Page 1 of Forgotten Mate

Chapter One

A cool morning breeze wrapped around Zeniaas she left her tiny one-bedroom home, walking toward Main Street.She worked as the alpha’s admin assistant. Well, it was more like areceptionist position but that didn’t sound as important. JerichoSavidge ran a large construction company with projects in progressall over the State of Colorado. He was not only a powerful man, buta powerful alpha. She considered herself blessed to have landed thejob. It had given her a sense of self-empowerment knowing she couldstand on her two feet after years of battling depression. It hadtaken her a long time to get to this point, and she was gratefulJericho had taken a chance on her.

People waved and greeted her, and shesmiled, loving the tight-knit community. Her days fell into aroutine, starting with the local coffee shop to grab a cup for herand one for Jericho. The barista behind the counter, Keegan, gave alittle wave as she finished up with a customer.

“Thanks, Ms. Smyth,” she said with a brightsmile. “Have a wonderful day.”

The little old lady, Ms. Smyth, waved beforepicking up her cup. She blew on the top as she turned to leave.When she spotted Zenia, she paused.

“Hello, Zenia,” she said. “When does thatboss of yours get into the office?”

“Well, today he has a morning meeting,” shereplied. “But his schedule opens up after lunch to hear suggestionsand grievances.”

Ms. Smyth gave a little harrumph beforemarching out. Keegan laughed and shook her head.

“That woman’s a menace,” Keegan said with aroll of her eyes.

“She’s not so bad,” Zenia stated, feelingthe need to be more diplomatic. She represented the alpha, afterall.

“You’re always good-hearted. The usual?”

“Yes, please.”

The door behind her opened, allowing thecool breeze to flow in, and the scent of cedar and vanilla rolledover her senses. It confused her because the last time she’dencountered that scent it had belonged to…

No, she couldn’t think his name. Couldn’tslip back into the memories of her past. Her therapist would be sodisappointed.

“Why do you smell like my mate?”

The deep voice froze her in her tracks. Itcouldn’t be him. No. No, no, no. She had to be hallucinatingbecause he could not be here in Sheridan. She sucked in her breath,sure she had to be imagining him. She didn’t want to look, didn’twant to acknowledge him, and yet she had to. Slowly, she turned andlike a horror show, her nightmare stared at her in confusion.Greyden James. The mate who walked away after one night together.The man who almost destroyed her life.

“Well?” he asked impatiently. “Why do yousmell like my mate?”

She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.Backing up until the counter halted her retreat, she kept shakingher head. As if that alone would get rid of him.

“Are you mute? Do you not understand thequestion?”

“Hey,” Keegan said loudly. She came aroundthe counter to stand between her and him. “Back off, buddy.”

“She smells like my mate. I just want toknow why.”

“I … I…” Zenia’s heart raced as she tried todraw air into her desperate lungs.

Greyden tilted his head, studying her. “Isshe okay?”

Zenia shook her head. She was lightheaded,dizzy from lack of oxygen. Her legs gave out and she slowlycrumpled, sliding down to sit.

“Zenia!” Keegan shouted, rushing towardher.

Greyden followed, kneeling on her otherside. She couldn’t stop staring at him. There wasn’t one bit ofrecognition in his gaze. Was she so forgettable?

“I’m going to call Jericho,” Keegan said,pulling her phone from her back pocket. “Alpha? It’s Keegan.Something is happening to Zenia. Can you come to the coffee shop?Okay. Thanks.”

She disconnected the call.

“He’s on his way,” she said.

Greyden reached out as if he was going totouch her, but at the last moment he withdrew. “Something doesn’tfeel right.”

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