Chapter 10

Octavia:

"He didn't help me when I needed it the most!"

Ajax fell silent. His chest rising up and down quickly as he tried to control his breathing and anger. His jaw was clenched as his now dark blue orbs focused on something outside. The trees flew by us in blurs and blobs. I felt like I couldn't focus on anything but him.

"What didn't he help you with?" I ask softly, I didn't want to anger him further but somewhere in my crazy mind I truly believed that I deserved answers. I deserve a true mate and that's never going to happen if he doesn't open up to me.

"Octavia, please." He sighed heavily, his head falling into his hands as he rubbed his eyes tiredly. "There are things you don't know. Things that I'm not comfortable telling you yet."

I understand that, but it still was a bit unfair. At least I got something out of him. He was upset because my father didn't help him and his bright idea for revenge was to take away his daughter.

"Do you not trust me?" I ask curious. We've never actually had any genuine conversations. I always just believed that he hated me and found my company repulsive.

"Do you trust me?" He retorted. His now cool blue eyes roamed over my face, taking in my features before meeting mine.

"I trust you to protect me from anyone but you." I answer honestly. He has saved me twice in the past from two men with very disturbing intentions. I feel a sense of safety, until he comes too close whilst he's angry.

"I don't mean to hurt you..." He trailed off, his eyes searched mine but I couldn't decipher what he was looking for. "I just get so angry. I get angry at your father and I get angry with myself as well."

"Ajax, you can trust me." I say sternly. It was true and I meant it. We are stuck together as soulmates for the rest of our lives and there is nothing either one of us can do about that.

"You're a stranger, I can't trust you with my past." His voice became void and emotionless and I couldn't help but furrow my eyebrows in anger once more. Did I just hear him correctly or am I going mad?

"Well maybe if you didn't physically abuse me and push me away we wouldn't be strangers. Has that thought ever occurred to you?!" I was fuming at this point. His face stood expressionless and I just rolled my eyes at him and turned my head to look out of the window. I give up. Why should I put my care and effort into someone who would obviously never return it?

My leg bounced up and down vigorously, my anger was so prominent that I just couldn't keep still. I wanted to go on a run or do some type of exercise to get my mind off of it and to let go of some of this bottled up anger. I hadn't noticed Ajax move closer until sparks erupted on my knee, his large hand rested on it keeping it steady.

"When's your birthday?" He asked me. His cool gaze landed upon my face but I didn't bother looking at him. I sighed softly. Now he wanted to make an effort? I guess I really shouldn't be complaining. I push his hand off of my knee, but he just replaced it.

"November twenty seventh. You?" My birthday was coming up soon and I probably wouldn't be spending it with my family. They always threw something large, an extravagant party for me and my siblings when our birthday came around. Siren on the other hand always tried to get me to do something bad or illegal. She was truly someone who could not be tamed.

"February twenty second. What's your favorite color?" He asked as his thumb began drawing circles on my knee causing me too lose my breath a little.

"Black." I whisper out, my eyes trained on his hand has it continues to massage my knee slowly. It's insane how I could be infuriated with him one moment and in the next be entranced by his touch.

"Same here, ducky. What's your favorite movie?" I couldn't help but blush at the nickname that he's chosen to stick with. I felt extremely more relaxed than before and all of the emotions I had felt were all because of this one man.

"Beauty and the Beast. You?" I answer easily as I tore my eyes away from his hand to look up at him. Maybe if I pretend it's not there it will no longer have an effect on me... Nope. It's still feels as though a low current of electricity was shooting up my legs and keeping my cheeks flushed.

"It. Favorite flavor of ice cream?" His eyes met mine and held my gaze for a moment before they dropped down to my lips that were slightly parted, ready to answer his question.

"That movie is horrifying. I'll have any flavor of soft serve ice cream but if it's not soft serve then it has to be strawberry. If it's not strawberry ice cream I'll cry." A deep chuckle rose from his chest and a smile graced his plump lips. I was mesmerized. Had I actually made him laugh?

"It is a great movie though and why are you so specific about the strawberry ice cream?" He tried to contain his laughter but it wasn't working out too well. His smile was contagious causing the corners of my mouth to lift up.

