Claiming His Tempting Mate novel Chapter 17

Savannah's POV

Our journey stopped once the entrance of the Tiwan Forest came into view. The place was all green. But the entrance was beautifully designed with Emerald Green Arborvitae trees on each side like fences. At the end of the fences there was a pergola entrance way. The pergola was made of wood with some plants already growing on it. Though it looks simple, it's beautiful.

"We need to enter by walking in there, " Devak said once he stopped the engine. We got down from the car then pulled our bags out. We can see there's also a few cars who just arrived.

"Wow, the entrance looks good" Shiny roamed her eyes around as she exclaimed excitedly.

"Truly" I nodded in agreement. This place looks scheduled but it's peaceful, matching my liking.

"Let's go" Devak said as he walked forward pulling Tanea with him. His one hand was holding the bag pack while the other one was holding Tanea's wrist. We followed him into the Tiwan Forest.

I almost thought that Tiwan Forest was just a Jungle thing but after seeing the place myself I finally came to the conclusion that no, it's not just a forest part but it has a large free space where many tents are already built for guests. When we reached inside a middle aged man walked towards us. He had a long beard and was wearing clothes like a monk. But I hardly believe he has any dealings with saints.

"Great to see you, Devak Lang," he said in a welcoming tone.

"It's long time Liang" Devak replied nodding lightly.

"These years the event time is earlier than usual. I hope it didn't create any problem"

"Of course not" Devak shook his head "we are kind of more excited about it"

That man called Liang laughed, "glad to hear that. Your team is quite-" his gaze fell on me "she is?"

Devak side glanced at me "she is my sister Savannah"

"Oh, good, welcome to the Tiwan Forest. Your tent has been set on the North side" Liang pointed towards the white tent at the corner.

"Thank you" then we left Liang and headed towards our tent.

I looked around and found the tents are all different. I frowned, having never seen such arrangements before. "Why are there so many colourful tents?"

"Those colours represents which pack you belong" Tanea replied "Our pack is Snow Moon so they set up the white for us"

"And about that black?" I asked, gesturing towards the side.

Tanea smirked, "you don't know?"

I shook my head "of course not"

"That's.... For Dark Forest Pack" she laughed. I pursed my lips as I looked at her. What a shame that I don't know what colour my mate's pack represents. If she hadn't said it out then I wouldn't have known it either.

"Why so dark?" I asked again.

She shrugged "who knows? It would be better if you ask Hardwick yourself" she smirked.

"What happened?" Devak decided to join our conversation.

"Nothing, I am going to my tent" I said leaving the couple there and headed towards my tent. The tent was not too big but it was not considered as small either. It's just fine enough for two people living inside. With a small bed, a cloth hanging stand and small table and chair at the corner. I dropped my bed on the ground then fell on my back on the bed. The two hour journey was quite tiring.

"Aw...what are you doing you pervert?" Tanea's laugh fell in my ear and I shook my head rolling my eyes. But suddenly, their voice made my heart feel disdain.

I couldn't meet with him before leaving the pack. It saddened me so much that I felt like crying. I never thought his few days together would make me miss him so damn much. Tanea said he doesn't attend this kind of event. I wonder if he will come for me. Feeling bored I decided to walk out and stroll around the area. Maybe it will help me a little.

When I was out I saw Shiny looking here and there. This girl is just a year younger than me but she is too stubborn and curious.

"Bored?" I asked as I walked closer to her.

"Kind of" she flashed a grin to me "I like this area. I am glad this is not a kind of boring place to deal with"

I laughed "it's a hunting event. Of course it couldn't be something that bores or the other pack won't be here to compete either"

"True that-" before she could finish another voice interrupted in the middle.

"Oh, look who is here" then a laughter followed the statement.

It didn't take much time to recognise the tone. I turned to look at the person and my gaze collided with familiar faces.

"Isn't it the little princess of Snow Moon Pack? I didn't expect you to be here" Tina's mocking gaze fell on us as she looked at Shiny then to me.

"Tina, what are you doing?" Reese tugged her hand almost glaring at her direction. But Tina didn't give any heed to her.

