Valentine's Mate

Chapter 4

SKYE

Sleep didn't come naturally to me, unlike Nyla, who snored in my head. My eyes counted the damn titles on the ceiling until my eyes gave in.

Noise from outside came, which made me move and lay on my back to look at the ceiling again. I was tired, but my mind still had the memories of the man who had followed us back here. Part of me wanted to leave.

Nyla stirred in my head, which made me look back at her. Her eyes landed on me and softened. "Happy birthday, Skye," she said, moving up slightly.

I smiled.

"Thank you," I said, while she let out a yawn.

I always hated celebrating my birthday on Valentine's Day. Watching all loved-up people being with their loved ones, while all you want to do is celebrate your birthday instead. My mother and father would spend the day with me but would have a romantic night out with each other. I didn't fault them. Who would? They loved each other, and I wasn't going to step in between them.

There was a deafening silence, while I stared at Nyla. Her eyes were on me, but she seemed not to be there with me. She seemed far away. "Nyla," I called out, making her shake her head. "What's wrong?"

Nyla said nothing, which made me remember what she was like last night. "What's wrong?" I asked. "You were like this last night when we came back."

Nyla stared at me but sighed.

"I don't know," she murmured. "I know you were anxious about the person who followed us back here, but I somehow knew they wouldn't harm us. I had a feeling."

My stomach churned at her words, but she continued. "I can't explain what I was feeling," she said, her eyes softening. "I didn't want you to worry. I know you slept little last night because of the overthinking, but I believe we may know more today."

I stared at her, trying to figure out what she meant.

With a sigh, I stared back at her and spoke. "It's okay," I said. "We only have each other now."

Nyla nodded, but sadness appeared. "Sorry," she whispered.

I said nothing and looked back at the ceiling.

After a few quick seconds, Nyla sighed. "So, Skye," she said, moving slightly in my head. "What do you want to do today?"

That was a good question. What did I want to do?

Then something clicked. I have only bought the essentials and moved on to the next town. Since it was my birthday, I fancied buying something for myself and I knew exactly what I wanted. There was a thrift store here that had a black short dress and it would look perfect to wear. I had no plans for today, but it was a start.

"Why don't we get the dress?" Nyla asked, sounding happy. "And you can pick up some food for dinner. Then we can get ready and go to the fair. It would be a perfect end to a perfect day."

I had to agree, but there was a sinking feeling that loomed. This was my first birthday without my family. My parents and brothers wouldn't be here to celebrate with me, which made my heart break.

Nyle whined in my head as an image of my family appeared to us. "I miss them too," she murmured. "But they would never want you not to celebrate your birthday, especially this milestone one."

I said nothing, but I knew she was right.

Last year, before the war, my mother told me she would hold a party and would pray that she would watch me find my mate that day. Sadness loomed once again, but it was more of the thought that she would never get to see me with my mate or even see me again.