Valentine's Mate

THEO

Skye. That was her name. She had just turned twenty today. That was probably why she didn’t recognize me when I walked into the bar.

She was younger than me by two years. Her name was as perfect as she was. My mate.

Fang and I had spent last night helping the others set up the rides. After we finished, I tried to catch some sleep in my tent, but it was elusive.

Fang was restless, eager to see Skye again. By the time the sun rose, we were already up and dressed. We were eager to see her again.

We left the campsite with a few of our crew who were up and about, ensuring everything was in place and functioning. The music hadn’t started yet, but they were testing the rides.

I grabbed a coffee and a muffin from the cafe and took a stroll around the small town. It had its charms, like the fountain in the center.

There were a variety of stores, but none with big brand names. Our little fair didn’t usually visit big towns.

There was often no space for us to set up, or we were simply turned away. It was surprising how often we were rejected.

I found a bench on the far side of town and sat down, watching the humans go about their day. I found them fascinating.

We werewolves did the same things, but humans seemed to put more effort into it, while we just got on with it. I’m not sure how long I sat there, but then I caught her scent.

It stirred Fang awake. He stirred in my mind, eager to see. I followed the scent and there she was, striding purposefully.

I stayed on the bench, my gaze fixed on her as she entered a store and stayed inside for a while. I was about to get up and follow when she emerged with a bag.

“What do you think she bought?” Fang wondered aloud.

I ignored him, watching as she entered the cafe where we’d had our coffee. I stood up, ready to follow.

She might return to her building or go somewhere else. I needed a better vantage point.

Skye emerged from the cafe with a box in her hand and walked off. I started to follow but had to quickly sidestep when she stopped abruptly.

I hid behind the fountain, peeking out to see her sniffing the air. Had she caught our scent?

Fang was restless, wanting to get closer, but I wanted to see where she was going. We followed her back to her building, hiding at the edge of the forest like the night before.

When she paused, I knew she sensed us again. But then the old lady from the other day interrupted her. Fang and I listened to their conversation.

When she mentioned that it was her birthday and she was turning twenty, I realized that she had indeed picked up our scent earlier.

I listened more closely to her plans. When she mentioned the fair, I knew that was where we would introduce ourselves.

Fang wasn’t thrilled, but he understood that if we approached her in a place where we felt comfortable, she might see us as less threatening.

Once she went inside, we returned to the fair. Jacob and Matilda were waiting for me. As I emerged from my tent, they smiled at me.

Matilda held some roses, and Jacob had a watch. They both looked at me expectantly.

“So, is she—” Matilda began.

“She turned twenty today,” I interrupted.

They both stood there, mouths agape, as I continued. “I overheard her talking to the old lady. She’ll be at the fair later.”

Jacob was still in shock, but Matilda smiled. “How wonderful,” she said. “To have a birthday on the most romantic day of the year must be lovely.”

I grinned, knowing that from now on, I would make every birthday and Valentine’s Day special for Skye. Fang agreed.

Jacob finally gave in, once he’d recovered from Matilda’s playful jab to his ribs. He rubbed the sore spot, a grin spreading across his face.

“So, what’s your grand plan to win her over?” he asked. “You’ve got the day off. We’re opening soon. Maybe you could lend a hand around here until you spot her.”

“That might not be a bad idea,” I replied, a smile tugging at my lips.

Matilda let out a soft chuckle. “But you’ll need to look the part,” she advised. “Put on something neat. Dress up a bit.”

I grimaced at the thought. Dressing up wasn’t my thing, but I already had an outfit in mind. “I’ll go get ready,” I mumbled. “Catch you guys later.”

They both nodded their goodbyes. I retreated to my tent to prepare. There was no time to dawdle.

I could assist others until she arrived. I quickly found my chosen outfit and got dressed. A crisp pair of black pants paired with a white shirt.

I slipped on my usual shoes and added a jacket. It was a bit too fancy for fair work, but Louis often liked us to dress up for special nights, which were always a big hit.

Once I was dressed and had Fang’s approval, I stepped out of my tent. A few of the guys whistled as I passed, but I paid them no mind.

This wasn’t for them. It was for my mate. They’d find out about her soon enough.

For the next few hours, I wandered around, lending a hand wherever it was needed. I kept checking my watch, surprised at how quickly time was passing.

The fair was filling up with people, all enjoying themselves. I left one of the rides and scanned the area.

Most of the fair workers were busy with their mates or new members who had joined after the war. Everyone seemed to have someone, everyone except me.

As I aimlessly roamed, a familiar scent reached me. It wasn’t far off, and I knew instantly who it belonged to.

Fang perked up and I stopped in my tracks, scanning the fairground until my eyes landed on the most beautiful sight—my mate.

My body reacted instantly to her, desire coursing through me. She was wearing a black dress that hugged her curves and ended mid-thigh.

Her blonde hair was braided just like before. She was breathtaking. I felt someone approach, but my gaze remained fixed on my mate.

I knew it was my brother.

“Go introduce yourself,” he murmured.

I didn’t respond, instead weaving through the crowd to reach her. Once I was close, I watched as she paused, her nose twitching in the air.

I moved closer, placing my hand on her waist. The contact sent a jolt of electricity through me. She stiffened as I leaned in, her scent soothing Fang.

I whispered the word I’d been longing to say since I arrived in this small town.

“Mate,” I breathed, pulling her closer. “Let me see your beautiful face.”

Slowly, she turned to face me, her stunning blue eyes meeting mine. God, she was even more beautiful up close.

My blood rushed south as she stared back, her eyes widening.

“Mate,” she echoed. A whisper that made me grin.

Finally, she was mine.