We had all sat down and dinner was served. I just got a salad, I wasn't all that hungry. Everyone was so happy, the conversation was light and fun. I missed this but there were moments when they turned to their mates and talk to them. I felt the loneliness consume me. At this moment I truly realized that I had no one. I stood up and excuse myself, I needed to be myself and recollect. I went to the all familiar hallways and yet it was a foreign feeling. There were pictures of everyone, Jonathan and his mate. Rhen and Jedidiah, River and Kehlani, and Vincent and Amber. I continued looking but there was no picture of me anywhere. It was like I was erased from everyone's memory. I found the bathroom and fixed my makeup. There were times I felt I was beautiful, but then there were days like today where I felt like the ugliest girl around.
I walked back to the ballroom and they started playing music and there were people dancing in the middle. My table was empty so I assume they all were dancing too. I sat down and I watched them dance, they all were so in love. I turned and I made eye contact with a pair of dark brown eyes. He started walking towards me, he was a handsome man. He had blond hair and a chiseled face, with sharp lines. He was 6'4 and had a lean build. He grabbed the chair next to me and sat down. "You must be Bellamy." His voice was sweet, but it was nothing compared to Vincent. "Yes, who are you?" I asked him. "Connor." He put his hand out for me to shake. We sat in silence and I was confused. Why was he sitting over here with me? "You know Bellamy, you're not the only one who can't have their mate." I turned to him and my heart broke for him. "I didn't know. I'm sorry. I guess I never thought about what would happen if Amber met her mate." I didn't realize that there was another person being affected by this.
"When did you guys meet?" I asked him. He leaned back and crossed his arms. "About a year ago. I'm not royalty or anything. I am a principal at a primary school. I was out getting groceries like usual and I saw her. She was stunning, she is stunning. But when I was going to talk with her, but Vincent walked over to her and I just stayed hidden." I could feel the sadness wash over him. "She doesn't know who I am, I didn't want to ruin her happiness. Plus I can't give her this life. I'm not a royal, I don't make a whole lot of money. I am a simple guy who is living a simple life, she wouldn't want that." He hung his head low and I could just feel his pain. I wouldn't even know how to feel knowing that I can't even talk to my mate, not once. "I'm sorry, I wouldn't wish this pain on my worst enemy." I sighed. "Have you two spoken since being back?" He asked me. "No, and I don't think we will. I'm sure he is under strict rules to stay as far away from me as possible. And I'm glad, I don't want to see him." The doors opened and his apple cinnamon scent hit my nose and caused my senses to heighten. They made room in the middle of the dance floor and Vincent grabbed Amber and wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled her to him holding her tightly. I remember when we used to be that close.
They started playing this beautiful song. Amber laid her head on his shoulder and her face was filled with happiness. But so was Vincent, he looked happy. All I felt was happiness emit from them. It felt real. And if it was real, then any small chance, any hope that I had would be gone. Amber leaned up and leaned forward to Vincent's lips. As soon as they connected a stake went through my heart. "I'm sorry, I can't stay. It was nice meeting you Connor." I quickly got up and almost ran to the door. I went outside and my driver was waiting for me but I didn't want to be around anyone anymore. I ran passed the castle and past the royal neighborhood to the woods. I kept running until I found what I was looking for. There was a treehouse in the woods I would come to when I was younger. I climbed the tree and when I went in everything was the same, and yet clean. I guess the maides still come and clean it. I went to the corner and put my head in between my legs and let the tears flow.
I have no idea how long I sat there crying. I just wanted this week to be over. I found some tissues and wiped my face from the makeup that was running off. I leaned my head back on the wood wall and closed my eyes. Suddenly I heard someone climbing the tree, but I guess I didn't care. I kept my eyes close, I didn't need to see who it was. The apple cinnamon was all I needed to know who it was. "Bell." My tears welled in my eyes again, just from him saying my name. I almost burst into a sob but I held it in. "I can go." I wasn't strong enough to tell him to leave or stay. But I was scared to open my eyes and look him in the eyes. He made no move to leave. He just stayed sitting there. "I missed you Bell." There was a longing in his words and I could feel his pain. "I come here every day. To think about where I went wrong. To have privacy, to think about you." He sighed and I slowly began to open my eyes. "I wondered what kind of life you were living. If you were happy. Or if you'd met someone that made you feel like the amazing person you are." He sighed and there was a small pause. "I thought about what you'd look like. I was slowly starting to forget your features. Your bright baby blue eyes, and the way the sun makes it look like the sky. Your freckles that cover your face, and the curve of your eyebrows. Your voice, your hair, your scent."
I could feel my lycan call out to him, everything in me wanted to run to him. But I couldn't, I know I couldn't. It would just cause more pain and suffering in the end. This constant stinging would end up in a blazing fire that would never end. "I didn't know if you would come. I wanted to see you, you know. Even if it was just for a moment." Why was he saying all of this? I couldn't stop the tears anymore, it was all pain that I was feeling. "Please, stop," I whispered. I heard him suck in a deep breath and let out a slow groan. "Bellamy." He whispered making my heart jump. "Can-can I come closer?" I could hear him stand up. "No." I quickly got up and climbed out of the treehouse. I started running but I was wearing heels so I couldn't run fast, and Vincent was hot on my trails. "Just wait! Please just a couple more moments?" I huffed at him and stopped running. I stood completely still and so did he. He started walking toward me but I could feel his body heat right behind me. He didn't need to touch me for me to feel the electricity. It was 20 times stronger now than before.
"Don't touch me. Vincent." He let out a low growl when I said his name. "Don't say my name, unless you want your beautiful dress torn to shreds." My heart was beating like crazy, my mouth formed to say his name again but I stopped myself. Did I want him to? Yeah, I did. I really did. I could feel the tip of his fingers caress my arm and I immediately pulled away. His touch burned my skin and I ran again. This time not stopping until I was back at my temporary home. I was breathing heavy and my dress was all torn up from the sticks. I didn't think I could cry anymore that all my tears were gone.
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