Chapter 3:Jace

I couldn't believe it. After years of searching for my mate, she was sitting in front right in front of me. The small-time carter new to the area. I had been viewing her site for weeks, unsure if she would be a good fit but eager to give it a shot. And she turns out to me my mate. And yet, she thought I would reject her.

 

But as soon as I caught a whiff of her honeysuckle and orange scent wafting through the door, I forgot all about my words and rushed to find the source. My wolf, Marcus, was going crazy, desperate to calm her worry of us rejecting her claim her as our own.

 

She stood there, in her Disney apron, looking so adorable with her hair pulled up in a messy bun. Even with the apron on, I could see her curvy body that I couldn't wait to touch. She was short compared to my 6'5" frame, but I loved it.

 

I couldn't resist any longer, and I pulled her in for a kiss. As our lips met, I couldn't help but untie her apron, breaking the kiss only long enough to pull it over her head. My hands slid under her shirt, feeling the softness and warmth of her skin.

 

I pulled her closer, her back against the edge of the counter as I stood between her legs. Her heat pressed against me, driving me wild. I wanted to claim her, to make her mine.

My thoughts were consumed by her, and I knew I couldn't resist any longer. I needed her, and I needed her now.

The loud timer went off, jolting her out the haze that came over us. I snapped back to reality, my heart racing as I remembered I was hosting an event to bring peace between my pack and another one. Somehow, I had forgotten all about it. She looks up and me and starts pushing my chest.

 

I smile down at her and stand my ground, not moving until she huffs and glares at me. She may be cute, but she can also be quite fierce when she wants to be. "Move already, they're gonna burn!" she snaps, her words biting at me. I snap my head back a bit, surprised by her sudden sharpness.

 

But when she pushes again harder this time, I reluctantly move out of her way. She rushes to the oven, and I watch as she removes something that smells amazing from inside. She starts plating it just in time for another server to come in and grab it. I can't help but feel a sense of pride as I watch her work.

 

Renee is a talented chef, and I hope that I will be lucky enough to be her taste tester. Everything that has come out of the kitchen to night as been to die for, I have already had several people ask who the chef was.

 

As she finishes plating the quiche, I can't resist stealing one before they go out to everyone taking a small bite. It's delicious, and a small part of me doesn't like the fact it is going out to feed other males. Renee beams at me, her eyes sparkling with joy, followed quickly by announce. Not sure where the change came from so quickly.

 

"It's perfect," I say, and she grins even wider than wipes if from her face with a scowl. Okay then. I guess maybe she is just worried about doing the job, but she is going to be my Luna she doesn't need to worry.

 

Once the server rushes back out of the door, I turn to look back at my perfect mate. She is standing there, her beautiful face filled with confusion and hesitation. I start to walk towards her for her to put her arm out to stop me. I can't help but feel a pang of concern. Why would she stop me when I was about to move towards her again?

 

As I keep approaching her, she puts her hands out straight in front and takes a step back. I freeze, my heart sinking in my chest. What is going on? Why is she pulling away from me?

 

"Umm, so yeah, there are some things you should know before we go further and this bond grows more," she says, her voice filled with uncertainty. She starts to move away, busying herself with some tasks. I watch her, my mind racing with questions.

 

"What's there to know? You are my mate. End of story," I say, trying to keep my tone firm and confident. I don't like that she is hesitant, I want her to be as sure of our bond as I am. She laughs but it's not a good one.

 

"Well, you see, I've been there, done that, got rejected and got the 'Men are trash' t-shirt to prove it," she replies, still not looking at me. My heart sinks at her words. She's been rejected before, making me her second chance. Wait, hold on.

 

"Men are trash t-shirt?" I can't help but laugh at that. It's such an unexpected and humorous response. Goddess she is a breath of fresh air. But then her words sink in, and I realize the weight of what she's saying.

 

"Little one, I am not going to reject you," I tell her firmly, my eyes locking with hers. I want her to understand that I am not like those who have hurt her in the past. She scoffs.

 

"Even if you think I am wolfless and weak?" she questions, her voice barely above a whisper but I can hear the venom in it all the same. And it causes me to pause and to take a step back.

 

As I watch the server's bustle in and out of the kitchen, I can't help but notice the familiar hurt in my mate's eyes. She stands at the back of the room, avoiding eye contact with anyone, her shoulders slumped and her expression distant. I know that looks all too well. It's the look of someone who has been hurt, time and time again.

 

I don't have words for the pain she carries. It's clear to me that she has heard the same hurtful words and felt the same rejection throughout her life. But none of that matters to me. I will love and cherish her like her first mate should have, no matter what.

 

I can't help but feel a bit of gratitude towards her first mate for not being there now. If he had been, she wouldn't be here with me, and I wouldn't have the chance to make her happy and show her the love she deserves.

 

Before I can even voice any of these thoughts, the door swings open again, and my beta and only real friend, Micheal, barges in.

 

"Jace, what the hell, man? We need you out here." He grabs my arm and tries to pull me towards the door.

 

But I can't move. I can't leave my mate alone when she's clearly struggling. I glance back at her, and I can see the tears forming in her eyes. My wolf growls low in my chest, and I let out a warning growl from my own lips to get Micheal's attention. He immediately let go of my arm, realizing the severity of the situation. Eye widening as I walked back over to Renee.