Chapter 13
Selene
When I stab myself with the needle for the tenth time, I admit defeat, setting it aside with a grumble.
I’m in the back office of Threads of Magic trying to add the finishing touches to Dove’s new chef’s jacket, but thoughts of Jared keep breaking my focus.
Since the incident at the gazebo, I haven’t gone more than a few minutes without thinking about him.
At this rate, it’ll take me forever to finish the remaining details and cast the enchantments on the jacket.
I’ve never known fear like when I felt Jared’s power surge yesterday. I ran to the gazebo as quickly as I could. When I found him lying on the ground like that, I could have killed Huxley. I’m still fuming that he was so careless with Jared’s safety.
The only thing stopping me from throttling Huxley was his quick thinking in blaming my sudden appearance on the wards I set.
The little shit knew exactly what was going on between me and Jared the moment I came crashing into the gazebo.
I thought the draw to be near him was strong before, but the moment his amulet came off it magnified tenfold.
Luckily, he bought Huxley’s excuse. He was already in shock after the power surge—finding out about our mate bond might have pushed him over the edge.
Now that Huxley knows Jared and I are mates, it’s only a matter of time before he gives it away.
He was hardly subtle, hinting at our powers complementing each other.
Jared should hear the truth from me, but I don’t want to rush him, especially not after yesterday.
Maybe I can tell him when we go out to dinner.
I’m just lucky I was working alone yesterday afternoon and not with Gwyn.
I sprinted outside, only just remembering to flip the sign to closed and lock the door behind me.
I reopened the shop once I got back from walking Jared home, and it doesn’t seem like news of the temporary closure has made it back to Gwyn yet.
There’s no way my big sister wouldn’t demand an explanation if she’d heard about my strange behaviour.
Hopefully it stays that way. While I enjoy Gwyn looking out for me most of the time, if there was ever a reason to hide something from her it’s to protect my mate’s privacy.
Speaking of privacy, Dove and Cordelia have both noticed something’s up with me and insisted on a girl’s night tonight.
The last thing I want is to deal with the crowds at Hunter’s Moon, but Cordelia threatened to drag me there if I tried to back out.
The problem is, I’ve got no idea how much to tell them about the situation with Jared.
While I know I can trust them not to say anything, part of me feels guilty for considering telling my friends about the bond before discussing it with him.
This kind of thing isn’t normally an issue.
When a supe senses the mate bond, it’s expected they’ll tell their mate or mates right away.
The only time it gets complicated is if someone already has a romantic partner or partners.
Even then, mate bonds are sacred. Supes who choose to date the way humans do know the risk they’re taking with their hearts, and accept that if whoever they’re in a relationship with meets their mate they’ll be left behind.
The problem is that nothing about this situation is normal.
Jared’s barely coming to terms with the existence of the supernatural.
Chances are that if I tell him we’re fated mates, he’ll run from town screaming.
My lungs deflate on a long exhale. Jared’s a reasonable guy. I don’t think he’ll begrudge my talking through the situation with my closest friends, and truthfully, I could use their reassurance that I’m doing the right thing in waiting to tell him about our bond.
When I walk through the doors of Hunter’s Moon at seven, the bar’s already packed with supes indulging in a night out after a long week. It’s too early for the live music, but someone’s already cleared the stage so the band can set up before they go on at nine.
“Over here!” Dove waves eagerly at me from a table near the stage.
“Where’s Cor?”
“Right here,” the witch in question announces brightly, placing three cocktails on the table.
Green eyes look me up and down, assessing.
“You look terrible. Hot, but miserable,” she clarifies, making me laugh despite myself.
While I know the midnight-purple halter top and high-waisted black mom jeans look good on me, I can also admit my worries over the situation with Jared are written all over my face.
“You sure know how to make a girl feel special.”
“Here.” She thrusts a Tom Collins into my hands. “Drink that and tell us what’s going on with you.”
