Mr. Valentine's Heart

New Player

~Joy~

“Okay, thank you. Hurry back.” I disconnect the call with a satisfied smile. Jamichael did exactly as I asked and is on his way here with Caleb. I wanted to make sure I left little room for him to disappear.

I check the table settings one last time, anticipating his arrival. I know it will be a while, but I'm excited. I think Lyrissa Morris will be a good fit for my son. His hand touches my back, and I jump, lost in thought. “Camden, you scared me.” He softly kisses my cheek before stepping back and taking in the sight before him.

“Don't you think you're going a bit too far with all of this?”

“What do you mean?” I know what he means, but I'm sick of having this conversation. I've said what I've said, and I wish they would respect where I'm coming from.

“It's just that you're ambushing him, and he already told you he wasn't interested in a chosen mate.”

“How dare you, Camden! You know, as well as I do, that our son is slowly dying. This magic that the pack holds is slowly killing him without a mate by his side. Would you have our son die simply because he's too stubborn to do what's good for him? Would you commit him to a lifetime of pain and loneliness so easily?” Camden sighs and shakes his head.

“I know, baby, but still. He doesn't want this.”

“He doesn't know what he wants. He's still heartbroken over that harlot. I should have known she'd do something like this to our son. I wish I could have spared him that pain.” I should have seen this coming. If I knew, I would have told him to leave her alone all those years ago.

“The past is the past. I just hope you don't cause too big a rift between you and our son.”

“He may be upset later, but he'll get over it when he realizes what I've done for him.” Camden sighs again, but I ignore him. I know what I'm doing; as a mother, I need to care for my son. I will do that in any way possible.

❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥

“Ma'am, Ms. Morris is here.” I watch her walk through the door as elegantly as she always does. She's a beautiful girl, and I hate that she lost her mate before she could even enjoy the bond. From my understanding, he died in a rogue attack before he could claim her.

“Ah, Lyrissa, how good of you to make it. I hope the drive here wasn't too much.” She gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“I actually got in last night and stayed at a hotel. I will leave in the morning. I didn't want to risk driving around too long.” I nod and motion to the couch for her to sit. She does so after greeting Camden.

“I'm glad to hear that. Caleb should be here soon. He just left work, but it's a bit of a drive.”

“I'm excited to meet him. I heard so many great things about your son. I'm sad that he lost his mate like he did.” I nod, not wanting to make HER the discussion topic for the night.

The door opens and slams with a loud bang. I turn my head to see Caleb stumble toward us with Jamichael trying to balance him. I'm on my feet in an instant, appalled at his behavior. “Jamichael, what the hell is going on? You two just left the company. What is all this?” Jamichael doesn't respond. His eyes are locked on something past me. I slowly turn to follow his gaze and my heart rate increases. Please tell me this isn't happening.

“Mate.” Lyrissa's voice is soft, and her eyes are locked on Jamichael. He lets go of Caleb and steps forward, never taking his eyes off her. Caleb suddenly stands straight and looks between the two with a smirk on his face.

“Well, I guess my little show is no longer needed.” I fall back on the couch, trying to figure out what the hell just happened. “Come, let's eat so I can get to know my new Beta female.” I sigh and put my head in my hands. “Coming, mother?” I motion toward him, not looking up. Why am I finding it so hard to find a mate for my son? Caleb is a good man and a successful businessman. I must be approaching this all wrong.

Before I can get up, my phone rings. I answer without looking at the caller ID. “What is it?”

“Joy! How are you?” I perk up and switch hands that my phone is in.

“Oh my, I haven't heard from you in a while. What's been going on with you?”

“Nothing special. I've just been working. I've heard through the grapevine that you're looking for a mate for your son.” My breath catches when I realize my mistake. I should have approached her first.

“I'm so sorry. I just assumed you had someone by now. You're a lovely girl and shouldn't be alone still.” She laughs at my words.

“My mate situation wasn't… ideal, but I'm over that. I've always had a thing for Caleb, and I would love it if I could give it a real shot.” Of course! She'd be perfect to be by his side and as a Luna to this pack.

“I like that, dear. Let's plan on you coming-”

“Actually, I have a plan. I want to surprise him on Valentine's Day. I have some things to wrap up here, and then I want to present myself to him.” Valentine's Day is a big deal around here. It would be the perfect day for her to appear. I could help prepare her for what she needs to do at this pack.

“That's perfect, dear. I can help you learn your duties and surprise him.”

“I'm so excited! I will be in touch.” I disconnect the call with a renewed sense of determination. This will be perfect, and he won't quickly discount her.

“Joy? Are you going to join us for dinner or not?” I look up to find Camden looking at me with concern. I smile at him, my energy renewed. I hold my hand out, allowing him to help me up.

“Let's go celebrate the happy couple, shall we?”