Extra Footing

"No, it's not even ringing. It's still going straight to voicemail," Aubrianne protested as Zayne opened the front passenger door to his Jeep, and she got in.

Zayne went to the driver's side, hopped in, started the vehicle, and they were on their way. A short drive to the field.

He said, "Oh, babe, I know you wanted to tell her about the ceremony. Hopefully, we might have better luck in the morning." Zayne tried to reassure Aubrianne that there was still time, reaching over, taking hold of her hand, and gently squeezing.

Nevertheless, soon they were there. Aubrianne quickly saw the massive transformation from when they passed earlier in the day.

The moon was bright and magnificent tonight, lighting up the sky marvellously and shining down on them. The lighting in the field is beautiful. So many vibrant colors from the Christmas lights placed around the two tents set up twinkled. As if highlighting it.

One tent for drinks and the other for food.

Running lights outlined the music boxes, and there were a lot of those glow-in-the-dark neon-colored sticks to share, so some of the kids were running around the vast space playing and sword fighting with them.

Hammocks hung on surrounding trees, adding to the bonfire ambiance.

Spread around to provide ample seating for everyone were lawn chairs, folding chairs, logs, and even some stumps.

Comfy blankets were set up on a long table by the designated entrance for people to stay warm or even cuddle up on the grass-covered ground.

Trash bags were all over the grounds, even tied to the tents.

The air smelled of hot cocoa, bacon, hot dogs, and lamb on the grill.

Aubrianne's mouth sprang to water as she was hungry. Zayne leaned in and whispered, "Babe, I have a few things I want to check on. Do you want to come with me, or do you want to mingle?"

Aubrianne thought he could handle his stuff while she made her way to the food tent. Plus, they had been inseparable since she got here. "Um, you go on. I will get something to munch on in the meantime for us."

"You sure?" Zayne inquired, gazing down at her. He caressed her cheek, and she leaned into his touch, then closed her eyes, basking in the warmth his touches offer and the saccharine feelings they evoked.

Aubrianne assured him that she was, and she playfully shooed him away. But it seemed like Zayne had problems leaving her side.

"Not before this." He tilted her chin up and kissed her tenderly, not caring who was around to witness it. Releasing her, he gazed into her eyes for a few more seconds before heading towards the main entrance, where Rafael was.

When Aubrianne looked around, she immediately saw Kirrah and Shawn waving her over, and she pointed to the food tent where she was heading.

Shawn left to meet Zayne, and Kirrah followed Aubrianne to the food tent.

However, before Aubrianne could reach the food tent, she got a glimpse of someone standing off to the side, away from the bustling crowd. What caught her eye was the glint of the crotches, and Aubrianne diverted.

On seeing Aubrianne change course, Kirrah looked at where she was heading and stopped in her tracks. She knew this was a tricky and private situation.

They had suspected something when they arrived, and Zayne had confirmed it: Jada was Mekhi's mate, and Jada was not here. Even though she and Ivan had been trying to hide, Kirrah saw Ivan's behavior the night of the ball.

She did not know the details, but from Shawn and Aubrianne's responses, she could tell Jada was with Ivan. As such, she felt it for Mekhi and what he must be going through.

It is one thing to suspect it, but something completely different to know for sure, and knowing your mate is currently with someone else as they spoke could not be easy for Mekhi to wrap his mind around.

Kirrah opted to move closer to the food tent and wait, giving them space.

On seeing Aubrianne approach, Mekhi said, "Luna." He dipped his head in respect.

Aubrianne walked straight up to Mekhi and engulfed him in a hug, snaking her hands inside of his crotches to get to his waist. She held him tightly and rested her head on his chest. "Hey, Mekhi." Her tone was laden with sympathy.

She offered him comfort and took away some of his turmoil. Aubrianne wanted to ease his agony.

The sorrow and anguish emanating from Mekhi were intense. No wonder he was missing in action.

Aubrianne began to stroke his back, and she took it away just so that he could breathe. Then she let him go, stepped back, and observed him.

Mekhi's features were those of confusion.

He could breathe, and the ache in his mind and body was a slight hum right now. Even though the knowledge was tormenting, he felt a bit better. It was not consuming him anymore.

Mekhi was thankful because he did not know if he could survive more of this pain. "Thank you, Luna." That was all he said.

Aubrianne eyed him, debating whether or not she should say anything, but surely Mekhi would want to know, so she proceeded to give an update. It was the least she could do. "In case you were wondering, I haven't gotten on to her yet."

And suddenly, it was like Aubrianne never took the hurt away as a fresh round attacked him. He almost lost his balance. Thankfully, he had extra footing in the pair of crotches.

What kept Mekhi steady was believing Aubrianne might have spoken to her already, she would be on her way soon, and he would get to see her.

He even imagined her walking into the bonfire, which is why he made an effort in his sulky mood to come down, freshly shaven and cute.

And even had she appeared, Mekhi did not know what he would do, but at least she would have been there and no longer in ‘that WOLF’s’ arms.

Mekhi had hoped, Goddess, he prayed, that his mate would appear tonight. Only to now find out she still did not even know, which meant she was still with "HIM" doing Goddess knows what.

He could not do this anymore. Mekhi could no longer stand there while his heart was being ripped to pieces. Send it through the grinder.

Mekhi lowered his head and squeezed his eyes shut, as if trying to shut out the vision playing in his mind’s eyes.

They went on a trip together to enjoy some time alone. Surely they were not braiding each other's hair and doing each other's nails.

The images broke him mentally. Mekhi mustered up the last bit of energy as he was totally spent: "Thank you, Luna...for the update."

His voice was strained with emotion and a bit shaky, and his head hung low, utterly defeated. "Do have a good night. I will retire to my room for the evening." Mekhi informed Aubrianne, turned, hopped back to the community house, and went up to his room.

Where he spent the rest of the night playing reels of torturous images of his mate in someone else's arms, further plummeting into the rabbit hole of feelings of hurt and loss.

Mekhi laid on his bed, hand behind his head, one foot up, and bent at the knee while his right leg lay flat.

His wolf felt rejected, but he knew he was being irrational in his thinking. His mate was innocent in all this. It is not like she was cheating, but he could not stop feeling as if she was.

Mekhi struggled with comparisons and any type of fair and rational thought. He quickly became angry. Tears threatened, but he would not dare.

And soon, Mekhi chose to channel his hurt and pain into anger, which was better than drowning in the abyss of his broken heart and tormented soul.

By Tuesday morning, Mekhi was not sure he could even look at his mate if he ever saw her.

Nevertheless, when Mekhi turned his back on Aubrianne, she sensed his pain and wondered if it was wise that she told him. Of course it was. Surely he would have been curious. Who wouldn't?

Nonetheless, Aubrianne could not help but reach for her phone again to try and call Jada one more time for the night, but she did not have her phone.

She had slipped it into Zayne's back pocket because she did not walk with any handbags or pouches.

On realizing this, Aubrianne decided to try again in the morning. Hopefully, she will have better news for Mekhi.