I almost had you! But don't worry my beautiful mate! I will find you and make you mine!

I both cringed and danced at the thought. Why couldn't he just leave me alone? But also, why couldn't he just catch up.

Hold that thought, rewind. No. Can't run the risk of that happening.

Ugh, shut up wolfie. You ruin everything with your primal instincts and your high intensive passion.

I entered my cozy home and shut the door lightly so as not to wake my mom up. I was about to go upstairs when a voice stopped me.

"Well, look who decided to finally show up?" My mom asked, sarcastically.

I retraced my steps and faced her in the kitchen. She was sitting down on a stool, a glass of water half drunk on the marble island, arms crossed, being the ever strong woman I knew her to be; black wavy tresses pulled back into a low pony, beautiful tan face that hasn't aged a day. Seriously, what even are wrinkles? I see none on her. "Yeah, I think fashionably late is my way to go, no?" I smiled at her.

"Terra Lisa Fern, don't you sass me. You're late and I don't like you being out at this hour." She retorted, pointy finger and all.

"It's only 10:30--" She interrupted my rationalizations with a glare. "Okay, okay, I won't break curfew anymore. I'm sorry. Hug time now?"

She pursed her lips but extended her arms out. I smiled and all but jumped into her arms. "Love you, Ma."

"Yeah, yeah, love you too, kiddo." She rocked me in her arms and pat me on the back, both of us basking in each others warmth and comfort.

I could tell she was still a little worried so I pulled away a little and joked, "Hey, you're lucky I'm not coming in at 2 in the morning, selling drugs, getting drunk, or sexing it up in the seedy part of town or whatever. Just saying. . . ." I put my hands up and make my way over the the fridge.

She shook her head, hitting me playfully. "Yeah, lucky me. I struck the jackpot."

I nodded. "You really did, though. You should be grateful." I got myself a water bottle and closed the fridge door.

"Uh huh, you should be grateful I'm not beating your ass, Terra." She laughed and pinched my cheeks as I walked past her.

"Ow! You got me there, Ma." I smiled, and took a seat next to her, guzzling almost the entire bottle of water. She started to rub my head and back. It was really soothing after that long ass run.

"What were you doing at this hour anyway? Wait, what is this? Is that a leaf in your hair?" She pulled out an orange, brownish leaf that seemed to be tangled in my hair. Wow, that one was really hidden. I thought I'd gotten all of them out on my way here.

"Whaaaaaat? How did that get there?" I feigned innocence. Maybe she'll let it slide.

"Terra-"

"Okay. I was running out in the woods. I needed some air." I said.

"But it's not even a full moon yet. You usually don't get this way."

"I just have a lot on my mind, is all." I try to explain, as vaguely as I can. But let's be real, it's my mom. Big mistake to be vague.

"You can tell me. You know, I'll help you in anything." Curse her therapeutic and spiritual knowledge. It blows having a psychology degree major turned therapist running an herbal apothecary on the side/ superwoman as a mom... but sometimes, not really. It's comforting knowing she has my back and she's not just going all shrink on me. I mean, with that warm, soft voice and smile, I was contemplating telling her about my mate situation. But what good will that do?

"I found my mate." Whoa, what the fuck, I wasn't planning on those words leaving my mouth.

Fucking wolf, man.

"Oh honey, that's great! I'm so happy for you!" She clasped her hands together in excitement.

"Yeah, well, there's really no point in getting excited. I'm not planning to do anything about it."

She looked at me in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Mom, I can't run the risk of getting my heartbroken. Of getting rejected like dad did to you." I explained.

"Oh sweetie," She took my hand in hers.

Here we go, good ol' fashioned Fern lecture. Can't wait to hear this.

"Don't let my past shape your future. You have your own life to live without having what happened to me and your father influence your decision with your mate in anyway. What your father and I had was special, but we were both too young to think. Younger than you and it was painful, but your father didn't reject me. No one rejected anyone."