Sharp lemon dances on my tongue, and the gin loosens my lips.
Not that I really want to hide the truth from my closest friends.
I just don’t want them, especially Cordelia, to meddle in my relationship with Jared.
It’s bad enough Huxley knows—the menace won’t be able to resist stirring the pot for long.
“I met my fated mate.”
Dove gasps while Cor chokes on her cosmopolitan.
“Who is it?” Dove asks, having recovered first.
“Oh my stars, it’s the new guy isn’t it?” Cordelia frantically pats my arm.
“His name is Jared, and yes, he’s the new reporter for The Chronicle.”
“This is wonderful!” Ever observant, Dove tilts her head, smile dimming. “It is happy news, right?
“Of course it is,” Cordelia scoffs, turning to look at me expectantly. Whatever she sees on my face is enough to snuff out her confidence in the situation. “What happened? Did he do something?”
I smile at how quickly she switches into defender mode—whoever ends up being her mate, they’d better have a spine of steel. “Jared didn’t do anything wrong,” I assure them, feeling protective even though I know he can handle himself. “It’s complicated.”
“Whatever it is, we’re here to listen.” Dove rests a reassuring hand on mine, and Cordelia nods in agreement. “Maybe we can help you uncomplicate it.”
Three drinks later, they’re fully up to speed. Cor stares at me slack-jawed while Dove’s light-brown eyes shine with empathy.
“You have to tell him.”
“Cor,” Dove chastises.
“No, he’s her fated mate. He has a right to know.”
“I don’t disagree, but he’s been through a lot since coming to town. There’s only so much life-changing news a person can take in one go.” Dove turns to me. “I understand why you’re waiting, but don’t wait too long. You don’t want him to feel like you were hiding it from him,” she cautions.
My sigh is soul deep. “I won’t, but you didn’t see him yesterday. That power surge was…” I shake my head, lost for words. “He could have been seriously hurt. I don’t know what Huxley was thinking.”
“Fine, I get that wasn’t the time to tell Jared about the bond, but don’t wait too long. Fate doesn’t like to be ignored.”
“We’re getting dinner soon,” I hedge.
“Perfect. You can tell him then.” Cor nods as if it’s a done deal.
“Maybe. I want to see how he’s handling everything before putting more on his plate.”
“But—”
“That sounds like a good idea,” Dove interjects.
“But maybe this will help him feel at home here,” Cordelia argues.
“It might, but even good news can be overwhelming.”
“Dove’s right,” I agree. “Don’t forget, less than a week ago he thought he was human. We’ve grown up knowing about fated mates—Jared hasn’t. It could make him feel trapped, like he has no choice.”
Cor sighs in defeat. “You’re right, I’m sorry. I just want you to be happy.”
My smile falters, but I rally. “I am.”
“Sel,” Dove’s tone isn’t unkind, but it’s clear she’s not buying what I’m selling.
“It’s OK to be disappointed. It’s admirable how you’re considering Jared’s feelings in all this, but you’re allowed to be upset your mate doesn’t recognise you.
” My eyes water, and I stare into the bottom of my glass trying to control my tear ducts with sheer force of will.
“It’s not his fault.”
“No,” Cordelia agrees gently. “But that doesn’t make it any easier. I should have thought of that before pushing you to tell him. You’re worried he won’t feel the same, aren’t you?”
I nod. “If he can’t feel the bond… There have been times I thought he was drawn to me, but what if that’s only because I’m the one who told him the truth about supernaturals?”
“I don’t think that’s it,” Dove says. “You said he mentioned feeling like he had to find you while his amulet was off?”
“Yeah, but the power surge—”
“Probably stopped him from recognising the bond. I bet next time he removes the amulet he’ll feel the mate bond for real.”
“You think so?” I ask hopefully.
“It would make sense,” Cordelia agrees.
“Hang in there. Fate knows what it’s doing. When the right time comes for you to tell him, you’ll know.”
“I hope you’re right.”