My Deserving Mate

8 years later

Present day

There on my front porch stood my past. I shouldn’t be surprised. My mom kept me updated on the status of the pack. Jacob took over as alpha for his dad 4 years ago. My dad stayed on as beta until Brandon was ready to take over.

I put the car in park and slowly got out of the car. I don’t know why I am so nervous. I am far from the same girl I was when I left 8 years ago. I was awkward and skinny and didn’t know anything about fashion or makeup. After living in New York, I started working out and took some classes on how to fix my hair and makeup and how to dress. I went to college and made a bunch of friends and became more confident in who I am as a person.

His smell hit me first. He still smelled amazing. He originally had his back to me but turned around when I shut the door. His eyes widened and I could visibly see him shift his facial expressions to try and hide his surprise. I smirked a little to myself. Pleased with myself at the physical reaction I caused him. My dad was standing in the doorway and saw me as well. He pushed past Jacob and came up to hug me.

“Sweet pea!” He said picking me up and spinning me around.

“Hi daddy!” I said squeezing him back.

I looked at Jacob after dad set me down. “Jacob.” I said curtly.

“Natalie. You look good.” He said and stumbled a little on the front porch steps.

“I know.” I said confidently.

“Natalie, be humble.” Dad scolded but smiled at the same time. Ever since I left dad had not been Jacobs biggest fan. He was very proud of the woman I had become and had also been looking forward to my homecoming. “Excuse us Jacob, I’d like to catch up with my daughter.” We walked past him up the porch into the house. Even though I hadn’t planned on seeing him so soon, I was pleased with how stunned he seemed to be.

My mom came running around the corner and crushed me in a hug. “Hi mom!”

“Hi baby girl! I missed you so much.” She squeezed tighter.

“I missed you too!” I said squeezing back.

“I am so glad Tinleigh is getting married! But disappointed that, that is the only way we could get you to come home.” She said wrapping one arm around my shoulders and steering me towards the kitchen.

I shook my head at her. “I know mom. But honestly other than you guys and Tinleigh there was no reason to come back. And Tinleigh loves visiting New York.”

“What about..” “No.” I cut her off. I knew what she was going to say. “He may be my mate but he was never a reason to come back.” I hoped that would be the end of that conversation but knowing my mom it was only the beginning. Fortunately she dropped the subject for now.

“Well I for one am glad you are here.” Dad said after a long pause. I smiled at him and then excused myself to my room. I was exhausted from traveling and was ready to go to sleep. Tomorrow I’d be meeting up with Tinleigh for wedding preparations.

Jacob’s POV

“So I heard Natalie is coming back?” I asked beta Jonathon. I knew she and Tinleigh had remained friends all these years and with Tinleigh and Brandon getting married I had a feeling Natalie would be returning. I just didn’t count on Tinleigh making her the maid of honor and I being the the best man. Demetri scoffed at me. He had barely said anything to me in 8 years. Clearly he still blamed me. Hell I blamed me. I tried to move on but my heart wouldn’t let me. I knew I would never be happy with another woman. I knew I needed Natalie.

Jonathon eyed me carefully. “Yes she is and I’d appreciate it if you gave her space and let my wife and I enjoy her homecoming before you bombard her.” He was not my biggest fan after what happened at the coffee shop. Not that I blamed him.

I smelt her before I heard the car door shut. She smelt just as I remembered and Demetri was going nuts. “Mate!” Yes I thought she’s here. I turned to look at her. She was sexy as hell. She exuded confidence and was beautiful. My eyes widened and I worked quickly to try and hide my reaction to seeing her. I saw a little smirk pop up on her face. “My little vixen.”Demetri thought. She knew what she was doing. Maybe I will get to speak to her after all. But just as I was working up the courage to say something her father pushed past me towards her. He spun her around in a big hug and then she addressed me.

“Jacob.” Man my name sounded amazing on her lips.

“Natalie. You look good.” I hoped I didn’t sound like a dope but I’m sure I did.

“I know.” Damn so confident and sexy.

“Natalie, be humble.” Her dad scolded but I also saw pride in his eyes. He knew what she was doing to me. He steered her past me and excused themselves into the house. He shot a piercing glare at me and then went into the house. I guess I wouldn’t be speaking to her after all.

I headed home and my dad was there. I told him about seeing Natalie and how amazing she looked. Brandon and Tinleigh walked in to the pack house together. Tinleigh glared at me as she always does. Ever since Natalie left she’s hated me. She would never say that to me though being as I’m her alpha and her fiancé is my soon to be beta. Brandon wanted to wait until he and his mate were married to take over the beta position. He also spent his time training with Jonathon. He said he wanted to be the best beta he could be.

“Son I told you, you should’ve gave her a chance. You should have gone after her.” Dad scolded me.

Tinleigh pursed her lips together and chimed in.”Oh is Natalie here?! Eeek! I can’t wait to see her! Did you see her? How did you see her?”

“I was talking to Jonathon as their house when she pulled up.” I said.

“Doesn’t she look amazing! New York did her right!” She said smiling and gauging my reaction.

I growled in agreement. “Yeah she does look amazing.”

“Baby I’m gonna run over and see her. I’ll see you later.” She kissed Brandon’s cheek and hurried out the door.

I excused myself for bed. I couldn’t wait for tomorrow knowing we were suppose to be helping with wedding stuff. At least I’d get to spend time with her. Tomorrow couldn’t come quick enough.