Unknown POV:

I followed her into the orphanage and stood to the side observing her and the children playing around her. I was relieved to see her smiling again. The spark in her eyes is still missing but I have the confidence that even if she doesn't reunite with her mate she will be able to get that spark back or maybe she is confident that he will return to her. Either way I am happy if she is. Why does her happiness matter this much to me?

Even though I made my presence scarce her eyes still found me and she started approaching me curiously. I stayed put willing her mentally to come to me. I like her attention on me. I wonder how it would be if she regards me with warm eyes and consider me close to her heart.

"Hello." She greeted in her soft voice and I nodded in acknowledgement. She fell silent beside me looking at the children and I instantly regretted nodding at her instead of greeting with words. May be she took that as a 'Don't talk to me' sign! I am an intimidating person in general.

"Why are you wearing a cloak?" she asked me cutting the silence and my eyebrows raised in question. I didn't expect this question from her. Sure wearing a cloak raises questions but most don't ask the person directly. From the corner of my eyes I noticed her eyes widening and mentally chuckled.

She's a curious little one!

My wolf commented and I agreed with him. Though I think she is regretting the question she asked.

"I can't show my face." I commented vaguely.

And have people recognize us.

My wolf added the unspoken words. She looked deep in thought and I could see the wheels turning in her head. I wonder how she took my words.

"Oh!" That's it?

"Children take things at face value and word value huh?" Huh? What does she mean?

"But it might be surprising sometimes how well they take you." She continued and I was totally lost. That sounds like an inspirational speech though I don't understand the context in which she is using this. What's that pretty little brain of her's thinking? After her comment she turned to me and smiled at me and I was mentally thankful for the cloak or else she would have blinded me with that smile. I like to see her smile but I love to see her smile at me and would absolutely love it if she smiles because of me.

But she froze midsmile making me wonder what happened. She closed her eyes as if she is in pain and her entire body is shaking. She opened her eyes and there's this look in her eyes as if she understood what is happening to her. But before I could ask any questions she winced and almost fell on the floor, I moved to catch her but she caught herself and stood up in time.

"Are you alright?" I asked concerned. She looks like she is pain. She opened her mouth but bit her lips as if to cut off the scream of pain. Her eyes darted behind me in worry and I glanced back to see that some kids are looking at her with worried eyes. She smiled at them but I can see that it was forced. She tried to get away from me and almost fell down again. I wanted to carry her in my arms and support her but she doesn't look like she would allow it.

"Let me help you." I said and I was about touch her but she moved away from me.

"No thanks. I will be fine."

"But..."

"I am serious. I will be fine. This is nothing to me. I am not saying this to be rude to you but because this is the fact."

"Let us go to the pack doctor at least?" I asked concerned. I am damn sure she is in pain.

"No." She gritted out and started moving towards the entrance of the orphanage.

"But looks like you are in pain. Please let me help you." I pleaded.

"No, I will be fine seriously." She is so damn stubborn irritating me. I don't want to see her in pain and this female doesn't listen to me at all. Why can't she come with me to the pack doctor silently? I clenched my hands in frustration so tightly that they turned white and my lips set into a straight line.

"But if you want to help me guide me to the forest without anyone noticing." I nodded immediately. Anything to help her though I don't understand how going to the forest can help with anything. I was about to lift her in my arms but she took a step back and shook her head.

"I can walk. It's fine."

I clenched my teeth and fists again. I want to take away her pain.

I walked fast to the forest but at a pace she could follow and stayed out of sight. Being it early morning helped a lot since most were asleep. We were in the forest in no time and I moved to a nice spot with good shade. I didn't miss her tightening her fists in pain many a times during the walk or her low whimpering which she thought inaudible. I asked her to lean on the tree and sat close to her at an arms distance. I never had any woman close to me nor did I ever entertain such thoughts but with her all I wanted was to have her in my pal and hold her tightly till the pain subsides. These thoughts scare me greatly.

"Thank you." She smiled at me once she leaned against the tree comfortably and I was happy again. I will do anything and everything just to make her smile.

"You are welcome sunshine." I replied my nickname for her slipping through but she didn't seem to mind. I want to know her name but am not sure whether that is an appropriate question now.

"Are you sure you don't want to go to the doctor?" I asked her tenderly.

"No, he wouldn't be able to do anything." She smiled bitterly.

"I don't understand." I replied pained. "You were perfectly fine one minute and the next minute you were in pain and now you even refuse to go to the doctor." As soon as I uttered the words it struck me like lightning. "He is cheating on you." I stated because I know that is the truth. I heard when your mate cheats on you, you will experience pain unlike anything.

That bastard! I will kill him!

My wolf roared in anger.

She looked up at me shocked, her eyes wide with question. "You knew?"

"Yeah I was there, sorry." I answered guiltily. That was a big breach of privacy. I shouldn't have heard them but the situation developed so suddenly and abruptly.

Her eyes softened and she shook her head. "Don't be. It's not your fault and it's not like that is a secret that I should take to my grave. And one more thing it's not cheating if he was never mine to begin with."

"But he was supposed to be." I said watching her wince in pain again.

She shook her head again. "He and I were not meant to be. I heard he loves his childhood friend. I guess that's true. The one time I saw him before today he was with her all lovey-dovey. I never gave much thought to it because it was not my business. He loves her huh?" she asked with a hint of sadness and half-screamed in pain but bit her lip cutting herself.

"But that bastard should have waited until you accept the rejection. He couldn't wait until then to fuck her huh?" I clenched my hands tightly beside me but I didn't fail to notice the sad look on her face.

"Don't be sad. He doesn't deserve your feelings."

