10. Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Stephanie

I sip the coffee my mate made for me at my little kitchen table, still in a daze. I woke in the same position I fell asleep, hot from Quinn's body.

He grumbled at my insistence on showering. A girl had limits. He had to go to work and I refused to walk around all day with his come covering me. He got over it when I initiated a good morning kiss even though I hadn't brushed my teeth. He was reluctant to leave but seemed to have other things on his mind. His phone kept buzzing, and each time, he glowered at it. I needed to look more at the bakery, which I hadn't explored much yet, and get the office in order.

Quinn made me breakfast and coffee, kissed me goodbye, and locked the door on his way out. We made a plan to meet later to eat. I could feel the distance growing between us and couldn't stop itching my skin. My bear is growling.

My bear has been quiet since I was rescued.

Each shifter has a unique relationship with our animals. Many of us have separate emotions and needs than them. We are the same, yet not. Usually, my bear has the same goal I do. We feel emotions differently, though. I felt my bear's pain the first few days in the cage. We couldn't shift; we couldn't be one as we have been my whole life. As time went on, it was as if I was human, the worst feeling a shifter can have.

After I got home, I shifted for the first time in months, and it felt glorious, but my bear was subdued. She was confused by the fears and feelings of inadequacy I felt. It's as if she doesn't know where we stand. I feel bad because I have neglected her need to be free.

I put my hand on my chest and look inward. Her presence is always present but hesitant. Since meeting Quinn, her spirit is closer, her will pushing me to trust him. If I concentrate on her, her need to meet his bear and complete the bond is fierce. I have been so wrapped up in what I went through that I didn't think about her suppression.

We both are in agreement; we hate being away from our mate.

When Quinn and I agree to complete the bond, we will be connected on a level that humans wouldn't understand. When we bite each other, marking our skin for every shifter to see, I will be able to feel Quinn's emotions. We will be tied together in every way. If one of us dies, the other cannot go on without the other. Our commitment will be lifelong and never be broken. That kind of closeness has been something I have always wanted.

Why am I still hesitant?

Sure, it could be because of everything I have been through, but in my gut, I know Quinn is my mate and will do anything to protect me.

The front door of the bakery opens, making me spill my coffee on my hand.

"Steph, it's me," Breeane yells, and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Up here," I yell back and roll my eyes. Why are we yelling? I could still hear her in the same building if she whispered.

I get up to unlock the door to the apartment and sit back down.

She juggles two cups of coffee as she comes in. "Your mate sent me a strongly worded text. He instructed me to get you more coffee, whatever you liked, and come spend time with you." She shakes her head, placing the drink in front of me. "He told me to make sure you eat lunch if he isn't back yet, too." She plops in the other chair. "You have the same expression I did after I met my lions. How many orgasms has he given you so far?" She smirks and tries to hide it behind her cup.

"Breeane," I cry.

"What? I've seen your mate; there is no way he would let you be uncomfortable being in heat. How many?" she prods.

"Jesus." I take a sip. "Four," I mutter.

"I knew it," she says, snapping her fingers. "Good?" She wiggles her eyebrows.

"What do you think?"

"Very good," she hums. "My lions were really good at convincing me to mate them."

"I know. You told me. Many times," I say dryly.

"They are still convincing me, even though we are fully mated," she says dreamily.

"I'm sure." I smile.

"Holy shit," she says.

"What?"

"That smile." Her eyes shine. "I haven't seen that smile for a long time. I didn't know if I ever would. It's even better than before." I lower my lashes, but she grabs my hand. "It's so good. Don't hide it. I am so happy for you I could burst. I didn't care that Quinn's text was devoid of emotion. I didn't know if I should come over. I didn't want to interrupt, so I'm thrilled to see you."

"I wanted to see you, too." Breeane is the more outgoing of the two of us. She makes friends easily and says everything that's on her mind. I have always loved that about her. She's honest and will defend the ones she loves with a vengeance. Every girl needs a friend with different traits who will push you out of your comfort zone yet know when you have reached your limit.

"The way that man looked at you that first night," she says, closing her eyes. "Yum."

"You are ridiculous," I laugh.

"Don't lie," she chides. "You felt the power of his stare. The low growl that said, she is mine," she says, trying to imitate his deep voice.

"He didn't say that," I point out, but I distinctly remember his presence in that moment, and he did without words.

"Whatever. Same, same," she sings. "Tell me," she demands, waving her hand.

