Page 5 of Catching Their Mate

“Fine. How do you want to do this?” I glare at my twin.

“I was thinking we should just do some recon. Take in all the scents and see if anything changes. Perhaps come into the diner every day for a week. That should give us a better indication.” He looks thoughtful. “It will also give Iris the opportunity to get more comfortable around us.”

“A week?” I choke out.

I know for a fact I won’t be able to control myself if I must see her every day for a week, smell her, and be close enough to touch her and still not have her.

“I know,” he says in a pained whisper. “It’s a lot to ask. If you can’t…”

But he never finishes the sentence, my low growl cutting him off. We glare at one another for long moments, neither willing to look away first. If there is one thing I hate, it’s being seen as weak. Even by the person that has already seen me at my lowest point in life.

Laughter has both of us snapping our gazes in the direction of another table. Iris has her head thrown back and her left hand is placed on the shoulder of a man I don’t know. My chest aches seeing her touch another man and my wolf howls in displeasure. My brain feels like it has been electrocuted, pain rolling through every synapse.

I look back at my brother and see the same soul-consuming sadness scroll across his features.

“You’re right. I can’t do this.” My voice is low, tortured as the words slip from my lips. “I am sorry, brother.”

Slipping out of the booth, I hastily leave the diner without turning to sneak a final look at the woman who is both my reason for living and the thing that is killing me ever so fucking slowly.

My legs carry me into the forest quickly. The moment I am deep enough into the thick foliage I allow my animal the free reign he so darkly craves. My skin ripples with the change, my clothing rending from my body as I drop down into the dirt.

I have been shifting for years and the pain of my muscles and bones realigning to my new form isn’t as bad as it used to be. Soon, my paws are digging deep into the dark earth. The feeling of being closer to nature is usually enough to calm my wolf but I’m not that lucky today.

What feels like a never-ending howl of pure agony rips from the soul of my wolf, rending the air and scattering all the animals near me, sending them cowering in fear.

One would think my animal would want to run, to escape the pain of being near our mate but not claiming her. But no. This asshole is a glutton for punishment and heads straight back to town. Remaining within the confines and camouflage of the forest, he makes his way around town until we reach the back of the diner.

We’ve spent days in this exact spot, staring at the same building. And we will be doing just that today as well.

Yes, it hurt to be near Iris and not claim her.

Yes, my wolf wants nothing more than to drag her back to our home and make her ours.

But we would rather be here than miles away. We both understand the need to be careful even if we don’t like it. And this is the best we can do.

Chapter Five

Iris

I laugh at the joke Raymond tells me when I deliver his check. It’s a daily routine for us. He moved to town only a month ago, but we have become close friends. He is the principal at the only school in town and someone I have grown fond of. I know my father would disapprove of me making friends, but the hunter’s life is solitary and I deserve a little bit of happiness.

The bell above the door draws my attention and my gaze meets the angry glare of Raleigh before he is able to school his features. He smiles quickly before looking down at his cell phone. Through the large windows, I only catch a glimpse of Sayer as he crosses the road and wanders into the forest beyond.

Moments later a howl rips through the air. I know it’s Sayer. I hear the tittering of customers but I’m not afraid. I can’t explain it and it doesn’t make sense. What makes even less sense is my hand rubbing at my chest as a strange feeling of longing and pain fills me.

What the hell?

“I heard there were wolves in the forests surrounding town, but I’ve never seen or heard them,” Raymond says drawing my attention back to him.

I stare into his green eyes, mesmerized by the ring of gold around the edge. My breathing is harsh as I try to filter through the strange feelings assaulting me from all sides.

“Don’t worry, dear,” Raymond says, squeezing my hand gently. “You don’t need to be afraid. Wolves rarely come into towns.” I’m glad he mistook whatever the hell I am feeling for fear because I don’t know how I will ever be able to explain my reaction.

I nod absently as I hear my next order called. Giving Raymond a wobbly smile I head to the window and grab the two plates. My legs feel wobbly as I make my way toward Raleigh, where he now sits alone.

“Where did your brother go?” I ask softly as I set the plates down.

“He had some other things to take care of.”

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