What Has Befallen Dakota

Four

My nostrils flared. That smell; it was back. Cinnamon, with little traces of other pleasant smells, like springtime blossoms. It rushed into my lungs like it was forcing its way in whether I liked it or not (and, by the way, I loved it).

I opened my mouth to taste the air and inhaled deeply. It was like ice water, so cold it burned but cleared my mind like my consciousness had been flushed to rid me of bad thoughts. It was the first breath of air that a drowned man inhaled; sweet and so, so smooth.

My fingers tingled. I wanted to jump up and go claim that she-wolf as mine, but I couldn't. Why couldn't I again?

"Bo? Bo? Are you listening, son?"

"Hmm?" I forced. I focused on my father's face; he looked worried.

"Are you sick or something?" he inquired. "You look lightheaded."

I shook my head to say no and ejected the smell with a snort. I didn't want to get rid of it - I wanted to bathe in that scent - but I had to, for the moment. The 'important matters' of my future were being discussed.

After the ceremony the previous night, my parents were trying as hard as they could to give me any information that could help me in my training. They just kept talking; anything from common attack methods and how to feign certain attacks to how to track month-old scents and block a mindlink.

It was quite frustrating considering I couldn't escape, but I managed to take in the knowledge like a vacuole takes in water; that is, until I was ready to burst.

"Are you sure?" My mom asked. "I can get you some meds if you need it."

"I don't need anything, thanks," I replied. I winced at the way my voice sounded; it was a scratchy hiss, a voice I associated with a wolf. I sighed mentally as I thought about how I looked; probably scraggly like I hadn't slept in a week.

My mom seemed to take my word for it and nodded. "Stress," she said to my father. "It's a time of turmoil for him. Exciting for us, infuriating for Bo."

My dad hummed. "Been there, done that," he told us.

"Mm-hm," mom said in reply.

You seem tense. Is there something wrong?

I almost jumped at the sudden presence of the mindvoice. Kota? I questioned, scratching my neck as I calmed down. To myself, I thought, Gosh, I'm strung tighter than a guitar string.

Yes, she said. Sorry for my lack of warning, but all your walls were down, and you seemed a little rigid. Again, is something bothering you? Do I need to kick someone?

My forehead wrinkled as I contemplated my answer. There was no way I was telling my parents about smelling my mate, but Dakota was my best friend; how could I hide anything from her? At the same time, how would she feel about me running off with another she-wolf? Would she be jealous? A friend of nine years transformed into a third wheel because of a mate.

I sniffed as I decided on my answer of choice and sent her another message. I can smell my mate, I tell her. My parents are keeping me captive, though. I'm just tense because I want to find her, but I can't let my parents in on anything just yet. So...I have to wait.

There was a moment of silence. I could still feel Dakota's presence on the edge of my consciousness, just floating there, a sort of disconnected piece of my soul. I couldn't feel her emotions.

After a minute of nothing, I started to worry. Was she angry?

Huh, Dakota said finally. I can see your issue, little pup. I feel like I'm in the same predicament, though; I've been scenting my mate since last night, but I haven't been able to get away from work until now.

Until now? I asked

Yeah. I'm actually right outside, as planned.

Dakota sent me an image of my house.

Stalker, I said accusingly. Is it snowing?

I felt Dakota's mild amusement. Just come outside and meet me, little pup, she said. We can go searching for our mates together. And yes, as of present, it is snowing, which should give you more reason to hurry up.

Alright, I'll hurry, I responded before disconnecting from the link.

I stand up silently. "Mom, Kota's here. We're going to..."

I pause as I think of something other than go search for our mates.

"...to the park," I finish, grabbing my phone off the table. "See 'ya later."

I slunk over to the door and swung it open, shoving my phone in my pocket. Immediately, that amazing smell assaulted my senses, brushing over my face as the wind played with my hair. I stopped in my tracks; she was undeniably close.

Inhaling deeply, I lifted my gaze to meet Dakota's. Her blue eyes gazed back, bright and cheerful, as usual.

My heart started racing. My vision sharpened. I could hear everything; the hiss of the wind in the trees, the pitter-patter of far away feet, and my own and Dakota's breaths, harsh and ragged.

I saw her looking back in bewilderment. Her hands were clenched on the seat of the bench. Her blonde hair was twirling around her still, shocked face. Snow was collecting on her shoulders.

I exhaled in surprise.

Dakota Mikhailov was my mate.

🐾

Hallo, it's me. Thank you for reading this chapter! Don't forget to vote and comment; any and all criticism is welcome.

See 'ya next time,

~Mercy