Fated

Part 4

Jade spent the night tossing in her bed, each turn punctuated by a restless anxiety. What if Taylor said no? That single thread of thought unraveled her composure, threatening the one opportunity she felt she had for a genuine, soul-deep connection. The uncertainty of Taylor's response left Jade wrestling with a fear she couldn't name. If rejection came, what would become of her?

She had convinced herself that her life was at its peak, content with temporary companions night after night. Yet now, faced with the possibility of enduring emptiness, she despised her situation. The loneliness was sharp; each quiet moment in her apartment felt like an accusation, and her bed seemed vast and desolate without Taylor. She yearned for more, for something real.

Swearing under her breath, Jade abandoned the pretense of sleep. She stepped out onto the balcony, craving the clarity that only fresh air could offer. Leaning against the railing, the cool night breeze kissed her cheeks, and instinctively, she reached for her phone—to do what she always did when life became overwhelming—she called her mother, Nora Casey.

"Hey, Mum," Jade's voice was a lifeline thrown into the darkness as her mother answered.

"Jade, honey, why are you up? It's the middle of the night there!" Her mother's voice, tinged with the familiar Irish lilt, was both a chide and a balm, coaxing a smile from Jade's lips.

"I met my fated mate today, Mum," Jade confessed, a tremor of vulnerability in her voice.

"What! That's amazing, my girl! I'm over the moon for you!" Nora's excitement was a palpable force, even through the phone.

"Thanks, Mum." A grin flitted across Jade's face.

"But something's amiss. Isnt it? You wouldn't have called at this hour if everything was all fine," Nora's intuition was as sharp as ever.

"It's just... she left, Mum. I gave her my number, but I'm scared," Jade confessed, her fingers tracing the cold railing as if it could ground her swirling emotions.

Nora's response was one of empathy and understanding. "Jade, you have to remember the legacy of pain we've endured. The fear that runs deep from an Alpha's potential to overpower an Omega. She will need time, space, and the certainty that she is safe with you."

"I would never hurt Her or anyone, you know that," Jade protested, her words sharp.

"But she doesn't know that, does she? Give her time, love. Be patient, listen, and, above all, keep yourself in check," Nora cautioned.

"I'm always in control," Jade muttered, frustration coloring her voice.

"I know, but the pull of a fated mate can throw even the strongest Alpha off balance. I'd suggest you increase your suppressants, just until you understand how potent your reaction to her is," Nora counseled wisely.

"Do you really think it's necessary?" Jade questioned, the concern evident in her tone.

"I'm an Omega, my experience is different, but I remember the early days with your sire. It's not quite the same as the fated mate bond, but the pheromones were definitely more intense," Nora's voice was flat, the topic was never easy to talk about.

Jade's body tensed at the mention of her father, the man she only referred to as 'sire,' a term devoid of affection. Memories of his tyranny lingered like unwelcome ghosts. The feel of his suffocating pheromones, the kicks on her young body, and her mother's screams haunted her every day.

"I am nothing like him," Jade asserted fiercely, the hatred for her biological father—a typical entitled Alpha—burning in her words. She had vowed never to be like him.

"I raised a good Alpha, my love. But your instincts will be heightened. It's better to err on the side of caution—you don't want to frighten your mate inadvertently, do you?" Nora's voice was gentle yet firm.

"No," Jade murmured, her defiance softening.

"That's my girl. Be respectful, give her the space she needs, and remember consent is paramount. Keep a tight rein on your pheromones. Just be yourself, Jade—you're a good person. Any girl would be lucky to call you her mate," Nora's reassurance colored Jade's cheeks with a warm blush.

"Thanks, Mum," Jade's gratitude was a hushed whisper.

"Now, try to get some sleep, love. You need it," Nora chided lightly.

"Jade, listen," Nora's tone turned serious suddenly, and Jade straightened, attentive.

"Yeah?"

"If she says no, you stop. You walk away. Your instincts will scream to do everything in your power to stop her, to try and change her mind, but you are an Alpha who knows the true meaning of consent and coercion; I have raised you to know the difference, to be better, to be an example for others not one of the same. I've lived through an unwanted mating, and I will not stand by and watch history repeat itself with you, my child; you understand me?" Nora's voice was a fierce whisper.

Jade's color drained, a shadow passing over her. "Mum, I would never... I can't believe you'd even—"

"I know you wouldn't. But I also know the seductive pull of power. I've seen it corrupt the best of us. You must do it, for her," Nora reminded.

"You seem to forget who stood up to him—who saved you," Jade's reply held a note of resentment, though the memories of their escape to her aunt's house were etched with pain and pride.

Nora's voice softened, "I haven't forgotten, and I'm forever grateful. I'm just making sure you understand the gravity of your choices."

"I know, Mum. Thank you," Jade acknowledged the weight of her mother's words, knowing that the caution borne of experience was a gift, even if it was wrapped in painful memories.

"Good. Now, get some rest," Nora commanded gently.

Ending the call, Jade felt a lightness within her. Everything now hinged on Taylor's choice. If given the chance, Jade vowed to dedicate her life to ensuring her mate never regretted it, to cherish the gift of their bond. To Cherish her as she was meant to be.