Jake's POV
I know Diana was shocked, but that was all I could say to it, so it was better if I didn't have to raise her hopes or lead her on when it would only end in tears.
“If you may excuse me.” I said, and walked away.
I headed to the small abode that the professor had provided for me to stay in until things were resolved, and it looks very much like even the prince was still going to stay a little while until he was certain that Ava was either here or not.
“He can't just always have his way in anything he wants.” I uttered out as I continued to walk to my abode.
Soon, I got to the small space I was given, and all my body craved was a good shower. Been up and doing just because I wanted to ensure that I set my eyes on Ava and find a way to speak to her personally.
I stepped into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and allowed the water to sprout on me. I couldn't help but smile at the peace and relief the water caused me to have and for the fact that I was able to achieve step one of my plan.
After washing up, I stepped out of the bathroom, cleaned up, and lay on the bed.
“Ahh. Been a long day.” I said in a relaxing tone.
I stared at the ceiling, waiting for my mother's sleep to take me off, but a face popped up in my head. It was Diana smiling, and she seemed like the most beautiful person I've ever seen.
My heart began to beat, and it felt as if the feelings I have for her were beginning to overflow in my heart.
“Oh, gosh. I can't allow this to happen. Ava needs someone who isn't blinded by love to be able to protect and guide her. I will not fail my former Alpha and Luna, nor will I fail my pack.” I said with a determined heart.
It wasn't easy, but I blocked every thought of her off my mind. This is not the right time to allow such feelings to grow when it is going to risk things for Ava. I also won't want Diana to go against her pack just because of love, so there's no way this courtship will work between us.
I shut my eyes close and began to think of days when our pack was still strong and firm with Ava's parents ruling us and how I was commended for each great action.
A smile appeared on my face, and gradually, I drifted off to sleep.
~
The next day, I woke up feeling energetic and was ready for whatever my day entailed. I got down from the bed and stretched and yawned before I began to walk to the bathroom. It was another day to see Ava, and hope she's feeling much better. The consciousness she lost in that hall wasn't just one that she could immediately recover from. She still needed enough rest to be certain that the mate bond call wouldn't affect her again.
I got into the bathroom again, had a nice bath, cleaned up, and put on my clothes, ready for the day. I walked out and began to head to the infirmary, but halfway there, I saw Diana approaching me.
She must have seen me coming from a distance, but it was better as she didn't know where I was headed; if not, she might guess that there's someone I'm probably going to meet there.
“Hey.” She voiced as she got to me.
“Hi. Is there a reason you're right before me this morning?” I asked her, wanting to be quick with our conversation so I could leave.
“Don’t you think you're being inconsiderate of how I feel concerning the mate bond? I don't know how you are able to endure being away from me or not wanting to accept that we can be together, but it's not something I can do.” Diana voiced out, and I let out a deep sigh.
“Look, Diana, I already told you to forget that anything can happen between us. Take your mind off it, and that'll be better for both of us.” I said to her, and was about to walk away when she confronted me again.
“Come on, Diana. What exactly do you not understand in all that I have said?” I asked and folded my arms.
“Maybe you don't know how deep my love is for you already. You are my perfect match, and in fact, the moon goddess really did enough good for both of us to be mates. Let's accept this bond.”
“Accept the bond? And...?” I demanded that she complete all that she thinks of the whole situation.
“Well, I want you to know that it is only beneficial for you to follow the Prince’s lead. Ava is going to be a part of us, and so are you. So, you don't really need to fight against anything. Just leave everything you are holding on to. The whole responsibility of building your pack again is just to join me. Let's start afresh and work together.” She said, looking really bent on ending this conversation on a yes for her.
“Let's just leave right now and inform the prince of our mate bond, and then we explain that you'll also be collaborating with us to find Ava, and if it's that you want to be her personal guard, we can talk to the prince about it. Just… just let's go home. We are destined to be, and our coming together is going to do a lot of beneficial things for the world at large.” She urged me and extended her hand towards me.
It would have been a temptation I wouldn't be able to resist, but I care more about Ava's safety and happiness.
“No, this can't work between us. I'm sorry.”