_ Hated by my mate

The first person was called in for questioning and then, the other and the other.

"I'll go in with you when it's your turn." Kylo took my hand and squeezed it assuringly, mistaking my tension for nervousness.

As the names were called and people went in and out, it seemed like a countdown clock to my meeting with fate. I and Kylo had promised never to hide anything from ourselves but how possible could it be for me to tell him that his Dad was my mate?

Finally, "Ms. Garcia, you're next." The soldier called and my pulse quickened.

Kylo didn't leave my hand. "We'll do this together." He said in a promising tone and I nodded.

Together, we approached the door but were intercepted by a soldier. "Sorry, sir, but it's one person at a time," the soldier explained.

My jaw slacked. I had seen two people walk in in pairs. First were the old couple and the twins.

Kylo was visibly frustrated as he argued, "But others went in together! Why the sudden change?"

Now, I had no idea why Gamma Rhett wanted me to come in alone. Could he be requesting to see me alone because he wanted to warn me off of Kylo or because of the bond?

It felt strange mentioning the bond.

The soldier stood firm, "Orders from higher up. It's one at a time now."

I gently touched Kylo's arm, signaling him to comply. "It's okay, Kylo. Let me handle this alone. I will be fine," I reassured him.

"Babe, are you sure?" Kylo was reluctant as his forehead puckered.

I tapped his hand while rapidly blinking, hoping he wouldn't glimpse how unsure I was. "Sure, babe. Sure."

Reluctantly, Kylo nodded. His concern was evident in his eyes. Poor Kylo – he had no idea. I took a deep breath and followed the soldier toward the interrogation room.

As we walked down to the room and finally reached the heavy door, the soldier knocked for me.

Gamma Rhett's deep voice resounded. "Come in."

Taking a deep, fortifying breath, I pushed open the door and stepped into the lion's den. I knew something was up the moment the soldier didn't go in with me. Gamma Rhett was sitting alone behind that table, his eyes boring into me.

My Wolf began to pace, stirring back to life as it picked on his incense smell. It was such a distinct kind of smell that would surely bring his face to me every time I burned an incense.

Excitement surged through my Wolf as it began a series of joyful dances within me, urging me to go claim what was mine. My Wolf longed for Gamma Rhett in a very much scary way.

Was he not even in the least bit shaken by this revelation? I could barely breathe now because of it. Gamma Rhett, what was he?

"Ms. Garcia, please sit," Gamma Rhett's voice rumbled and gestured to a chair across from him.

The room was suddenly shrinking to hold only

us - or was it just me being paranoid? I obeyed and sat, my every nerve on high alert. I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eyes, and thus, I settled my gaze on that desk, noting how clean and well-trimmed his fingernails were.

The room was silent for a moment before Gamma Rhett spoke. "You were a witness to the incident at the restaurant. Tell me everything you saw."

Of course, what was I thinking? That he'd speak about the mate bond?

He probably thought of it as a polluted thing sent down to curse a rift between him and his son.

"Erm — I…" I began to stutter, hating myself for my lack of strength at this time when I should be strong.

This was my boyfriend's dad - I needed to try to impress him. "Good morning, Gamma Rhett. It's a pleasure to meet you." I decided to exchange pleasantries with him at least.

"Recount what you saw." He stated more firmly this time and my skin turned red with embarrassment.

Oh lord, if the ground doesn't open up and swallow me this time, I'd die of shame. One thing was clear; Gamma Rhett didn't like me at all.

I went ahead to narrate the attack according to my own point of view. Gamma Rhett would scribble some points and return his firm gaze to me after. Each time my gaze met with his, I'd shrink and pinch myself hard.

Finally, when I was done. "We are glad for your service to save the life of a member of the pack. However, next time, rush to get help instead of risking your life."

I had no idea why my Wolf suddenly felt better because that sounded like he was particularly worried about me.

However, that feeling was short-lived when I stood up to leave and Gamma Rhett stopped me. "I'm not done with you just yet."

I swallowed a lump down my throat. I knew it. I sat and gripped the armchair, my knuckles turning white. I couldn't say a word, so I stared at the badge on his jacket.

Gamma Rhett's gaze sharpened into steel as he leaned back in his chair. "Are you a worshipper, Ms. Garcia?" His voice echoed.

I swallowed as the weight of his question pressed down on me. "I..." I faltered as the words snagged in my throat. "Am both — in a way."

It wasn't a lie, just an incomplete truth.

I wasn't a devoter but that didn't mean I didn't have my beliefs on the traditions. I just didn't subscribe to all of them. Both my parents had instilled in me a reverence for the moon goddess and the pack's traditions, but their tragic demise had left my education incomplete.

Gamma Rhett scoffed. It was a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Both," he repeated, disdain dripping in the word. "A convenient answer for someone who hasn't bothered to delve deeper." His eyes flashed with something I couldn't decipher, a mix of disappointment and something — else.

Heat stung my cheeks at how casually he had handled my response and the judgemental countenance he wore now. He didn't know my story, hence, he had no rights to judge me. My parents' absence was not something she deserved to be mocked for.

"My parents died when I was young," I said. "Which of course, isn't news since they are the famous traitors. I didn't have much guidance."

My Wolf didn't like the tone at which I spoke to him. I didn't think he liked it either. I did not think he liked me. My mate hated me.

{A/N}

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