Her Impossible Mate

4- Waiting

...Zander...

The feeling of trepidation has weighed heavy on my chest all day. I am agitated, even a little jittery, and this is most definitely more than a hangover from a heavy night on the scotch. Lena even had to reassure me, which made me a little nauseous, to be honest. I have never been one to feel anxious or uncertain in my adult life. I have lived with immense privilege. I'm well aware that to never feel this way is a luxury. The fortuity of safety and protection, and the fact that I'm a cocky son of a b***h, has sheltered me from these bothersome feelings. 

All I can sense is that something big is coming, and it is no coincidence that these feelings appeared on the build-up to meeting with Arthur Blackwood. Truthfully, the biggest lure for proceeding with this meeting is the possibility I might get my d**k wet with the oh so seductive Evangeline. I absolutely am a slave to a good f*ck, and it really has been too long. Just the thought of Eva's burnt red locks tangled in my fist, her back arching as she whispers my name over and over. Those perfectly manicured nails tracing the muscles of my back, digging in as she begs me to go harder, faster until she is--

"Coming?" Lena is already halfway to my desk before her question breaks me from the sensual vision of Eva beneath me. My eyes casually open as if I wasn't getting too aroused from my dirty little fantasy. I take a calming breath as I stand, smoothing my clean black suit free of any wrinkles.

I make my way around my disorganised desk from today's lack of success. The foreboding feeling having prevented me from achieving anything I'd set out to. Lena waits for me to reach her, then twists on her skinny heels to walk purposefully out of my office by my side.

"I have the files and the contract to look over. Remember, do not sign anything. This is an initial meeting." Her words sound like those of father, always so sure I would mess things up. Lena has never treated me like that, so perhaps her calm response to today's additional agitation was a lie. Does she think I am incapable all of a sudden, forgetting I'm the boss and she's my next in line? 

I shoot her a disgruntled glare from my place beside her. The corner of her mouth twitches upwards before she tilts her head slightly in my direction, a subtle smirk and an indifferent shrug all she has to offer. I roll my eyes, noticing her holding back a chuckle. 

We make our way over the black Rolls Royce our driver has waiting for us and hop in the back. Lena continues to talk about strategies for Arthur, but this strange feeling stops me focusing on forming proper responses. The closer we come to our final destination, the heavier my chest feels. 

The driver pulls to a stop outside the club so we can exit the vehicle. Suddenly there's a shift from the feeling of impending doom to one of desperation to go inside. The u-turn in emotion has me feeling sick to my stomach, and after stepping from the car, I have to take a second to steady myself. I shake my head as the world feels like it's floating away from me, my focus now solely on the desire to meet my fate. Lena's hand to my arm brings me back down to earth with her words of concern only whispers in the air and of no matter to me.

A low hum reverberates around my chest, my body now feeling drawn towards something inside that club. I stride in confidently, all fear set aside, while Lena trots at my heels to keep up. The renewed feelings in my chest tell me this is right where I need to be. Filled with a new sense of confidence, I bound toward the room we are directed towards.

My heart sinks a little as all I am greeted with is Arthur and Evangeline already seated. While I was most definitely looking forward to bending Eva over and having her scream my name, I can't help being disappointed at this greeting. These feelings had me thinking something glorious awaited. But alas, I am mistaken. 

Arthur notices my presence and moves to greet me. I see Eva at his side, licking hungrily at her inviting lips as her eyes begin to devour me. I guess that's not so disappointing.

Returning my attention to Arthur, I stretch out my hand to shake. He returns his, getting the formal introductions out of the way. That's when I feel it. The red hot gaze of a newcomer to the room causing my stomach to flip. 

Time seems to slow down as I turn to see who's gaze could have such a notable effect. The most stunning woman stands in the doorway, her eyes wide as her stare pierces right through me. Her hair is as dark as the night sky, falling in gentle waves over her exposed shoulders. Emerald eyes shine radiantly, as if illuminated by the light of a full moon. Her frame looks strong and defined with delicious curves, covered in only the sexiest black lace lingerie. My breath catches in my throat while taking in her beauty.

Our eyes collide, and my heart wants to leap from my chest. 

I know this feeling. 

I've heard stories about this feeling. 