"What happened Shyla- oops my bad, I forgot your name. Isn't it Savannah?" She laughed out like she cracked the funniest joke in the world.

My gaze fell on her face then the corner of my lips twitched "looks like you haven't learnt your lesson last time even though the traces are still there"

Tina's body stilled as her eyes widened. She thought the marks on her cheek could be hidden with a layer of makeup. But too bad her imagination didn't meet reality as she expected.

"Do you want me to give you another one so that you will remember it properly?" I smirked, tilting my head and looking at her with provoking eyes.

I can clearly see her clenching her fist and throwing a hard glare. But as if I care about her glare. I rolled my eyes and was about to walk away from them when I felt a tug on my arm.

"Savannah, are you still angry at me? I know what happened between us is my fault too. I should have told you about Avan and me being in love with each other. But you also know we had problems back then. But I never wanted to hurt you like that" Reese said with a choking tone.

If it was the past I would have fallen into her fake concern and drama. But that girl who used to be toyed with by others has long gone. I turned around and removed her hand from my arm. Her face was somehow pale as she looked at me with a sad face. I shook my head inwardly. She is such a perfect actress that I could ever give any credit for. How come I was never able to find this before and let her control me. I was so dumb.

"Are you done? If you are here to give your so-called explanation then you can quit it because I am not interested in your drama and would like to have some peace of mind" I sneered at her.

"Savannah, please don't say that. After all, we have been sisters for years" Reese's voice pleaded. I frowned at her. According to her personality, she is not the kind of a person who will beg like this. But now she is something strange. Before I could reply I heard another voice.

"Savannah, can you be a little kind while talking to others?" My heart jumped when I heard the voice. I clenched my fist and looked at Tease who had her head lowered but I could clearly see the corner of her lips being lifted. Fuck it. She did it intentionally. She just couldn't wait to make me feel like I am on the wrong side.

I swiftly turned around and looked at the man who was my mate once. Avan was standing there with an arrogant expression while his hands were shoved inside his pants pocket. His gaze was sharp like trying to pierce into my soul. My heart clenched tightly and the memories of betrayal rushed in my mind.

~ This bastard. Even after betraying he still got the nerves to stand like this?~ Red growled inside. ~Just looking at him makes my blood boil till it burns me to no end~

My lips hooked up forming a smirk. I was hurt enough and now I am not letting him ruin my mind nor my heart. I will show him what he was missing all these years.

"Oh, Alpha Avan, glad to see you here too," I said in a mocking tone.

Avan frowned "Reese is your sister, you should be little kind to her"

I raised my eyebrows "I think Alpha Avan is misunderstanding here. I don't have any relation with this woman behind me. So please it will be better if everyone refrain themselves from plastering a forced relationship on my back"

"You have become more arrogant" he replied. "You even feigning"

I laughed "as if you know me so well Alpha Avan" I stepped closer as my face became serious "I should thank you for teaching me a great lesson of my life. I have learnt a lot from it"

His gaze moved and it clouded with something like guilt? But I have no feelings for him. Everything I had for him was crushed into pieces by him and now what I feel is regret. Regret of not knowing his true face, regret for not understanding his intention and regret for wasting my time in devoting myself for such a person like him.

"Sava-"

"Stay away from her" a loud growl echoed in the air. I turned my head to see my brother marching towards us. His eyes were red as he glared at Avan. Once he was near us he tugged my wrist and pulled me behind him.

"You better stay away from her if you know what's good for you Avan" Devak growled.

"She is my mate," Avan snapped back with a growl. His mate? I sneered inside. Looks like he is imagining things now, living under a fantasy where anything could happen as per his wish.

"She is not your fucking mate" Devak retorted back "if you forgot, she REJECTED you" Devak traced the word rejected with a force.

Few people around the area looked at us. Avan clenched his jaw as he glared at Devak. Reese walked to her and held his arm "Avan we should leave" she said in her coaxing tone.

Avan looked around before fixing his gaze on us again "This is not an end" he said before removing Reese's hand and striding away from us. Reese looked at him as she bit her lips but followed him anyway. My gaze fell on Tina who was glaring at me. I raised my eyebrows at her, making her clench her fist and running away.

Devak turned to me "are you alright?"