"Shut up," I whine jokingly. "I just love strawberry flavored ice cream."

Ajax contained his laughter just as we pulled up outside of a large exquisitely built mansion. My jaw nearly dropped at the size and scale of it. There was a large fountain in the center of the drive way that has naked cherubs spitting water from their mouths, like that is extremely fancy! The large double doors were wide open for guest to enter with four body guards standing outside.

"Stay close to me, I'm sure nearly half of the people here are already intoxicated off of their wine." Ajax tells me as his body guard opens the door and he slides out. He holds his hand out for me which I gladly accept, knowing that if I fell in these heels I might break my neck.

Cipher and Samuel made their way over to us along with the rest of the group who came with us. I'll admit I was excited for Cipher and Sam. I hope they both find someone to connect with tonight.

Ajax made sure everyone was together before leading the way to grand entrance. The body guards ask for a pack name and looked down at a list to make sure we're on there. He gave us a nod of approval before we proceed to go inside.

There were two stair cases on either side of the room that both led to the second story of the mansion. In between we're another set of large doors that were open, revealing a ball room with white and gold detailing. There was a stage set up with a live band playing, off on both sides were plenty of tables to sit at and in the center was a dance floor.

Everyone was dressed beautifully as they twirled and swirled around the dance floor. Waiters walked around continuously holding trays of alcoholic beverages, offering them to various people.

Ajax placed his hand on the small of my back, breaking me out of my trance and leading me into the lavish room. The group split up almost immediately leaving me alone with Ajax once more.

"Would you like something to drink?" Ajax looked down at me, his cold exterior had returned and I was a bit disappointed. I missed the Ajax that was trying to get to know me in the truck. Sure, I had only known him for a few moments but it felt nice to have a real conversation with the man you're going to spend the rest of your life with.

I nod my head, not bothering to give him a real answer. He moved swiftly through the crowd of people, they practically threw themselves out of his way. I was confused as to why, but maybe I just got used to the power and strength he gave off. It wasn't very hard to guess that he was an Alpha.

Once we reached the bar, that wasn't visible from the entrance, he ordered two drinks but I was too focused on the dance floor where Samuel had already found a partner to charm up. His glowing smile brightened up his soft brown eyes and the girl was easily blushing. I barely noticed when Ajax placed a drink in my hand and began leading me away from the bar. I was so entranced with the people around me, they all seemed so cheerful and excited. I was dying to dance and have fun along side of them.

"And who is this lovely young women?" Ajax pinched my side slightly bringing me back to reality. An older looking man stood before us in an expensive suit. His greying hair was slicked back and his large pinky ring reminded me of a mafia leader.

"This is my mate, Octavia." I smile as he introduces me and give him a small "hello". I felt like an utter fool for not even realizing that Ajax had lead me over to the Alpha that was hosting this party.

They continued to talk amongst themselves about pack business and I guess as the Luna of the CrescentBlood pack I should pay attention, but I couldn't be bothered. I just wanted to be a crazy nineteen year old girl and dance. Of course I wasn't able to do so, I stuck around with Ajax and every now and then he'd give me a another pinch bringing me back to reality. I smile and nod my head along to whatever he's saying before drifting off once more. My drink was nearly gone and I found myself craving another one, or a simple excuse to leave Ajax and find someone else I know to have fun with.

It wasn't until Cipher appeared that a smile started peeking through my lips. She approached us quickly and whispered something into Ajax's ear. He removed his hand from my waist just as Cipher grasped my wrist and pulled me away and towards the dance floor.

"What's going on?" I ask my eyebrows furrowing together in confusion.

"I'm having trouble picking up some girls so I need you to dance with me." She explains once we finally reached the dance floor. Wait... what? Cipher is so sweet and beautiful how could you not love her? I don't know how but she managed to get us right in the center of all the moving bodies, but she did.

"Won't they stay away if they see you with another girl?" I ask looking around searching for any girls who might be interested in Cipher.

"No. Enough talking and just dance with me you silly goose." I couldn't help but laugh at the name she called me. How could I possibly say no to dancing with the girl who cares for me continuously. Plus, I was dying to dance just a few moments ago.

So, I let go.

