As time passed, the date of my mother's wedding to Mr Walter grew closer. Preparations were underway, and invitation cards had been mailed to friends, family, and acquaintances. My mother became increasingly ecstatic as she realized she was on the verge of accomplishing her dream of marrying again. I expressed my excitement for her, but within me was a bundle of nerves and worries. Derek and I kept our mate bond private from them. We didn't want to ruin their happy moments, so we chose to conceal the truth from them.
One Saturday afternoon, some of my mother's old friends came to visit. I could see them admiring me and eyeing me as I served them some snacks for lunch. I smiled warmly at them, feeling a little nervous from their awkward looks. They were three in total, one of whom I knew was a coworker from my mother's workplace. Her name was Mrs. Daphne Velazquez. She is Mexican, and Theodore, her son, is a friend of mine.
When Derek showed up, I saw them widening their eyes as they shifted a gaze at him. He was in a black jacket and leather pants, looking so hot and stunning. I wouldn't deny that I saw them drool as they kept their gaze fixed on him. Derek has always been the center of attraction, so I'm not surprised. I'm blessed and lucky to have him as a mate, but I always feel awful because I know we'll be step-siblings. The decision to keep our mate bond a secret kept me constantly anxious because I feared what would happen once the truth was finally disclosed. Sometimes, I feel uncomfortable about the opinion I made but I didn't want to lose Derek either. When I think back to my parents and how we want them to remain together without informing them of our bond, I feel glad to have kept it a secret from them.
"Who is this handsome Greek god right here? Is he your stepson?" Mrs Kate, one with black bob hair, asked with her gaze still on Derek. My mother smiled as she approached her, holding a tray of cookies. She tucked her hair into a bun and approached Derek, laying her hands on his shoulders.
"Meet Derek Walton. And yes, he's my step son. The son of my fiancé, Mr Marcel,'' My mom introduced while Derek flashed them a warm smile.
"Nice to meet you." Derek responded, a slight smile tugging his lips as their gaze fixed on him. He bit his bottom lips, and I'm sure he's not comfortable with their stares.
"Isn't he so lovely?," I heard that comment from one of them. She fluttered her lashes and clasped her hands together, studying every inch of Derek's features. Derek, who was becoming uncomfortable in their presence, decided to excuse himself. He slid his fingers into his long dark hair and stepped outside, most likely to get out of their sight.
I noticed my mother's friends laughing, conversing, and whispering between themselves. I knew they were talking about Derek and how attractive he was.
I walked into my room after becoming bored and sat in front of the mirror, looking at Derek's mark on my neck. When I saw how gorgeous it was, a sweet brilliant smile appeared on my lips. Derek finally claimed me, and I am ready to accept him regardless of our relationship status. When I thought of our intimate moments yesterday, I couldn't help but blush. How he buried his canniness in me, how he marked me, and how I whimpered in reaction to his touches. All of those thoughts occupied my mind, taking me into a different realm entirely and I wished and craved to be with him once again.
"Gotcha!" When I heard Derek's voice outside, I sprang up immediately, eager to see him. I stepped closer to the window, standing on my toes and bending forward to get a better look at him.
He was cheerfully playing with his dog, and I watched as he crouched in front of it, caressing it softly. I sighed softly, wishing I was the dog at that moment. The door opened, jolting me out of my daydream, and I turned to see who it was.
"So sorry for not knocking,"My mother apologized, and I nodded before closing my curtain, not wanting her to know I'd been staring at Derek.
Smiling, I took slow steps towards her, my brows raising as I anticipated what she wanted to say to me.
"My friends are leaving and I'll be escorting them right now. I might return home late because I have to get some items at my workplace. I promise to return home early today. Mr Walter has an appointment this noon as well. If you don't feel like staying at home, you can visit Phoebe at her house together with Derek. I think she'd be pleased to see you both,"
My mom suggested and I nodded, seeing that it was a good idea. It will be great to spend the Saturday with my best friend but bringing Derek along might seem weird. Since Bonnie is aware of our secret as mates then I guess it shouldn't be a bad idea showing up at her place after all.
My mom's eyes narrowed and I traced her gaze Which settled on the red scarf around my neck.
"Why do you have that scarf on your neck, Isabel?" My mom asked as she noticed I haven't worn it before. When she took a step towards me, I moved backwards a little, not wanting her to take it off from my neck. I wore the scarf to hide the mark Derek made on me. I don't want her to know that I've been marked by my mate. She will be so curious to know who he is. She would also be sad because I didn't inform her about it.
"It's nothing, Mom. I'm only trying to see if it suits my dress. You know how I love to try new things everyday."
I mumbled and she shrugged before cringing her brows. "I was surprised to see you wearing it because you once told me scarfs weren't your thing."
"That was then." I assured her with a faint smile, caressing my blonde hair and letting it fall around my neck. My heart raced faster as she stared at me for some moments, probably suspecting that I was acting strange.
"I'll be leaving now, Isabel. I'll call you anytime do please, pick your calls,"
"I will. Bye,"
I said lastly before closing the door after her. Exhaling deeply, I slipped my fingers into my hair and widened my eyes along. That was so close …
For how longer will I keep hiding the mark from her?