Chapter Eight
Talon
I may or may not have been up since sunrise. My stomach was a bundle of nerves that twisted in my gut, making me unable to stomach breakfast or coffee, which was a shame because I desperately loved and simultaneously needed coffee.
Today, there was a good chance we would meet our mate. Our omega.
The one who would give us new purpose.
The one who we would live for.
“You’re making me nervous,” Archer said from the back seat. He’d brought his laptop with him and his clicking on the keys along with Dax’s bouncing knee were driving me nuts. I was already internally freaking out, but they weren’t helping.
“Me? You two are making me nervous. Where was the exit again?”
Archer caught my gaze in the rearview mirror. “For the umpteenth time, it’s Exit 42. Get a grip on yourself, Talon.”
“I wish I could. You two scent like two caged, scared wolves.”
Dax snorted. “Not far from the truth.”
“What are you scared of?” Archer asked, finally, finally, closing his laptop. At least I didn’t have to hear his typing anymore.
“Oh, I don’t know…our omega rejecting us. Her already being mated. Her not being interested. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.”
“Her not liking us. Her not wanting to be mated at all. Her not liking you and your frown.”
Archer chuckled. “That last one is a strong possibility. I do frown a lot.”
“You can’t help it. It’s who you are.” Dax covered his mouth with his hand, but we all heard him laugh.
“Shut up. Talon. Here. Turn. Then there are about a hundred signs. You can’t miss it.”
I made the turn and, sure enough, there were signs with tomatoes and vegetables on them with arrows pointing the way for most people to the farmers market. To us, they laid out the path to our future.
Goddess, I was dramatic today.
“Okay, what’s the plan,” Dax said, his hand on the door handle after we found a parking place. I hadn’t expected this place to be so packed, but it was. People came with bags and baskets, ready to fill them with local goods. Some were hauling in tables to set up their booths.
“Relax, first of all,” Archer said, shrugging. “After that, we find the booth and talk to her. No mincing words. She’ll know she’s our scent match as well. It goes both ways.”
“Relax. Got it.”
I didn’t believe Dax for a second.
We got out of my truck and made our way to the lines of booths and stalls. Everyone was selling something unique. I would bet it made sure that there was no unfair competition between sellers. Also to make sure the shoppers got a wide variety of things to choose from.
I had no interest in anything except the art of my omega.
And her.
I noticed movement to my left and saw a woman shooting through the crowds. She had long brown hair and a slender figure. Glasses framed her face perfectly. Gorgeous by any standards.
I tore my gaze away. I had no business ogling a female when my omega could be only a few steps away.
“The booth is here.” We approached and I saw some of the cards displayed with a business card attached.
“I was wondering if you would show back up.” A woman with a child on her hip smiled at Archer. Yes, this must’ve been the place.
“We did. How could we not?”
The woman smiled. “By the way, I’m Rumor. This is Lily. You met her last time. We’re all friends and family in one way or the other.”
“Nice to meet you all,” I offered. “I’m Talon. This is Dax, and you’ve already met Archer.”
I didn’t want to come out and ask where the one female we wanted to meet was. It would be rude and pushy.
“Sylvia’s gone to the restroom, but she’ll be right back. She brought some new art if you want to look around.”
“Her name is Sylvia?” Dax asked. His eyes were glassy. He was a goner, and all we knew was her name and her scent. I had at least three of her cards under my pillow with no shame about it either.
“Yes,” Rumor said. “I’m her friend. Lily is her sister-in-law. She’s mated to Sylvia’s brother Benji. Our packs are around here…somewhere.”
Lily spoke up. “One of my alphas is a welder. His booth is over there.” Both of their gazes moved to the side. “Speaking of Sylvia.”
We all turned to see her approaching. The woman I’d seen before. The one rushing through the crowds. The one I’d thought was stunningly beautiful.
“Sylvia, this is Archer and Talon and Dax. They’re a pack, and they’ve come to see the artist. Remember I talked to you about them?”
Sylvia nodded.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Sylvia,” Archer said. “Your artwork is beautiful.”
Sylvia turned and picked up a dry-erase board and a marker. She scribbled some things down before turning it toward us.
It’s nice to meet you. Thank you. I’ve been painting since I was a child.
“You’re unable to speak, beautiful?” Archer asked, not missing a beat. Her cheeks took on a lovely scarlet hue, and she wrote something else on the board.
I have been mute most of my life. Do you have any other questions about my art?
I was shocked. Not in a bad way. Our mate was mute. Couldn’t speak. I made notes of my own in my head. Learn sign language. Find out all the ways to accommodate our mate.
“Could we speak to you privately, Sylvia? If you don’t mind? I mean, we would speak, not you. I-I’m making a fool of myself.”
Sylvia silently giggled, her cheeks reddening even more.
And then she nodded.
Fumbling idiot for the win.