Running Wild

by Marie Fraser

  *** *** ***

  Aiyana felt like she had found a new meaning in life. Jason had told her he liked her and Aiyana had also accepted her feelings for him. The only thing standing in the way of their happiness now was the lie she had been telling him. Aiyana knew she could never ever tell an outsider about her real identity and her magic.

  She didn’t know how Jason would react but she could guess it would not be pretty. Aiyana was not ready to say goodbye to him.

  “Morning.” Jason yawned, turning to face her.

  “Morning.” Aiyana said, kissing his forehead.

  “Sleep well?” Jason asked, grinning.

  “I think so.” She said, shyly.

  He stretched his body on the bed as Aiyana took in his naked body and blushed. Last night had been wonderful and possibly the best night of her life. She had given herself to him completely and had let him take control of her. Aiyana had never been intimate with a man like that and the experience had left her reeling.

  Jason stood up and headed to the bathroom as Aiyana thought about what she was going to do next. She had been actively avoiding any situation which would allow Joshua to find a connection with her to contact her. For now, she was getting away because they thought she was in the coma. Aiyana knew she didn’t have much more time left before Joshua came snooping around in search for her.

  Jason exited the bathroom and sat down on the bed.

  “I’ll call the hospital today to see why they haven’t send the documents yet.” Jason said, patting her thigh.

  “Okay.” Aiyana said, forlornly.

  If the documents arrived, Aiyana knew she would have to go home. If she didn’t, Jason would grow suspicious and think she was hiding something from him. Aiyana knew going home would show she had nothing to hide but the worst part about this situation was one small fact. If she went home, she would never come back. Sure, she would lie to him and say she would call him and sure she would even do during the first few days.

  In the end, there was no future for them. Aiyana didn’t know how to tell him this because she herself felt upset by it.

  Aiyana didn’t want to leave and the only person she was worried about was her mother who was alone back home. Aiyana loved her mother and knew she could tell her the truth about everything.

  “I’ll stay here today, if that’s alright?” Aiyana asked Jason.

  “Are you still upset with me for what I said?” Jason asked, frowning, misunderstanding her.

  “No, I’m not. I’m feeling tired, that’s all.” Aiyana reassured him.

  Jason changed and left for work, leaving Aiyana alone with the house to herself. She stayed in bed for a little while before deciding she couldn’t waste any more time. She got up and searched for pen and paper and then sat down to write.

  She wrote a letter to her mother, explaining everything and writing only the truth and nothing else. Her mother was the only person she was worried about and hence telling her the truth was a safe option. Aiyana didn’t write anything about Jason being her soul mate, feeling scared to share that information with anyone because of the clan’s rules. She finished writing the letter and put it in an envelope before writing down the address for her county and her mother’s name. She went downstairs to give the letter to the receptionist in the lobby, who put a stamp on it and mailed it for her.

  “There’s a parcel here for Mr. Stockholm, ma’am.” The receptionist told her and passed it to her.

  Aiyana’s heart skipped a beat as she realized the documents from the hospital were finally here. She knew there was no more reason for her to stay and hoped the letter would reach her mother. Once her mother was on board, Aiyana knew she could stay for as long as she liked. Then the only problem she would have to inevitably face was regarding the truth. If Jason didn’t know the truth, or if the clan did not accept him, their future would be destroyed before it could develop.

  Aiyana headed upstairs and put the parcel in the living room. She sat down in front of it on the sofa and began thinking. She had to find a loop hole, she to figure out the right way to go about dealing with things. Jason was her soulmate and her pack was her family. She was a lover and an Omega. She was torn between her two duties.

  The day went by and at last the doorbell rang. Aiyana got up, glad Jason was home at last. She opened the door and standing on the other side was Joshua, in his hand the letter Aiyana had sent to her mother.

  Chapter 9:

  Jason was excited to go back home. He had gotten in touch with the hospital and they had told him about the documents having been delivered already during the morning time. Finally, this whole fiasco could be left behind them and Jason and Aiyana could begin a new phase in their life.

  He would take her back home and meet her family, and then they could truly embark on a new relationship. Last night when he had told her he liked her, Jason had already known that was a lie. He didn’t just like her anymore, he loved her. He truly loved her and wanted to be with her more than anything in the world.

  There was just this insane connection that made him feel drawn towards her. She was an iron core and Jason was like a magnet spiraling towards her, the world not something he cared for anymore.

  Jason reached his apartment and headed towards the lift, whistling to himself.

  Last night had been the best sex Jason had ever had in his entire life. The energy between them had been palpable and electric. It was raw and untamed, not held back. He had wanted to worship her body and that is exactly what he had done the whole night until they had eventually run out of energy. There was something about Aiyana that made him feel so alive. He was a different man altogether.

  Jason reached his floor and turned towards his door but found a man standing there with Aiyana on the other side. He made to move and confront the man, as he was a stranger but Aiyana’s next words stopped Jason.

  “I can’t come back home, yet.” Aiyana told the man.

