Chapter 41 Don't Wanna

Chapter 41 I Don’t Wanna
Colton
I watched her walk away. I was really pissed we would be stuck in the same class. I was just going to avoid her, I had to. I rubbed my hand up and down my face. I was so frustrated. I didn’t want a mate to begin with much less a mate I had to share with how many others? I knew who she was practically every shifter did by now. Touching her just now had my entire body buzzing and my fingers were tingling. I shook it off walking in the opposite direction to not chase after her like my lion was desperate for. A chase, a chance to catch our mate pin her somewhere taking her and claiming her. I shut the thought down, putting up a wall between me and my lion.
Walking to my next class I felt hands slide from behind me around my abs.
“Hey babe.”
I soft sweet voice whispered in my ear, a voice that once drove me wild, not so much now. I took a deep breath to slip my mask on before turning around and facing Courtney.
“Hey, Court.”
“You seem tense.”
“Really?”
I knew why I was tense; I just couldn’t bring myself to say it.
“Maybe because you haven’t let me touch you in a week.”
“It hasn’t been that long, has it?”
“Uh yeah. Last time was the day before orientation.”
“Oh. Sorry, I don’t know I’m just too much in my head.”
Court nodded in understanding my father had been hounding me to come to see him and stay with his pride, but I had denied him time and time again. Part of me still hated him for what he’d done, and Courtney knew all of this. So, I played it off like that was my issue too cowardly to admit the truth. My Lion wanted our mate I wasn’t so sure.
“I know but still I miss you. You’ve barely even held my hand.”
Courtney was pouting while intertwining our fingers. I had to will myself not to flinch and pull away.
“I have to work today after class but soon, ok?”
A heavy sigh left Court's lips trying to hide disappointment with a fake smile.
“Yeah soon.”
The sad tone made me feel guilty. I didn’t want a mate, but it didn’t stop the change my mate's presence was causing I’ll ignore it I won’t abandon Courtney.

Sutton
I waited outside my class for Khione. I was so happy to have made a friend so quickly. Something that wasn’t easy for me. Which is why I thought I should come here. I spent my entire life on my pride’s land going to school there, never venturing far from my siblings, everyone I knew was through them I wanted to do something on my own. But it was more terrifying than I anticipated. And most people were cold and rude, and my brothers and sisters used to fight my battles I wasn’t equipped for this, but I was going to stick it out especially if it meant I got to spend time with her. I couldn’t deny or hide the excitement I felt when I saw her but when she was right in front of me, she looked hurt and upset. She tried to smile to hide but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“What happened?”
I found myself reaching for her hand, surprising even myself as her eyes went wide for a second in surprise before she smiled a real smile looking down at me.
“I just ran into a jerk but I’m ok now. Thank you, kitty cat.”
I couldn’t help biting my lip. The nickname made me feel weird but in a good way I couldn’t explain. I should feel insulted being a Lynx I was no house cat but the way she looked at me let me know it wasn’t mean-spirited.
“You’re welcome.”
I turned away she made me feel even more shy than my usual.
“How about I get you a coffee or tea before your next class?”
“Tea please.”
She smiled, holding my hand and leading me through the crowd that parted for her like a hot knife in butter. Everyone stared at us, at her I couldn’t blame them. She had such a commanding presence, confidence, a fierceness I hoped would rub off on me just by proximity. I loved that she was so willing to take care of me. She bought me my tea and a pastry; she walked me to my class. I turned to look at her one last time before going in. I watched her walking away when three guys surrounded her, walking down the corridor with her. Who were they? I wasn’t jealous, more curious if anything. The rest of the day went a lot easier. I was so happy to barricade myself in my dorm and ignore the world except for her. We’ve been texting all day, and she was so sweet.

Nathan
Khione was off all day.
“What’s wrong Khione?”
Ethan and Tristan watched her as intently as I did, probably sensing her tension as well. We waited for her to answer but she just closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and pinched the bridge of her nose.
“I think I met two more mates. And it’s too much. The girl Sutton is sweet and shy and reminds me of you Nathan but the other guy I didn’t even get his name some lion shifter who was a complete dickhead. He knew I was his mate since orientation but was going to avoid me but unfortunately, we had a class together. He was angry and being such a… such a… I don’t know but I’ll accept his rejection when it comes.”
Someone like me? I was curious about Sutton now, so my Goddess thinks I am sweet and shy. I wanted to smile but she was upset.
“You want him to reject you?”
Tristan asked, we were all a little shocked by that.
“No, I don’t want to be rejected but I don’t want a mate who doesn’t want to be my mate.”
I nodded and I understood.
“It's bad enough the mate bond makes you so desperate for the other but I don’t want to feel like I’m forcing him to be my side. He had a right to walk away and I’ll give it to him mate or not.”