This can't be happening. She's... my mate?

Time moves forward again with that realisation. The smash of the bottle of whiskey she held connecting with the floor causes everyone's head to snap to her.

"Stupid girl!" Arthur shouts harshly at her. My hands form to firsts, but I try my best not to rip his damn head off.

The woman stumbles over her apologies before scurrying out of sight. Eva snickers behind me, enjoying the woman's discomfort. I move to go after the unknown woman, my mate, but Lena's firm hand grips at my elbow and holds me in place.

I want to break free, to run after this enchanting woman. But I have responsibilities here. Lena's firm grip reminds me of that. She'll be back with another bottle anyway, and I will get my chance to lay claim to her. She's mine. All mine.

We sit as Arthur and Lena begin to chat. She's always been the better people person, and let's be honest, a man like Arthur loves having women hang on his every word, even if it is all a show. Lena will play him like a fiddle. Eva has perched herself practically on my lap, her knees twisted so they brush lightly off my leg. She twists her fiery locks through her fingers while eye-f*cking me from the side. I pay her no attention; my mind couldn't be farther from Evangeline Blackwood. And I'm pretty sure it will never drift there again after tonight. 

My eyes are fixated on the red curtain my mate had slipped through. My body craved her return, the low hum of desire reverberating through every inch of me. We were like two magnets, made only for each other. And now that destiny had brought us together, I wouldn't let it part us. 

The vibration of the bond appears to lessen as the curtain twitches and fingers wrap around its edge to pull it back. A leggy blonde pushes through the fabric, holding a fresh bottle of whiskey, and my heart sinks to my stomach. The chit chat around me has stopped to take in our new visitor.

"Hello, my name is Syn. I will be taking over from Nyx this evening. Here is your fresh bottle. On the house after our little accident." Her voice is sugary sweet, and her smile is that of a well-practised pageant girl. She places the bottle in front of us, long eyelashes fluttering in Arthur's direction.

"Just start on the pole, sweetheart." He gestures to the pole in the centre of the room. This is f*cking ridiculous. Who conducts business like this. 

I blow out a defeated sigh. She left.

"Don't worry, son. We'll get business out of the way, and then we can really enjoy ourselves. I'm sure we can have a few more of the girls join us." He pats me heavily on the shoulder, mistaking the meaning of my sigh. I couldn't care less about these dancers. I couldn't even care less about Eva, who was still nearly sitting on me. I needed to find that woman, and I needed to do it now. Of course, as always these days, the needs of the business and the pack came above my own. So, for now, I am trapped here.

Arthur and Lena continue to lead the meeting. I occasionally contribute, but it's hard to focus on anything other than the strange events of encountering my mate. I am left with more questions than answers after she bolted.

Mate bonds are reserved for the highest ranking purebloods these days. Yet here was my mate, seemingly packless and working as a stripper. The fact she ran off is also a confusing and infuriating development. All of the stories of mate bonds are these amazing 'I'm so glad I found you' moments. Even Lena and Luca, who have the most unconventional approach to being mates, were ecstatic to have found each other. Am I so terrible that she had to escape? A lesser man might think so, but I think this has nothing to do with me whatsoever. 

To find the answers to my questions, I first have to find her. Thankfully, we appear to be wrapping things up here. And from all accounts, it looks to be a positive first step to building bridges between our rival packs. Lena shakes hands with Arthur and Eva, and I follow. When I reach Eva, she pulls me in for a kiss on the cheek. She hovers by my ear, her hot breath fanning the side of my face.

"Come to mine." Her tone demonstrates that this isn't a question. I admire Eva's strength, and usually, this would be my desired outcome. But not anymore. I pull back, lightly shaking my head so as not to draw attention from Arthur. We had been keeping our fling a secret as the secretive and forbidden nature of the affair definitely added to the excitement. Her nostrils flare, and she firmly pulls her hand from mine. I return my attention back to Arthur, my new desire now driving me. 

"If you wouldn't mind, Arthur, I'd like this beautiful blonde all to myself." I gesture my head to the dancer who took over from... Nyx, was it? Arthur grins back at me.

"I don't blame you, son. Syn is quite the specimen." Arthur scans over the dancer while Eva's face screws in anger. She walks out without another word.

