Shattered Soulmates, Stone Mountain Shifters, Book 4

Chapter 3 - FAFO

Miles POV

Bachelor Party

I'm sitting here at a supernatural bar with my buddies, feeling no pain. I really shouldn't have let them talk me into this. No good ever comes from becoming intoxicated. Human liquor doesn't affect a wolf, our metabolism is too high, but here, they serve alcohol with certain additives that cause intoxication.

We are all gathered around a table. The evening is going fine. They are telling stories about our high jinxes with females when Roger brings up Marissa. "...then Marissa walks in and Mr. Cool here turns into a puddle." A roar shoots around the table. The laughter is infectious. "Never saw a wolf back down so fast."

I feel a little melancholy, as I recall the time he is talking about. Not a day has gone by that I don't miss her. She was part of my life for over ten years. Always so strong and loving when she was around. If she could have settled down, she would have made a good Beta's wife.

"She couldn't settle down. She never loved you, not really. You don't love someone she treated the way she treated us." My wolf, Nyko, snarls. "You should not even be thinking about Marissa. We have a loving mate waiting at home for us. Let's go to her."

"You're right, Nyko. I love our little mate. She is a precious treasure." I drain my glass and stand. "Think I'm going home, dudes. Missing my girl."

"You can't go home yet, Miles." Roger slurs. "You don't get to see Miss Priss until your bonding ceremony tomorrow night anyway." He laughs, wiggling his eyebrows. "Besides, I got a little bachelor party gift coming for you." He roars with laughter. The others just look confused.

I feel a little miffed at the derogatory name he calls her. She's not prissy, just very shy and composed. I open my mouth to call him out on it, but then I hear her voice. "Miles." Breathy and coaxing. It's the voice she always uses on me to persuade me not to be angry with her. It makes my heart ache. I can't look at her. I feel a hand caressing my arm. "Miles. Why won't you look at me?"

That comment runs through me. "Why won't I look at you?" I sneer without turning. "You ran out on me a year ago. What are you doing here now?" I turn, and I stare into her jewel green eyes, and I am lost once again. I get that old familiar ache in my stomach and lose my breath. She always did that to me. It has always been her, my first love. The one that has always been just out of reach.  Like a star in the sky.  The one that got away.

"I'm back." She flips her long blonde hair over her shoulder. "And, I am not going anywhere ever again." She's never said that before. Does she mean it? Wrapping her long arms around my neck, she pulls my lips to hers, and I feel like I have come home. I missed this. I missed her. I ache.

"We have a sweet little faithful mate who is waiting on us at home." Nyko rumbles. I attempt to pull away.

Marissa feels the rumble in my chest and tightens her arms, keeping me close. She giggles. "I have missed you too, sugar."

I finally extricate myself. "I am going home."

"I'll walk you out." Marissa beams as she latches onto my arm. So as not to make a big fuss, I allow her to walk me outside.

The boys are hooting as we walk to the door. Roger, the loudest of them all, shouts, "I knew it! Go, Miles!" He does a vulgar gesture with his hips that I ignore. I notice Alpha doesn't appear to be celebrating. He is giving me a stern look. I turn away.

Once outside, I take a deep breath of the cool night hair. Marissa is still clinging to my side, pressing herself against me. I feel so confused. "Marissa, I found my mate."

She begins walking up the street, pulling me with her. "I know. Roger told me. Miles, We've been together for over ten years."

"Together?" I scoff. "I've not seen you in a year since you walked out on me. Where do you get off on this? Wait?  When did you find out about my mate?"