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 ofthe 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 inmy 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. “Itishappy 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 youuncomplicate 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.
