Page 4 of Last Shot at Love

I lived frugally—my expenses few, my needs simpler than most—a habit born from my early years of struggling to make a name for myself in the culinary world. My savings were substantial enough to last me about six months if I were careful, but the thought of dwindling resources gnawed at me.

It was the thought of diving back into the job market, of finding another employer who would appreciate my culinary style and unique flair, that was daunting. I could take a position at a fine dining restaurant, certainly, but the idea of toiling under another’s banner, climbing the ranks in a kitchen that wasn’t truly mine, was unappealing.

Personal chef work was my calling, my art. It was the intimacy of creating meals for someone, learning their tastes, their desires, that drove me. Now, that connection was severed, leaving a hollow void where once there was purpose.

Another reminder that at the end of the day, I was an unmated feline, with no one to come home to. No one to love, to cherish, to spoil.

I’d put my head down, tail between my legs, focusing all my attention on my culinary skills to distract myself from the reality that, even after all these years, I hadn’t found my fated mate.

My littermates had all found theirs and, through their love, had begun creating litters of their own.

I cringed, flicking my ears back, remembering the past summer’s family reunion and how tired everyone appeared as they attempted to prevent their young from doing something they weren’t supposed to be doing. I’d rather be the cool uncle that brought them delicious treats to take home so their parents could deal with their sugar high, hyper states.

Sighing, I pressed my head against the window, and gazed out at the fading sun shining off the cityscape.

The city streets blurred past under Cookie’s guidance as the car’s soft hum provided a soothing backdrop to my racing thoughts, which were loaded with worry about potential places to apply and the looming interviews.

As Cookie’s soothing voice pierced the silence, an unexpected vibration across my wrist jarred me out of my reverie. “Incoming email from P-Harmony with the subject ‘Match Found.’ Would you like me to read it out loud?”

My heart skipped a beat, a surge of adrenaline coursing through me, ears twitching and tail flicking in alert interest. “Yes, read it,” I said quickly, my voice betraying my sudden excitement. Eagerly, I grabbed my cell phone, my claws clicking against the screen as I opened my email app.

“Congratulations, Kael,” Cookie’s voice filled the car, reading the email that would change the course of my life as I followed along, unable to believe the news. “We have found your match. If you accept, now is the time to meet your fated mate, Grishka, at the Last Resort. Your life will forever change next Thursday.”

As excitement coursed through me, I wagged my tail frantically, and a big grin formed across my face, so wide it felt like I would become forever frozen in my expression.

A match. My fated mate.

The job loss suddenly seemed trivial—a blessing in disguise.

Released from my previous responsibilities, with enough savings to see me through, I could fully immerse myself in the fated mate matching program. A new life awaited me, a life that included Grishka.

“Thank you, Cookie.” My chest vibrated with a deep, resonant purr, a sound of contentment. It was unintentional, filling the space around me and blending with the faint rumbles of the car on the road.

Next Thursday couldn’t come soon enough.

I would meet her, charm her, and serve her dishes that would delight her palate and win her heart.

The thought sent a thrill down my spine as it sent my imagination into overdrive.

The idea of cooking for my fated mate, sharing my culinary passions with her, was exhilarating. The possibilities were endless—would she prefer bold flavors, or something more subtle? Would she enjoy the delicate art of fine cuisine, or find joy in hearty, traditional dishes?

As Cookie continued to navigate the roads, my mind was no longer on the job I had lost but on the future I was about to gain.

Grishka—my fated mate—her name alone had a flavor, and I was eager to taste her…

And form a life intertwined with her by my side.

Stepping out of the limousine, the warm, humid air of the tropics greeted me like a soft caress. In comparison to the mountain woodlands I was used to, the local vegetation smelled exotic as it overwhelmed my senses.

I turned to the wolven male driver who had held the door for me, his amber eyes bright and welcoming. “Thank you for your service.”

“I was only doing my job, miss.” He nodded with a polite, professional smile, his eyes briefly meeting mine before he closed the door. “May the Moon Goddess smile down on you.”

Turning my attention to the resort, I was immediately taken back.

It was nothing short of breathtaking.

“Last Resort” was emblazoned in gold lettering, framed with neon pink and green LED lights that added a touch of modernity to the tropical paradise. The entire place screamed of expense and luxury, a stark contrast to the rugged, earthy life I was used to in the mountains.

---