I hated this. I hated it so much. There were so many people. It was a big house, even by mansion standards, and yet people still crowded everywhere. I was far too nervous to eat, despite being starving, and I was surrounded by strangers. I had no idea why the Alpha had requested me to come here. They weren’t even my Alpha, but the Alpha of a neighboring pack. Why in the world had they insisted on me coming? I wasn’t even technically part of a pack, I just lived in the town that the two packs were near.
I was technically a rogue, a rogue and a hybrid and I had to keep my scent carefully hidden, so that no one would know, but there were so many people. I reached for my necklace, rubbing my fingers against the simple chain. It reassured me. No one could know what I was, and no one knew who I was.
A crowd of drunk wolves began moving towards my small corner of peace and I began moving to find another spot. I stopped when over the alcohol and sweat a strong scent filled my nostrils. It wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t say I loved it. It reminded me of one of those deodorants named with something stupid that didn’t actually decribe the scent.
It was distractingly strong though.
It’s your mate’s scent. My wolf, Burr, said in my mind.
Why do they smell like that? I demanded of my wolf, who did a mental shrug.
I don’t make the rules. She said.
I sighed. Whatever, it’s not like I can let them find me.
I continued moving through the crowd, only for another scent to make itself known. It was just as strong as the other, but different.
Answers. I demanded of Burr.
She did another mental shrug. Like I said, I don’t make the rules. But I can tell you, that’s also your mate’s scent. Just a different one?
You don’t sound very confident. I scoffed.
Burr didn’t respond but sent a handful of irritation and annoyance my way. I just sent amusement back.
Maybe it’s a side effect of some enchantment. I suggested.
Maybe. Burr mumbled, non committedly.
I almost ran right into someone, because I was distracted talking to Burr, but I stopped myself at the last second, quickly stepping back and moving to the side. I had to resist the urge to cover my nose though because the scent was so strong. Eventually, I gave in and pressed my sleeve over for my face. It did little to dull the overwhelming scent - scents.
God I just wanted some fresh air. If this scent really was my mate, wasn’t it supposed to smell good? It was just strong.
I realized with horror as I tried to make my way to a balcony that I had no idea if my enchantment would work to stop my mate from being able to smell me. I realized there wasn’t anything else I could do. I couldn’t risk angering the Alpha by leaving early. I already had a life here, I didn’t need to uproot it. The pack’s were willing to ignore my presence as long as I didn’t cause trouble. I didn’t intend to ruin that.
I breathed in a deep breath, lowering my sleeve as I made it to a balcony. Fresh air. It lasted a few seconds before the scents returned. I also heard a couple fo people approaching, so I spun to face them, intending to duck behind them and find somewhere else. Would it be considered rude to climb onto the roof?
I didn’t bother formulating a response, just letting her feel my irritation.
The two women saw me. Their scents were so strong. Oh no. They were my mates.
“Don’t leave on our account.” One of them said, the taller (although not by much) one.
I noticed their interlaced hands. They had found each other. They knew they were mates. I didn’t see any recognition in their eyes, they must not be able to smell me, and as such they have no idea they have another mate. A strange mix of disappointment and relief flooded through me.
“I don’t recognize you.” The other one, who had black hair and piercing green eyes said.
The tall brunette, who’s brown eyes found my own, added. “I can’t place your scent. It’s almost like you don’t have one.”
I forced a life. “What a strange idea? But, it makes sense you wouldn’t know me.”
“I’m not part of this Alpha’s pack.” I explained, calmly.
“Why would they invite an outsider?” Brown hair asked, addressing her partner.
She shrugged and I shrugged. “I have no idea, but I wasn’t going to risk angering them.”
“There you are.” A new voice said, from behind the pair.
I startled, straightening up, as I saw the Alpha behind them. I bowed.
“Sorry, I didn’t know you were looking for me.” I apologized.
“It’s fine.” They brushed off. “I just wanted to have a chat with you.”
“Here?” I asked, uncomfortable, still not rising out of my bow.
I stood up straight, glancing at the two wolves who hadn’t left, uncertain what their Alpha expected from them.
“Is there a problem?” They asked.
“I’m just a very… private… person.” I said, uncertainly, my gaze still jumping between my mates and the Alpha.
“I can see that.” The Alpha remarked, and pointed to my necklace that I had subconsciously reached for. “You’re so private you hide your scent.”
So, the Alpha knew magic, or at least had a witch friend who could. There was no point denying it, so I nodded.
“I didn’t want every wolf here to attack me at first smell.” I said. “I felt it was a necessary precaution.”
