Chapter 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

C aleb pushed open the door to the coffee shop. The soft hum of conversation and the occasional clink of mugs filled the air. Today, Caleb’s senses were sharper than normal. He could hear every word, every movement, as if the world was magnified in the wake of his bond with Rochelle. Everything felt more vibrant, more alive.

He spotted the barista behind the counter, her eyes lighting up for a moment when she saw him. The brief flash of hope quickly dimmed when she noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor. The bond that now pulsed through him, an undeniable claim that marked him as Rochelle’s mate. It was clearly bright enough even for a human to sense. Holly's disappointment was visible, her smile faltering, but she quickly composed herself and backed off, turning to the next customer with professional detachment.

Caleb barely noticed her response, his mind still swirling with the intoxicating feeling of having had Rochelle by his side as they walked into town, of finally being together—truly together. For years, he had waited, hoped, and now the weight of all that waiting had been lifted. He felt light, as though his feet barely touched the ground.

He weaved through the tables until he spotted his brothers. Gideon and Elijah sat by the window, mugs of steaming coffee in hand. They looked up as he approached, grinning widely when they saw him. Caleb slid into the chair across from them, the sunlight catching the gleam of pride in his eyes.

“Well, well, well,” Elijah said, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed with a smirk on his face. “Look who finally sealed the deal.”

Gideon clapped Caleb on the back, his smile broad. “About damn time, brother.”

Caleb couldn’t help the grin that stretched across his face.

Gideon raised his mug in a mock toast. “Welcome to the mated club. Life’s about to get a whole lot better, I can promise you that.”

Elijah chuckled, leaning in with a conspiratorial wink. “And a whole lot more interesting.”

“It already feels different. Lighter.” Caleb ran a hand through his hair, still adjusting to the fact that he didn’t have to stand by that park bench anymore, watching Rochelle from afar, pretending that distance was the best way to protect them both. “Feels like I can finally take a full breath.”

The pride in his brothers' eyes was palpable, but it was their understanding that settled into Caleb's chest, grounding him. They had been there—waiting for their own bonds to form, weathering the uncertainty and the silent hope that one day it would all click into place. And now it had. For him.

Gideon leaned forward. “So what do you think? Dinner with all the mates? We can finally do this as a family now.”

Caleb had watched his brothers with their mates, yearning for what they had but never daring to think it would happen for him. Now the idea of sitting at a table with Rochelle beside him, laughing, sharing a meal as part of the pack, made his chest tighten with a fierce, protective pride.

“Yeah,” Caleb said, his voice steady. “Let’s do it. Friday night, maybe?”

"I'm sure you know her schedule by heart." Elijah grinned.

Caleb shrugged, admitting nothing. He knew her routine and could guess where she would've been Friday after work. Today, he could walk right into her office, bring her lunch, hold her hand—be with her openly. It was a freedom he hadn’t expected, but it was one he was thankful for.

The bell above the coffee shop door jingled, pulling Caleb from his thoughts. He glanced up to see Rochelle’s boss stepping inside. Mr. Evans’ eyes scanned the room. Caleb tensed slightly, sensing something was about to happen. A moment later, Herb entered the café. Caleb watched as the boss made his way over to the other man.

From across the room, Caleb could hear the exchange, his heightened senses picking up every word.

“Herb,” Mr. Evans began, his tone firm. “No sense in dragging this out. I’m letting you go.”

Herb’s face paled, and he sputtered, his voice rising in frustration. “What? Letting me go? For what?”

“You crossed a line with Rochelle,” Mr. Evans said, not budging. “And that’s not something we tolerate here. You’ll need to gather your things and leave today.”

Herb looked around the room, his eyes wild, as if searching for someone to back him up. Then his gaze landed on Caleb. The moment their eyes met, Herb’s face went white as a sheet. He swallowed hard, taking an instinctive step back, his anger replaced by fear.

Caleb didn’t move, didn’t need to. His presence was enough to send the message. One wrong move and I'll tear you limb from limb .

"Look, I'm sorry," said Herb. But he was talking to Caleb, not his former boss. "I didn't know she had a mate."

Caleb stood. Herb took a step back… and ran out the door.

Mr. Evans turned, catching sight of Caleb. A flicker of recognition passed over his face. He walked over to Caleb’s table, offering a polite smile.

Mr. Evans said, extending his hand, “Rochelle’s mate?”

"I'm Caleb." Caleb stood and shook his hand, a firm grip.

“I’ve seen you around, mostly lurking outside at the bench near the bank,” Mr. Evans continued, his tone light. “Didn’t quite understand wolf culture before, but it makes sense now. You’ve always been keeping an eye on her, haven’t you?”

Caleb nodded, his jaw tightening slightly. His stealth skills couldn't be bad enough that a human had clocked him.

Mr. Evans smiled, clearly satisfied with the introduction. “I’m glad to finally meet you. And I’m sure you’re both excited about the move.”

Caleb’s heart skipped a beat. “Move?”

Mr. Evans paused, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. “To the new branch. For the promotion. It's a great step up for her career.”

The lightness Caleb had been feeling—the joy of their bond finally being sealed—suddenly wavered, replaced by a cold, hard knot of uncertainty. She was still planning to move? No, that couldn't be right. She probably just hadn't had the chance to tell her boss.

"She said she's excited for this new adventure for the two of you." Mr. Evans, oblivious to the tension now radiating off Caleb, smiled and gave a small nod. “She’s going to do big things. I’m sure you’ll both do great in the new location.”

She wasn't still going to move. It didn't make any sense. Not after last night. Not after this morning.