After the party I head to my room for the night feeling drained.

I turn the corner of the hallway and come to see Pierson leaning against my door waiting for me.

I think about turning around, but he instantly looks up as if sensing my presence right away.

I just want to go to bed and to do that there's no other way than going the way he seems to be blocking.

"Hey," he greets me.

"What is it Pierson?" I say tiredly skipping the pleasentries. He must want something.

He searches my face almost as if he's trying to look for some sort of answer. His green eyes are boring into mine and it's making me feel slightly on edge. I shift my weight from one foot to the other.

"Do you really believe there's nothing here for you?" He finally says.

His question catches me by surprise. I don't understand it. Wait, is that why he stormed off the way he did? Was he mad that I didn't think he was a good enough reason to stay here for? What does he expect we're not even together?

"Why does it matter to you?" I question him.

He runs his hand through his hair making the already messy locks even more rumpled.

"Because you're my mate Elena. Why wouldn't it matter to me?" His voice indicating that it's the most obvious answer in the world. We're not even mated!

Soon my tiredness is wiped away by his statement and my adrenaline is pumping.

I have so many things to say to him. I don't know if it's the alcohol or him acting like he didn't walk out on me, but all the feelings I hid deep deep inside for so many years come back up in a flash.

"It didn't seem to matter to you six years ago. It also didn't seem to matter an hour ago when you brought that girl here showcasing her on your arm!"

He's taken back by sudden outburst and looks at me like I've lost my mind.

"I was not showcasing her on my arm. She's just a friend," he scoffs.

"It sure didn't look that way, but it's whatever it doesn't matter." I try pushing him out of the way trying to get through to my door, but he doesn't budge.

I try again, but it's useless. His stupid large torso, with his stupid large biceps, with his stupid large legs can't be moved.

I face away from him like a petulant child with my arms crossed over my chest glaring at the wall in front of me.

"Are you jealous?" He asks.

My head turns so quickly I'm surprised I don't get whiplash.

"I am not jealous," I say through gritted teeth.

His eyes light up and he crosses his strong arms over his broad chest mimicking me.

"You are," he says matter of factly. He's so infuriating.

"I already told you before not to tell me what I feel." I give him the most deadliest look I can muster up.

He holds both his hands up in a surrender position.

"Ok. I'm sorry," he says.

I look at his face trying to see if his apology is sincere. There's no sign of joking or anything of that sort.

"And it truly does matter to me. Despite what you may think I do care about you. I always have," he states.

I scoff. "You sure have a funny way of showing it."

His eyebrows scrunch together at my words. "What is that supposed to mean?" he questions.

I really don't want to have this conversation right now. It's late, I'm tipsy, and I feel like I've said more than I should have at this point.

"Pierson I just want to go to bed. Can't we talk about this another time?"

"No. We're gonna talk about this now. You've said more to me then you have said since you've been here." He replies giving me a determined look. Ugh, I'm never going to get to my bed.

"Fine. What do you want to talk about Pierson?" I raise my voice.

"Do you want to talk about how much you supposedly care for me? If you care about me like you say you do, how come you chose Rachel over me? How come you never came after me until now? Is it because of Noah? Now you feel possesive and feel like you have some claim over me because somebody else wants me?"

My words crack at the end. My chest is rising and falling rapidly and my face is probably flushed. I want to hate this man in front of me. I really do, but its like the bond won't allow me too. He's caused me so much pain.

He looks at me like I just slapped him in the face. I don't care. He actually does deserve a physical slap to the face. His arm raises and he reaches for my hand, but I pull it away. I don't want him to touch me. His eyes are showing so much emotion right now, hurt, guilt, and regret.

"I never wanted to choose Rachel over you. You were always the one for me," he says his voice steady and clear. "Let me explain. Please? I just want to explain it all to you. I never wanted to hurt you ever. I just wanted to protect you," he goes on.

What? Protect me? Wanted me?!?! The anger fades and is replaced with confusion.

He looks at me waiting for my answer. His face pleading with me. My mind is swirling with emotions. What he said doesn't make any sense, but I know I need answers. I can't keep doing this with him it's exhausting. I need to know.

"Ok."

"Ok?" He repeats. I nod my head.

"Where would you like to talk? My room or yours?"

"Mine."

I open the door and walk in expecting him to follow. I take a seat on my bed and he follows suit. He leaves a good amount of space between us for which I'm grateful.

He turns towards me and I take a deep breath. Here we go.

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Hey guys I might not post a chapter next week. I have like 10 assignments due, so I just wanted to let you know. I'm gonna try my best since I left you on a cliffhanger, but it seems unlikely. Thank you all for your support. And now👇😍