Bran was hitting the punching bag like crazy for the last 30 minutes. Sweet was rolling down his forehead and he was breathing hard. The warriors training was over and most people were leaving or already left carrying their tactical bags. Jayden was about to leave but saw Bran and decided to speak to this visibly agitated Alpha.

“Whatever this punching bag has done wrong, it has already been severely punished”.

Bran smirked but didn’t stop hitting it.

“What’s wrong Bran?” Jayden asked, looking very serious.

Bran stopped, he bowed, putting his hands on his knees and after a few seconds he calmed his breath and then stretched.

“I fucked up Jayden.”

“What did you fuck up?”

Bran took off his boxing gloves while Jayden was waiting patiently for the information he was so curious about.

“You saw me with Opal at the cinema, we were on our first date. It was all going so well. I really had a good time with her and then my mom interrupted talking some shit about Opal’s bad influence on my future. I was so under her pressure that without thinking I told my mom that Opal and I are nothing serious.” Bran sighted and brushed his fingers over his sweaty hair.

“And where’s the problem.” Jayden asked innocently.

“Opal heard it by accident. And now we are done.”

“Oh, I see. Have you tried to calm her down and explain the situation?”

“Yes, but she just turned around and left.” Bran sat down with his head down.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say. Maybe she needs time?”

“I don’t know, she was so hurt and you know what’s worse?”

Jayden looked curiously at Bran.

“She has a birthday today. She didn't even tell me that. I feel so bad.”

“Yeah, shit happens. I hope you will get over it soon.” Jayden patted his shoulder “I need to go now, take care Bran.”

Bran nodded but said nothing.

A wide smile brightened Jayden’s face. Things couldn’t go any better. His simple plan was so effective, that he could kiss himself for that. Now except for the good news that Bran and Opal were a history Jayden learned something very valuable: Opal has a birthday today. Tomorrow everything will change.

The next day Jayden with undeniable pleasure watched a lonely person standing at the gate. No one reproached Bran, no more hugging and kissing. After a while Bran left, then he saw it. A white haired girl leaving the school grounds. Jaden smiled again.

Opal saw him standing at the gate but it was all in vain. She wasn’t going to talk to him. Bran definitely felt sorry and he wasn’t a bad guy. However he wasn’t someone she could rely on. He was weak and could be easily influenced. He never had to face any hardships and stand his ground. Bran was impressed how a tough Omega managed her life alone, but it was precisely this kind of life she lived that made her this way. After a while Bran left. Opal was packing her stuff when Julie spoke to her.

“I sense problems in love paradise.” She smiled mischievously.

“I don’t smell any Jayden’s pheromones on you. Is it over? Try spreading your legs in front of someone else. I’m sure you will catch something. If not an Alpha than a chlamydia.”

Opal moved without looking at Julie.

“One day you will be sorry you proud fucking bitch!” Julie hissed.

Opal faced her with fury engraved in her eyes.

“Sorry? What should I be sorry about? That I live alone without a family, without pack’s support, without any chances to lead a normal life here? Julie, you are so angry with me, but why? You seem to have everything, so just enjoy it. You will never be able to make me feel scared because people who have nothing to lose, fear nothing.”

Julie stood dumbfounded and lost for words.

Opal left, in twenty minutes time her shift at Mabel’s starts.

The restaurant wasn’t busy today. Just a few people going in and out. Opal knew it will change as soon as the clock struck 6 in the afternoon. Dinner time will bring more customers. Opal was helping out in the kitchen peeling potatoes. Mabel was singing some romantic song but very out of tune making Opal giggle. To escape this torture she took the rubbish bag out.

Bran was standing next to the back door.

“You’ve been avoiding me and I just want to talk to you for a minute.” He said in a pleading manner.

She knew it might happen, sooner or later she had to talk to him and cut ties once for all.

“Bran it’s OK, I’m not angry at you. Not anymore. You may be surprised but I do understand your mother. I enjoyed your company but we are not fated mates. You simply stated the truth and I just got pissy because I felt disappointed. I’m a big girl and I can handle that much truth. I’m sorry I overreacted.”

Opal threw the rubbish away into a container.

“Opal, I hmm I really like you. I wasn’t faking anything.” Bran stepped closer releasing his pheromones.

“Bran, we are good. I have to go back to work.” Opal smiled totally unaffected by that.

“Opal wait – Bran took out a small package from his pocket – I bought this for you. This is a birthday present.”

“Bran don’t do it. You bought it because you felt guilty. Return it or give it to someone you really care about.”

Opal stroked his cheek and went back to the kitchen. In a few minutes time, her shift was over. Bran was gone and Opal felt relieved. The evening was warmer than yesterday and the sky was clear. Opal took a deep breath in and then it hit her. She felt it with every bit of her body in an instance. Her Mate was here.