Chapter 11

Ella

I 'd thought that he'd come to see me. He hadn't been able to keep away from me for weeks. But now he wasn't anywhere to be found. I wandered around for a while, looking in every corner and shadow. Nothing. I checked my room, and he wasn't there. I wandered back out to the therapists' lounge and found Heather sat quietly in a corner. She seemed troubled, so I sat down near her and smiled.

She smiled back and sighed. It felt like she wanted to talk, but wasn't sure how to begin. I felt the same. Perhaps one of us just needed to dive in.

"I found my mate, Heather."

She blinked in surprise.

"Me too."

I felt my mouth fall open. Both of us at the same time? Fate was working overtime. She didn't look happy about it.

"So, what's wrong?"

She shifted in her seat, awkwardly.

"What are we meant to do now? I know they sent us here to find our mates. Some of us anyway. But what's the endgame? They're in prison. This is a prison for long term serious crimes. How can that be an ideal place for a relationship? To grow together? We can't see each other as we please. Let's be honest, a lot of the guards here are downright judgmental and would make it difficult."

She gnawed at her lip. I could see her mind whirring.

"I don't know. I honestly don't. But I have to trust that there is a plan. Or at least enough wiggle room for us to make a plan."

I paused, unsure whether to risk worrying Heather. She watched me intently.

"What is it, Ella?"

"My mate can see the future. And you are right. Some guards here are simply not to be trusted. They're up to something."

Heather nodded.

"Something hasn't been right with Delaney for a while."

"Something hasn't been right with Delaney for his whole life," I retorted.

Heather snorted, and her mind seemed to wander. I sat quietly.

"I need to know what he did. My mate."

"To end up here?"

"Yeah."

I nodded.

"Then don't shy away from it. Ask him as soon as you can. If you need to know, then honor that feeling. He's your mate, you'll work through it together."

Heather's shoulders sagged as though a weight had been lifted from her.

"I will. I'll do it tonight."

"Tonight?"

She blushed.

"He can visit me in my dreams."

I leaned forward.

"Tell me everything."