one room. Feel at ease, Mr. Mallory. I won't go after you."

He turned and walk briskly away. Cedric could only look as he leave. It hurt, but Cedric is not willing to point where.

"There goes your freedom, Idrik." Max fixed the tie on his neck and lowered his head in a goodbye greeting. "It was never my intention to hurt my nephew, but to show him what kind of person is he supposed to bond with. I wanted to give him a choice, because he's related to me. I know that the bond will be harsher on you now that your wolf side has scented him— but I never really cared for you in the first place. I should be sorry, I know. Yet the way you conducted yourself made me think, ah, it's all for the best. You can hate me, Idrik. But that's the only thing you can do."

"My mate needs me. I have to go."

'My mate needs me.' Why does that simple sentence made Cedric's teeth ache and his tongue bitter?

Maximilian lived a spoiled life. Cedric wished for a day to come and the man will regret his actions for eternity.

It wasn't his fault that he didn't like Jeffrey. He had the right to refuse. He doesn't want a whiny, needy guy like him.

Jeffrey wouldn't be able to take it. He's not sure if he'd be willing to see Cedric cheat on him repeatedly. Jeffrey won't be able to keep up with him. A lot of people called him a raging dog. He doesn't mind the monicker. Because it's true.

His appetite will scare Jeffrey. He's a man as well. No man would accept being repeatedly shoved under him. Lust can be dealt with easily— he's either horny or angry around Jeffrey. But the committment and the promise of loyalty is not something he can force himself to give.

He will end up cheating, and Jeffrey will only get in more trouble than it's worth.

'He's requesting for a transfer. He'll be out of my office soon.' Cedric clenched his hand unconsciously. 'That's good. He has no choice anyway.'


Maybe Max was right.
"This is for the best."

Cedric wasn't sure who is he fooling with at the moment. But it didn't make the tightness in his throat go away.

It worsened. Yet he still denies to admit that it was his mistake.

There's nothing wrong with looking out for himself. He'd done it for years. He can survive being alone for a long time. Mate or no mate, he won't regret it.

He won't.