Exposed

Joey

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It means she's my mate..."

"That's not possible!" Jae yelled, standing up and walking out from behind his desk.

Ki can't be mated. Kitsune do not have life mates. Could Ki fall in love one day or agree to be with someone for life just because? Sure. But mated to a werewolf? Not possible. Jae pulled at his hair, feeling the frustration build up. Everything is happening at once and he was slowly loosing his sanity. 

"Jae, we've always had being unmated in common. Hanging out with you was always a comfort away from everyone that's found the love of their lives. I've finally found mine Jae! Every cell in body is yearning to touch her, but I won't because she clearly doesn't realize that we're mated yet," Joey spoke softly, trying not to upset Jae even further.

"She's not mated to you Joey. If she was, she would have felt it by now," Jae said walking closer to Joey.

"Maybe she just hasn't-"

"No, Joey. Kitsune are solitary creatures. She does not have or want a mate. You may be mated to her, but she can't be mated to you," Jae declared, scowling.

"You don't know," Joey countered, raising his voice, "You don't know what it's like to be mated! There is no one but her for me. Maybe she doesn't realize I'm her mate, but I am. And I'll show her that she belongs with me."

"And if I forbid you?"Jae challenged, almost growling.

"You'd try to keep true mates apart from each other?  Ki's your sister, don't you want her to be with someone who could never betray her?"

"This isn't even a logical or possible situation. It doesn't make sense."

"Love doesn't make sense, Jae."

"Stop. Just leave me alone. I have more important things to do than interfere in your love life."

"So, does that mean we have your blessing?"

"It means get out of my office, Joey. It's Ki's life. She can decide whether to reject you or not. I do what she wants me to, so just go ask her."

Jae stepped back to let Joey exit the room. As the door closed behind him he noticed how tight his muscles were. He pushed his fingers against his eyebrows. He rolled his neck, hearing it crack as he moved. He pulled out his phone and opened his contact list. He tapped on a name and then on the green phone at the top of the screen. He held the phone to his ear, stretching out his shoulders.

"Hello?"

"Grandma, I need your advice."

Ki sat in silence, staring at Joey. She somehow felt cold under the sun. Joey had just disclosed that they were mated. Ki knew what being mated was supposed to be like, but she felt nothing. She didn't know him and she didn't feel anything romantic for him.  If she was mated, she should be in love with him, right? They sat in silence as she tried to figure out what to say.

"Okay."

"Okay? What does that mean," Joey pressed, taking Ki's hands in his.

Looking down at their hands she felt her chest tighten and then release. 

"I'll accept you as my mate, but ,Joey, I don't have any feelings for you."

"Not yet you don't," he beamed at her.

She smiled back feeling unsettled. Ki retracted her hand, feeling much more like herself. Joey looked disappointed at her action, but didn't push her. 

"Let's go on a date."

"A date?"

"Yeah, we can get to know each other," Joey smiled, "And it'll hopefully make you more comfortable."

She felt a pang in her heart at his smile, but something felt wrong. She stared at his face trying to see something. He wore a small smile on his lips, satisfied with her acceptance of him. His body radiated warmth and he moved gently towards her. She felt safe, but something in the back of her head was trying to get through to her. Suddenly, she saw a black figure rush at her and she flinched backwards. Joey's expression was confused, but he stayed silent. Ki's heart sped up as she instinctually activated her charm. There it was again. That voice, that feeling, that impulse. 

Run.