Finding Her Fated Mate

CHAPTER 2

　　She kissed her parents on the cheek and hurried out of the house before her mother could issue another word of protest against her manners. Erin dumped her heavy handbag in the back seat of her Honda before getting behind the wheels.

　　The art gallery was only about a mile away, but she was already running late mostly because that blasted alarm clock of hers had failed to go off at the right time. Never mind that she'd forgotten to replace the worn-out batteries, but yeah, her alarm clock was to blame for her tardiness on her first day to work.

　　Twenty minutes later, Erin parked her car in the only vacant spot in front of the gallery. Despite being late already, she couldn't help but take a moment to pause and admire the exquisite building that housed the art gallery. The structure was two floors high and it was a mix of brick, glass, and wood, with giant pots of ferns and Monstera flanking it on all sides. Erin still couldn't believe her luck at getting the opportunity to work in the newest and swankiest place in Fairbanks, thanks to her big brother, Eric, who had mentioned the opening to her after his friend, Farida Burns, had told him about it.

　　Inside the gallery was even more divine than the exterior. The walls were painted white and different shades of azure, making the place look like an underwater haven. There were paintings of different sizes on the walls downstairs, while the top floor was for sculptures and a variety of metal works.

　　"Hi Jade, I'm here to see Farida," said Erin to the friendly receptionist.

　　"Hi, Erin," Jade replied with a big smile. "Farida has been expecting you. She's at the back of the gallery."

　　"Thanks," Erin said with a grateful smile and began her journey to the back of the gallery. The short walk gave her some time to admire the paintings hanging on the wall and the ones set on columns around the room. I should bring some of my watercolors here too, she thought to herself wistfully.

　　She finally reached her destination but there was no Farida to be found. Instead, she is greeted by a variety of tastefully done oil paintings that were probably waiting to be displayed in the front hall.

　　Erin knew she should call out to Farida, but she was so captivated by the sheer talent displayed here, that all she could do was just stand there and get an eyeful. One huge painting propped on an easel caught her attention, and Erin walked toward it to get a closer look.

　　Standing in front of the easel, her breath left her. The painting showed two giant werewolves standing on a hill at sunset, their eyes trained on a glowing white stone that appeared to float above their heads. What stunned her the most was that one of the werewolves in the painting was in her wolf form.

　　"You're here."

　　Erin turned around at the sound of the male voice behind her and she found herself face-to-face with a man she had never seen before. He was tall and broad-shouldered, and although he wasn't the most handsome man Erin had ever laid eyes on.

　　There was something powerfully alluring about his aura that made her want to run into his arms for safety. Right now, he was looking at her as if he'd just seen a ghost.

　　"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snoop. I was looking for Farida," Erin explained.

　　"You are truly here," said the man softly, his eyes running over her as if trying to make sure that she was who he thought she was.

　　Erin couldn't hide her confusion. "Do I know you? I'm not sure we've met before."

　　"Not in this lifetime, but you are mine," he replied confidently.

　　"Excuse me?" Erin asked in utter confusion. Who is this guy and why the heck was he saying weird stuff to her? And where on earth is Farida?

　　"I know you don't know me yet," the man continued. "But you will, Edvana. You will know me because you are my mate."

　　"I beg your pardon!" Erin said haughtily. She didn't know which one annoyed her the most – that this strange man dared to call her his mate or that she felt he might be telling the truth.

　　"Erin, there you are!" Farida said and waltzed into the back room in her flowing chiffon kimono with beautiful Aztec prints. Her chocolate skin glistened with health and her full Afro hair looked like a dark halo around her head.

　　"I see you've finally met our boss, Mr. Devon Grey," Farida continued cheerfully, completely oblivious to the tension in the room. "Devon, let me officially introduce you to our new intern, Erin Brown."

　　Erin couldn't believe her ears – this weirdo was the owner of the gallery? Great!

　　"This is the Devon Grey?" She asked incredulously.

　　"The one and only!" Replied Farida proudly.

　　While Devon may not be a known face due to his reclusive lifestyle, his talent and work have made him famous in Alsaka and the entire northwest region of the country.

　　His paintings have been featured in several art exhibitions around the country and he has also won many awards for his outstanding pieces. Curiously, not many people know what Devon look like and Erin can now see why – the guy may be a genius with a paintbrush, but he wasn't quite right in the head.

　　"Oh, what a… pleasure to finally meet you in person," said Erin, unconvincingly.

　　"Sure," he said, still looking at her strangely. He finally turned to Farida and said, "I'll be in my office if you need me."

　　"Of course," she said and stepped aside to let Devon pass on his way out of the back room. Once they were alone, Farida returned her full attention to Erin.

　　"So, are you ready to start? Are you excited?"

　　"Yes, and yes," said Erin with a laugh. She loved Farida's bubbly personality and she was sure that working with her for the next couple of weeks would be fun.

　　"Great. Now let's begin with the inventory. Some customers will be stopping by today to pick up a few pieces and we will…"