  Jason hid behind the plants in the corridors, feeling bad for eavesdropping but having no other choice. Could this be his doubt being proven right? Was Aiyana hiding something from him after all?

  “What about your commitment to me?” The man asked her, confrontationally as Jason felt his heart break.

  She was committed to another man already? How could she had led Jason on if this was the case? He turned around and headed downstairs, using the staircase as he didn’t want to make his presence known. He had to get away, he wanted to clear his mind and think. He certainly wasn’t ready to face Aiyana yet. How could she have lied to him? She could’ve told him the truth before they had confessed their feelings or had gotten intimate the way they had.

  Now, Jason felt unsure. He had caused another man to feel the kind of pain Jessica had made him feel. Even if he were to forgive Aiyana, Jason knew he could never forgive himself.

  He had to get out of here and away from Aiyana. He knew that if he met her right now, he would react very angrily, his hurt would cloud his judgement and make things worse for both of them. He didn’t hate her, not for this. Yet, Jason couldn’t really deny the hurt he felt over this lie. He had just felt something was up with the way he had been acting about not going home.

  Jason immediately halted such thoughts, he didn’t want to think of Aiyana is such a bad light. Sure, there was definitely something she was hiding but it didn’t mean Jason had to assume everything before speaking with her.

  He got into his car and drove out of the parking lot, not having a specific location in mind but definitely wanting to get as far away from this area as possible. He didn’t know how Aiyana would react and he didn’t know if she’d even be there when he returned.

  He didn’t like that thought and tried to shut it down. He had fallen in love with her and was not ready to say goodbye.

  Jason kept driving, eventually reaching the same bar where he had met the old bartender before the accident. Why had he come here instead of going anywhere else close to home? Jason didn’t have the answer to that
but he did know talking to the bartender would prove to be helpful right now.

  He parked his car and got out, heading to the bar and went inside. He found the bartender serving drinks, looking ill at ease like he had absolutely no problems in life.

  “Hey pal, what’s the conflict today?” The bartender asked when Jason sat down in front of him.

  “Same ol’ but with a different girl.” Jason shrugged, feeling weird.

  “Beer?” The bartender asked.

  “Only one this time.” Jason said, not wanting another accident on his hands this time.

  “You married?” Jason asked him, wanting to talk if even about small details.

  “Twenty years this month.” The bartender said, taking his wallet out and showing Jason a picture of a woman with beautiful eyes.

  Not as beautiful as Aiyana’s though, Jason thought fondly.

  “Twenty years is a long time.” Jason commented, handing the picture back to the bartender.

  “Not with the right woman.” The bartender told him. “Sure, there’s fights and misunderstandings but you don’t give up on your soul mate cause of that.”

  “Is there even a thing such as a soul mate?” Jason asked, rolling his eyes.

  “I think you know the answer to that.” The bartender winked as Jason’s heart skipped a beat.

  How could he have ignored this for so long?

  It made so much sense.

  Aiyana was his soul mate.

  That was the only reason that explained the gut-wrenching fear Jason had over losing her.

  He paid for his beer and left, he had to go meet her. He knew they would fight, he knew there would be conflict. But he had to see her and talk to her.

  He had to find out the truth, so that he could know if Aiyana was going to pick him or the other man. Because Jason was going to fight for her till the end.

  *** *** ***

  Aiyana stared at Joshua who stood on the other side, holding the letter in his hand and scowling at her.

  Had her mother really done this? Aiyana had been wrong to trust her clearly.

  “What are you doing here?” Were the first words to leave Aiyana’s mouth as she stared at Joshua in shock.

  “I should be asking you that.” Joshua replied.

  Aiyana knew she had to get Joshua out of here before Jason came home, otherwise she would lose everything.

  “I…” Aiyana tried to find the right words to explain her position to him.

  “I read the letter so I know what’s going on. I don’t understand why you’re not coming back home though even now. You don’t owe this person anything to stay for the hospital business.” Joshua said, angrily.

  “I can’t come back home, yet.” Aiyana told him.

  “What about your commitment to me?” Joshua asked her, confrontationally.

  For a second Aiyana thought she saw something move behind the plants but she turned her attention back to Joshua.

  “I am sorry.” Aiyana said, emptily.

  “No, you’re not, you’re giving this man more importance than your clan. The clan that needs you.” Joshua said, making her feel guilty.

  “You don’t understand.” Aiyana said, her own irritation peaking.

  “Well, go on then. Explain it to me.” Joshua said, folding his arms.

  “He’s my, he’s my soul mate.” Aiyana sighed, knowing she couldn’t keep lying anymore. “I know I’m needed back home but something is stopping me here.”

  “He’s your soul mate?” Joshua asked, his expression softening.

  “Yes. I know he’s an outsider and I just don’t know what to do.” Aiyana said, exasperatedly. “The rules clearly state outsiders are not allowed.”

  “No, no rule is more powerful than a soul mate’s kiss.” Joshua said, shaking his head.

  “What?” Aiyana whispered.

  Had she heard Joshua correctly?

  “How do I explain this?” Joshua rolled his eyes. “A soul mate is someone you can’t choose yourself. Hence such a heavy rule does not apply to this specific situation.”