I let go of all my worries and fears and just focused on the music. I didn't dare to think about anything, just the beat that my hips moved to. I playfully dance along with Cipher as she twirled me around the dance floor. We pretended to waltz and tango to the upbeat music causing us to burst into giggles every time someone shot us a weary or confused glance.

It wasn't long before a strawberry blonde haired girl practically strutted her way over to us as if she was working the run way. I could see the smirk on Ciphers face as she sent me a knowing look.

"May I?" The girl asked me, referring to Cipher. Her voice was a lot more gentle than I assumed it would be so I smiled and took a step back from Cipher.

I leave the two girls to their flirtatious antics before plowing my way through the crowded dance floor. I guess that was the most fun I would have tonight. Cipher was my saving grace for pulling me away from that horrifically boring conversation.

It wasn't until I bumped into a clothed wall that I broke away from my thoughts. My cheeks flushed a deep red immediately. Why must I be so clumsy and foolish? I swear the Alpha genes that run through my veins are turned off. I look up to see a sparkling pair of hazel eyes and a warm smile.

"I am so sorry. I didn't realize I wasn't payin—"

"Don't worry about it, love." He cuts me off, a small laughing spilling past his lips. Of course I just had to run into a cute and sweet guy. I felt a bit more guilty at his kindness. "Besides, it is an honor to bump into someone as beautiful as you."

I literally had to stop my jaw from dropping. Me? Beautiful? There's absolutely no way. I look around feeling a bit anxious and more embarrassed. I was really bad at flirting and my wolf was screaming at me to turn around and walk away. Of course she was loyal to our mate. Ajax didn't even take the time to compliment me tonight and yet this stranger didn't even miss a beat.

"Thank you." I say sheepishly and wringing my hands together, not really knowing what to do with myself.

"Would you like to dance?"

I look around the room once more. I couldn't find anyone that I recognized and there was absolutely no sign of Ajax anywhere.

"Um, I don't really know how." I say stupidly. It wasn't really a lie though. My dancing was just technically fooling around.

"Nonsense." He laughs. "I just saw you dancing, with whom I hope is your friend."

I look back at Cipher to see her dancing with the strawberry blonde, a beaming smile on both of their faces. "I probably shouldn't seeing as I do have a mate." I finally tell him. I scan the room once again but Ajax is nowhere to be found.

"Well, he's doing a very bad job at being one and it is my party. So will you please do my the honor of dancing with me?" He holds out his hand for me and I couldn't help but be even more embarrassed. This is the Alpha's son and I bumped into him and rejected a dance at his own party.

I take a hold of his hand deciding that I was done trying to be logical and over thinking every little thing. A bright smile lit up his face as he lead me back over to the center.

He was respectful the entire time we danced. He kept his eyes on my face and his hands above my hips. He kept cracking jokes and admitting how embarrassed he was that is father and mother went completely out their way to throw such an extreme party. I couldn't help but feel free and happy in his presence.

It wasn't until I heard a strangely familiar voice coming from behind Henry, the man I was currently dancing with. I peek behind his shoulder to see none other than my best friend Siren. I blink a few times to make sure my mind wasn't playing tricks on me. It wasn't, she was really there. She was looking off to her right, an expression of fear washing over her delicate features.

I was just about to call out her name before I was ripped away from Henry, a deep angry voice coming from behind me. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

I turn around to face my stupid mate, Ajax. "What the hell? Do you have to be so rough?" I ask, my voice dripping with venom as I rip my arm out of his grasp.

I turn around quickly and search the dance floor for Siren. I swear she was really here. I had saw her, she looked scared. I couldn't find her anywhere and I could feel my heart sink in my chest. Was she here alone? Did she bring anyone else from the SnowMoon pack along with her?

"What are you looking for?" Henry ask, a concerned expression on his face. Ajax only seemed to be angered by his act of kindness towards me.

"Didn't she tell you she has a mate?" Ajax was pulling his stupid possessive bullshit and I couldn't give a crap. I just wanted my best friend.

"She did, but they clearly weren't treating her right." Henry spat out, looking at Ajax in disgust.

"You better watch—"

"That's enough." I say stepping in between them.

Ajax looks down at me, he was furious. He pulls me away and off to the side where he had been talking to the Alpha before. "What the hell were you doing with him?"

