Melody
"Because Derek is my second chance mate."
Now, that's amazing. I mean, is she for real?
Did Estrella just say that Derek is her mate? Is that even possible?
I know that I sound silly right now, but I couldn't help feeling that way. It seems surreal. How can Derek be Estrella's second chance Mate?
They've only just met. How could they be mated?
Besides, if Derek is her mate why didn't he say anything? Why did he look surprised when she said that?
I didn't know what to say. Everyone was surprised. No one spoke and all eyes fell on Derek.
He was equally surprised. He looked like he was hearing this for the first time. Is he probably not aware of this?
Now, I'm confused.
I didn't know what to believe anymore.
I stood and watched the scene unfold. Giovanni who was about to ask a question earlier stopped, he couldn't ask any more questions. His mouth hung open as he stared from Estrella to Derek.
His little brain probably couldn't understand all that was happening.
"Derek is my mate," Estrella repeated as if to help us understand. "Even though he keeps denying our bond, I know that we're mated."
Now, that's something.
So, Derek knew all along that Estrella was his mate? Why did he pretend?
"Is Derek your mate?" Dorian asked.
I couldn't tell what emotions were displayed on his face. Was he happy or sad?
"Yes," Estrella replied with certainty. There was no doubt in her tone.
"Did you feel the bond before you arrived here or upon your arrival in Dark Flame?" Dorian inquired.
The question was directed to Estrella who was more than happy to explain.
"I felt it long before we even came here. But since Derek wanted to play dumb about it, I chose to let him."
Her expression was sad as she explained to Dorian and for some reason, I felt a tug in my heart.
Dorian shook his head and looked at Derek, his eyes filled with disgust and anger. "He is Derek after all. Always so selfish."
No one knew if Derek knew about the bond beforehand. No one knew if he was aware but chose to pretend.
"If I'm selfish, then tell me what you are." Derek snorted.
He didn't respond to all that was being said before but he probably couldn't stand Dorian calling him selfish.
"Of course, Derek. The whole universe knows that you are selfish and self-centred just like your father."
"Don't you dare bring my father into this?" Derek snarled.
His eyes glowed with rage just like Giovanni's does when he's pissed.
"I will drag your good-for-nothing father into this. It's what he deserves for being a crap and for raising a shit like you!"
Oh No!
These two just start off anywhere and at any time.
They didn't even remember that we had a child amongst us. I looked at Giovanni and he was looking at Derek with anger. He was pissed and I think he is mad at Derek because he is arguing with Dorian.
I need to make him understand that sometimes adults have to yell and argue with each other to get their points across.
"No. You didn't just call me shit!" Derek moved to attack Dorian but I stood in between, stopping him from moving.
"Stop it you two!" I yelled and closed my eyes. However, when I opened my eyes again both men were far away from each other.
Each of them sitting on their butt. Their backs are pinned to the wall.
I couldn't hold myself from chuckling as I saw them both. I was about to ask what happened and how they got there but the look on everyone's face gave me the answer.
"I can't stand him!" They both said in unison.
Well, they didn't have to scream it out loud. It's obvious from how they pounce on each other at the first chance they get.
"Calm down you two." I waved.
Both men glared at each other as they dusted the dirt off their bodies.
"Let's settle this once and for all," I muttered, locking my eyes on them. I turned to the others in the room and motioned for everyone to take their seats. "Don't you all agree."
"I totally agree," Malcolm nodded.
He didn't seem to like all that was happening but didn't try to stop it either. He just stood neutral on the sidelines, but I'm sure that he will jump in if he notices that Derek is in danger.
Malcolm protects the King so much that I sometimes wonder if it's just about his duties as the king's guardian or if there's something more.
"I don't know what's happening, but I think this should be settled," Estrella added.
"Good. So, now let's talk."
Dorian sat reluctantly. His eyes were fixed on Derek as he sat down. Derek took his seat simultaneously. Giovanni mounted himself on Dorian's lap.
This was talk for grownups but I know that the young man won't leave no matter what. And since this is related to them, then it's okay if he stays.
"Dorian, Malcolm," I began by mentioning the two most important men in my life. "I know that Derek has committed a lot of atrocities towards me. He's been a terrible friend and the worst human, but I believe that everyone deserves a second chance and that's what I want to give to him."
Malcolm nodded in understanding but Dorian grumbled.
I know that I can't be with Derek anymore because I'm in love with Dorian and he is my mate, but....."
"But I'm your mate too and you used to love me," Derek interrupted.
His face was covered in dejection. He looked like a child whose favourite snack had been snatched from him.
"Look Derek," I began, making sure that he was looking straight at me. "Whatever we had was in the past and whatever feelings I had for you, are all gone, but whatever I'm doing now is a compromise. One that is necessary for the sake of our kids."
Our kids.
Really. Did I just say that?
It kind of sounds weird saying that Giovanni and Aaron are my kids with Derek but it is what it is and no matter how hard I deny it. The truth cannot be changed.
"I want....."
Before Derek could say whatever he was about to say, Estrella stood up and turned to me. "You are Derek's mate too?" She frowned.
Her face showed how confused she was. She pointed at Giovanni. "That kid is Derek's?"