The Fated Bond

First Target

[Lance’s POV]

“Alright.”

It’s a simple word, but it makes me feel excited as I get to do what I’m best at, making people live happily ever after. I can’t quite remember what started me in this profession. Maybe it was because I would never get such a chance due to my circumstances, or maybe it was to fill the void I felt over watching my father suffer from loneliness after losing my mom. Either way, when I was matching those who sought me out, I felt a weird sense of fulfillment.

“Great,” I grin, opening up the database on my computer. “Since we’ve determined some requirements for your first match, let me put it in the system.”

Since Violet was a wolf hybrid, I was certain that a werewolf would make the perfect match for her. However, I couldn’t just settle for anyone since werewolves had a tendency to be overly cocky and dominating. Given her history, I didn’t think that would work, so I needed to focus on someone that was more down-to-earth and willing to go at her pace.

“Here we go,” I announce as one particular candidate pops up. “What do you think?”

As I speak, I turn the screen of my computer once more and wait while Violet takes him in.

At first, she doesn’t show much of a reaction while her gaze travels along the screen, taking in his stats, probably getting a feel of his looks, and determining whether or not she would actually be interested. But soon, she seems to be slightly interested, probably drawn in from the fact that he meets her criteria plus more.

“I think I’ve seen him before.” She finally says, catching me by surprise. “Actually, I’m almost certain I have.”

“Really?” I ask, turning the screen toward me so I can read his information again.

Name: Thomas Manning

Age: 35

Height: 6 ft 7 in

Species: Werewolf

Position: Alpha of Blue Moon Pack

Hobbies: Fishing, fine dining, fragrances…

“Oh,” I say, turning my gaze to Violet. “Didn’t you say that you just opened a fragrance shop?”

“I did,” she confirms, sitting back in her seat. “That’s where I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him.”

“Doesn’t that mean that fate is doing its thing?” I chuckle, wondering if maybe she will find her perfect match on the first try. “This is actually a good thing.”

“Is it?” She asks as the small voice in the back of my head says the same thing. “Doesn’t it seem a little too good to be true?”

For a moment, I don’t speak as I process what she has just said and what that odd voice in my head said.

Where did it even come from, and why would I even think it? This was what I promised her I would do, so things were going as planned, but still… Well, I couldn’t linger on it.

“Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways.” I say, shaking off the uneasiness that is beginning to form. “And instead of hesitating, we should grab the bull by the horns and jump right in.”

“I guess,” Violet says, worriedly chewing her bottom lip. “But what do we even do first?”

“That’s simple,” I respond, falling back into business mode. “You have to approach him and get his DNA for me.”

“Why?”

“As I mentioned before, I can read minds.” I explain, leaning forward so I can better take Violet in. “But there’s a catch to that. I have to be able to touch something that carries that person’s DNA.”

“Are you saying that I have to get a piece of his hair?” She asks, eyes widening. “How do I even do that?”

“You go on a date and then get the hair.” I shrug.

Of course, sometimes getting the DNA was easier said than done, but if things went well, then there was a chance that I wouldn’t need to read his mind anyway.

“And if I can’t?” She pushes, letting her uncertainty get the best of her. “Then what?”

“We will cross the bridge when we get there. For now, the most important thing is snagging a date with him. Since we have determined that he goes to your shop, we know that there will be a chance run-in. When that happens, you have to grab the bull by the horns and ask him out.”

“M-me?” Violet squeaks, her magenta eyes widening. “You want me to ask him out? I thought that you were the one who was in charge of the matchmaking.”

“I am,” I tell her. “And remember rule number two before you decide to argue.”

“Right,” she sighs. “No questioning or arguing. Alright,” she continues, though it is still pretty clear that she still isn’t certain. “I’ll ask him out when he comes, but what if he rejects me right then and there?”

“Then we move onto the next. However, I think you really should try to have a bit more confidence in yourself. You’re a beautiful woman, and you seem to have a good head on your shoulders.”

I wasn’t lying or trying to stroke her ego. Everything I was saying was the truth. She was a beautiful woman with those amazing eyes, that long dark hair that wrapped around her body just right, and her petite yet curvy body. Add in her tan skin and her dazzling smile, and any man would be lucky to be approached by such a woman, even me.

“I think it would do you some good to know your worth.” I say now, realizing too late that my mind was wandering to somewhere dangerous. “As the saying goes, you need to know how to love yourself before someone can love you. While we work on finding your mister perfect, we should also work on making you see just how amazing of a woman you are.”

“You’re just saying that.” She says now, her cheeks flushing pink. “I’m certain you tell that to each and every one of your clients.”

“I don’t,” I counter. “I only tell it how I see it, and right now, it is something I think you need to hear more often.”

“Thanks,” she whispers, her blush darkening. “I’ll try to remember that when I’m struggling.”

“Good,” I say, sitting back in satisfaction. “Since we’ve got a target and an agreement, let’s get to work on snagging that date. We will end this here for the day. While you make contact with our target, I'll finalize our contract, and the next time we meet, we will focus on signing."

Nodding, Violet stands and then gives me a look that screams she still isn't certain, but instead of arguing again, she simply bows and then heads out of my office while I remain in place watching.

"Phew," I whistle, collapsing against my chair while my mind and heart buzz with a strange emotion that I've never felt before. "What in the world have I gotten myself mixed up in?"

I was slowly beginning to realize that the broken woman I was taking under my wing was dangerous, but since I started the process of finding her her perfect match, I couldn't simply call it quits because she made me feel strange.

You've just got to find her match quick. I tell myself, refusing to let myself get sucked into a temporary moment. After that we will part ways and never meet again.