"I know." She answered with a hint of bitterness. "I don't have any fee....lings for him. Heck! I don't ev.......en know him. This is all beca......use of the mate bond." She had to pause and grit her teeth many times because of the pain.

"Everything will be fine." I answered wishing it to be true. I don't know how to console her or how to alleviate her pain. How can that bastard do such a thing? How can he not care about his own mate? Put aside the caring, how can he cause her pain?

"I know. My wolf is get.....ting the worst burnt of this dea....l actually. I hope she wi........ll get out fine."

"She will. You are there to help her along, aren't you?"

"I am. Enough of all this depress..ing matters. I really don't think an.....y of this is worth discussing. This is something insign...ificant that I don't even want to remember."

"Anything you want sunshine."

"You know I like the forest v....ery much. It has a calming atmosphere..."

The conversation continued naturally and we talked about nothing and everything trying not to focus on the matter. My admiration and respect for growing every minute as she strongly held on bearing the pain and continuing the conversation with me with true and genuine interest and concentration. I guess she truly wants to forget about this and continue on with life.

I can only imagine how much pain she had to endure gritting her teeth, only hearing that you experience as much pain as being stabbed in your gut repeatedly and twisting your insides while thousands of arrows pierce your body and skinning you alive. Heard it was the worst of pain anyone could experience. I never had to experience such pain like her and maybe I should consider that a blessing which I never thought about. But if it means that she will not have to bear this pain I will gladly accept any pain and any number of rejections.

"Sunshine, I am sure it's more than five hours and you are still in pain." I said concerned. By now she is drenched in sweat and I am very much tempted to go search for him and rip off his throat, the only thought holding me back from following through that plan would be leaving her alone. If not he would be dead by now.

"He has a lot of stamina huh?" she joked and I don't understand how can she still joke. She has an unbreakable spirit.

"Why don't you accept his rejection? Then you won't feel the pain."

"No!" she shouted in all seriousness.

Does she not want to reject him? Does she still want him? Is she hoping that he will return to him? I think it is normal for her to want him, after all he IS her mate. I don't like that idea. She touched my cheeks tenderly over the hoodie mask and smiled at me.

"Don't get me wrong. I am not pinning after him nor does I want him to come after me. He rejected me and I intend to accept his rejection. He rejected me because he loves someone else. I am not going to interfere between them. I might be his mate but I don't have his heart nor does he have mine. They love each other and I respect that. He made his decision and I am very much okay with it. I just don't want anyone in future say that I rejected him because of pain. Sure many people will not agree with my decision and adding to that he is the future alpha many will join his side but I would like to state my case as strongly as possible, not that my pack people would think I would make a good Luna. They would support her most definitely."

"That's not true. You would make a great Luna. You are very strong. You went through the pains people call the greatest pain, all in one day but still you are very strong. You have a heart purer than anyone else. Normally people in your place would be blaming him or her but you are finding reasons for him. You are not blaming him."

"There is nothing to blame here. He has the freedom to love who he wants. Mate bond is just a bond you know. It can't force someone to love you."

"Mate bond is the strongest bond to ever exist."

"I know but....."

"But it is also the most fragile one. It just brings two individuals together albeit with a great force. But it is our duty to nurture the bond and grow it. He is an idiot to reject you, you know?"

"And you are a kind person, you know Mr.Hoodie-guy?" We shared many things but she never once asked me who I was or any details about me. She just took in what I said and called me Mr.Hoodie-guy which I find adorable. I could be a dangerous guy but she trusted me. I think my sincere desire to help her reached her.

"Oh! The pain subsided." She smiled and I felt warm and comfortable soaking in her warmth radiating. "I need to go back now. I have been outside for so long. I need to go back." She stood up but faltered in her steps making me worried again.

"Thank god!" She said smiling at me. "I was worried that might have got up while I was away and get frightened because of the new atmosphere. He had an emotional day already. I don't want more stress on him."

"It's better if you rest for a while. The pain stopped just now."

"No I can't. I am out longer than I am allowed to. They will kill me."

"I am sure they would understand. Mate cheating on you is the worst pain one could experience not to mention you were rejected too."

She smiled again but this time a sad smile which had my insides twisted.

"I need to go Mr.Hoodied guy. I am sorry and I am very thankful for your presence. You might not know this but you helped me a lot. I am indebted to you."

"Don't say such lengthy words or I might take your words seriously and come to collect your debt."

"You can." She answered in all seriousness. "I will help you in any way I can. You are a sweetheart Mr.Hoodied guy."

I am not sure if my wolf would like being called a sweetheart.

Speak for yourself! She is talking about you, not me.

But you do know that we are both one in fact.

One but different at the same time.

There is no use in arguing with you.

"Bye Mr.Hoodied guy. I hope I can see you again." With that she slowly disappeared in the direction of the pack.

I seriously wanted to follow her.

You mean stalk her?

No, she just recovered from the pain. What if she fell down somewhere and no one is there to help her. My wolf growled immediately.

She is stronger than that but still even the possibility of it happening makes me sick. Follow her.

That's what I thought.

'We have a lead.'

Damnation! Why do we have to get a lead now of all time? This is very important and so is her! Wait! What am I thinking? She might be someone good and great but I have no right over her. I can't forever be with her and not to mention her being a werewolf our life spans are different. She would die long before me no matter what. I can't do this. I have to let go of her before I start some crazy obsession over her.

You know that it is not as simple as that.

I know. This is all very complicated and it doesn't help that I am feeling this way for the first time in my entire life.

*************************************************************************************

Hey Lovely readers! How do you like Mr.Hoodied-guy? Who is he? Any guesses on what will happen? Please let me know your thoughts! Till next time!