Page 10 of Heir

I’m here, my mate. Sorry it took so long.

There was no answer.

I knocked again.

I could smell her in there. She was with another female too. This one smelled like lavender and cinnamon. Sounds of them shuffling around and whispering had me pressing my ear to the door.

Someone approached. I pulled back, waiting.

It wasn’t my mate who approached the door though. It was the female that smelled of lavender and cinnamon.

“Who’s there?” she asked.

“I am the other female’s mate.”

“Her what?”

“Her mate. I am here. I’m sorry it took me so long.”

“Like Postmates? We didn’t order from you. We ordered Thai directly from the shop. Is this some kind of game, Chakan?”

Who was Chakan?

I did like the idea of Thai food though.

“I am her mate. Her destined companion for life. Could I please come in so we can finally meet and start our life together?”

“Who is it?” asked my mate.

“Some guy claiming he’s your mate. Your companion for life. He wants to come in and meet you so you can start your lives together,” her voice held equal parts amusement and skepticism.

“How’d a loon like that get into the building? Call security.”

“Please do not call security. I wish you no harm. If I could just come in and talk. Allow me to introduce myself.”

“No fucking way, weirdo. Go before we call the cops,” said my mate’s friend.

“Did you not get hit by a bolt of lightning last night?” I asked, confused about why they acted like they didn’t know what was going on. “I was hit too.”

The lavender and cinnamon scented female left the door, and they whispered together.

“We have mace,” my mate announced. “You stay in the hallway.”

“Okay.”

Both women padded forward and several security bolts unlocked.

“Are you standing back?” my mate asked.

“I am.”

Did all mates react this way at first? Why was she so hesitant to meet me?

Not to mention the fact that she chose to live in a city. What was up with that?

I’d have to ask my father if my mother was just as reluctant, or if this was a new thing.

The big metal door creaked open just a crack. “Why are you not wearing any pants!” my mate exclaimed.

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