Chapter 10

Cyn’s POV


Tucker’s grandmother was wonderful. She showed me photos of him from the time he was a pup all the way to now. He made an adorable baby! The whole time Tucker pouted, embarrassed, which I thought was even cuter.
“That was so embarrassing,” he complained after she was done showing me the photo albums she kept in the living room.
“It was so much fun!” I cooed at him. He blushed and then looked me in the eyes before looking at my lips. He then leaned in and pressed his lips to mine.
“What was that for?” I asked, dazed.
“Because I wanted to,” he said, smiling cheekily.
“You two are so cute!” His grandmother said coming into the room with a tray of cookies.
“You know, I expected him to show up with a fake girlfriend but after seeing you two together, I believe that you are the real deal. It’s so nice that he’s found someone as sweet as you.”
“You’re too kind,” I blushed at her praises.
“Cyn is the best grandma, she makes me very happy.” He said while looking in my eyes with a smile.
“You’re so sweet,” I told him truthfully.
I could hear his grandma giggling as she left the room again.
“Thank you,” he whispered in my ear.
“I’m having a good time,” I told him as I leaned my head against his shoulder. He picked up a cookie and proceeded to feed it to me.
“I’m nervous and excited about tomorrow.” He admitted to me.
“Don’t be, I may not even find a mate, remember?” I told him. He sighed before patting my head, “but I want you to be my mate, Cyn.”
I didn’t know what to say to that so we both stayed silent.
A few minutes later his grandmother came back into the room.
“Sorry about that, I had to make a phone call,” she said.
“These cookies are amazing,” I told her.
“Maybe I’ll show you the recipe for them one day, you are practically family now.” She said with a twinkle in her eye. Oh granny, I hope I don’t break your heart.
“I’d love to learn one day. Just tell Tucker when you’d like us back.” I told her.
“Yes of course, dear. By the way, you two may want to make your way back, it’s already getting dark.” I was shocked when I looked out the window and the sun was setting. My birthday is at midnight tonight. I’ll finally find my mate. I looked at Tucker and then squeezed his hand. He’s been amazing, I really hope it’s him.
“We’ll head out now grandma, thank you for having us.” Tucker said as he stood. He walked to his grandmother and gave her a kiss on the cheek before being enveloped in a hug. When they were done I went and gave grandma a big hug.
“Don’t break his heart,” I heard her whisper in my ear. My face paled. I really hope I don’t grandma.
We walked out of the house and headed to his car.
On the way back Tucker pulled to the side of the road and parked.
“Cyn, I realize I may not be your mate and if that’s the case, I want you to be happy. Don’t make a decision for my sake. Give your mate a chance, they’re made for you. Promise me you’ll do what makes you happy?” He said.
I gave him a quick kiss. “I promise.”
The rest of the drive home was set in comfortable silence. When we pulled up to the front gate of the pack house I noticed that Josh was parked there.
“Cyn! We need to talk!” He yelled as soon as I got out of the car. I guess he was waiting in his car for me to arrive.
“I’m not ready to talk to you, Josh.” I yelled back.
“Then when? When will this silence end? I can’t take much more, I need you to give me a chance.” He said. I turned my head away, unable to cope with the current situation. Thankfully Tucker stepped in.
“Hey man, she said she doesn’t want to talk to you.”
“I wasn’t talking to you fuckboy, I was talking to her. I need her to give me a chance.” Josh said.
Instead of listening, I turned tail and took off for the pack house as quick as I could, avoiding the confrontation. I heard the two yell a few more words before I heard Tucker run after me. When I reached my room, I was out of breath and exhausted.
“Don’t let him get to you,” Tucker told me.
“Just focus on your birthday. He wouldn’t understand how important the mate bond is to us wolves. Get some rest sweetheart.” He whispered in my ear before leaving me alone in my room.
I sighed and twisted the ends of my hair with my fingers, trying to get rid of this excess stress. I looked at my bed and decided I may as well go to sleep. I got dressed in my nightgown and pulled my hair out of the ponytail before removing my makeup. I looked at myself, in shock I was about to be a year older. Well it looks like I’m getting a mate whether I’m ready or not. I laid down and went to sleep, dreaming of a faceless man holding me close all night.

The next morning I woke up, forgetting for a few minutes what day it was. I looked around the room and was surprised that I didn’t see Helena, normally she’s the first to greet me on my birthday. I decided to start my day off with a shower before getting dressed. I bathed and picked out a black dress with black heels. Maybe it was a bit gothic but I thought I looked really cute. I strode down the stairs in nervous anticipation. Am I going to find my mate?
I smelled coffee and cinnamon rolls in the kitchen and went straight there, eager for the delicious treats.
“Where’s the coffee?” I hollered right before I walked in. When the person in there looked up at me and into my eyes, I knew, this was my mate.
“Cyn!” He called out.
“Alex!”
“You’re my mate!” He seemed particularly joyful but for some reason my heart was a little sad.
He walked up to me and grabbed me by the waist, dipping me before giving me a dramatic kiss. I had to admit it was a really fun kiss. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feeling of the tingles everywhere I felt his touch.
How is it possible to go from wanting to be his mate to someone else’s in less than a week? When did you and I grow apart Alex? I looked at his face that was overjoyed but I still felt that something was missing. Shouldn’t the mate bond make me feel complete? I gave Alex a stiff smile, trying to mirror the happiness he was conveying.
“I finally have you.” He whispered in my ear as he pulled me in close. I closed my eyes and leaned into his embrace, just trying to live in the moment.