10: To Reject My Mate

Calhoun's POV

"I caught her trying to sneak out," I tell Natalie, something which isn't a lie.

"Why'd you even want to do that?" Her face transforms into confusion as she leaves the stairs and meets with us.

"It's just…I don't feel welcomed here." Kristen thins her lips and fiddles with her small, delicate hands. Hands that she had run through my bare back under the rain last night.

"But I thought we've gotten past this already," Natalie tucks her daughter's hair behind her ear and touches her cheek, "My poor baby is now a woman. I can recall when you always teared up when I left you in someone's care. Now you're all grown up, cannot wait to get away from me."

"It's not like that, Mother," Kristen ensures she's avoiding my gaze as she tries to defend herself.

"You have three weeks until you're returning to school for your final semester. I want you to stay, so you can bond with Calhoun and me." Natalie clasp Kristen's hands in hers.

And I just clench my jaw.

If only she knows how I ca