She ran. At first she thought she'd just let her wolf take over and they'd run for hours until she was finally ready to face the situation, but by the second mile, she realized she didn't need to run that far. Her wolf had known - had always known - Nate wasn't their mate. And while her human side did find Nate very attractive and kind and she loved kissing him, she hadn't fully let him into her heart. That naïve girl who'd grown up on fairy tales of true love had learned her lesson three years ago. It hurt losing love, but at least Nate hadn't rejected her. It wasn't his fault his mother was an evil witch. That was harsh. She wasn't a witch and she wasn't evil - just ambitious and misguided.

She knew Nate was waiting for her as soon as she reached the creek that flowed behind the large barn. It was just like him to pick up her clothes and wait until she was ready to talk. He really was sweet, but he wasn't hers. She phased behind a large tree and pulled on the clothes he'd hung over the branch. He opened his arms when she came around the trunk and she gladly walked into them. Even if they weren't mates, she could easily love him as a friend.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Are you?"

He released a shuddering sigh. "I don't know. I truly thought you were my mate. For three years I could feel you and now suddenly, I can't. My wolf is bereft. He wants to search for you even though you are right here. I miss our bond and it's been gone what, thirty minutes?"

She reached up to touch his cheek. "Your mate is beautiful. She has long, wavy dark hair and dark brown eyes. She likes to read, but it's not English. Spanish perhaps? I see palm trees and green birds with gray bellies. They look like parrots." She stuck out her arm and turned until it felt right. "She's that way."

His mouth fell open. "You can tell where my mate is? How long have you been able to do this?"

"I didn't know I could until a couple of days ago when that guy gave me a ride to the airport. He was looking for his mate and when I hugged him goodbye I saw her."

He put his hand over the one still on his cheek. "That's amazing. You're amazing. I'm not sure I want anyone else as my mate."

Tears filled her eyes but she didn't look away. "I wish you truly were my mate Nate, but she's probably waiting and hoping for you to come. You'll be happier with her, and if not, I'll still be here."

"What about Cliff?"

"What about him?"

"I never thought I'd say this but he seems like a nice guy. Maybe you should give him a second chance."

She let out a sigh. She'd had the same thought, but part of her was afraid to get to close to him. "Maybe."

"How far away is she? Can you tell?"

"Far."

"Texas far or Mexico far?"

"From the direction, I'd guess South America."

He rubbed his forehead. "Any idea what her name is?"

"No."

"A challenge then. Well, I always wanted to travel." Abruptly, he pulled her into a tight hug. "I will miss you Aiyana. Is it okay if I call you occasionally?"

"Of course. In fact, you better text me at least when you find her, and send a picture."

"I will."

Nate kissed her cheek and released her.

"What do you think they're doing in there?" she nodded toward the house.

"No idea."

"You don't think they're waiting on me, do you?"

"I don't know. No one has come out since we left."

"Guess I better go find out."

He touched her hand, and even though she knew his wolf wasn't interested anymore, his human eyes told a different story. Her stomach responded with a little flip.

"I'll go with you."