Forbidden Mates

Cinnamon, Sugar and Heartbreak

The professor had been droning on for what seemed like hours, even though Eva knew the class had only started 23 minutes ago. But her wolf was restless, and making it very difficult to focus on anything other than keeping her contained. Please, Stella, just hold on a little longer. I promised you we would go looking after class. Stella growled in response, I have been waiting for years… I can’t keep it holding on. We are MADE to be together!

Eva sighed, knowing she would probably need to skip the rest of her classes for the day to appease Stella. Which, if Eva was being honest, she didn’t mind because Wednesday classes were the worst. But she was still struggling to get excited about the alternative activity. She knew what she wanted in a mate… she wanted him to be different than most mates. Sure, Lukas was great for Marilee, but she didn’t want the big, macho alpha wolf. She didn’t need someone to protect her; she wanted someone to support her. Someone who could understand what it’s like to be different and want different things in life. Mostly, she wanted someone who wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves. She had dreams for her life, and while she wasn’t opposed to being a Luna, she wasn’t excited about it, either. She wanted to travel the world and help not only wolves, but fairies, vampires, maybe even witches. All the nonhuman species that seemed to always be in hiding. And she wanted to finally end the war between the vampires and werewolves. She hated that she was directly tied to that war, and the hatred for the vampires that killed her ancestors out of rage and revenge.

Growing up as the last wolf in the royal bloodline, she knew people had big expectations of her. Most assumed she would hate vampires to her core…after all, they murdered her ancestors and tore her family from the throne. But she didn’t. In fact, she was always curious about Rosemary… the young wolf who was murdered by her own father for loving someone different than herself. She often thought how terrible it must have been to be promised to another, how isolating it must have been to have no one to confide in, and how heart-wrenchingly painful it must have been not only to watch Vertanen be killed so horrifically, but then dragged to her own death at the hands of her own flesh and blood. So, no, she didn’t hate the vampires at all. In reality, she more-so hated her great, great grandfather. The man who would sacrifice his own family for his selfish pride, under the guise of protecting their race. Wolves were known to take fairies, witches and humans as mates…why was it so impossible that one might have a vampire mate? And what makes that so terrible? Not that she would ever ask for that fate, but she didn’t understand the blind intolerance for such a mix.

She wondered again who might be her mate. Maybe it was a human? That might make sense, since she sensed him in the city but not at the Hold. Some expected that she would be Dominic’s mate; a mighty Alpha and a royal Luna to unite the packs. When that didn’t happen and Lukas appeared, claiming he sensed his mate, the assumption was he was there for her. She could still feel the overwhelming sense of relief when neither of them was her mate. As proud as she was of her royal blood, she didn’t have the same feeling of duty to “uphold her ribosomal purity”, as some would describe it. She just wanted to be happy and make an impact on the world.

She was currently a triple major, studying law, history and language. She felt that by having a solid understanding of major – and minor – historical events, she would have a better grasp on why laws were made when they were, and what shaped their evolution. She was studying language because she wanted to travel and freely communicate with those she was visiting. She was already fluent in French, Spanish and Italian. Not many wolves bothered to learn other languages as they mostly stuck to their own packs, but she knew she was destined for more than sitting around baking cookies. She was also well-spoken in Gaelic, the language of the fairies, Theban, the Wiccan language, and even had a pretty solid grasp of Latin, well-known as the language of the vampires. No one actually knew that she was familiar with those languages as it was not encouraged among the wolves, but she felt confident that this knowledge would serve her well in her future, wherever it may take her.

Finally, she heard the professor say they were done for the day, and she quickly packed up her books and headed for the door. As she rounded the professor’s desk toward the exit, he called out to her.

“Eva! Can you stick around for a minute?”

Stella growled internally, what does this old man want now? Eva ignored her and replied, “Huh? Oh… yeah of course. What’s up?”

“You just seemed distracted today. You’re usually very engaged in class. I just wanted to make sure everything was alright.” He looked at her with genuine concern in his eyes. She appreciated this gesture, as she had become quite close with this professor, and highly respected his opinion of her. She didn’t know why she felt so attached to him, but he had almost become something of a father-figure for her. He had been mentoring her throughout her time in college so far, and encouraged her in all that she pursued.

“I’m sorry. I just had a crazy night, up late studying, and I guess I have a lot on my mind.” She offered him a soft smile.

