Chapter 5.
Mate.
Mate.
Mate.
Regina is my mate.
That single thought has been circling around Rubys mind ever since Granny told her. How could this be happening to her?. You would think finding out who your basically soulmate is would be a happy moment in your life, not to Ruby. She felt completely terrified. Mix a little confusion in there and you'll get the whole picture of what state her mind was in at the moment.
Regina was her mate.
Ruby sat alone in her bedroom at the B& B, thinking back on what had happened when Granny told her. . As soon as granny told her what was happening to her Rubys mind had basically imploded on itself. She had stood there, mouth hanging open and wide eyed as she stared at her grandmother in utter shock and disbelief. She had to have heard wrong, there's no way she heard right. Regina her mate?, impossible. But as hard as she tried there was no mistaken her granny's words, or the complete seriousness in her eyes. Ruby had come here looking for answers, and granny had delivered.
" Pup?," asked Granny, she swears she sees Rubys mind rip itself into pieces behind her blue eyes. She had known as soon as she answered her granddaughter's question that it was going to be a hard pill to swallow, but she still wasn't prepared for the completely terrified and defeated expression that crossed Rubys face. " Ruby?!", she called once again, reaching up and cupping her face, forcing Rubys eyes to meet her own.
" You have to breathe and calm down, your heartbeat is through the roof", said Granny. Ruby was in the beginning stages of having a panic attack, she had to calm down and not let her emotions take control of her. If she didn't get a hold of herself she might even transform without meaning too and the wolf would be in complete control, Granny couldn't let that happen. " Breathe Ruby, your okay. Everything is going to be alright, you hear me?", she said, keeping her calming gaze on her granddaughter who hadn't even blinked once.
Ruby looked deep into her granny's eyes, taking as much calm as she could from the Lucas matriarch. Her breathing slowly started to return to normal, her hands slowed they're trembling. She gulped loudly and gave her granny a single nod of her head, signaling her that she had gained some control of her emotions.
Granny searched her eyes for a moment, seeing some of the haze that had been there previously clear. Taking a breath herself she made up her mind about something and gave Ruby an encouraging look, " Go up to your room, take a couple minutes to organize your thoughts and questions. We'll close down shop today and I'll spend the day explaining everything I know about the Mating Heat. I'm sure we can afford to close for a day, alright?", she asked, placing a hand on Rubys shoulder.
Ruby could do nothing but nod her head, her mind was everywhere at the moment. She was sure she couldn't even fill a cup of water at this point, let alone spend 8 hours serving customers food. So without another word she forced her legs to move and walked herself out of the kitchen and up to her room, she felt her grandmothers eyes on her the entire time.
Now here she was, sitting crossed legged on her bed. She hadn't even bothered to take her shoes off. The situation was worse then she thought, Regina was her mate and as far as her knowledge goes wolf mated for life. But how is this even possible when Regina had true love already?. Why would fate be so cruel to her that it give her someone who's taken?. And why someone who in the beginning she was fighting against in the middle of a war?!. Was Regina always meant to be her mate?. If so, that meant she had chosen to fight with Snow White against her chosen mate. The thought made her sick to her stomach. Back then she obviously didn't know that Regina was gonna become her mate in the future, it still didn't make her feel any less shitty.
Oh god, what about Emma?. How would she feel about her true love also being her best friends mate?. And Snow?. Would she think Ruby was trying to steal her daughters happiness?. And Henry?, would he hate her for trying to get in between the family he finally had?.
Ruby felt tears pricking her eyes, she didn't know what to do. On one side she could definitely see why fate chose Regina to be her mate, the ex evil queen was an amazing woman. In the beginning she was just lost and misguided, she had lost the man she had loved and her heart just hadn't been able to take it. Regina has been working really hard to make up for all the things she's done, which is more then she could say for most people in Storybrooke. Now she let's her true self shine in the way she smiles, her beautiful brown eyes shinning with kindness. That was the Regina that was inside all along, the one hidden behind years of suffering and pain. Just thinking that someone like that was her mate made her heart leap with happiness and affection, did she even deserve Regina?.
On the other hand, Regina was Emmas true love. She couldn't possibly take her away when they just found each other. When they're obviously so in love with each other that it shines through without them even trying. How could she get in between that?. Why would Regina even want a peasant girl when she could have a princess? A savior?. No.
