"Snow’s been saying for a while, at least a year, that he’s been working on drawing perfect mates for our family members. It’s already worked for a few of his brothers. He also said he’s been trying to bring in his own fated mate." Lake hesitates. "Once he told me his mate would arrive right before the fall. So… it fits."
I quickly turn away, fixing my eyes on the aquarium. The betta swims in slow arcs, its long, veil-like fins moving like silk in the water. We both watch it for a while in silence.
Then I type again.
"I admit, something pulls me toward him, but I don’t know what it is. I’m afraid to explore it, because I still don’t know what exactly happened to me in the fortress. What trauma is hiding there."
Lake sighs. "Summer, don’t put pressure on yourself. Until there’s actual physical contact, the Pull between True Mates—if that’s what this is—won’t kick in right away. That gives you time to settle into it. What matters most is that you feel safe before you make any choices. After the First Touch the Pull takes over. Then you won’t be able to stay apart for more than a few days without physical pain. That’s how it works for True Mates. I went through it with Aiden."
"Why does Snow use Allure suppressants?"
Lake sighs. "I didn’t ask. It may be to give you both more time. The Allure can also trigger Pull if scented in its full potency."
I stay quiet at that, my face probably darker than I mean it to be. Lake leans a little closer.
"Patience, Summer. If it’s meant to show itself, it will. Just breathe. Let yourself heal your past. There’s no rush, right?"
"Snow could help me. He composed this… music that makes me remember more. But I'm too afraid to dive into it."
Lake’s face becomes pensive. He doesn’t answer, but after a minute or so, he taps the edge of the nest like a stand-in for a reassuring pat on the hand.
"Summer, it all… will be okay. Just keep your head up. Things tend to fall into place when they’re ready," he adds, whatever that means.
He gets up and walks to the window, staring out. His expression softens into thought, like he wants to say something more, explain something, but in the end he just exhales quietly.
"Let me know if you need anything. If you’d like us to bring in a therapist, that could help unravel your past in a more… controlled way; don’t hesitate to ask. Whatever you want, really. Don’t be afraid to come to me."
I nod, mostly for his peace of mind.
When he finally leaves the room, I decide to busy myself with fixing up my nest; a few ribbons have come loose, and some spots need to be redone.
I have no idea how much time has passed.
But my phone suddenly starts vibrating.
I blink in shock. I know only Ragnar and Sun have my number, so who could it be?
The call comes from a blocked number.
Fear takes over, intense and paralyzing.
What if it’s… Rocco?
He found me…
I start to tremble, but then the ringing stops. A moment later, a text appears.
"It’s us, sweetheart."
I squeeze my eyes shut. My parents. Of course.
But how am I supposed to talk to them? How am I supposed to force words out, words they could even understand?
The phone rings again. With hesitation, I swipe the green button.
"Hello?" a voice says on the other end.
I clear my throat. It takes almost everything in me to speak; the pain is blinding.