“I get it. I just wanted to remind you I’m here if you need anything. I know that time is coming around for you, and I know you don’t like to talk about it, but I am always here.” He offered gently.

“Thanks Dr. Gene. I appreciate it. I really am fine, just ready for break coming up so I can go home for a bit and reboot.”

“I certainly understand that!” He said with a chuckle. “Enjoy the rest of your day, doing whatever it is you’re planning to do instead of going to class.” He gave her a quick wink and she couldn’t help but laugh. He had grown to know her quite well.

“Thanks! Don’t tattle on me!” She laughed and lightly slapped his shoulder on her way by. She couldn’t put her finger on what made him so familiar and comfortable to her, but she would forever be grateful to him. She knew he was only a human and there was no outside connection between them, but it felt like she had always known him, somehow. Her first semester was quite rough, and he reached out to her and provided support that she didn’t even know she needed. She hoped that someday there would be some way to repay his kindness.

She quickly made her way across campus, finally breaking out of building and breathing in the fresh air of the beautiful fall weather. She hadn’t even managed to exhale yet, when Stella yelled in her head, MATE!

The scent was so faint, but it was unmistakable. Surrendering to Stella, she pointed her nose and began tracking her mate, forgetting about the humans around, and how strange she must look with her nose in the air that way. She took off down the street, while Dr. Gene smiled down from his office window, watching her take off on her mission.

Stella led Eva to the public library, somewhere Eva had never before visited. She had been meaning to check it out, she just hadn’t made it there as the student library on campus usually had anything she wanted. She had paused outside the door, staring at the handle, contemplating her entrance. The smell had gotten stronger, but she could also sense a vampire’s presence. The sweet cinnamon and sugar overpowered the vampire’s metallic scent, but it was definitely there. Come on! What are you waiting for?! Let’s go inside! Urged Stella. Just hold on… there is a vampire here, somewhere, too! Eva cautioned. Stella growled in response; a vampire is not going to approach you. I guarantee, after last night, he knows there are many wolves in the area and that would be a death wish. Can you imagine, a vampire killing the last royal werewolf? Eva thought about what Stella had said, But… what if that is exactly why they are here. What if I am a target? I was always raised to understand I could be a target for any other race and species, hoping to eliminate the royals once and for all. Stella sighed, You’re not wrong, Eva. There could be someone waiting to attack us on the other side of this door. But I am not afraid, and neither should you be. We are stronger than any Alpha we have encountered. You know that. So I know we can protect ourselves against a lone vampire. And when we find our mate inside, he will also protect us if the vampire does attack. Eva groaned, knowing that Stella was right. Yet she continued to hesitate.

Now you’re just stalling! Shouted Stella. I’m scared, Stella! I’ve never been sure I wanted a mate… now here I am skipping class and running all over the city trying to find him. Now that I’m here, and he’s inside, I’m not sure I’m ready. Just let me gather my thoughts and catch my breath, Eva asked, he voice laced with heavy emotion. Stella hadn’t realized that Eva was practically gasping for breath and calmed down. She knew what finding a mate represented to Eva… she would likely have to follow him to his own pack, and who knew who she might be mated with. It could be an Omega for all they knew, and she might never realize her true potential as a royal wolf. We are the most powerful wolf on this planet, Eva. Together, we can overcome anything. The Great Moon Goddess would not have blessed us with such strength to be wasted on an unworthy mate. On the other side of this door, is a mate who is destined to unlock your true potential, to make your greatest passions known and your wildest dreams reality. Stella did her best to calm Eva, despite the inner turmoil she felt from her. I want to accomplish greatness because of who I am, and what I am capable of. Not because a man came along and made it possible. Stella growled at Eva internally, I am doing my best to be patient with you, Eva. I know what this mate represents; I know what you fear he can take away from you. But that can only if you allow it to unfold that way. Because I also know what a mate is meant to be, and I know I need him, and so do you. As much as the air we breathe. Not because we are incapable without him, but because we were designed to complete each other. He needs you to accomplish his fate just as you need him. It is a shared bond; one that has just as much impact on him as it does on you. Eva remained silent. She knew that Stella was right, that she needed to go through that door. She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath, reaching for the door handle. But before she could open the door, she felt someone wrap their arms around her waist, pulling her back.

