Once Upon a Mate

4

The words were innocent enough, but whatever haze I had been in moments ago has been thoroughly washed away. Cold dread floods through my veins and I didn't realize I had taken a step away from Reece until his hand fell away from my hip. 

His eyes met mine in confusion but he didn't say anything. Could he see the unreasonable panic that just planted itself in my brain? He was so quick to know who Zander was, and his rank within the pack that I'm completely terrified that my worries have come true. 

There is a ringing in my ears, drowning out whatever else Zander and Reece are saying. I just watch their mouths move, my mind racing a mile a minute. 

Reece is definitly not from my pack. If he had been, I would have met him sooner. So where is he from? What's his rank? 

Does it matter? 

I've always been so worried about my mate only wanting me for the possibility of moving up the ranks that I never considered what my mates rank might be. I guess I always just assumed that he would be low ranking. 

Reece's eyes meet mine and it's just like the first time our eyes met. Everything melts away leaving just him and I. Everything else was just a low hum in the background easy to ignore. I remember the click that I felt, that feeling that everything eas as it should be and that I was whole. 

This is my mate, of course it doesn't matter what his rank is. Nor will it matter to him what mine is - we're soulmates. Destined to be with each other, to complete each other in every possible way. 

Everything else is just bullshit that doesn't matter. 

Reece visibly lights up when I smile and his hand reaches out for me. Such a natural insitnct for me to move into his arms as if I didn't just meet him less than an hour ago. 

"Come on, mate, let's go meet my parents," I may have interuppted whatever Zander was saying, but he doesn't call me on it. Something else seems to have caught his attention and he's already walking away. 

The smile that Reece gives me, as I lace my fingers through his and lead him off the dance floor, I'm certain very nearly stops my heart. I really hope I'm having the same effect on him.

My mom sees us first, as if she had been watching for me the entire night. Her eyes are lit up and I can feel the excitement rolling off of her as she clings to my father's arm, calling his attention to her. 

"Mom. Dad," I feel Reece straighten up next to me and see my mother giving him a glance of approval, "This is my mate, Reece," 

"Alpha Evans," Reece bows his head in respect before holding his hand out to my mother, "Luna Evans," he kisses her knuckles gently and a small pang of jealousy hits me. I've yet to feel his lips anywhere near my body. 

"I think we've met before," my father says, looking Reece over from head to toe, "Yes. You're Alpha Adam's son. Of Whiteridge pack."

An Alpha's son. My eyes snap to Reece just in time to see pride shine through his features. I said it didn't matter and it doesn't but it is reassuring to know, nonetheless, that he's not after a title in any way. 

"Yes. Although, your beautiful daughter and I will be probably be taking over within the next year," my eyes widen at his words. Luna. I'm going to be a Luna. 

The conversation flows easy from there. Even I'm surprised that there is no awkwardness but I should have known that my parents would accept any mate of ours easily. I never left Reece's side, like literally pressed against his side. When he laughs, the sound sends my heart racing and I have to remind myself to breathe. 

"I have to go inside for a minute," Reece tightens his hand in mine at my words, but doesn't say anything, just gives me a look that reads Come back to me soon. 

I want to kiss him - it would be so easy to just lean up and press my lips to his but I hold myself back. I don't want our first kiss to be, not only in front of my parents, but a goodbye kiss to boot.  So with nothing more than a quick glance at my parents ( a desperate plea for them not to embarass me) I hurry into the house. 

I rush into the bathroom, breaking what has to be the world record for quickest round trip. I head towards where I had left my parents and my mate, but my parents are gone. 

Reece stands talking to a guy that looks a little younger than he does. Whatever the guy says makes Reece laugh. The type of deep laugh that shakes his whole body and tosses his head back before pushing the guy away. 

What's the protocol here? Do I just walk up to him and take his hand in mine again? Or do I excuse myself into the conversation? Or should I give him his privacy to talk to this man and wait until he's done? 

I don't debate long before Reece's eyes snap to mine like I had called him. 

"Zoey," my name from his lips as he holds his hand out to me makes me want to literally run to him. The man he was talking to turns to look at me, curiousity in his gaze. His eyes are nearly the exact same as my mates but that's all I notice before I'm pulled into everything Reece. 

"Hey beautiful," he whispers as he slides his arm to where it fits best, around my waist, "I'd like you to meet my brother, Colton," it takes too much effort to turn away and face the man, Colton.

"Nice to meet you, Colton," I stick my hand out to shake, "I'm Zoey." 

"Zoey," Colton takes my hand, pressing a kiss to my hand, earning a small growl from Reece (that truthfully sent a pleasureable shiver down my spine). Amusement flickers across Colton's eyes as he releases my hand, looking to his brother. 

"You've found your mate. Congratualtions," He says simply, but there is something underneath. Some tone or cadence that I don't understand, but by the way Reece's eyes narrow, I'm not the only one who picked up on it. 

"Colton," I can hear the warning in Reece's voice, but Colton either doesn't hear it or doesn't care. He just stands there looking like the cat that ate the canary. 

Colton takes a step to the left and Reece mirrors the movement. My eyebrows furrow as I watch in equal parts confusion, shock, and interest. 

"Why Reece," Colton voice is innocent as he tilts his head to the side, "is something wrong?" 

"I know what you're trying to do, Colton. It's not gonna work," 

"What's going on?" I finally ask, allowing my confusion to reign over everything else, "Reece?"

Reece's head tips in my direction but he doesn't take his eyes off of his brother - causing Colton's smile to widen impossibly more. He laughs lightly, placing his hands in the air like he's surrendering something. 

"Look, your paranoia is freaking out your beautiful mate," he gestures to me with a sympathetic look, "You should comfort her and reassure her that you're not all that crazy," 

My hand reaches out to touch Reece's back. My hand moving up and down in a reassuring gesture. He relaxs a tiny bit under my touch but doesn't look away from his brother. 

"I'm just gonna....tell Mom!" he practically shouts, taking off in a dead sprint away from us. Reece doesn't miss a beat, running after him and disappearing into the crowd.