The answer was pretty clear to Ruby, she couldn't. She wiped the tears she didn't know were leaking out of her eyes. She wouldn't get in between them. Her heart gave a painful thud, and her wolf howled within her in pain and agony and despair, it knew what Rubys final decision was and it was making its thoughts on it known to its human side. She couldn't do it, even if she feels like her heart is being torn into tiny little pieces. What kind of person would she be if she purposefully got in between a true love match, especially when it's her best friends true love.
She got up and started pacing around her room. She felt so angry, why couldn't this have happened before Emma came to Storybrooke. She had so many chances with Regina back then, even if she didn't have her memories of her fairytale self she's sure she would of felt something pulling her towards Regina if she had gone into mating heat then. But no, fate had to come and fuck it all up. She finally had friends that accepted her for who and what she was, and now this had to happen.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her apartment door opening and closing, the scent of her grandmother wafting into her bedroom. She continued to pace.
Granny walked into Rubys room, seeing the young wolf pacing around like a caged animal. She knew her granddaughter must be driving herself up a wall with all kinds of crazy thoughts. Unfortunately there's not much she could do to help, no one is allowed to get in between a mated pair, not even the head of house. The only thing she could do is try to answer as many questions as she could, she herself isn't an expert on the matter. Mating heat was such an old ritual that it came even before her time, so she has limited knowledge.
Before Granny even had a chance to open her mouth, Ruby turned abruptly to her. Her eyes were filled with all kinds of emotions, but the most prominent one's Granny could easily decipher. Anger, confusion, and most of all a deep rooted sadness that broke the old wolf's heart.
" How do I stop it?," Ruby spoke up, her voice shaky but her eyes were filled with determination.
Granny furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, Ruby wasn't thinking of… " What exactly are you trying to stop Ruby?", she asked, stepping forward until she was standing directly in front of the young wolf.
Ruby never broke eye contact with her granny, she needed to find a way. " How do I stop Regina from being my mate?", she asked, her stomach twisting at the words but she managed to force them out any way, her wolf growling from deep within.
Granny gave her an incredulous look, as if not quite believing she just said that. " Ruby," she started, then paused for a second. " You know better then most that you can't screw around with fate, as an Alpha wolf fate plays a very big part in your life. Once it has it's claws in, you can't just shake it off", she said, her eyes serious. She didn't want Ruby to go around trying to mess with things she had no business messing with. Before Ruby could utter a word Granny spoke once again, " Trust me, I'm as shocked as you are that of all people Regina was chosen. Never in a million years could I have foreseen this coming, it's a very delicate situation but unfortunately it's one we can't change", she finished, giving her granddaughter a pitying look.
Ruby threw her hands up in frustration, she wouldn't be surprised if smoke started coming out of her ears at this point. " Delicate situation wouldn't be the words I'd use Granny! It's a fucked up situation!, how can I be mated to someone who's already with someone else?!, someone who's her CONFIRMED truelove!?!. You say fate plays a big part in my life, well why would It do this to me?. Now I have to be forced to watch my mate be happy with someone other then me. What kinda fucked up shit is that Granny?, huh!?", she shouted . She knew her grandmother wasn't at fault for this, but she was just so angry she couldn't help but raise her voice.
Granny would usually knock her down a couple pegs for raising her voice at her, but she knew this situation was weighing heavily down on Ruby. She knew the girl wasn't really angry at her, she was angry at life, and rightfully so.
Taking a small breath, " I understand, you have all the right in the world to hate fate right now. But that doesn't change the fact that once a mated pair has been chosen, it's unheard off for it to be broken. Truelove and a mated wolf pair are the two strongest connections anyone can have with a significant other, I don't even think there's a way for you to undo this Pup", said Granny.
Ruby started pacing again, there had to be a way. As much as she wanted Regina, she just couldn't come between her and Emma. Not after everything they've gone through. " You know I cant Granny, how can I come in between them?. Emma is my best friend and Regina has been without love for so long, she finally has that in Emma. I just can't", she said defeatedly, she felt like she was about to fall into a state of depression.
Granny kept her eyes on her, her heart hurting for the poor girl. " But Ruby, you are meant to be together. I'm not trying to disrespect or downplay Emma and Reginas true love, but what you have with Regina is equally as important. There's no telling what would happen if you decide to go against this, I've never heard of a mated pair not mating", she said, trying to make the hardheaded girl see reason. Ruby has such a big heart that she's not surprised that she would rather suffer in silence and see her chosen one be happy with someone else then to disrupt said happiness. But the sacrifice would be her heart, and not to mention the wolf. " Also, what about your wolf?, it's possible that you could lose control due to the wolfs demand for it's mate. You can't fight this girl, you have to accept it and talk to Regina", she stated, arms crossing.