"I am fine," I nodded.

"Don't go near them next time. The whole pack of Bright Shine is totally profligate" he cursed. I pursed my lips refraining myself to utter any words. Devak is totally a devil when it comes to cursing. But what he said is rather true.

Profligate, isn't it?

The sun set down and it's already dark. Liang came to us with dinner and told us to sleep early. The foods they prepared are all plain. Most of them are vegetarian dishes. What mom said was right, these dishes will never give anyone any appetite. If anyone has any appetite then after tasting the foods it will run miles away.

"Do they always eat such plain dishes?" I stared at the dish spread on the table.

"The old tribes are not fond of meat I guess" Tanea chuckled.

"Is this even a soup?" Shiny rolled her eyes as she looked at the bowl "even the cleaner in the pack eats Bistec Encebollado and enjoys the flavours"

We laughed at her words. When it comes to food, Shiny is picky enough to give others a headache.

"You are the one who was excited to be here. Now enjoy your consequences" Jion smirked at her.

"Fuck you" Shiny cursed glaring at him. Jion raised his eyebrows in a teasing manner making her more angry. She huffed and turned her head to the other side.

Devak coughed a little trying not to laugh hard "these foods are getting colder. It will be better not to waste time. Since we don't really have any choice, it's better to eat instead of staying starve"

I filled my plate with fried rice and salad then adding the soup "I am going for it" I shrugged and started to eat. Even though the food is plain, the taste is not that bad which is considered lucky enough. Shiny threw tantrums at first but she couldn't handle her growling stomach and started to follow our lead and finally ate her food. The dinner was served in Devak's tent so after finishing I bid my good night to them before walking out of the tent. I was about to get inside my tent when a hand clasped on my mouth and dragged me away.

I struggled in the hold but the person behind me was quite strong. Once we were away from the tent area the person turned me around and pressed my back on the tree. His hand was still on my mouth and the other hand held my wrist in a tight grip.

"What the hell do you want?" I yelled when he removed his hand.

"Shh.... You are too loud, " he said in a cold tone. Loud? He fucking had the gut to pull such stunt on me.

"What do you want, Avan?" I glared at him. Even if it was dark I can clearly identify the person in front of me.

"You don't know what I want?" He leaned a little "you, it is you that I want. You ran away from me. I knew you were angry but why do you have to leave like that? You are my mate" he growled slowly.

I felt anger rising inside me "mate?" I laughed "did you ever care for your mate?" I gritted my teeth.

"You know I cared for you. You can't judge me in that way"

"Yes, you cared for your mate that's why you went forward fucking Reese and claimed to be in love with her. Now what happened? Isn't Reese satisfying you enough?"

"She is your sister. I admit I liked her-"

"No, you don't like her, you love her and went to cheat behind my back with her" I hissed at him. I tried to free my hand from his clutch but failed. Even though I am strong enough, the Alpha blood is different. Alpha's are naturally stronger than other wolves.

"It was just a sex. Why do you have to make a big issue out of it?" He growled again. "but you are my mate. Our bonding is different and you know it. We could have been living happily if you didn't run away that night. I could have explained everything to you. If you just listen-"

"Explain?" I cut him off before he could finish. Can this man be more brazen than this? I felt disgust pulled in my chest. He is still trying to make himself reasonable. Ever after all those fucking stunt he pulled on me?

"Do you still have your sanity? Even after cheating behind my back and fucking Reese making me look like a fool you still have the gut to give a fucking explanation?" I gritted my teeth till it hurts.

How could I even fall for such a person? To be shameless to this extent. Was I too blind to see the truth?

"Avan Lowe, you are such an immodest person I have ever encountered in my life" using all my strength I pushed him away. I was about to walk away when he held my wrist in a tight grip.

Turning around and I glared at him "let.me.go" I forced every word.

"You ran away from me before and now I will never let you do that again. Whether you like it or not, you are mine" he said using his cold tone. Has this man gone crazy or something? I clenched my fist.

"I said Let. Me. G-"

"Get your fucking claws away from HER" my heart jumped in shocked when a roar erupted behind me. My heart beat raced when the familiar patchouli scent filled my nostrils.

He is here?