Eighteen is a big birthday for us shifters. It’s the first one where we are able to find our fated mates. I dreamt about this day growing up. In my visions, I had the perfect dress picked out. I thought I’d go to the library, the market, and all of my favorite shops first, to see if I could find my mate in a place I already knew I loved. My plan kind of hinged on him living in the same town, but I was never worried about that part.
Now, however, things will be… well, not quite as picturesque. I doubt I’ll wake up tomorrow and find my mate. I certainly don’t have the money to travel the country or possibly the world to search for him. Tomorrow is simply another reminder of how alone I am.
“You alright?” Lyra asks as she and her mate, Dominic, join me out on the front porch.
“Yeah,” I lie
