Page 109 of Just One Bite
As a kid, I went through a phase where I found the idea of linked mates so fascinating. A lot of Were children do. Even though magic exists, linked mates’ rarity makes it seem like some fairytale. And when one pops up, multiple will follow, and that’s the phenomenon so many crave. Throughout history, it’s often brought about peace—even back at the beginning before all interspecies decided to live peacefully, because linked mate pairs are associated with prosperity and connection. No one can predict it, and they’re not even sure why it happens.
My dad’s assistant opens a large book and motions toward Olivia and me. “This states your names, and date of birth into the official registry. Please sign.”
There’s another pinprick, and I use my bloody thumb to press into the cool paper next to my name. Olivia does the same. All signatures in Vviveren are in blood. It’s seen as the highest oath.
“Feel okay?” I ask Olivia.
Her scent is calm, and that’s making all of this easier.
“I’m fine.” She motions to my father. “You don’t have to watch over me.”
“I would like to talk to you outside if I could.” My father motions toward thedoor.
I don’t want to leave Olivia, but telling my dad to fuck off right now seems like the wrong move, so I follow him out into the hall, where I can still easily see her. There’s a little window cut out in the wooden door.
“You look good,” he says. “A mate … linked mates. This is great.”
Great for him and the prestige it will bring to the family.
“Thanks … Olivia is extraordinary. She’s warm and talented. Wants to continue her mother’s dream of being in the IBCE. You’d admire her work ethic.”
“And have you met her father yet?”
“No, not yet.”
Speaking of not knowing how we feel yet, Olivia’s father is a whole new added stress to the mix. She obviously thinks he’s a dick, so I’m inclined to agree with everything she says, but also … he made her. My perfect person. So in a way, I already want him to like me. That’s gonna be a killer on my daddy issues, considering I can’t even get my father to have fun talking to me.
There’s no small talk with my father. No "How are your classes?"or"Rage team going okay?"
He only asks about things he cares about.
“The offseason tournament is coming up.” He checks his phone before looking up to me.
“Yeah, I know.”
“You’re prepared? It’s a big time for you. If you’re set on going pro, you need to win.”
As if I could forget the stress of my future career sitting on my shoulders, while my life erupts into chaos.
“I know, Dad. You don’t have anything to worry about.”
He nods, never really making eye contact with me. I think he’s got more wrinkles than when I last saw him. At least by the eyes.
“Well, it’s good to see you.”
“Yeah.” I wave him off, and my feet stick to the floor.
The imprint of his fingers burns my shoulder after he goes to stand by Olivia while she inquires more about linked mates, but I stay with my back against the door. I don’t like looking at my father for the same reason he doesn’t like looking at me. He reminds me of Mom and a brief time when things were different and we were all happy. He doesn’t seem the same type of happy as before. I guess I’mnot either. Like there was a before and after Mom type of happy we just learned to deal with.
My father asks Olivia about ballet and offers her a brief condolence for her mother. There's this little chip in my armor even I don’t think about unless he’s here. I’m already counting down the minutes till he’s gone.
“I’m sorry you’ve been paired with my son. I tried my best.” He says it like a lighthearted joke, but I grit my teeth and let my head hit the door.
He’s going to embarrass me. Tell her about how much I got in trouble in private school with Zant, which was nothing but harmless fun like skipping classes to run around the city or organizing a fighting club in the pool room at night.
“Parker is an amazing mate. You should be very proud of him,” Olivia says with no hesitation.
My shoulders drop from my ears at the sincerity in her voice.
