Chapter 175: It Was Good She Knew

I returned to the inn where our group settled in. As I went inside the dining hall where everyone was, I looked around. Edge wasn't here. 

"Bowie, have you seen Edge?" I asked, dragging the chair across from Bowie's seat. He looked up at me with a confused expression. 

"Wasn't he with you?" he inquired, raising a brow while holding the spoon in front of his mouth. "He told me he will fetch you because we had a bit of a problem settling in with everyone."

"Well..." I frowned and shrugged. "I left before he came. Maybe he went out to find me but didn't see me since I left." 

"Did something happen? You usually stay out until late at night."

I narrowed my eyes. "Bowie, aren't you happy I returned earlier this time? You always nag me, but it seems you're only nagging when I'm being stubborn."

"Rinnie, the only reason I am asking is that drinking and making acquaintances is your only escape. Although it worries me, I am even more worried when you are acting overly fine."

"So, should I stay out or not?" I inquired playfully, making Bowie sigh. The latter put down the spoon inside the bowl in front of him, staring at me straight in the eye. 

"Rinnie."

"I'm not acting. I am truly fine." I reassured him even before he could start with his usually long sentiments. "There was just this stranger who keeps on insisting on being friends with me when I already said no. Don't worry. I just knocked him unconscious. I planned to hop to another bar, but I thought I should rest for now."

"Did you leave him in the street?"

"I did."

"You should've stripped him so he would walk in shame."

I laughed as Bowie could be scary sometimes. Well, if he was with me, I could drink in peace. Bowie was a huge man and very intimidating; he reminded me of Tito. Just the older version.

"I don't want trouble when we have to be focusing on the show." I diverted the subject with a light tone, propping my elbows against the table. "You should eat, Bowie. Let me watch you eat."

"That's rude, you know?"

I giggled and grinned until my eyes were squinting into slits. Bowie shook his head and resumed eating his porridge. He didn't even offer me his food. How rude. But I was already satisfied watching him eat.

"Luna!"

Just then, Edge's voice disrupted the harmonious atmosphere in the dining hall. Everyone, including me, turned our attention to the source of the voice. I tilted my head and furrowed my brows upon seeing him storm in my direction. 

"Edge?" I flinched when he slammed his palm against the table, causing the dishes on the table to clang slightly. "Is there a problem?" 

I looked up at him with puzzlement. Edge was simply staring down at me, panting heavily as if he came from a marathon. 

"He's here," he breathed out and that instant, I somehow got everything even before he could say the rest. "I saw them here, Luna. Reks and Mitch even chased after me."

"Why did you run away?" I inquired, making him freeze for a moment. "If they were here, and they saw you, why did you run away, Edge?" 

"What... Luna, I..."

I smiled, something he surely didn't expect. "If he is in Clayburn, then he is in Clayburn. It's not like he came here for me, don't you think?" 

You are reading story True Alpha's Chosen Mate at novel35.com

"What are you saying...?"

"Wasn't he with his mate?" I asked, and his surprised expression was enough for an answer for me. It wasn't just my imagination earlier. That woman's voice calling his name... was Hugo's mate. If I didn't hear her voice, I would be a little surprised and would surely panic.

But with that, I was certain it was simply a coincidence we were in the same place. So, I could take this news much calmer than everyone expected. 

"Clayburn is not a small place, but it's a good thing that we're aware of their presence in here," I continued with a smile, darting my eyes from Edge to the surprised Bowie. "We can avoid a confrontation, right?"

"Luna..."

"Rinnie..."

"Don't look at me like that." I chuckled weakly, shaking my head. "It's been three years, guys. I am just glad that he seemed to be happy with his real Luna. Hugo's life is something I value and knowing he was fine all this time... that's good enough for me."

Both Edge and Bowie looked at me with worry in their eyes. I had to maintain my smile just so they wouldn't worry about me. Shortly after, I cleared my throat and knock on the table. 

"I'll go to my room first and rest early." I planted my hand on the table, pushing myself up. "Bowie, finish your food. We are not privileged to waste food."

"You're not my mother." He sighed while I chuckled. I then faced Edge and bumped my knuckles against his shoulder.

"Stop looking at me like that. I am alright." I winked and clicked my tongue, acting like usual. "Eat first. We still have a lot of things to do tomorrow." 

With that being said, I walked away from them. I waved at others who greeted me on my way out and refused the booze they were enjoying. I kept that act until stepped outside the dining hall. 

As the door closed behind me, I hung my head low. I clutched my chest, watching my breathing in case it would stop. 

'He's here...' I whispered internally. '... with her.'

Meeting Hugo after all this time doesn't terrify me. What terrified me was to see him with another woman. That would be devastating. Seeing it and just knowing it was different. That was why... it was good that I was aware he was in the same place as I was. 

I could avoid him at all costs.

As I took another step, I heard the door from behind me flung open. Of course, Edge knew it wasn't alright. But, like usual, I didn't look back as I dragged my feet away. And, like usual, Edge didn't speak and followed me whilst keeping a respectful distance. 

When I reached my room, planting my palm on the door, I finally turned my head in Edge's direction. He was looking at me with sadness in his eyes. So I smiled wearily. 

"Thank you, Edge. But you can return to the pack after the show."

"Can I stay?" he asked, bitterness filling his eyes.

I studied him in silence before my lips parted. "For what? To atone for that incident we both survived? I don't think about that anymore, so don't let it bother you. Good night, Edge." Without a second hesitation, I went inside my room, leaving him behind.

*****

"For what? To atone for that incident we both survived? I don't think about that anymore, so don't let it bother you. Good night, Edge."

When Rinnie entered the room, Edge stayed in his spot without moving a muscle. His eyes were fixed on the shut door, hands curling into a tight fist.

"That's not it, Luna," came out a whisper. "It's not the guilt or anything of the sort.... you know that already and yet, you always pretend you don't."

You can find story with these keywords: True Alpha's Chosen Mate, Read True Alpha's Chosen Mate, True Alpha's Chosen Mate novel, True Alpha's Chosen Mate book, True Alpha's Chosen Mate story, True Alpha's Chosen Mate full, True Alpha's Chosen Mate Latest Chapter