Page 4 of Forgotten Mate

“Who needs a stuffy old mate?” Laytonasked.

“I do,” Zenia replied. “Can you believe allthis? It’s amazing!”

“They are amazing,” Layton purred, staringat something. Zenia followed her gaze and saw two big, extremelyhandsome men who seemed just as into her as she was with them.

“Layton,” Zenia hissed. “They’re old.”

“So? That just means they know what to dowith their dicks.”

Zenia scrunched up her nose. “Must you be sovulgar?”

“Don’t get your panties in a twist,” shesaid, rolling her eyes. “You’d be a lot less stuck up if you let aman stick it up. If you know what I mean. Okay, this vendor thingis boring. Want to come and introduce yourself?”

“No, thanks.”

Layton shrugged. “Your loss. See youlater.”

She wiggled her fingers goodbye.

“Layton,” Zenia called out to her friend,but she was already gone.

Biting her lip, she continued checking outthe vendor stalls, smiling at people and getting samples of allkinds of food. Layton was fickle, always looking for something wildand fun. She was always chasing after boys or doing somethingreckless. But that was Layton, and Zenia never judged. When herfriend got tired of the men she’d be back and they’d laugh and havefun.

As she turned to walk down another aisle, asweet scent drifted to her. Cedar with hints of vanilla. It madeher mouth water and she looked around for the source, but thebreeze carried it away. Eyes wide, she went hunting for it again.It became an addiction, because in the back of her mind she knewthis was her mate’s scent. She walked faster, almost frantic,letting his scent lead her like a beacon in the night. And then,just ahead, stood a man. Tall, muscular, with dark hair, he talkedwith a vendor. Zenia stood there, unable to take her eyes off him.She had hunted him and now she was afraid to move.

A cooling breeze lifted her hair, and amoment later, her mate suddenly snapped to attention. He glancedaround, frantically looking, and when their gazes met everythingseemed to disappear. They were all that existed in their littlebubble. Then the man marched toward her, determination on his face.Zenia did the same, rushing forward, and then they came to a stopin front of each other. He bent his head and ran his nose up theside of her neck. A little moan escaped her lips and he answeredwith a growl.

“You’re my mate,” he said in a huskyvoice.

“Yes,” she acknowledged. “My name isZenia.”

“I’m Greyden.” He reached for her hand andthreaded their fingers together. “Come on. Let’s go sit andtalk.”

She nodded her acquiesce, and he tugged herthrough the crowd and past vendors until they reached a hill wherethe branches of a tall tree shaded them from the burning sun. Asthey sat across from one another, she studied him just as hestudied her. Her heart hammered in her chest, excitement causingbutterflies to dance low in her belly.

“I’m Greyden James,” he said softly. “Fromthe Kaudiff Pack in Idaho.”

“I’m Zenia Zierdan. Sheridan Pack inColorado.”

“ZZ.” He grinned down at her. “Is this thefirst time you came to this gathering?”

She nodded. “I turned eighteen a couple ofmonths ago. My parents didn’t let me come when I was younger incase I found my mate. Which is you. So, I guess they were wise tobe cautious.”

He grinned. “I’m two years older thanyou.”

“Are you in college?”

“Not anymore,” he replied. “Took onlineclasses since attending wasn’t an option. Now I train under myfather, who’s the alpha. My hope is to expand our pack by creatingjobs and affordable housing. Bring in any lone wolves who want toreturn to pack life or anyone wanting a change of scenery.”

“I’m kind of that second one,” she admittedquietly. “The alpha we have is awful.”

He reached out and lightly caressed the backof her hand. “You have a new home now. With me. And my dad isawesome.”

She ducked her head, smiling. Greyden liftedher chin with a finger.

“You don’t have to be shy with me,” hemurmured, pushing some hair behind her ear. “You’re so beautiful.I’m a lucky man.”

Chapter Three

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