Zack grew up with both Tori and Natalie, which wasn't surprising
as he was Natalie's older cousin. He would spend a majority of his time with them as they used to act like his twin shadows. Tori had developed an iota of a crush on Zack when she was younger but grew out of it as she spent more time getting to know Zack. He became the older brother she had always wished she had.
"How are my favorite girls doing?" Zack grinned at both Tori and Natalie as he hugged them both. "Got into any trouble lately?"
"Ofcourse not. When have we ever?" Tori shook her head and pretended a shocked look.
"Ahem." John cleared his throat as if he was about to say something on that matter.
"I knew it. Spill it out John. What have these two been up to?"
"For the record, Zack, you always did assume something bad when it was about Tori and me. The only thing that happened was actually -- make that, the two greatest things that happened. Tori and I found our mates!" Natalie excitedly shrieked the last part.
"Is that right? Did I hear that correctly?" Zack slowly asked with a grin. "Who are the unlucky ones?"
Natalie slapped Zack's arm and exclaimed, "Excuse me, mister, but our mates happen to be the luckiest! I mean, who isn't lucky to have someone as cool, nice, and not to mention pretty as me or Tori?"
Zack and John burst out laughing at Natalie's bewildered exclamation. Zack raised his arms in surrender and snickered, "You forgot down to earth and ever so humble."
"Ha! Do you dare argue on that?"
"Nat, he's teasing obviously." Victoria chuckled but deep inside she wanted to change the topic. She didn't want Zack to start asking about their mates and knowing him he won't stop until he's actually met and gotten to know them. His protective brotherly care is sometimes too much and inasmuch as he was toying with Natalie, he was quite serious when it came to guys who wanted to be with Natalie and Victoria.
"Nah, kidding aside did you both really meet your mate?"
The two girls nodded, Victoria doing more of a slow nod making Nat motion for her to give a more fervent nod.
"Well, who are they and when do I get to meet them?" Zack asked with a huge smile. He was happy for the two as it was a special moment when you finally meet and learn who your mate is. Zack has yet to meet his but he can only imagine how great the feeling must be.
"We can have dinner tonight! I'll tell Levi so he can finally meet my most annoying cousin!" Natalie smirked towards Zack causing John and Victoria to laugh.
"Ha. More of your most favorite cousin in the world. I'll reserve a place for tonight and bring both your mates."
"This will be so exciting!" Natalie clapped out loud and glanced at Victoria who had a weak smile.
"Well then, I'll call you girls later but for now get back to work. Mr. Shore is too nice of a boss for you lazy ones." With a laugh, Zack hugged the girls one more time before he and John left the place.
"Uhm, Nat I don't think we should go parading our mates for the whole world just yet."
"C'mon Tori, it's just Zack! Besides, I really want him to meet Levi and get to know him. Same with you and Derrek. It will be all fine." Nat gave her friend a reassuring smile as they headed back to the counter and resume work.
Tonight was going to be something Victoria was dreading, especially when Zack finds out she hasn't really acceptedi Derrek completely.
"
