“Actually, you answered the questions I had without realising.” Not only had seeing Zac proven he was over him, but everything he’d said about mates had kind of answered the questions—doubts—he had about Mikhail.
“There is someone,” Ro admitted. “His name is Mikhail. But…” He sighed. “I just don’t know. How do you know it’s real?”
Zac looked over to Jay. They shared a knowing smile as Ro looked on. When Zac turned back to him, he said, “It’s a bit different with mates, like you feel the instant pull and connection, but what most people don’t realise is it’s just the foundation.”
Jay nodded. “Yeah, it’s definitely not instant love, but there is a security there that lets you know this person can’t hurt you… at least not intentionally.”
Zac seemed to agree with what his mate was saying, but then his brow creased. “But why would you be asking us? Finding your mate isn’t the same thing as dating.”
“Well, not completely,” Jay interrupted. “You still have to get to know the person. My papa used to say it’s like dating with security because you know what this person wants, but you still have the excitement of finding out who they are.”
“It just feels a little out there, trusting that someone is basically made for you. Can never hurt you…” Ro bit his lips before admitting his main problem. “I guess just trusting.”
Zac studied him. “I understand what you’re saying, but I have to ask again, Ro. Why would you call me to ask all this?” When Rowan didn’t reply, Zac kept going. “Did I... is it because of me that you can’t?”
Rowan stopped Zac when he saw where he was going. It was clear from the guilt in his eyes. There was a part of him that would have liked to see Zac squirm, but honestly, that part had gotten smaller and smaller. “No, it’s nothing like that. I promise.”
Zac released a breath, his shoulders slumping. “So, what is it? Unless you met your mate, I don’t know how I can help.”
He began coughing at Zac’s words and looked away from the two of them. “You know, I should probably order something seeing as I’m not as likely to throw it at you… since we’re allfriendsnow.”
Neither of them laughed at his attempt at a joke, and he could feel eyes on him.
“That’s it.” Zac’s voice was triumphant. “You’ve met him, haven’t you? Your mate.”
“Have you?” Jay asked.
Ro finally looked at them again and exhaled before speaking. “I don’t know,” he shrugged. “He says he is, but it seems a little far-fetched.”
Zac snickered. “Oh, this is amazing.”
Rowan’s brow lifted, probably into his hairline. “What is?”
“This… fate… That you have a mate.” Zac’s voice sounded lighter than it had through their whole conversation.
“What if he’s not?” Rowan said.
The smile on Zac’s face disappeared. “Oh, Rowan. Thisisbecause of me, isn’t it?”
Ro looked down at the table and started picking at a non-existent spot on it. “You said we would have a mating ceremony and then…”
“And then I came back mated,” Zac finished for him.
Rowan shrugging was the only response he had.
“A mating ceremony is different from finding your fated mate. Usually, if you find your fated mate, the pheromones take over and you have a claiming ritual.”
“Claiming ritual?” Rowan murmured.
“Yeah.” Jay was the one to reply. “I guess in the old days, if you didn’t find your mate, you would basically pick a partner you were compatible with and present them to the pack. Kind of like a wedding. Most of them wouldn’t exchange claiming bites on the off chance they found their fated mates.”
“Okay?” Rowan wasn’t sure he understood.
“I guess the easiest question I have would be did he say you’re his mate or that he wants a mating ceremony?” Zac asked.
“He said I’m his fated mate,” Rowan whispered and felt a sliver of hope go through him.
“There’s your answer,” Zac said.
