Chapter 40

I climb up the winding stair case and turn onto a long hallway. It was very similar to Ajax's home but just a tad bit smaller. I knock lightly on the second door and waited a few moments. Nothing.

I knock again and call out her name, "Cipher?"

There was still no response. Maybe she had decided to finally get some rest? Or she was probably using the bathroom.

"It's me, Octavia." I add as I begin to twist the door knob and peek my head through. I had never been in Cipher's room before. The walls were painted a deep gray and all of her furniture was white with tones of baby blues and light greys throughout.

She was sat on her bed, her knees to her chest, as she stared blatantly at the wall. She hardly even blinked. I didn't think not finding her mate would take this kind of toll on her.

I walk over and climb onto the bed and sit beside her. I look at the wall in front of us to find it filled with printed words. A lot of small and inspirational words surrounded a much bigger one. Love.

"Cipher, just because you didn't find the right person last night doesn't mean they won't come along in time." I look over at her and take in her distraught appearance, her hair was thrown in a messy bun with with multiple strands falling out of it. Her eyes were red and enlarged from crying and her cheeks were pale. She wore a large baggy shirt that covered whatever pants she was wearing.

"I'm tired of waiting Octavia." She snapped at me and I couldn't help but be offended at her tone. Cipher had never spoken to me in such a way. Her blue eyes were filled with an anger I had never seen in them before.

"What's the rush? You're still young." I say, my voice draining of any emotions or sympathy it had before. It seemed that kindness, rainbows and unicorns weren't going to cut it this time.

"I'm twenty-one and an unmated female. I just want fucking love. I've met sixteen year olds who got mated as soon as they shifted." She was becoming more angry as she huffed out her response and gripped the sheets beneath her.

I shake my head disappointingly. Doesn't she know who she's talking to? I climb off the bed and this catches her attention, her gaze focusing on me and forgetting the stupid word on the wall.

"Unbelievable," I mumble to myself before turning to speak to her. "What I would give to be unmated and having time to actually meet someone I have a connection with."

"You can't just expect to say hello to someone and then fall in love with them Cipher! Pull your head out of the clouds because this isn't a god damn fairytale. Prince Charming isn't just going to come along and sweep you off your damn feet!"

She flinches as I raise my voice. She was ungrateful. She has the option to choose whom she wanted to be mated too and she wanted to rush it. All the while I was forcefully mated to Ajax.

"Octavia I didn't mean to-"

I raise my hand, cutting her off. "It doesn't matter. You have a choice, you can sulk here and be sad that love doesn't come around in two seconds or you can get off your ass and actually try to make a connection with someone. Just be thankful that you even get a choice."

I turn around on my heels and walk away, ignoring whatever she was saying. My heart felt heavy in my chest. I love Cipher like a sister and to be sad that you can't find a mate at such a young age is just foolish. I make my way down the stairs and Christina is waiting there with a sympathetic smile.

She wraps an arm around me and places a kiss to my temple. "I just wanted to let you know that we do appreciate you. You are exactly what this family and pack needed and even though you may not see it now you're changing Ajax for the better."

She doesn't allow me to respond before she walks off towards the kitchen, leaving me in the foyer. I sigh heavily before exiting their home. I guess she must've heard what I said to Cipher...

I take the long way home, wanting to get some extra fresh air to clear my mind. Was I really changing Ajax for the better? He still seemed like a hot head to me, one wrong move and he would pounce at your neck. And I'm sure there are plenty of she-wolves that could do a better job at being Luna.

I roll my eyes at myself and the frustration that was building up inside of me. I skip up the steps of the large mansion and push the door open. I look around carefully, wanting to avoid Ajax at all cost.

I wasn't in much of a mood to talk to anyone right now, especially him. I tip toe my way up the stairs and into my bedroom. Deciding that it would be a good idea to channel my frustration into exercise I change into a pair of high waisted leggings and a sports bra.

I sneak my way back down the stairs, being as quiet as possible. I scan my surroundings making sure that no one was here before exiting the very large home. Closing the door as carefully as possible, I make my way down the steps and begin the journey to the training center.

I was hoping there wouldn't be too many people there since I did want some peace and quiet while I worked out all of my anger. I haven't been training as much as I used to and I think it's taking a toll on my emotions and mental health.

I step into the spacious gym to find it completely empty. It must be everyone's cheat day. I stretch out my limbs and muscles before jumping on to the treadmill to warm up and get my heart rate going.

***

Hours had passed by in what seemed like minutes. I had found my way over to the large punching bags that hung from the ceiling with a thick chain. I had made sure to wrap my knuckles in attempt to avoid getting them cut and scraped.