The Human Girl’s Fated Mate

*6 years ago* Author’s POV: Michelle just moved to a new town. It’s smaller than she’s used to but she got her own studio apartment, and most importantly she’s out of her mom’s house. After recently separating from her wife, Marissa, and having to move back in with her abusive mother, she needed a fresh start. She was so excited to be living completely on her own for the first time. Scrolling through Tinder, Michelle matched with a guy named Zane. His bio read “It’s cold outside, let me warm my ears between your thighs” ironic since it was June. After chatting for a few days they agreed to get together. For the next year, they spent almost every day together. Eventually she spent more nights in his bed than her own. But every time she thought things would become more than friends with benefits, it never did. She never thought he felt anything romantic towards her. s*x? Sure. But dates, romantic gestures, talking about feelings? No. Absolutely not. However, she couldn’t bring herself to give up on him. She was addicted to the smell of him. Not his deodorant, his shampoo or his soap.. just him. Musky, salty, with a hit of a metallic smell. It was calming to her. And she could smell him on all of his things, his sheets, his shirts, even just walking into his house or being near him. His smell brought her such comfort and warmth, she couldn’t explain it. However, after a year of waiting and trying to hope for a real relationship, Michelle decided to stop waiting. She got back on Tinder and ended up meeting Jeremy. Jeremy seemed like a nice guy, though he lacked experience because he had never been an a relationship before. However, they hit it off and Michelle decided to give up on Zane and start a relationship with Jeremy. Eventually moving 4 hours away, getting pregnant, married and then having a second child together. But even married, even having kids, Michelle still thought about Zane often, even after they lost touch. Michelle’s relationship with Jeremy however was far from perfect. Especially once they got married and had kids, Jeremy became abusive. He wouldn’t let her work, wouldn’t let her have access to his money, yelled at her often, cornered her, and berated her daily. By the time their second child was born, Michelle knew she had to leave but felt trapped. How could she afford to take care of her kids when she hasn’t been allowed to work? What if he tries to take her kids from her? She was so scared. One night she decided that enough was enough. She was done being treated like she was. She wanted her life back and she was going to take it back. She just didn’t know how yet. Step one was getting a job and keeping it.