The Fated Bond

A Set Of Rules

[Lance’s POV]

I watch expectantly, waiting while Violet considers my question. I have to admit, the way her brows furrow and her button nose crinkles while she thinks is adorable, but as this thought hits me, I feel myself retreating. As this happens, I remember her with ears and a tail the night before when a similar feeling hit and wonder if it's because I feel pity for her and am confusing the feelings.

“I don’t think I really have many requirements.” She finally admits, deflating. “As long as they’re nice, have a job, and are able to take care of themselves properly, that’s enough for me.”

“Got it,” I mutter, writing down what she is telling me, but feeling like there is just so much missing.

When I worked with Noel previously, she had a five-page essay about her requirements for the perfect man, and it was a miracle that I was even able to find Trevor, but in the end, they somehow magically found each other, and I was able to continue doing the thing that I loved the most.

“Is that it?” I ask, lifting my gaze from the paper in front of me. “You don’t have any other requirements when it comes to a partner? Maybe a certain type of species. What about someone handsome? How about someone who is good with conversation and who shares your interests?”

Unable to accept such a vague description of her perfect man, I keep listing things until I realize that Violet looks a bit uncomfortable. Weird.

“I guess all those are good.” She finally says, though there isn't much feeling behind her words. “But right now I don’t have the luxury of being picky.”

Didn't have the luxury? Did she really just say she didn't have the luxury? We were talking about her forever! Of course, she had the luxury of doing such a thing!

“You shouldn’t settle for any less than you deserve, and I promise you that I won’t settle either. My job is to make sure that my clients find their perfect match. The one who completes them and makes them feel safe. How can I possibly entrust you to someone who might hurt you or make you feel any less than perfect as you are?”

As I speak, I can see an odd emotion flashing in Violet's purplish-pink eyes, and I find myself wanting to reach out and touch a strand of her hair so I can know what she's thinking, but I fight the urge since I haven't even revealed my secret mind reading.

As a member of the fae and witch community, I possessed certain abilities, including mind reading and then immortality, but where I had useful abilities, there were also ones that weren't so great, like being unable to lie without going through excruciating pain. However, that was neither here nor there since the thing I needed to focus on right now was Violet.

“Trust me.” I say now, giving a smile that I know is calming. “Even if you aren’t fully sure what you’re wanting now, by the time we are finished, you will.”

“Alright,” she says quietly, her voice shaking. “I'll trust you.”

For a moment I don't speak as I continue to take her in, and when I feel myself being drawn into those eyes that match her name perfectly, I know that I should definitely find her match quickly.

“Great,” I grin, becoming all business again. “Then first and foremost let me show you proof of my matchmaking abilities."

Falling into my rhythm where I thrived the most, I turn on the computer in front of me and then pull up the chart of my successful matches.

“As you see here,” I continue, turning the computer screen toward Violet. “These are all my pairings.”

“Wow,” she whispers, taking in what I’m showing. “These go way back.”

“I’ve been doing this for a while.” I admit. “While working together with a client, I only have a few rules,” I continue. “1. You work with me wholeheartedly. If you don't do as instructed or do as I advise you, then that adds an additional fee. 2. I will do my utmost to make sure you find the one that is meant for you. Even if it is difficult, I will not stop until I've succeeded.”

“And if you don’t?” Violet challenges me. “What's then?”

“That,” I say slowly, my voice growing serious. “Leads us to rule number 3. If I'm unable to succeed or if I interfere with your matchmaking, then I will suffer an ancient punishment for my inability to complete my part of our contract.”

“What kind of punishment?” Violet asks, shivering. “What will happen to you?”

“I will lose my mind-reading ability.” I admit, deciding this was the perfect time to bring it up. “And I could also possibly lose my immortality.”

Eyes widening, Violet stares at me, and I can almost see her retreating and giving up on the whole matchmaking thing.

Poor little wolf. I think inwardly, almost feeling her inner turmoil. All those horrible relationships really messed you up deeply.

“Don’t worry,” I tell her, truly wanting to be able to help her be happy. “I showed you the chart of my successes, and I don’t intend to fail now.”

“But what if…”

“No buts,” I tell her, realizing that the biggest thing getting in the way of her happiness was her second-guessing and putting others’ needs before her own. “We are going to succeed by the time this is over, got me?”

She doesn't respond openly. Instead, she gives a half-hearted nod that irritates me.

“Say it,” I say now, making myself a bit dominating while the unseelie part of me threatens to come through. “Say we will succeed.”

“We w-will succeed.” She whispers, clearly not comfortable or even believing the words she is saying.

“Louder,” I snap, slamming my hands on my desk. “We will succeed!”

“We will succeed.” She says it more strongly but still half-heartedly.

“With more heart!” I order.

“We will succeed.” She repeats. “We will succeed.”

“That’s better,” I smile, finally seeing her belief behind those fascinating eyes. “Now, why don’t we try to determine your first target?”