"Come, sweet Lena. Let's leave your brother to his sins...Or should I say Syn." His booming laugh echoes off the walls as he moves to guide Lena from the room. Her face is contorted in confusion, but she leaves with Arthur without resistance. I feel bad for leaving her with the old guy, but this was my first step to getting the answers about my runaway mate.

Syn makes her way over to me seductively. There's no denying she is stunning, but my mind is focused on one woman only now. 

"What can I do for you, sir." Oh, she's good. There is no denying her talents. I raise my hands to stop her from coming any closer. Her head tilts, eyebrows knotting in confusion.

"Actually, I need some answers... About the girl who was here before you. I'll pay you well." Before I even really finish the sentence, she turns and struts towards the door.

"Please. She's important to me." Oh, f*cking hell. That sounds so incredibly desperate and a little creepy. She turns back around. Maybe something about my desperation changed her mind. She chews at her lip while looking me over, deciding what she should do.

"Who are you to her? A crazy ex?" I raise my eyebrows in surprise. Do I look like the crazy ex type? Too many women have had me questioning myself and how I am perceived this evening.

"No, I-" Who am I to her? Do I even really know that answer right now? "I'm someone who needs to speak to her." She scoffs and rolls her eyes. This clearly isn't going well.

"Look, Ra-- Nyx get's a lot of attention. We all do. But no amount of money will make me give up any of her personal information. Also, you should know, Nyx doesn't hold back on creeps. You'd be on your ass with a black eye in seconds. Take my advice, sir, move on." My heart skips at the fact she was so very close to saying her real name. The information that followed also had my heart swelling with pride. I hate this, this sudden change in my thoughts and feelings. I'm so invested in a woman I don't even know who ran away from me. It is sickening. This is not who I am, yet I know I won't give up.

"When's her next shift?" Syn glares at my refusal to give up.

"I don't know." She turns as she speaks, done with my enquiries. I want to chase her, to shake the information out of her, but that really is too much. I guess I'll just have to wait for Nyx's return.

And that's what I did. 

For the rest of the week, I left work at 5pm and drove straight to the club. I occupied the parking space directly across from the entrance to the club, and I waited.

Thursday, she was a no show. I kind of expected that. If she was avoiding me, it would make sense that she would stay away, at least the next day. What she didn't know is that I am persistent. Especially when I desire something as much as this. And I really desire her.

On Friday, she wasn't there again. Again not wholely unexpected. Lena has been quizzing me since the night of the meeting. I haven't shared any information with her. The way Nyx ran makes me question what this really is. I want to meet her, get answers and be sure before I share with Lena. I know she will have strong opinions on this, and it would be nice not to be bombarded by her questions before I have any myself.

In desperation for those answers, I spent my weekend evenings waiting outside the club too. The longer this goes on, the more pathetic I feel. I've never chased a woman because I've never had to. They fall at my feet, practically begging for it. This mate of mine holds me in the palm of her hand after the briefest of encounters. But once I get ahold of her, she'll be mine for sure.

It's now Sunday evening outside the club, and the sky matches my mood- dark with the threat of a storm. Desperation has turned into annoyance and then to flat out rage. With nothing to do but sit and wait, I've started to answer my own questions, and the answers aren't pretty. She could be happily married with kids and ran because she chooses some sh*tty husband over her destined mate. I've built her life in my head, his hands all over her, pleasing her, teasing her, making her scream his name... My fist collides with the dashboard of my car. 

Being stuck in the car is doing my mood no favours, so I decide to take a walk. I try to walk off my frustrations. Running my hand through my hair, I let out an exasperated sigh. Leaning up against a cool, brick wall of an alleyway, I tilt my head to the moody sky and close my eyes. Since I met her, the scene of our meeting replaying in my mind has been the only thing to keep my emotions in check. 

The fact she was dressed in so little and that anyone in the club can lay eyes on what's mine is enraging. But the fact that soon I can claim her as mine, and mine alone, is helpful to calm my murderous thoughts. Just replaying the moment our eyes connected is enough to bring back that magnetic hum. I sigh as the feeling engulfs me, just like the day we met. And that's when I realise this is the first time I've felt it properly since that day. 

This is it; she's here.