Ruby stared her grandmother down as she kept pacing. " Talk to Regina?, and say what Granny?! Oh hey! I know you have your truelove and your finally living your happily ever after but fate has actually chosen you to be my mate. So can you leave all that I just mentioned and come with me, a lowly peasant?!, yeah I can see that conversation going really well". She said, a self deprecating chuckle leaving her mouth.
Granny narrows her eyes at her, " You know darn well that no one see's you as a peasant. We're not in the enchanted forest anymore, in this world everyone is treated equally", she said.
Ruby snorted, stopping her pacing to stare at Granny. " That doesn't change the fact that I WAS a peasant, while my mate was a queen. Now she's even the mayor while I'm just a waitress. Emma would have been a princess back in the enchanted forest, and now she's the savior and sheriff. How could I compete with that?." She asked, a tear slowly falling down her cheek. She wipes it away angrily.
Granny doesn't say anything for a minute, analyzing the young wolf in contemplation. Then she speaks up, " That's not really what's bothering you, is it?, and even if it was, Regina is different then what she was before, I don't think she really cares about a person's title and life style. Shouldn't she have the right to decide if she wants to fulfill the mating with you or not?. By the sound of it, your taking away her right to decide for herself". She said, giving Ruby a stern look.
Ruby resumed her pacing, " It would be so much easier if she wasn't with Emma. That's what's really stopping me from running to her right this second and telling her everything, but as much as it sucks the reality is that she is with Emma. I refuse to come between true love. So this is what's going to happen", she turned to her grandmother and gave her a serious look. She's usually never this aggressive and forward with Granny, the old wolf could still knock her on her ass and Ruby knew that. But this is different, this is her life and she's the only one that has a say in it. " You have to tell me everything, and I mean everything you know about this mating heat. Then I beg you not to tell anyone, please Granny. No one can know that Regina and I are mates. Then I'm gonna find a way to somehow break this mating, there has to be a way written somewhere, I'll ask Belle for help. In the mean time, we'll continue with life as normal, as if none of this was happening". She said, her eyes hard and serious. She needed Granny to understand that she wasn't playing around, this is her choice and she's made up her mind. Even if it kills her.
Granny obviously doesn't agree with her, she never heard of a mate bond being broken. But unfortunately there isn't much she can do, it's Rubys decision and she has to respect it even if she didn't like it. Messing with fate had a way of coming back to bite you in the ass, she could only hope her granddaughter knew what she was doing. Plus, if there's one thing she knew about being in mating heat is that the two bonded people won't be able to resist the pull to each other no matter how hard they tried. It's going to get more and more intense as time passes, to the point that not fulfilling the mating would be next to impossible. As much as she couldn't understand herself how Regina could have both a mate and a true love at the same time, granny knew that Regina would be the only one capable of giving Ruby real happiness. Fate is never wrong.
Settling her thoughts, Granny gave Ruby one more disapproving look, but nodded her head none the less. " Fine, I'll respect your decision even if I think it's a really darn stupid one. I just hope you know that your giving up your one and only chance at true happiness". She said, making sure the seriousness of her voice is heard by the young wolf.
Ruby audibly gulped, she knew better then anyone what she was giving up. Her mind, heart, and body were all in complete pieces at the thought of what her decision will cost her. Her wolf has been fighting her all this time about it, not wanting her to give up her mate without a fight. Ruby didn't want to, she really didn't. Regina was her mate, and Ruby just wanted to bask in her forever, as they were meant to be. But then she thought of Emma, of the happiness that radiated off of Regina in waves when they were together, of how Emma equally glowed just as bright. She just couldn't see herself breaking such a beautiful relationship, even if the price is her heart. Being able to see her mate happy would just have to be enough for her, even if it's not with her.
Hardening her resolve against her breaking heart, Ruby gave her Granny a thankful look. " Thank you", she whispered. She felt a little better knowing that at least she had her grandmother and she wouldn't be alone, she had a feeling Regina would be her only chance at love. By giving it up she was cursing herself to be forever alone.
Silence fell for a few minutes, each Lucas in their own thoughts. Then Ruby spoke up, " Tell me everything, please", she stated. She went over and sat at the edge of her bed, leaving enough space so her Granny could join her if she wanted.
