A moment of silence falls. I am stunned, unable to say anything, and he continues after a few deeper breaths.
"I do not know how much I can believe in it, but apparently he has already made matches for several people, and I admit I have clung to that hope a little. I came here so I could stay for a few days and go to this man as soon as possible to ask whether he could find my True Mate."
I keep blinking, gaping.
"Wait. So there’s a person who can find True Mates? I’ve never heard of such a talent; it sounds incredibly specific."
Jared stares at me as if he’s suddenly unsure of everything, then says, "Here’s the business card I got," and hands me a small piece of paper in silence.
I look at it for a moment and feel laughter bubbling up in my chest. Once again life proves how small this world is. Printed on the card is a single name:
Storm Nolan
—with Fate’s Choice Matchmaking Agency written underneath.
"Is he maybe the brother of that… Bay of yours?" Jared whispers.
I only nod and swallow hard.
Dear Fate. Seriously? I feel like the universe is closing in on me. Everywhere I turn, there’s Bay’s family popping out.
"So, can Storm actually do something like that?"
"Apparently."
I fall quiet for a moment.
"Somehow it fits. I know their family has talents that are hard to explain, his brother Snow can supposedly predict the future to some degree," I mutter, my voice just a whisper, probably trying to convince myself more than him, because as soon as I think about all of this, another thought strikes me.
Maybe I could get Storm to confirm my status with Bay as well, if all of this is true? That would be something…
A fire shot through me. Yes, it’s a good idea!
"I think you should go see him. It never hurts to try; he’s a purple alpha after all, and they’re known for their unusual abilities," I say with a slightly roguish smile. After all, I could use the trip for my own plan.
"Would you mind if I stayed here with you for a few days until I find something for myself?"
"Of course, Jared. During the week I work, so I won’t be able to help much with everything, but if you want we can go see Storm even today."
I must have gone a little crazy offering it so quickly, especially after barely recovering from last night’s awful reaction to Compatron, but something inside me twists with this strange need for another confirmation, something that would give Bay and me more hope, more optimism and faith that it will all work out!
Jared looks at me in surprise, clearly not expecting me to act so urgently.
"Sure, if you don’t mind, we can go," he says, swallowing hard.
Suddenly I realize how he might be interpreting my eagerness.
"Listen, I want you to know this isn’t because I want to get rid of you as fast as I can. It’s just that if things are really how you say and you don’t feel safe, then finding someone who can protect you, a True Mate, really is the most logical option."
Jared watches me for a moment, as if unsure whether to believe me, then slowly nods.
"You’re really okay with me staying? I don’t want to impose, but you’re the only person I can trust, the only one in this world." His words are so heavy, and yet I understand him perfectly. I felt lonely and abandoned by everyone for years, even though I truly wasn’t.
"Of course, Jared, we are family," I whisper.
"You were always on my side, you know? I didn’t appreciate it at the time, and I recklessly rejected your care…" Jared sniffles.
I blink, feeling awkward under the weight of his trust and gratitude. I sit beside him and gently squeeze his hand.
