Forbidden Mate: Awakening

Sarah listened carefully and understood exactly what I was talking about without me explaining further. She knew I had strong feelings for both Adrian and Tyler. Adrian had a mysterious charm, and we had a special connection. Tyler, on the other hand, was my first love who betrayed and embarrassed me but I still felt a connection towards.

“It’s completely normal to feel that way, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. It really isn’t as complicated as you’re making it to be.” Sarah said.

“What do you mean by that?”

“The thing is, babes, you really need to use more head than heart in dealing with things of the heart, or else you’d just be depressed and miserable. Ask yourself what makes you attracted to both Adrian and Tyler, and then ask yourself what you want and what is important to you. If things align to one guy or to yourself, it’s still a win for you.”

I didn’t really understand what she meant so I asked, “You’d have to repeat that.”

“Look babes, it’s perfectly okay to follow your heart and make choices that would make you happy. Even if it goes against what others expect from you. You’d have to put you first.”

“So, in essence, I should be selfish?”

“Oh gosh, babes, why don’t you understand? Look, every decision and action you make have consequences so you have to consider those before making them. It’s important for you to be honest and have open conversations with both of them. Everyone involved needs to understand their roles and impact of their choices, but you should always put yourself first. Do you get me now?”

“Yeah, I think I’m starting to…”

She sighed and leaned on the tree.

Listening to Sarah’s occasional wise words, I started to see things more clearly. I couldn’t ignore the feelings I had, but I also had a responsibility to handle the situation honestly and respect everyone’s emotions, not neglecting my own priorities.

Leaning against the tree, I thought about what to do next. The decisions I would make would not only affect my own happiness but also the dynamics within our group. It was a big responsibility, and I doubted I had the strength and support to face the challenges.

“Thanks for always being here when I need you.” We hugged.

“What are ride-or-dies for?”

I felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Our conversation gave me the courage to confront my own feelings.

As the sun set, I decided to have honest conversations with both Adrian and Tyler. Not too soon, but I would. Even though it’d be hard facing Tyler, I just had to bring myself to do it. It was time to face the truth, express my feelings openly, and give them the chance to do the same.

I said goodbye to Sarah as she left the gate and headed back to our group’s area.

While I walked, I kept repeating an affirmation in my mind.

My happiness comes first.

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As time passed, the tension between Adrian, Tyler, and me grew worse. Adrian and I were still talking but his own personal conflicts hindered him from being more open with me

I had also noticed that Tyler’s visits became more frequent. He came with Audrey sometimes and came alone other times. He would barely glance at me and I didn’t want my reaction to the news about his marriage show in the way I looked at him. He hadn’t proposed to Audrey yet, his concerns were shifted to Adrian.

Jaxon told me once Tyler had found out about what happened in the library and how he told him he was angry about it. Why should he be angry about anything that I do?

Him and Adrian didn’t see eye to eye. It started with small looks and comments, but soon turned into outright bullying by Tyler.

The rest of the grove could feel the tension too, and it made everyone uncomfortable. Every interaction became a power struggle, with Tyler trying to prove himself dominant over Adrian.

I felt stuck in the middle, torn between two people. One I cared about and the other I seemed to still want. I wanted peace but it seemed impossible with the growing tension. I didn’t want to see the grove divided. In my heart, I knew we needed a resolution. I had to do something since I was the cause of it.

With a heavy heart, I finally decided it was time to talk to Adrian and Tyler separately. I needed to be honest with them about my feelings. Firstly, I needed to talk to Tyler.

I walked up to Tyler, with much inner struggle, and called him, “Tyler, I need to talk to you.”

He didn’t look at me. He continued staring at Audrey who was about leaving, which made me feel weird.

“Tyler, I said I need to talk to you.”

“And I heard you..” he said without looking at me.

“Can you at least look at me?”

“If I did, would you be able to say what you came to say?”

“What do you mean?”

“You came to threaten me to stay away from your Adrian, right? When I said you moved on too fast, you said I was being delusional. What about now?”

He had stood up and was staring at me, his teeth shut together.

“I didn’t come to threaten you. I came to talk to you, but it seems your insecurities haven’t gotten lesser since we last talked.” I didn’t want to say anything else from what I had practiced but Tyler always brought out the worst in me.

“My insecurities?” He laughed, “I’m the insecure one? If that’s true, then why have you been looking so down ever since you heard about I and Audrey’s wedding?”

What was he talking about? He’s not about to weaponize my emotions against me, “What are you talking about? Why would I care if you both are getting married?”

“I saw it in your eyes that day and I can still see it in them now.” He spoke with so much confidence that infuriated me the more.

“See what?”

“That you still care…”

“You’re blind.”

“No, I’m right.”

“It was a huge mistake coming here…” I wanted to turn around to leave when he grabbed my hand and pulled me to his chest. My hands held his shoulder and he locked me in his embrace. I didn’t realise we had been staring at each other for a while until he spoke, “You would actually choose him over me? That rascal? You want him?”

“Let go of me right now, Tyler.” My stomach turned.

“Tell me. Do you love him?” He pulled my waist unto his pelvis more and I wrestled to free myself from his hold.

“Let me go!”

“Tell me! Do you choose him over me?” His voice got sterner and his eyes had blackened… it was as if his wolf was awakening.

“Tyler, stop this! Let me go!”

Before I could think, he had already smashed his lips unto mine in the most aggressive way and I felt my body get hotter. He kissed me with all the anger and frustration he had bottled up then pulled away.

“Don’t you miss this? Do you want him more than you want me?” His voice broke but his eyes grew darker.

I was short of breath and on the brink of tears, “Please Tyler, just let me go…”

His snare got fouler and as he was about to hold the back of my neck, someone spoke with a baritone voice behind us, “Didn’t you hear her? She told you to let her go.”

We both turned back and saw Adrian standing there with his fists balled and his emerald eyes burning at Tyler.