Page 6 of Finding Love with the Fae King

“You have a mate out there, just like Tulip. All of you guys do. I’m looking for a long-term relationship, Esteban. I don’t play around with my heart.”

Esteban gave a small smile, and I swore I heard him say, “Iamlooking for the long-term,” under his breath.

Shaking my head, I locked the door and started doing my nightly routine. Today was maddening, and I was over it completely. I threw a few things in the washer and dryer so I could have clean clothes for the trip and washed the mugs before setting them out to dry. I watered my small window plants inside the house and ensured they were locked tight for my departure tomorrow.

The small living room was already clean, the single bathroom was spotless, and my bedroom was warm and inviting. The past seven years of being on my own had made me grow up, maybe too fast. Even before the time my parents left, I had grown up too much for my own good. I was tired of taking care of myself, tired of being independent. There were so many women who begged and fought for independence so they could do what they wanted, but to me, it felt like loneliness, and I had been alone for too long.

I dragged my feet to my bedroom. I had painted it a light purple, and Tulip helped me put a faux tulle canopy around my bed that hung from the rafters of the cottage. The comforter was white and lacy; I would spend hours playing with the extra fabric on the comforter when I felt lonely. Several stuffed animals adorned my bed, including one that Tulip’s mother gave me, a medium-sized wolf to snuggle at night. She got it for me when I was only eight. It was my most prized possession, and now I can just laugh at the irony of it.

Grabbing my stuffed animal, I held it close.

It was my own fault for isolating myself from Tulip’s family, but I didn’t want to be a burden. I wanted to show I was strong. On the outside, I was strong. I showed no fear and acted like my parents were nothing. Not one tear was shed when they dropped me off at Tulip’s home and left me with my bags and a wad of cash. Why would I shed tears when I knew they wouldn’t shed any for me? They waved goodbye while I sat on the porch and watched them drive off into the distance.

They didn’t love me.

And I wanted to be loved.

The two-hour drive to the portal was long. I couldn’t get over how much Tulip and Alec could sit there sniffing and holding each other. It made me want to gag. Tulip went from, “You can’t tell me what to do,” to, “I’ll do anything for you!” I started laughing as they kissed, and several wolves in the back started throwing paper, telling them to get a room.

When I walked up to the packhouse with my single suitcase, Tulip engulfed me in an enormous hug. “Thank you so much for coming! This means so much to have my best friend here.”

Laughing lightly, I patted her back and looked up the stairs with Alec leaning on the door frame. He watched her like she was his prey. It was almost scary. Letting go, she grabbed my bag and threw it in the back of the SUV.

“Are we all ready to go?” Alpha Ramirez spoke loudly for all to hear. Tulip squealed yes and dragged Alec into the large vehicle. He smiled at me, and I gave him a mock salute and headed to the side of the car to get in.

“Well, I want to see my date for the mating ceremony. Just give me a minute!” I could hear Esteban yelling at some of his friends. His friends were laughing and pushing him around, joking about having a date. “You all laugh now; just you wait. She’s stunning!”

I blushed with embarrassment and jumped in the car, hoping he wouldn’t find me. Tulip saw my reaction and elbowed me in the gut.

“Pssst,” she whispered, “are you his date?”

My face turned red, and she smiled wildly.

“Holy shit, he was serious.”

“Serious about what?”

“He thinks you are his mate.”

“What!?” I squealed. Before I could ask any more questions, Esteban poked his head into the car.

“There she is—my date! I wanted to make sure you were still coming and not stand me up.” He winked.

“I-I am here! Ready to go,” I said nervously.

He blew a kiss with his lips and hopped out of the car, and went back to the van he was riding in. Glancing at Alec and Tulip, I asked again. “What do you mean he thinks I am his mate? You said you instantly knew when you were mates?”

“It’s a long story, but Esteban lost his mate when they were still young.” I frowned as she spoke. That sounded horrible. “Anyway, not my story to tell, but he thinks you are his second chance mate. They are rare, but they happen. Second chance mates can happen slowly, almost like human love. Slowly, you both will feel the sparks when you touch if it’s a true second chance. Or he just loves you on his own, and when he marks you, then you feel the sparks.”

My eyes grew wide.Mark?

“What the heck is a mark?” Alec smirked and nuzzled Tulip’s neck.

“A bite,” she said nonchalantly, and Alec pulled down her shirt. There was a white scar with teeth marks on it. “It lets other wolves and supernaturals know you are taken.” Tulip rubbed noses with Alec.

“Gracious,” I breathed.

After that conversation, I was silent and watched the other wolves harass the new couple.

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