Granny wordlessly walked over and sat down next to Ruby. Taking a deep breath she spoke, " Well, I suppose I should start by warning you that you aren't going to be the only one feeling the effects of the mate bond", she said.
Rubys face paled a little, " What?", she asked, her heart speeding up a little.
Granny continued, " The effects of the mating bond is a two way street Pup, Regina will also start feeling the pull towards you. It's fates way of insuring the fulfillment of the bond. I wouldn't be surprised if she was feeling it already, based on everything you told me of what happened this morning. She's very intelligent and well versed in magic, the chances of her sensing something are high", she stated.
Ruby took a deep breath, then another, and another. If Regina started picking up on things then it wouldn't be very long before she figures everything out, her mate was an absolute genius. She would have to find a way to undo this mating sooner rather then later. Hopefully Regina hasn't picked up on much, but there's no way to be sure of how much time she had left.
Ruby gave her grandmother a terse nod, " I'll have to find a way soon then, hopefully Reginas effects aren't as strong as mine are. If anything, and she comes here asking you anything about it, don't tell her". She said. Granny gave her a nod.
The rest of the morning and late into the afternoon the two discussed the mating bond, granny sharing everything she knew about it.
Regina felt happy. Nothing special has really happened but any time she spent with Emma and their son was enough to make her happy, even if they're just sitting around watching movies and having a lazy day.
But, for the last couple hours something has been bothering her. It started maybe an hour into Ruby leaving, at first she couldn't describe it and she had pushed it to the back of her mind in favor of enjoying her time with her family. But as the hours passed, the feeling grew, and the more it grew the more she could describe it.
Despair, anger, confusion, and most of all a deep resignation.
Regina had already put the pieces together when she had that moment in her kitchen with Ruby that she had been feeling the wolfs emotions somehow. So obviously it was the only explanation of why all these negative emotions were hitting her. Now, the real question was why is Ruby feeling this way?.
Ever since the waitress had disappeared into the tree line she's been a constant thought in Reginas mind. Even as she spent an amazing day with her true love and son, the blue eyed girl wasn't far from her thoughts. Regina missed her, she missed her so much it actually surprises her. She didn't feel complete without Ruby there, after just one morning the girl has become important to her. She could still sense her, she could still feel that warmth that she radiated and that intoxicating scent. That way their bodies fit so perfectly together like two puzzle pieces, those beautiful blue eyes.
Having her true love, her son, and Ruby in the same room together this morning had filled her with such happiness that she was surprised her heart didn't burst. There isn't anymore doubt in her mind, she wanted more of that, she wanted more of Ruby being around. It has almost become a necessity at this point. But she still had to figure out why this was happening in the first place before she did anything, and she also had to talk to Emma and see what she thought.
But as of right now, she felt an overwhelming need to check up on Ruby. Something was wrong, and she couldn't ignore it anymore.
As the second movie of the day ended, Regina looked at her watch and saw that it was noon on the dot. They will require lunch soon, and this was her chance. Lifting herself from her blonde lovers arms, Regina turned to meet her beautiful green eyes. God, she loves those eyes. A flash of blue and amber eyes also flash in her mind.
" I think it's about that time for lunch", Regina stated, leaning down and giving her true love a quick peck on the lips.
Emma smiled, " I think so too, if we're going to sit through another movie I need sustenance", she said. " What do you have in mind?", she asked, stretching out her limbs from laying down so long.
Regina already had an answer ready, " Well, I think a small trip to Granny's is in order. It will save me from having to come up with something to cook", she said. It will also give me a chance to check up on a certain wolf, she thought to herself.
Before Emma could respond their son spoke up from his place on the floor in front of the tv. " But mom, Saturdays is our lazy day, I don't wanna move", he whined.
Regina chuckled a little, her smirk growing when she saw her love also giving her the same look their son was sporting. Emma and Henry could spend a whole day in the house without seeing the sun if they had their way, Regina actually needed some fresh air in her days. But she had anticipated this and had a solution ready, " I know how you two get on weekends, so I was thinking I just drop by Granny's and pick us up something and bring it back. Unlike you two, I actually enjoy fresh air", she said jokingly.
Emma and Henry both perked up at the thought of not having to move, like mother like son.
Regina already knew what they wanted, they get the same thing all the time. So with a quick kiss to both of them, she was off. Her heart loud in her ears as she drove down towards granny's. Only one thought in her head as she drove down the street.
Ruby.