We stare at each other, the small space between us seeming to shrink even though neither of us moves. His night-dark hair still falls across his forehead just like it used to, and even though his eyes are a little darker, they still look like liquid gold, shimmering like a predator’s when they catch the light.
“Sadie?” he exclaims.
My voice barely makes it out as a strangled whisper before my throat closes with shock.
“Rhys.”
Chapter 3 - Rhys
Once I get to Folsom, I quickly lose my bearings. I took a picture of the old map, but it’s almost impossible to follow in the new world full of buildings and developed land.
For all I know, the dot was right in the middle of someone’s swimming pool. Which damn house do I go to?
Cruising up and down the streets, I begin to feel a faint pull to one in particular. The map isn’t really helpful at this point, so I test my instincts by driving down the street and then back into the surrounding blocks a couple of times.
I’m definitely being drawn to this place. Let’s try and get a bit closer.
I park the car and walk up and down the street, trying not to look creepy. It’s a homely little scene—old ladies gardening, kids playing, and dads talking as they lean over the fence between the neat little suburban houses.
I try not to pay too much attention, but seeing the kids has an effect on me. I’ve always wanted to have children, but dreaded the idea of having them with someone I didn’t choose. The fact that I’m here looking for an unknown woman to become my mate—and a human as well—cuts a bit too close to the bone.
How will my kids grow up to be powerful wolves if their mother is human? I’m inclined to side with Darla here. I can’t see this going well.
After walking up and down the street, I finally begin to feel a pull towards a certain house. It looks a little beat up compared to the others, and is closed up as if the occupants are still asleep.
Great, my bride-to-be is a shut-in. This is a fantastic start.
I move my car to the driveway, sitting there for a moment and looking up at the windows.
I’m half hoping some old dude comes out and chases me off, then I can just go back to the council and say the spell failed and we have to try something else.
Staring up at the house, I keep trying to convince myself, but the sense of gravity just doesn’t go away. I know something is here, and even if my fated mate isn’t the one behind the door, there is something here I can’t walk away from.
I get out slowly and walk up the little steps to the porch. Chills run up my spine, spreading out across my skin and making me shiver. I turn my nose up and catch the faintest hint of a scent I can’t identify, but it thrills me to the bone.
Deep in my soul, my wolf wakes, and I feel the primal heart beating, fresh blood pouring through me. It brings a surge of well-being, and suddenly, my eyes are sharper, my hearing expands, and the scent gets far stronger.
My senses are enhanced! What’s going on?
Excited now, I step right up to the door and press the button. The chime rings through the house, and I practically hold my breath in excitement.
This must be my mate! The spell worked… there’s no other explanation.
I can hear movement inside, but no one comes to the door, so I try a hard knock. With every breath, my senses double in strength, and a lightness soaks through my muscles, making me feel as if I weigh nothing at all.
My strength is returning! I could rip this damn door right out of the frame using my bare hands!
I crack my knuckles, wondering if I should just go ahead and try that, but then I hear footsteps in the hall.
Oh my God. It’s about to happen. I wonder what she looks like? What am I going to say to her?
The door creaks open slowly. At first, I can’t see much through the screen, but then the handle clicks, and the screen door opens as well. The intoxicating scent hits me full force, and it’s like the wave of heat from the oven when you open it to pull out a cake, and the back of your tongue gets coated with butter and vanilla.
I close my eyes briefly to savor the scent, and I open them slowly, ready for anything, and so full of curiosity I’m about to burst.
Then my eyes focus, and my heart leaps up into my throat and stays there, pounding so hard and fast, it’s like I’m on the chase. I clench my fists, freezing in place as I fight to control myself.
“Sadie?” I whisper in disbelief.
