The Unaware Witch

Long-Lost Mate?

**Chris's POV**

I woke up to a text from my dad this morning asking me to mow and weedeat the yard today. Just great! I'm lost in my own head trying to figure out how my dad thinks that today is the best day for yardwork. We live in Texas and it has been a sweltering summer so far this year.

What's the temperature supposed to be today? Holy Hell! 112° NOT including the heat index? I'm gonna melt. I'm grumbling internally, but on the outside I'm preparing for this long day to start.

I open the fridge to look for something to eat for breakfast. I'm still lost in my own thoughts when I come to the conclusion that I am taking way too long and need to get this job finished before the temperature hits triple digits.

Settling for a muffin and juice, I make my way out to the small shop on my parents' property. I pull the mower out and grab the gas can because I know I'll have to refuel at some point.

I feel how light the canister is and say, "Of course it's low. I might as well run up to the station and fill it up now so I don't have to later."

Getting in the car, I head to the gas station near Walmart because it's the cheapest and I can use my points to get a small discount. I pull in and park.

As I get out, I smell something exquisite. Honeysuckle and Sage. It can't be! I'm dumbfounded.

I left this place years ago when I came of age and didn't find my mate. After a few more years, I fell in love with a human woman who mothered my two pups. She cheated on me though and left me for the other man. I came back to stay with my parents until I could get back up on my feet.

Shaking my head, I walked to the door to go inside and pay. But as I opened it, the smell hit me like a freight train. She's still here, I thought.

Find and claim Mate, she'll help us heal from that woman's mistreatment, my crow, Mufasa, makes his thoughts on the matter known.

I approach the ever-growing line, just to find out that I'm right behind her. It takes every ounce of control I have to not snatch her to me and smother her with my affections.

As I'm fighting to control myself, she turns slightly surveying the scene. Recognition sparks in my mind. Evelia? No way!

You know our Mate? Mufasa asks me.

Yeah, you remember Evie.. I remind him gently.

Yes! Yes! I knew what we had was more than puppy love. I just couldn't feel the mate bond to confirm the feelings, Mufasa exclaimed.

So, Evie was our mate all along? I think, moreso to myself. I'm lost in my thoughts when Mufasa snaps at me, breaking me out of my reverie. Mate is about to leave, get closer!

Not thinking, I take a large step forward and slightly to the side. Just as she turns to leave, she runs right into me. Oh Goddess, I groan in my head as her skin sends sparks dancing across mine where she grabbed my arms to keep herself steady.

"Excuse me." I heard her voice. It was more beautiful than I remember. It drew me in like a bee to the sweetest flower.

Her eyes find mine and I hear Mufasa caw with joy. Wait, dude, she doesn't recognize us and I don't think she's aware of all the supernatural business. I coaxed my crow to settle down quickly, but I had to say something to her.

"No, excuse me, Evie," I smiled at her.

I see confusion pass over her eyes as they flick around searching my face for the answers. I notice the moment she recognizes me. Her eyes light up and it almost seems like they've gotten greener.

"Chris?" She asks with uncertainty.

I am beyond elated that she remembers me. I nod. I'm so excited that I don't notice when her focus shifts.

"It was good seeing you, Chris, but I gotta go," she says as she darts around me and out the door.

I stand there lost for a moment staring at Evie through the window when the attendant asks me how she can help me. You can't, I think, but I say, "Five dollars on pump 10."

I grab my change and go to talk to Evie again when I notice she had a child in the back seat. Mufasa clucks disappointed and I comfort him by telling him that we have kids too and that she probably had a similar situation to ours.

I hop in the car and drive back to the house. The whole way home I can't get her off my mind. She's gorgeous and everything I've always wanted.

I shake my head and approach the mower, planning on getting started and finishing as fast as possible. I stall when I reach for the pull cord, redirecting my hand to grab my phone from my pocket.

I have to contact her. I locate her contact and type out a quick message. Hey Evie! It was so good to see you!

I go to put my phone back, but decide to send another brief message. You look great, I hope we can catch up sometime.

Feeling proud of myself, I place my phone back in my pocket and proceed to the job at hand.