7.

**Caiden**



The following morning, I did what my friends asked. Kiera was surprised enough when I told her I would get my own coffee. The shocked look on her face was welcoming. I was usually the one to go over simple tasks and focus on the bigger situations at hand.

Damn, was I such a jerk? So focused on my work that doing little things surprises anyone?

Walking towards the shop I was beyond nervous and somewhat anxious to see her again. My wolf was in full excitement and I couldn't help but smile. There was the wolf I grew to love; his aloofness was becoming to concern me.

I was beyond happy to find her. All I wanted to do was hold her in my arms not wanting to let her go. Tell her how much I needed her in my life and how long I have waited for her. All in due time, I would be able to tell her all these things, hoping that she would accept me and what I am.

I ditched my jacket after Micah said I looked too intimidating. They were helping me with my weakest talent so I had no choice. Rolling up the sleeves of my grey work shirt, I strolled in the shop and immediately looked for her. The red-haired she-wolf from yesterday caught my eye then pointed over to the reading area. She subtly bowed her head to me as I smiled my thanks.

Turning to the direction she showed me, my body refused to move. Dressed in a white sundress and flats with a blue sweater my mate was truly a vision. Her hair was in a messy ponytail but to me. It was an elegant hairstyle as loose tendrils framed her face.

She was replacing books on the shelf and fixing the worn-out sofas. Before I knew it, I was standing behind her.

"Good morning Rosaline" I said.

Her movements stilled. I heard her take a deep breath then turned to face me.

"I can return that same greeting but I don't know your name sir," she said smirking. Her eyes lit up with mischief that made me smile. My mate is fiery, I like it.

"My apologies. My name is Caiden," I simply said loving the way the morning sun touched her eyes.

"Good Morning, Caiden. Thank you for the flowers. They were lovely" she said softly. The sound of my name on her lips sounded heavenly.

"You're welcome, my sweet" I breathed out wanting to reach out to move than a lock of hair from her eyes.

She stepped back and looked up at me with a confused look.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Okay. What do you want?" she asked bluntly.

What did she mean by that?

"Excuse me?" I asked. I was truly confused by her change in demeanor and defensive posture.

Glancing around us, I took note of the lack of threat. All I saw was the redhead looking extremely worried as she looked on. Knowing she can hear their conversation from afar, I wonder why she was worried.

"You just called me, your sweet and you said I was yours yesterday. Last time I checked no one owned me. I am my own person. If this is a game you and your girlfriend are playing, just quit it," she said folding her arms across her chest.

"What game? And I don't have a girlfriend. Never did" I said to her utterly confused.

"Oh, really that's not what the blonde said yesterday." She continued.

It took me a moment to figure out what she was saying.

"Who? Katie? She's just a girl I met a few days ago. She's no one," I said.

"Oh. Then why are you here? I'm sure you have better things to do than come here and talk to me" she said.

"Nothing is more important than you, my love," I said getting closer to her.

She stepped back, "What?" she asked confused by my words.

"I mean... I mean... shit... Ummmm... Would you go out with me? To like a dinner or movie or something" I said rubbing the back of my neck.

Why is everything just coming out? Like I always have to tell her what's on my mind.

"No," she said sharply and eased her way around me.

"Wait. Why not?" I said going after her.

"Because I'm not your type." She said wiping down the tables.

"And how would you know what's my type," I asked getting frustrated.

"Look at you. I'm sure you're this rich executive that has women flocking to him much more glamorous than me. Someone in your world would be more suiting you as your arm candy." She said waving me off and moving on to the next table.

"Someone in my world? Arm candy? I am not looking for arm candy. That's my best friend's job. What I am... What I have been searching for these past few years is my m... I mean someone to settle down with." I said following her like a lost puppy.

"And who is that someone? Me?" she laughed and shaking her head. Why is this so hard? What can I do to make her see that she's the one?

"Yes. You are," I said with all the emotion I had all in those words. This wasn't working out.

She stopped then faced me.

"Listen here, Caiden... What's your last name?" she asked.

"You really don't know who I am don't you," I asked trying not to sound smug but I was truly surprised. Yesterday I thought she was playing it cool but now I know she doesn't know who I am nor my family.

"If I did, would I be asking?" she said rolling her eyes.

I smirked she was so adorable.

"It’s Saville" I calmly said. Her eyes widen in surprise. Her lips parted slightly then she calmly closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Well Mr. Caiden Saville. I am sorry to inform you but I am not that person you wish to settle down with. We both come from different worlds and my life would surely bring shame upon your lifestyle. So please stop with all your sweet words and flowers, I am not interested. I do not want to get to know you. Nor would I want to be friends with you. Goodbye and have a nice day" She said coldly.

Every word she spoke began to hurt me in ways I never thought I would, my wolf was whimpering in pain I couldn't stand it. Words never caused me pain. Not even my college bully but her words of rejection felt like knives repeatedly stabbing me in my heart.

Maybe I came on too strong. Yes. That's it. I will have to try another approach.

"Rosaline," I said hearing my voice break quickly I cleared my throat. She didn't answer just simply turn and left me standing there.

What the fuck just happened?

My wolf and I were getting angry. This wasn't supposed to happen. I can't lose her not when I just found her.

I can't.

I won't.

The she-wolf from earlier came before me and touched my shoulder. Instantly I became calm well my wolf did. I got confused as to why her touch can calm my wolf. Usually, a mate can only calm your wolf.

"Who are you?" I asked harshly.

"Calm down my prince. My name's Eva. I am your mate's protector. I've been sent to the princess when she turned eighteen. Don't ask me how I was able to calm your wolf I was just doing as told. But your mate... well she had a rough start and trust won't come easy. Don't give up on her" she said lowly.

"That's one thing I won't do. I've waited for her for so long.... But why would her life bring shame upon mine?" I asked still confused by my mate's words.

Eva looked away from me, something flashed in her eyes, embarrassment? Why would she be embarrassed?

"I don't care what it is. Just make her understand that I won't hurt her. Please." I pleaded with her.

She nodded.

"Do you have a number that I can contact you by?" I asked.

"We... don't have cellphones," she mumbled.

No cellphones? Odd.

"No problem. My beta will come by in two hours. I need to make sure both of you are safe. My methods may be overwhelming to her but please make her understand. If word gets out that she's my mate, it won't be nice" I said for only her ears.

"I understand, your majesty," she said with much sincerity.

I looked to where my mate disappeared and the pain of her words got worse. My wolf whimpered wanting to be near her.

"Eva please make her understand. I don't care what you do. You know where to find me if anything should come up" I pleaded with her again.

She nodded solemnly. Releasing a frustrated sigh, I reluctantly left the shop.

My mind fully on my human mate.

How can I make her see that she belonged to me? Let her see the real me. I have to do this right.