The Alpha’s eyes searched me as if looking for a lie. “I suppose that’s reasonable, but I am here now, and I can guarantee no one will attack you while I’m right here, so you can take it off now.”
“With all due respect Alpha, I don’t see why that’s necessary.” I said, fighting to keep my voice level. I felt increasingly cornered. I really didn’t want to reveal my scent.
“I like to know who I’m dealing with.” They said. “Think of it as a favor for not chasing you off my territory.”
“I don’t want any trouble.” I said.
“Then take off the necklace.” They said.
“I can just tell you what it’s hiding.” I said. I didn’t want my mate to know. I didn’t want them to reject me. If I kept the necklace on, they could live in blissful ignorance.
“Your refusal just makes me more curious.” They said. “What are you hiding?”
“Why did you ask me to come here anyways?” I asked, changing the subject.
“Because I wanted to get to know you.” They said. “So, take off the necklace.”
I still hesitated, searching for any excuse. My breathing had increased with my discomfort, between the overwhelming scents and the Alpha’s demand I just wanted to leave.
I had a death grip on my necklace.
“I would really prefer to not take it off.” I repeated.
“I already know you are a rogue and a hybrid, what is there to hide?” The Alpha pressed.
My mates gasped. Black hair recovered the fastest.
“A hybrid? Of what and what?” She asked, and I could see the horror on her face slowly growing.
“A werewolf and a shapeshifter.” I answered.
“Not a vampire?” The Alpha asked, confused.
“No, not a vampire.” I confirmed.
“Are hybrids really that bad?” The brunette asked.
I shrugged. “It depends who you ask.”
“Hybrids killed my family.” Black hair growled.
“Well, I didn’t.” I pointed out. “It’s not my fault.”
“Your kind did.” She snarled.
“Did you know that werewolves killed my family? And yet, I’m not trying to kill all of you.” I huffed.
“Is that true?” The Alpha asked.
“Does it matter?” I scowled.
“Yes.” Black-hair snarled.
“I don’t know who killed my family.” I admitted. “But, you should not hold me responsible for the actions of people I don’t even know.”
“She’s right.” The Alpha said. “Besides it was a vampire with a vampire hybrid. Ciel had nothing to do with that. So calm yourself Monique, I promised no harm would come to her.“
Monique’s partner placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “She didn’t hurt you Nic.”
“Thanks Steph.” Monique murmured.
“I still want to talk to you.” The Alpha said.
“Why?” I asked, irritated. I just wanted to leave and get a breath of fresh air.
“You can shapeshift right?” The Alpha asked.
“And you’re strong. I want you to join my pack.” The Alpha said. “I could use someone strong like you.”
I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. “You seriously think a pack will accept me. You saw Monique’s reaction. She’s not the only one who will react like that.”
“You already hide your scent, no one would have to know.” The Alpha pressed.
“I’m not joining any pack.” I asserted. “If that’s all you wanted, this was a waste of time and I would like to leave.”
“Fine.” The Alpha relented. “But if you ever decide to join a pack, come to me first.”
“Thank you.” I said, and brushed past them, heading out of the party, thankful that once I made it out of the crowded mansion the air was clear.
Finally, I was free. I just wanted to go home, get out of this stuffy tux and eat some food.
I turned and saw Monique and Steph approaching me. Why were they approaching me? Had they figured it out?
“Hi, Ciel?” Monique greeted.
“I just wanted to apologize. I shouldn’t have lashed out at you for something that’s not your fault.” She apologized.
“Okay…” I muttered, not sure how to react. I really wasn’t happy about the scent still being so strong. How did mates stand this all the time?
Be nicer. They’re your mates. Burr chided.
“Can I treat you to a drink to make up for it?” She asked.
I glanced between her and Steph. “It almost sounds like you’re asking me on a date?”
I expected Steph to lash out, mates could be protective, but she seemed oddly unaffected.
She just laughed. “That would be bold, to ask another girl out right in front of her mate. Especially since we just met tonight.”
I laughed. “I’m glad you didn’t beat me up just for suggesting it.”
Monique and Steph shared a glance. Maybe saying something over the link. A pang of jealousy rose up, but I quickly squashed it.
Just tell them. Burr urged. They already know.
Knowing me is one thing, and being my mate is another. I explained to Burr. I’m not risking it.
Burr just huffed, annoyed with me, drawn to our mates.
I still hadn’t had time to process that I had two mates. That was weird in itself.
“So? Will you let me buy you a drink?” Monique asked again.
I nodded. “Coffee tomorrow morning, ten o’clock at Angelina’s Coffee Emporium.”
