Page 12 of Mike's Assistant

He hesitated a moment, his cheeks flaring with an adorable blush, before offering his own hand. “Likewise, Mr. Doy.”

I felt a powerful surge course through me as our hands clasped. “Please, call me Mike,” I corrected gently. My heart drummed a fierce beat in my chest, echoing in my ears like a long-silent melody now resurrected. The spark ignited by our touch was more intense than anything I had ever experienced. His hand slipped away from mine, a reluctant release on my part. His quick withdrawal left a void that I yearned to fill again.

“We’ll let you get back to things,” Denise said once more and quickly ushered Jake from the room.

“Mike, are you okay?” Vanessa said, touching my arm.

“He’s my mate.” Those were the only words I could say.

I had met my mate. Thank Fate!

Uncharted Territory

Mike

“Your mate? Are you serious?” Vanessa said as she excitedly shook my arm.

A surge of electricity rocketed through my veins at her words, making them a stark, undeniable reality. My heart pounded against my rib cage. 'Your mate' — the words echoed in my mind, setting off a whirlwind of thoughts. It was as if a dormant part of me had suddenly been jolted awake.

"I…" My voice faltered, the sheer weight of the revelation choking me. The air in the room seemed to thicken, amplifying the deafening silence. I took a deep, shuddering breath, grappling with the overwhelming swell of emotions threatening to consume me.

Staring blankly at the door Jake had just exited through, my mind played back our brief encounter over and over. The electric touch, intoxicating scent, and inexplicable pull I felt towards him made sense now. The reality of having found my mate, something I'd longed for but had feared would never happen, was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Anxiety crept into my heart, coiling like a venomous snake. What now? I thought to myself, desperately trying to quell the rising tide of uncertainty. The thought of the challenges that lay ahead—acceptance, relationship, the revelation to Jake himself—sent a cold shudder down my spine.

“Mike,” Vanessa said again, jolting me to the here and now.

Don’t borrow trouble, Mike, I said to myself. I had to take things one thing at a time.

“Yes. He’s my mate.” I looked at Vanessa’s smiling face and wide eyes and couldn’t help but smile broadly. “I have a mate,” I said excitedly.

Vanessa laughed and flung her arms around me in a powerful hug. “You have a mate!”

We danced around the office in sheer joy. I pulled from her embrace. “I can’t believe it, Nessa. Fate finally gave me a mate.”

“I’m so happy for you, Mike. I’m glad I brought him back with me. Fate really works in mysterious ways.”

“Bring him back? Wait, how do you know him? He hugged—Fuck!” The reality of what Jake had walked in on slammed into me like a freight train.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Vanessa asked urgently.

“Vanessa, he walked in on us. Fuck, he must think we’re together or, worse, that I’m straight!”

Venessa raised her hands in a calming motion. “I admit it looks bad, but it’s nothing that can’t be explained. I can talk to him. It will be fine, Mike.”

“But—”

“No buts, Mike. You got this. I’ll help.” She smiled. “Hell, the whole family will help. We’re here for you.”

Vanessa was right. And in reality, if this issue was the biggest thing I had to deal with, I’d be lucky. Both Hayden and Edward went through a lot to win their mates.

“How do you know Jake?” I asked, bringing us back to my previous question before my freak out.

“I met him at the coffee shop.” She settled back onto the couch before continuing. “Jake was looking for a job there. In fact, he’d just gotten a tongue-lashing from the manager.”

“What?” I roared. A protective rage surged through me like an explosion. How dare anyone be mean or yell at my mate?

“Easy,” Vanessa said, holding up her hand. “It worked out for the best. He’s here now. Fate working out, see?”

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