Broken Mate, Fixed By Fate

“You’re staying up again so late.” I raise my eyes from the dress I’m sewing and smile at my sister. “I’m almost done, I swear.” Lila rolls her eyes. “You said that three hours ago. It’s almost three in the morning, Maeve. You need to rest!” I sigh. “I need to finish this so I can deliver it in time tomorrow... Luna Marie promised me she’d give me a little extra if I deliver on time before they leave for Michigan.” “Well, she better because she didn’t exactly give you that much time, you know…the other dressmakers wouldn’t accept a rushed job like that. Do you have a death wish or something? It can’t be good for your health…you don’t eat much and you barely sleep!” I wince. We’ve been through this before. “It won’t always be like this. When Jack finally becomes a full-fledged warrior, things will be different, you’ll see. I won’t have to work as hard anymore—” Lila scoffs. “See, that’s another thing that I don’t understand—why do you have to work your ass off so he gets to participate in that elite camp training?” She puts her hands on her waist and glares at me. “He should be the one busting his lazy bum to give you a chance to do what you like, which is fashion design—” “And he will!” I cut her mid-tirade. “We talked about this, we’re mates and we promise to help each other out. This time, I’m helping him reach his goal, and as soon as he’s done, we’ll get married, and then he’ll be the one supporting me with mine.” Lila shakes her head. “I still don’t get it. What does he even need money for? I heard the king and queen provide food and lodging for all trainees. I see no reason for you to keep sending him all your earnings!” I sigh again. “Yes, the food and lodgings are paid for but he said he still needs an allowance and extra money for their projects and such. It’s okay…they’re halfway through the year already. I just have to keep it together for a few more months and then he’ll be back home.” Lila sighs too and sits beside me, holding my hand. “I just hope you’re not wasting your time…and that it’s worth it, in the end.” I smile at her fondly and tap her hand. “Oh, stop worrying. We’re fated mates. I trust him to make me proud and I look forward to his return so we can finally start our life together.” She still doesn’t look convinced so I laugh. “Don’t worry about me. I’m happy.” She stares at me with sad eyes. “That’s what I’m worried about above all else. Because you don’t look happy…You look exhausted and malnourished…you’re too pale and I’m afraid that it will only take one strong gust of wind for you to fly away.” “I’ll be fine. It’s fashionable to be thin, I get to model my creations too, so really, it’s a win-win.” Lila stands up. “Well, I see there’s no changing your mind, so…might as well save my breath even though believe me, I still have lots to say about this—” “Go to bed, Lila. It’s late. I’ll be done here in just a few minutes. Would’ve finished earlier if someone hadn’t interrupted me—” “Oh, now it’s my fault!?” Lila’s eyes widened, pretending to be offended. I laugh again. “Go. I’ll be off to bed soon, I promise.” My sister finally leaves and I rub my eyes. Goodness, I’m really tired. I didn’t really expect the job to take this long but I’m rather proud of how beautiful it turned out to be. It was already very pretty on paper but to see and hold the actual finished product…there’s no comparison. It’s my best work yet and I’m sure the Luna will be more than happy to give me the promised bonus. If I’m lucky, I can send Jake a little extra something too. He’d like that. He’s been telling me about the military boots he’s been eyeing for a bit. Maybe I can get them for him as a graduation present or something… The next day… “These are marvelous, Maeve, dear!” Luna Marie gushes happily. “Look at this, I may actually look better than the queen herself! You really are very talented! And what an eye for the best materials…these dresses are precious and of such high quality…my goodness, I’ll be the envy of the party!” I blush. “Thank you Luna, I’m glad you like them…” She writes me a check and my eyes widen when I see the amount. It’s triple the price we agreed on! “Oh, Luna! Thank you so much! Are you sure?” She smiles at me fondly. “I am sure, dear. I am very happy with these and I heard you have been doing all-nighters just to finish it in time. I can’t thank you enough! Get yourself something nice…you deserve it.” I stare at the check in wonder as I walk home. With this amount, I can even go visit Jack at the camp and give him the military boots in person! I know his shoe size anyway. I can’t wait to tell him! Oh, wait, maybe I won’t tell him and it will be a nice surprise. My sister is not very happy that I’m traveling by myself so I convinced his younger brother Jayden to accompany me. He’s young, barely seventeen but like all shifters he’s big enough to look like he can defend me, just in case. To save money, Jayden offers that we take his motorbike and I’ll just pay for gas. Luckily, the training camp is only a couple of hours away, give or take. Okay, maybe three… My heart is pounding wildly in my chest when we finally reach the training camp. It’s been three months since we last saw each other, when he came home for a weekend visit, and even my wolf is pacing excitedly inside my head. The warrior at the gate gives us an odd look when I ask to see Jack Marsh and that I'm his mate. “Wait here…” he mutters. After around fifteen minutes, he returns to the gate and gives me a different address, telling me that’s where I’ll find Jack. “Oh, I don’t understand, I thought he lives in the camp together with the other trainees…” I glance at Jayden who shrugs. The warrior frowns. “No, he has taken a private residence, about five minutes walk from here.” A private residence? Isn't that more expensive? Jayden and I leave quietly and we easily find the address. It’s a pretty bungalow painted in elegant white and gray. A couple of guys are playing chess on the porch and smile at me when I timidly ask if this is where Jack lives. “Hey, hey hey…pretty girl. Yes, this is where he lives, but he’s not here right now…he’s on a date!” What!?