"Yeah, well he basically rejected you after what he did to you. I understand that you don't want to tell me any specifics, mom, but I know it broke your heart. And he never came for us. Never searched for us, not even after you told him he had a daughter. So fuck him."

My mom froze. "Terra, don't speak like that. And don't go changing the subject either. This is about you and your mate. The one--"

"I'm meant to be with, I know. I know. You've told me all about it, I've read all about it in your stupid therapy books, and the regular books you gave me. I got it." I said, frustrated, torn, confused, tired... need I go on?

"Look, it took awhile for me to understand this whole werewolves exist thing and they're born with an inherent sense of who their mate will be when they're old enough, but times are different now. Humans didn't know a lot about werewolves then, but alas, evolution is advancing. People are more open minded and technology will continue to amaze us... well amaze me because of how rapidly it's expanding. Seriously, in this day and age I wouldn't be surprised if robots overtook us--"

"Mom, can I just go to bed. I'm tired and I really don't want to talk about this anymore," I complained, burying my head in my arm, throwing a mini tantrum.

"All I'm saying is, we are two completely different people, living completely different paths of life and will live two completely different fates. And just because it didn't work out for me, doesn't mean it won't work out for you."

"Okay, I get it. Can I go now?" I rested my head in my hand, looking up to the heavens and praying this conversation to be over soon.

"Ay, Terra, mi nena bella, I hope you listen to what I have to say eventually and understand that you might just be making things worse for yourself. You deserve a shot at happiness with a person who loves you. I mean, just think about how your poor guy feels. Huh, have you ever thought of that?"

Flashbacks of the running, and what he said flooded my mind. Am I just making things worse?

I snapped out of it. What I really need is to sleep if I truly want a shot at happiness now.

I sighed. "Good night, Ma." I kissed her on the cheek, and made my way to my room.

"Good night, baby." I heard my mom say from the bottom of the stairs.

I closed my door shut. The walls were still light pink from my girly phase and until I figure out what to do with them, it looks like they're staying that way. My bed, with a mesh of dark and light blue blankets, comforters, and pillows, was up against a wall, close to my desk, or my "creative space", as I call it. I draw mostly, but I paint from time to time. The proof is in the corner of the wall, a blank canvas staring at me in the face, mocking me. You can say I've been in a rut this past week, okay, 3 weeks.

I walked into my bathroom, stripped off my dirty clothes, took a shower, and got dressed in sweats and a loose t-shirt. Then I lied on my bed, today's events still torturing me. . .

I will find you and make you mine!

I sighed. What will I do if he actually catches? Would I be able to face him? God, what if he rejects me?

But what if he doesn't.'

Shaking my head, I succumbed to sleep, dreaming of him.

* * *

He looked angry, disgusted. He grabbed me by the arms and pushed me against the wall. My head began to throb.

I woke up with a jolt, sweat dripping down my face. That was no dream. It was a nightmare. I can't let him find out who I am. I can't endure that pain.

I got up from my bed and headed for the bathroom. I showered and got dressed in a purple long sleeve T with black jeans and my favorite pair of black combat boots. I put on my favorite leather jacket and topped it off with my moon-shaped amulet that I always wear. I tried to fix my hair as best I can and hoped that it didn't get frizzy today.

I went downstairs to make some breakfast. I'm sure my mom was already at her job. We moved to a new house over the summer after living with my grandmother for basically. . . well my whole life. She's still close by, just in walking distance.

I don't think my mom booked any clients today so she's probably running her herbal apothecary, alongside Mrs. Damayo, my best friend, Maggie's mom. Yes, both are wolves, along with her dad, and all are really kind people. They're like family. I've known them my whole life. They really helped my mom out when she didn't know how to deal with my werewolf tendencies.

"Knock, knock!" I heard, as the front door opens. Speaking of my best friend. . .

"Maggs, just in time. Breakfast is almost ready," I said, as I flip over a pancake and lower the stoves' fire because the bacon is sizzling just right.