  “So, I can be a part of the pack and also be with Jason?” Aiyana asked, her voice rising in excitement.

  “If he’s okay with you being a werewolf.” Joshua chuckled.

  “I wasn’t planning on telling him.” Aiyana said, knowing she didn’t want this to be the reason behind Jason leaving him.

  “You plan on being with him, without telling him the most important detail about yourself?” Joshua asked, sarcastically. “Do let me know how that works out.”

  “I don’t think any rational human will want to be with someone like me.” Aiyana said, seriously.

  “You need to tell him. And you need to come back. We need you at home. The situation with the thieves is getting out of hand. Only yesterday people shot two wolves thinking they were behind the robberies.” Joshua said, concerned.

  “I know I can make it work without telling him.” Aiyana said, convinced it was the only way to move forward.

  “Whatever you decide, you need to come back tonight. We’re moving in on the thieves. They’re camping out in the woods.” Joshua said to her, determined.

  “I, even if I don’t tell him, I’ll find a way to get there.” Aiyana said, she had been delaying her duties for too long.

  Joshua left her with a lot to think about. She sat down on the sofa, the envelope in front of her waiting for her and Jason to sign it.

  Aiyana knew she had to decide what she wanted to do before Jason came home. She hadn’t even known an outsider being a soul mate was perfectly okay. This changed many things, it meant Aiyana could have both the things she wanted in life without worrying about losing one because of the other.

  She was sort of glad Joshua had shown up here. Otherwise she wouldn’t have ever found out about this rule. She sat and waited for Jason to come home, each minute holding her down.

  In the end, there was only question for her to answer.

  Did she trust their love enough to know he would accept her how she was?

  She knew there was only one way to move forward.

  It was true though, if Jason loved her truly, he would accept her as she was. She hadn’t made an active decision to be a werewolf just as she hadn’t made an active decision to fall in love with him. Both things had happened on their own. She couldn’t give one up because of the other, and now she finally had the chance to keep both. One had accepted the other, now Jason had to be okay with her reality.

  She tried to come up with the best way to break the news to him. She couldn’t really just say she was a werewolf. She could already imagine the eye roll he would bestow her with.

  Aiyana couldn’t believe this was happening at last.

  Her stomach was free falling into a pit of nerves and another emotion that came close to excitement. If everything went alright, she would soon be back home, this time with Jason, her soul mate and her partner. He was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, the man she envisioned a future with.

  She remembered how a few weeks ago, even the thought of falling in love had repulsed her. How she had felt appalled by the entire notion itself. The mere desire had never even existed inside her body. Now each curve, each crevice sang Jason’s name, marking her as is.

  Aiyana inhaled deeply when she heard the key turning in the door knob. Jason was home, it was finally time to tell him the truth.

  Chapter 10:

  Jason entered the living room, he just couldn’t look up and into Aiyana’s eyes. The love he had felt on the way back from the bar had evaporated the moment he had opened the door, the memory of the man conversing with her had washed over Jason, blinding him to all love and reasoning.

  “The papers arrived today.” Aiyana said, smiling at him, he noticed from the corner of his eyes.

  Was she not going to tell him? Even now when the man had shown up at his house?

  “Let’s sign and get this over with.” Jason said, rudely.

  “Is everythi
ng okay?” Aiyana asked, the hurt in her voice making him feel guilty.

  He reminded himself of her lie and how she was the one who should feel guilty not him.

  “Nope, why would anything be wrong?” Jason said, sarcastically.

  “Hmm.” Aiyana said, handing him the envelope.

  He took it, or rather snatched it from her hands before sitting down on the sofa. He took out the papers before taking out the pen from his shirt pocket. He signed the papers, knowing he would regret his anger later. Aiyana stayed silent, signing it after him.

  “I’ll send these to the hospital. I can drop you to a bus station if you like.” Jason really couldn’t control the words escaping his mouth. He was trying his best to stay rational but his mind was just beyond his control now.

  “No need.” Aiyana snapped. “I’ll leave right now.”

  Jason gaped at her as she threw the papers on the floor and walked out, banging the front door behind her. The sound of the door shutting echoed in Jason’s head as he realized what he had just done. He got up and raced out of his apartment but Aiyana was already gone. He saw the door of the stair case closing and ran towards it, hoping to catch her on the stairs.

  Jason had never realized how fast a runner Aiyana could be. The woman had just left the hospital but was already on the first floor while Jason was still on the fifth.

  “Aiyana!” Jason called out, helplessly.

  He at last reached the bottom of the staircase and ran out in to the back garden which led to the forest. He saw Aiyana headed towards the woods, his heart lurching in to his throat as he thought of all the dangerous animals that could hurt her in there.

  “Aiyana, wait!” Jason called out as she halted and turned around to face him with a tearful gaze.

  Even though he was angry with her, he hated himself for making her cry.

  “Why should I listen to a word you say? Clearly anything you said to me was to get me to sleep with you and now that the papers are here everything is done.” Aiyana accused him.