“See you then.” Monique said. “I’ll let you go now. Have a good night?”
“Have a good night.” I returned and finally went back to my apartment.
I barely managed to strip my clothes off and set an alarm before collapsing into my bed exhausted.
I pulled a hoodie over my head as I walked down the apartment hall. I had decided to walk to the cafe, mainly because I lacked a car, but that also meant that I was now running fifteen minutes late. I would have to run part of the way.
I left the apartment building at a run. If I ran the first part I could use the second part to catch my breath. I stopped running when I was about a block away. I probably should’ve stopped earlier if I really wanted to catch my breath. When I arrived, I was still slightly out of breath.
I smelled them before I saw them, and wished double that I wasn’t breathing more than normal. They were sitting at a table. Monique waved at me. I smiled and slid into the chair across from them.
“Did you run here?” Monique asked.
I nodded, a bit sheepish. “I was running late.”
“You could’ve been a little late. I wouldn’t have minded.” Monique said.
“It’s rude.” I said. “I try to avoid being rude to people.”
“What do you want?” She asked. “I said I’d buy you a drink.”
“Just a hot cocoa.” I said.
“Really?” Steph spoke up for the first time, and Monique left to go get my drink.
“Caffeine doesn’t affect me anyways.” I shrugged. “And coffee doesn’t taste good.”
“Really? Not at all?” Steph asked, curious.
“I’m a bit curious why you tagged along.” I admitted. “You can’t really be scared that I’ll steal your mate, are you?”
Steph shook her head. “No, I’m just clingy. If you want me to leave, I can.”
“No, no, it’s fine.” I rushed to say. “I was just curious, I’m not that interesting.”
“Don’t sell yourself short.” She said. “You’re more interesting than other people who have dragged me out on coffee dates.”
“Technically, your mate dragged me.” I corrected with a smile.
Steph laughed, as Monique returned, handing my drink to me.
“And I thought Steph was the one who had to be worried about you stealing her mate, but you’re already making her laugh.” Monique joked as she sat back down reaching for Steph’s hand.
I felt another pang of jealousy rise, but I quickly squashed it, smiling.
“Trust me I have no interest in stealing your mate, either one.” I said.
Monique laughed. “I’m glad. Then I might actually have to fight you.”
“Would you win that fight?” Steph joked.
“What makes you think I’m a fighter?” I joked.
Steph shrugged. “A vibe I guess. You may not have a scent but you still scream danger.”
“Probably because I’m a rogue.” I shrugged. “Some wolf instinct.”
With that logic they should be able to tell that you’re their mate. Burr pointed out. I hated to admit it, but she was right.
Ha. She cheered victoriously.
Monique shrugged. “I would say it’s because of those killer muscles, but I can’t see any.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Who said I’m fit? Wouldn’t I want to show of my ‘killer muscles?’”
“Alpha Alex wanted to recruit you.” Steph pointed out. “They wouldn’t want to accept a fighter who couldn’t fight.”
“What makes you think Alpha Alex knows if I have muscles? They wanted to recruit me purely on the fact that I’m a shapeshifter.” I said, before taking a sip of my drink.
“Didn’t they say that you’re strong though.” Monique pointed out.
“They technically never asked me, just assumed.” I said, shrugging.
Silence fell for a bit before Monique broke it. “I have to admit, I’m curious. Why did you refuse to take off your necklace if the Alpha already knew what you were?”
Steph elbowed Monique, saying in a hushed whisper. “You can’t just ask that.”
“I’m a very private person.” I muttered.
“Without your scent how will your mate find you?” Monique asked.
I smiled sadly at the irony. “They won’t.”
“Don’t you want to find your mate?” Monique pressed.
“I don’t need to be rejected.” I muttered. “I’m a hybrid and a rogue. Not exactly perfect wife material.”
“I still think they deserve a chance to choose.” Monique said.
Yeah, they deserve a chance. Burr so helpfully cut in.
“I’ve heard rejection hurts.” I defended myself. “This way they don’t have to go through that. They just don’t realize I exist.”
“But, won’t they always feel like a part of them is missing?” Monique asked.
I shrugged. “I think people should feel whole all by themselves. Besides after enough time they’ll just choose someone who either hasn’t found a mate or got rejected.” Or go with their other mate. I added in my head.
“I mean I’m not arguing with the first part.” Monique said, and I sensed a but.
“But, I don’t think you should make that choice from them.” She finished.
Just tell them. Burr urged me.
“If they knew they’d thank me.” I said. “No one wants to get stuck with a rogue for a mate, much less a hybrid.”