"Ooh, is that bacon I smell? And pancakes?! Wow, T. You've really out done yourself today. You should really consider opening up your own restaurant." She exclaimed, taking a seat on a stool.

"Aw, thank you but flattery will not get you extra bacon." I said, bringing a plate of hot food over to her and setting one down for myself.

She pouted but I can tell she was nervous about something. I brought over the orange juice and sat down to enjoy my meal. We sat in silence for awhile. . . okay it was like a minute but for Maggie that's too long.

"Hey Maggs, what's up?" I finally had to ask.

"What? Nothing. What makes you say that." She said, nonchalantly. Or at least she tried to. I knew better. . . .

"Maggie, I know you. We grew up together. I know when you have something on your mind. C'mon, spill. What's got you so worked up?" I urged.

She stayed silent at first. I stared at her round, heart-shaped face, her brown-hazel eyes downcast. Her beautiful, recently tweezed eyebrows furrowed debating on whether she should tell me what's up with her. "We have a problem," She said, finally making eye contact with me. Guess she made up her mind.

I think my heart stopped for a second there. She looked so serious. "What kind of problem?" I asked.

"You know how you told me about your whole mate situation?"

"Yeah?" I replied

"Well he's sending out a search party." She said, looking down, twirling a stand of her light brown hair with her finger, gouging my reaction behind her long lashes.

I gasped and stood up, forgetting my meal. "He's what?! Shit. Why can't he just leave me alone? Doesn't he get it? Why is he so stubborn? I think I have to run away, far away from here. Maybe he'll get it then." I blabbered, beginning to pace, brushing my hands over my face.

"Whoa, whoa Terra, calm down! I don't understand why you can't just accept him. He obviously wants you. I mean he's sending out a search party to find YOU. Just come forward and accept him."

"No! I will never do that. Mates are bad news, Maggs. He might want me now but what if he gets tired of me? What if he wants someone better? Huh? Then I'll be the one heartbroken in the end." I said.

"But what if that doesn't happen? What if he's fully satisfied with who the Moon goddess gave him. I mean a search party Terra! A search party! He definitely wants you!" She said, shaking me, trying to knock some sense into me. But now, I was too stubborn to listen and I held my ground.

"Too bad. He should find someone that wants him back." I said, walking away from her. I started to have this dull pain in my chest. My wolf was definitely not agreeing with me.

"Fine. But don't you dare cry when he does find someone who wants him." I heard Maggie say but I didn't answer back. I went upstairs to my room, leaving her to her own devices and just lied on my bed, thinking of what I should do about my mate.

* * *

Maggie's POV

After Terra wouldn't open her bedroom door to let me in, I gave up trying and left her house.

She needs to realize that not all mates are bad. She's letting the pain her mother went through affect her. And that can't be anymore.

Maybe, sweets can help fix this? I entered my favorite bakery and. . . my knees began to grow weak.

Mate!

Holy shit! My mate is here! But where? I began to look around the bakery until I spotted someone at the counter buying a cupcake.

It was him! My mate! My one and only! He was so handsome! Short, blonde hair, great build, and he's so tall. What is he like over 6 ft? I mean that's good for my 5'10 frame. I could tell my wolf liked it too.

I was too busy staring at him, all of him, that I didn't realize he was staring back at me until I made eye contact with him.

Oh my goddess! He feels it too! The sparks! And his eyes! They were a gorgeous pair of warm, green eyes. They held so much passion and. . . love. Was it all for me?

Just then he began walking towards me. He grabbed me by the waist and brought his body flush against mine.

We both said, "Mine!" simultaneously. It was like an out of body experience. He kissed me and I felt it. I felt the sparks, the passion, the intensity, and even his love. Maybe a little lust and I got to say it was turning me on. We pulled away to catch our breath and both said, "Wow!"

He put his forehead against mine and quickly pecked my lips. "What's your name, pretty girl?" He asked.

"Margaret. But everyone calls me Maggie." I said. "What's yours?"

"My name's Evan. . .Evan Walsh."