Page 13 of Omega's Runaway Love
I thought about it a moment, then nodded. “It means a person is only sexually attracted to somebody they’ve developed an emotional attachment to. Right?”
“Close enough.”
“Are you?”
“Yes. Demiromantic too. But the worst part is that I’ve known for years that I have a fated mate. Everything inside me insists he’s out there, and honestly… that terrifies me.”
I looked up at him. What did my strong alpha brother have to worry about his mate for? “Why?”
“Because fated pairs are so often hot and heavy immediately upon meeting. He’ll expect that. But to me, he’ll be a complete stranger. I won’t be able to be his mate right away, if ever. How long will it take me to learn about him, to care about him enough to want him that way?”
I couldn’t imagine meeting my fated mate, and not ending up with him in a matter of days, if not hours. But surely… “Wouldn’t fate give you somebody understanding of that?”
He hugged me tighter. “I don’t know. I hope so.”
Guilt curled through me again. Was it selfish of me to be so against meeting prospective mates, when my brother had real reasons for concern?
There was another knock at the door, which opened before I could respond.
“Good evening Zaya… Nate,” Gerald said, striding in.
“What is it?” I asked, wanting him to leave.
“Your parents have asked me to inform you that you have your first meeting with a potential mate tomorrow afternoon.”
Ice ran through my veins. “Already?”
“Apparentlythe mate matcherhad another client who was ideal, and they were able to set up a meeting quickly. They will be here at four tomorrow afternoon, and you are expected to be on your best behavior.”
“Get out,” I snapped.
“Yes, sir,” he chuckled. “Four tomorrow.”
I grabbed and threw a pillow at the door, but it bounced off the wood instead of Gerald’s head.
Nate sighed. “Your reaction isn’t helping things, you know.”
“Don’t care.”
He ran his hand up and down my back several times, then stood and kissed my forehead. “I’ve got work to do. Think about what’s best for you in the long-term. Play along and be nice when meeting alphas. Get your travel privileges back, and come home when asked to meet with potential mates. I’m sure dad and papa will be more lenient if you don’t make it a struggle at every step.”
“I don’t think I can do that…”
“Try? I know it’s hard, and I don’t agree with it, but is it worth the consequences if you don’t?”
I sighed, pulled my knees to my chest and curled in on myself.
Nate reached over and ruffled my hair. “I remember when you were little, and you’d always run to me when you were proud of yourself, or if you thought dad and papa were being mean. Sometimes I wonder if I shielded you from them a bit too much. Just play along. It really is the best option for now.”
I flopped sideways, turned away from him.
Nate huffed, then the sound of retreating footsteps and the door closing behind him.
I laid there, staring at the opposite wall, until my phone rang.
“Hello?” I asked.
“Hey Zaya!” Jessalynn’s bright voice sounded. “Are you still in Chicago?”
