Chapter twenty-three

Chapter twenty-three - Forming a strong opinion

"What's the difference between falling in love and finding a soulmate? Only one is a choice."

[E L I]

I hate this. I hate the whole situation so much, I couldn't find words to describe the hatred, growing inside me. It's unfair.
She's home, after all those years she's here. I finally got my big sister back. And for what? For a few days of her time, which we got to enjoy together? She's growing distant...

By now almost all she's doing is hiding in her room. Dad said Kato is going through some "big girl problems", but I'm not dumb. I'm not a small kid anymore either. I know that there's something more happening, than just the problems he has mentioned. I know that it's somehow connected to her mate.

I remember how mom used to tell me stories about how amazing it is to find your mate. How one of a kind experience it is, how magical it feels to come upon your one and only.
I call it a bluff, a lie.
If that's so magical, why my sister is in pain?
If that's so amazing, why has she changed so much, that even I don't know her anymore?
One of a kind? One of a kind heartbreak, for sure.

I wish I was older. I wish I was stronger. I would find her mate and kick his ass so bad, even his mother wouldn't recognize him.
Whoever he is, I despise him for turning my sister into that... That zombie alike creature. I don't believe that I could recall when she had a proper meal with family, to add - when she ate anything decent.

"Eli, dear, my sister just arrived. She's in the living room with Kato. Your father and I hoped that we could give them some privacy. Would you like to go out for ice cream with us?", mom mind-linked me out of nowhere.

"I kinda don't feel like going out. I have to go to the training later anyway mom", I explained.

I do want to go. I want to spend some quality time with my parents, but I want Kato to join us. Like a real family. Going for ice cream without her seems wrong. I just need some time with her. And if that prick, they all call her mate, wouldn't have appeared, I would have my sister. I hate that dude.

"As you wish baby, your father has some things to deal with and we're leaving when he's done. You have time to change your mind, but please do stay away from the living room, until they are done. Can I ask you that? I know you want to be around, but the things they are talking about might be too personal to share with anyone else besides both of them", my mom, as always, got a great point. She was trying to go through whatever was happening, making sure that nobody gets hurt. She always tried to stay in the middle line, always worried about everyone and their feelings.

" I will think about it, mom. For now, I'll stay in my room, was planning on playing some video games anyway", I cut off the mind link, before she would notice how bitter I felt. I don't want to be left out. I want to be strong and support her. I need her to know that no matter what, I'm still here for her. Yes, maybe I am her baby brother, but I want to be the rock-solid wall for her, to always lean on to. I need her to be safe and happy. Always.

Only a few minutes later I heard my aunt screaming from the top of her lungs. She was calling for mom and dad. I didn't think, just acted and bolted downstairs faster than ever.

Kato was laying on the couch, pale, looking lifeless and her body shaking violently. I tried to approach her, but my dad stopped me and shook his head "no", soon stepping closer himself. He was moving surprisingly slow, reminded me of someone, who tried to approach a terrified animal. But why? She's his daughter.

I groaned in disapproval, I want to help my sister, God damn it. We have to get her to the hospital. We have to save her from whatever is wrong with her.

Before dad could reach her, the front door flew open with an extremely loud bang. In the doorway stood a man. Covered in blood, panting for air. He looked crazy, even his eyes held that sight of an insane person. He scanned the whole room until his eyes landed on my sister.

A few steps and he was kneeling in front of her, pulling her body into his lap. Weirdly enough, she leaned closer to him.

"My baby", he whispered.

Everyone in the room stood there speechless, eyes wide in surprise. He was getting up, my sister still in his arms. And nobody tried to do anything about it. Are you kidding me?

Then, the realization hit me like a wall of bricks. I almost choked on thin air. He is Kato's mate. That bastard.

"No", I yelled, gaining my family's and his attention.
"What the Hell do you think you're doing? Where the fuck are you taking my sister?", I felt rage filling my whole being. He is not talking her away. I'm not losing her again.

"Eli, language!", my mom tried to scold me, but I didn't care. Not anymore. Not now.

"Fuck being polite, that piece of shit is trying to take away my sister! Can't you see? He's fucking kidnapping her! Do something or I will!", I yelled, feeling growling alike sensation appearing in my chest.

"Eli, don't you dare to disrespect your mother!", my dad's voice boomed throughout the whole room. Usually, I would avert my gaze or show my neck in submission, but not now. Something inside of me didn't let me submit. The feeling was pushing me over the edge. Adrenaline maybe?

"Fine, if you won't, I'm killing the bastard myself", I looked my dad straight in the eyes. He did the same, smirk soon forming on his lips.

"Azrael", mom grabbed onto his wrist and whispered his name as if he understood what she meant with it. Most likely he did. It's a mates thing.

"I know, I know. Wait for me in the bedroom love, I'll deal with this", his strong tone of voice disappeared whenever he spoke to mom. It's nice and all, but not right now. Right now I have to save my sister from the shittiest mate alive.

"His eyes", she whispered.

"True Blood Warrior, it's all you, love. Now go", his eyes held so much pride. On any other occasion, I would be stunned to see my dad looking my way like that. Maybe someday...

"Submit", dad spoke out loud as soon as mom left.

Needless to say that I'm confused. Kato is being kidnapped, mom left, my aunt disappeared somewhere and dad is making me submit, while blood covered weirdo is watching us. With my sister still on his arms. Oh, Hell no!

"No", I spoke through gritted teeth. Whatever came upon me is making me feel powerful. I like this feeling.

"Submit to your Alpha, pup!", dad straightened his body and growled. This time I did bore my neck and dropped on my knees. The feeling of power instantly leaving my body.

"Go pack your bags, Eli", dad added, his voice now calm and inviting.

"What? Why?", I looked around frantically, afraid that he has already managed to take her away from me.

"You're close to shifting. Your wolf has made multiple appearances during the past six months, you're going to Alpha camp. It's time son", he smiled, again, looking at me in pride.

"But dad. The dude, he's trying to steal Kato. I don't want to lose her, how can't you understand?", I tried to reason him.

"Eli, he is your sister's mate. They need each other as much as oxygen. They need to stay next to each other to live. You know how it works, when you find a mate", dad nodded towards the stranger, giving him the approval of taking my sister with him. If only I was a little stronger. If only I could protect her. Save her.

"Yeah, I know. Fuck mates", I number under my breath in anger and rushed upstairs. Loud enough for dad to hear. After getting to my room, I found the biggest suitcase and packed whatever was by my hand. I don't care what I'm taking with me. I do care that I'm leaving for a long time though.
Kato had one person on her side and they are sending me away.

They sent her away, to protect her and now when we finally reunite, they decide to send me away. This whole situation is unfair. I don't want to leave her. But...


I will come back stronger.
I will save her and get my sister back.
I promise I will.

I took the photo frame, which stood on my nightstand and carefully packed it, hiding in my suitcase. A photo of me and my sister, taken the first day she came back home. I'll miss her. But I will do this... For her. Just a few years and I'm back in track.