Mated by Chance

8. Space

"Where have you been?" my mom urged, guiding me into the house with a blend of concern and relief.

"I drove to the pier," I equivocated, my words a gentle fabrication. "I ended up dozing off while writing." Her trust was immediate, and she handed me a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

"You've got a visitor," she remarked with a grin. Stepping into the dining room, I couldn't help but smile upon seeing her spiky red hair.

"Rave!" I exclaimed, a buoyant thrill coursing through me. Our hug was warm and familiar, a shared bond that needed no introduction.

"My seed!" she exclaimed, playfully nudging me back to scrutinize my growth. "You've really grown!" A chuckle tugged at my lips, though the sting of imminent tears was undeniable.

"I've missed you," I confessed, the honesty resonating within me.

"How's the academy?" she inquired once we had settled at the table.

"It's fantastic!" I replied with genuine enthusiasm.

"And Blake?" she asked, her raised eyebrows accompanied by a knowing grin. At the mention of my best friend, my smile widened.

"He's... Blake," I laughed, the friendship encapsulated in that simple phrase. "He's planning to join after graduation. I'm thinking of surprising him by attending the ceremony."

"That's wonderful. I always enjoyed seeing you two together," she mused, taking a sip of her hot chocolate.

"He's more than a friend, Rave. He's like a brother," I admitted, the authenticity underscoring my words.

"I understand. Your bond is palpable," she affirmed, retrieving a wrapped box from behind her. "To my accomplished graduate," she stated, the delight in her eyes illuminating her words.

"You really didn't have to get me anything," I teased, eyeing her playfully.

"But I did. I mentioned that I'd bring it when I visited in January," she retorted, a playful glint in her eyes.

Recollection of her attendance at my graduation, despite my parents' absence, brought a smile to my lips. Unwrapping her gift, a surge of emotion threatened to spill over as the contents were unveiled.

"Rave!" I gasped, my gaze meeting hers. "Thank you," I murmured, carefully extracting the gift.

"It's a little something for those chilly days up north," she explained, her thoughtful gesture reflected in the photo-laden blanket. The snapshots of our journey together, dating back to her teenage years with black spiky hair, stirred a rush of memories.

Amidst this heartwarming moment, Cali's voice sliced through, pulling attention to her presence in the doorway. Ignoring Rave's existence, she spoke.

"Found me," I responded, my gaze returning to Rave.

"I truly appreciate it. Thank you," I expressed sincerely.

"You're welcome, Karebear."

"It's funny how you left my side to be with her," Cali interjected, an observation I chose to dismiss.

"I should get going," Rave announced, a tinge of sadness accompanying her words.

"Still in Rosewood?" I inquired, rising from my seat.

"Yes," she confirmed, a smile curving her lips as we approached the door. "Just committed to a year's lease," she disclosed, my surprise mirrored by my widened eyes.

"An entire year?" I feigned astonishment, prompting a nod from her as she grabbed her jacket.

"Yes, I've grown fond of it. I'm meeting with the alpha from the pack here. He's expanding into our territory."

"Could I join you tonight?" I implored, the desire to distance myself from Cali amplifying.

"Of course," she agreed, her grin contagious.

"I'll grab a bag!" I called out, dashing upstairs to prepare.

As I rapidly assembled items into an old cheer duffel, the sound of Cali's footsteps ascended the stairs, heavy with anger. Her declaration resonated with accusation.

"It's only for one night," I murmured, my wolf's agitation fueled by my proximity to someone who was drawn to my mate's appearance.

"This isn't about a single evening," she insisted, her grip on my arm forceful. The rumble of a growl surfaced as I turned to face her.

"Cali, not now," I cautioned, my patience waning.

"I'm not intimidated, Kara," she stated, her stance unwavering.

"I don't wish to engage in an argument," I stated, removing her grip.

"An explanation is due," she demanded in the same candid tone, her tug almost unbalancing me. With swift motion, I grasped her jacket's hood and pushed her against the wall. Her shocked gasp echoed my sentiment.

"What's gotten into you?" she accused, her gaze conveying a mix of anger and disbelief.

"I'm not looking for conflict with you, girl. I simply need space," I pleaded, pushing past her, a scramble of emotions unsettling my composure.

"And where are you headed?" my mother's voice cut through, adding another layer of tension.

"Accompanying Rave," I answered simply, catching the unspoken judgment on my mother's face. I closed the door decisively and strode toward Rave's pickup truck, depositing my belongings within.

"You could've restrained her without causing harm," Rave remarked, a smirk forming as she drove away.

"I've found my mate," I declared, my tone saturated with bitterness.

"Oh," she exclaimed, absorbing the information. "Am I just camouflage?"

"No. But we can't be together," I confessed, a wave of remorse washing over me.

"Why? What's the reason for that?" she queried, casting a sidelong glance my way.

"Because he's Cali's boyfriend," I divulged, the emotional turmoil resurrected.