Steph suddenly spoke up. “Is that why you refused to take your necklace off. You didn’t want your mate to find you.”
“But we were on a balcony...” Moniue trailed off. “They wouldn’t have caught oto your scent.”
“With how strong a mate scent is. I’d be surprised if they couldn’t smell me from a block away.” I muttered, all too aware of their mate smell that was still just as strong, and just as overwhelming, especially at this close proximity.
“They were there? You smelled them, and you didn’t go to them?” Monique demanded, voice raising.
I flinched back from her. “I - I already explained it to you. I don’t want to find my mate.”
But I do. Burr spoke up, and I felt her wrestling for control.
I gripped the table, as I fought to remain in control. She was at the disadvantage because I was a hybrid, so my wolf was weaker, but she could be very stubborn.
“What’s going on?” Monique asked, concerned. “I’m sorry for raising my voice.”
“It’s not that.” I muttered, glancing up to meet her eyes, and then she understood. No doubt my eyes were flashing between my blue eyes and Burr’s brown eyes.
It was a very strange sensation, and I closed my eyes, but it didn’t go away.
“Why is your wolf trying to gain control right now?” Monique asked.
“She doesn’t agree with my opinions on mates.” I forced out, struggling to concentrate and talk.
“I want to hear what she has to say.” Monique admitted quietly.
“Trust me you don’t.” I hissed.
“Would you just give it a rest Burr?” I said out loud on accident. “We already agreed not to tell them.”
I realized my slip up too late. Dammit, now they were sure to ask.
“What did you agree -” She was cut off mid question by Steph elbowing her.
“We barely know her.” Steph said. “She doesn’t need to spill all her secrets.”
“But what do we have to do with her mate?” Monique ask, pointing at me while facing Steph.
“It doesn’t matter.” Steph asserted. “She’ll tell us on her own time.”
Monique sighed. “Fine, but you can’t blame me for being curious.”
Burr finally gave up, and I sighed in relief.
“I’m impressed you were able to hold a conversation while keeping control.” Steph said.
I shrugged. “I’m a hybrid. My wolf is only half as strong.”
“Does that mean you can only half shapeshift?” Monique asked.
“Uhhh.... no.” I said. “I just can’t hold the shape forever, like a full-blooded shifter.”
219.1 (a while later) (skipping the middle bits like I always do)
“What’s all this?” I asked Monique and Steph as I stepped into their apartment and saw a fancy dinner with candles and romantic music playing.
I chuckled slightly as I slipped off my jacket. “You know I’m not actually dating you right?” I joked, referencing a long standing joke since our first coffee meeting.
Both Monique and Steph were not nervous than I was used too, but Monique spoke first.
“About that, Steph and I have been talking.” She began, a bit hesitant.
I nodded, smiling as I joked. “Always worrying.”
They both laughed a little, and I smiled at getting them to lighten up.
Monique continued after becoming serious again, but she was more confident. “I know it’s strange, and especially unusual for werewolves, but Steph and I wanted to ask you to date us.”
Shock spread across my features. I had never thought I could have a romantic relationship with them, not since I made the (admittedly poor) decision to withhold my status as their mate.
Steph misinterpreted my shock. “I know, I know. Polyamory isn’t really a werewolf thing with the whole mates and possessive stuff, but both Monique and I feel like we’re missing something and we feel more whole with you.”
I grasped my necklace tears pricking at my eyes.
“Hey, Ciel, it’s okay. We understand if you say no.” Monique rushed to say, hesitating about placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“It’s not that.” I said, my voice barely a whisper and cracking.
“Then what?” Monique probed gently.
“There’s something I need to tell you. Something you both deserve to know and that I should’ve told you long ago. And I understand if you hate me for keeping this from you.” I rambled, tears beginning to spill. “I could tell you, but there’s a better way. I think. I don’t know. I never planned on telling you because I was scared of your anger.”
Monique and Steph shared matching expressions of concern, but waited for me to continue.
I took a deep breath before pulling my necklace off.
“I’m your mate.” I muttered.
I looked up fearfully seeing shock slowly fade to confusion and then, expectedly, anger.
“You knew? All this time? And you said nothing?” Monique asked, voice empty.
I nodded, tears spilling faster, necklace grilled tightly in my hands, as I resisted the temptation to put it back on. For the first time in years though the scent of my mates seemed to become more manageable, more pleasant. I had grown used to it, but now it was better, not just ignored.
“Why?” Steph asked quietly. “Why hide it?”
I was surprised by Burr’s silence. I had suspected her to butt in when I finally revealed the truth.