Eva swung around to see who was accosting her out of nowhere, and instantly grew angry. “Nate! What are you doing? Let go of me, now!”

Nate stepped backwards, holding his hands up in surrender. “I’m sorry, Eva, I was just trying to scare you – just picking on you.”

“Yes, well, that’s really not necessary. Have a nice day.”

As she turned to open the door again, Nate grasped her elbow, “Eva, wait. I… I’m sorry that I’ve not been good to you. I completely understand why you can’t stand me. I’ve truly been a monster toward you, and for that, I truly am sorry.” Eva eyed him suspiciously.

“Um. Okay. Then stop doing it.” She said with a glare.

“I am. Starting now. And… And I would really like to take you to lunch. I’d like to know more about you. And I’d like to give you the opportunity to know more about me. The real me.”

“I know you plenty well, thank you very much. I’ll pass on the lunch, and the rest of this conversation. Have a great day, Nate.”

Nate watched her walk into the library, knowing she was expecting to find her mate inside. He didn’t know anything about her mate, other than what his new friend had told him. He had recently appeared in the area and was staying in the public library for some reason. And while Nate distracted Eva outside, his new friend prepared what she would find inside.

As Eva opened the door, the smell of cinnamon and sugar grew incredibly strong, while the haze of fresh baked bread seemed to emanate from the rafters in the old building. Her mate was definitely here. But, if she could sense and smell him, why couldn’t he sense her? And if he could, why wasn’t he looking for her, too? As she passed by the front desk, the librarian caught her eye.

“I’m sorry… are you Eva? Eva Wolfrik?” She asked gently.

“Y-yes… I am… I’m sorry, do I know you?”

“No, but, a gentleman just handed me this letter and asked that I give it to a young woman named Eva, matching your description. He mentioned you should be coming in at any moment.”

“Oh… okay, thank you.” Eva cautiously received the letter from the older woman.

“If you need any help finding something, please do not hesitate to ask. I do love this library, and always enjoy seeing the younger generation take part in all it has to offer.” The old woman smiled kindly, and went back to her desk, as if she hadn’t just weirdly given Eva a letter with what was clearly a wolf’s seal on the envelope.

It must be from our mate! Stella exclaimed, excitedly. I am feeling nervous to open it. I have a sinking feeling about this letter, Eva replied. Despite her apprehension, Eva found a chair in a quite corner, and slowly opened the envelope. She pulled out the letter and felt her heart wrench at the words on the page:

“I, your true and destined mate, reject you, Eva Lucia Wolfrik, and release you from our bond from this day forward and forever.”

Eva sat still, staring at the page for what seemed like hours while Stella howled her pain in her mind, until she felt strong enough to stand again, and Stella had nearly lost her voice. She never even wanted a mate, and could not understand how finding that he didn’t want her either, could cut her so deeply. She slowly stood and headed for the door, trying to ignore the remnants of his scent that still wafted around. She checked her phone on the way out, noticing it was nearly 5pm, and would be getting dark soon. She truly had sat there for over four hours. She walked slowly toward the Hold, unable to put any speed under her feet, and dreading the moment she had to talk to someone. She was glad Marilee would be staying with Lukas tonight, so she wouldn’t have to talk about it.

When she finally arrived at the Hold, she was barely keeping it together. The thought of Marilee and Lukas had sent her to a new low, realizing she would never have what they had…even though she had never really wanted it. As she walked through the doors, she wasn’t watching where she was going and bumped into Nate, feeling a weird shock in her shoulder as she did. What was that?! She asked Stella, trying to regain her bearings. I know what it felt like, but it came from Nate…so it can’t be that.

Nate quickly reached out to help steady Eva, as she was stumbling back a bit. As his hands touched her arms, she felt little shocks erupt everywhere he made contact. She quickly pulled away, staring at him, trying to decipher if he felt it, too. He quickly pulled his hands away, looking down at them, looking confused.

“What was that?” he asked her, still looking like he had no idea what was going on.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but please keep your hands to yourself.” Eva spit in anger. She couldn’t believe that she had just felt sparks with him, and was sure there was no way that was real. Quickly, she turned and ran, locking the door behind her when she reached her room.

Nate watched her rush off, both amazed and excited about what had just happened. He hurried off to make himself a celebratory drink, thinking to himself, by goddess, he truly did it!