"Ajax, I think I saw my best friend Siren here." I confess, looking around the room once more. I desperately wanted to find her, my heart felt like it was going to break at any moment. It was like I had lost my family all over again.

"What? No, I double checked the list of packs attending tonight and SnowMoon was not one of them." He shakes his head, seeming extremely annoyed.

"But how can you be so sure?" I could feel the tears well up in my eyes as Ajax stomped on the last bit of my hope.

"Octavia," He says, grabbing my face lightly and forcing me to look at him. "They're not here, okay? I'm sure of it."

"Okay." I whisper out as my bottom lip trembled and the first tear escaped. I didn't want to cry in front of him but my heart broke all over again. I had truly seen her, I couldn't just be imagining it.

He sighs heavily and wipes the tear from my cheek. I unconsciously step closer to him, wanting more of his comfort. "Let's go home, yeah?"

I nodded my head feeling tired, I had gotten up early today and the thought of never seeing my best friend again was weighing heavy on my heart.

"Okay, go wait outside and I'll be there in just a minute. I'm just going to tell Cipher we're leaving and say goodbye to the Alpha." He caresses my face for a few more moments before disappearing through the crowd to find Cipher.

I begin to slowly make my way back to the entrance, my eyes subconsciously scanning the room for the wild brunette who was once inseparable from me. She was no where to be found. I sigh and wrap my arms around myself as I wait patiently outside for Ajax.

Eleven minutes had passed by and Ajax still hadn't come out. I assumed that the Alpha was keeping him, trying to talk him up on the alliance he offered. Ajax didn't seem all that interested.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the one who got away."

My blood ran cold and my shoulders stiffened as his horrendous scratchy voice filled my ears. No, it can't be him. It just can't be. A horrible shiver ran down my spine as he spoke out again,

"Your little boyfriend knows how to give quite the beating, but I'm sure you know that as well as I do." He moved to stand just a few feet away from me, an evil grin on his lips. His eyes were dark with hatred and anger, I could feel my hands begin to shake with anxiety.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I spat out. He was completely healed and didn't have a scratch in sight. I wanted to hurt him. I wanted him to feel the fear that I felt when he attacked me. I hate him.

"I thought I might finally find my mate here, it's funny how you're the first girl I see." He chuckles darkly, taking a step towards me.

I take a step back and accidentally bump into someone very large. His large hands comes up to rest on my shoulder and sparks erupt everywhere his skin meets mine, causing a feeling of safety to wash over me. Ajax.

"And she will be the last girl you'll see if you don't fucking step back." He growled angrily as he moved to stand in front of me. I relish in the warmth and power radiating off of him and slip my much smaller hand into his.

No matter the differences that lie between Ajax and I, he was still my mate and his presence had so many affects on my mind and body. I felt a certain sense of safety and assurance with just the simplest touch from him at the moment.

Brandon took a step back as he glared at Ajax. He obviously knew that he was no match for him and decided that he didn't want to get beaten into a pulp once more.

Our truck pulled up and the guard immediately opens the door for us to get in. Ajax sends another low growl towards the insane man before leading me over to the vehicle and helping me in. I slip in and immediately take my shoes off. Ajax takes a seat beside me and the door slams shut, he makes sure that it's locked.

He takes in a deep breath and closes his eyes for a moment as he tries to relax and calm his breathing.

He was infuriated, his hands clenched in a tight fist.

"I'm sorry," He huffs out, making me confused. What was he apologizing for?

"What do you—"

I gasp loudly as he scoops me up in his arms and places me on his lap. His arms wrap around me securely and he places his nose at the crown of my head taking a whiff before placing a small kiss there. His hands run up and down my arm soothingly and his breathing instantly calms and becomes more regular.

I relax in his arms and rest my head against his chest. I was exhausted and trying extremely hard to push the horrid memories of Brandon to the back of my mind. I didn't want to think of what he did to me. Instead I focus on the heart beat of Ajax and allow my eyes to close and for me to slip away into unconsciousness.

The picture above in this chapter:

Siren, is played by Nina Dobrev (best known for her character as Elena on the The Vampire Diaries)

Again please feel free to picture the characters how ever you want :)

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