"Tell you what?" I ask, pretending not to know exactly what she wants.

"Please," she sputters. "Have you told him?"

I sigh. "I did."

"And…"

"He knew most of it, but he was very comforting. It felt good to tell him. I don't want secrets between us." "Quinn is very secretive," Breeane says.

"I know. He told me some very personal things last night. He informed me that there is more, but he's not ready to tell me yet." I don't hold it against him. He's not used to sharing his life with anyone.

"You understand," she states.

"I do." It's nice to have her in my life. She knows me well.

"So, did you discuss the bond? When are you going to complete it?"

"We did, but we are taking it slow. We want to get to know each other."

"Dates?" When she met her mates, she demanded they go on dates.

"I didn't use that word, but I want to be with him. Learn about him. "

She puts her hand on mine. "I'm really happy for you. You deserve a mate."

"Do not get mushy," I say sternly, pointing my finger.

"I can't help it," she whines.

"I love you," I say seriously. "Thank you for going along with my crazy idea of moving here. I didn't fully believe that the universe was all-knowing. Coming here, meeting Quinn," I start, shaking my head. "It seems like a dream. My body has been floating through the last couple of days. The heat hits me in waves. My emotions scatter in different ways, minute to minute. I'm hopeful but I can't stop thinking that it won't work out, that something is going to ruin the promise of him."

"I can't tell you it will all be perfect, but there are several things I can tell you," she says firmly, leaning on the table. "The man who texted me this morning wanted to make sure his mate got something she loved and would be taken care of today. That same man gave you a choice that first night. In the moment, I was too shocked to realize the scope of his actions. He knew things about your captivity, and he treaded lightly. Anyone who looks at him can tell he is a dominant man, and he held back." She leans back, crossing her arms, ready to battle me if I contradict her. "Plus, he's given you orgasms." She shrugs.

"Every step he has taken has been with the purpose of putting me at ease." I slide my hand to the back of my neck. "Could he be my reward for all the shit I went through? Could he be everything I need and deserve?"

"Of course," she growls.

"He really is perfect for me in so many ways," I hint.

"You mean in the bedroom," she says, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Yes." Or the closet. "He has qualities that I have always wanted but didn't know how to put into words."

"I'm so fucking happy for you," she says softly, her body relaxing.

"Thank you. We are taking it a day at a time. I think I will know when the time is right." My bear rumbles inside me, and my eyes water. Her response is reassuring. I know I am on the right path, her voice becoming louder.

"Well, how about we go into the office and occupy ourselves until your mate comes back?" she asks, standing.

"Yes. I need to see all the receipts from the construction." I grab my coffee and move to the door.

"Ugh…" she groans. "I hate numbers."

"I know. That's why you have me."

"One of the many reasons," she says sweetly.

"We are still doing the books," I say.

"Fuck, alright," she snaps.

I laugh hard and wipe the tear that escapes down my best friend's face as she watches me in awe.

"I know," I whisper, sobering. I don't remember the last day I had something to laugh about.

My mate is my reason.

"This is a mess," I growl after thirty minutes of trying to make sense of Breeane's filing system.

"I tried," she whines for the tenth time.

"How hard?" I say .

"Very," she replies.

The office is just big enough to fit a desk, three chairs, and a table along the wall. There is only a small window, but I was instantly comfortable until I saw the piles of papers across the desk.

"I'm glad I got here when I did," I mumble.

"Me too," she grins.

"Hello," Sally says from the front.

"Back here," Breeane says.

Sally appears in the doorway. "Your man locked me out of the office on my first day of work," she says. "He said he didn't need me today," she pouts. "He was closing the office for the day since we didn't have any appointments."

"He said he had things to do today. I assumed he meant at the office," I say.

"Apparently not. He had some important meeting."

"I'm sure he'll let you in tomorrow," Breeane says brightly, dropping her head back over the chair to see her.

"But I picked my outfit for the first day." She waves down her body before putting her hand on her hip. "I can't wear it tomorrow. I was going to impress him with my professionalism and my power suit."

Her first-day outfit was a bright red suit. It fit like a second skin to her knees, but flared out in a cut ruffle. The blazer has two buttons clasped at her waist, low enough to show her shiny black tank underneath. It showed off her fit body perfectly.

"You look amazing," I offer.

"Super hot," Breeane adds.

"I know." She pats Breeane's hair hanging over the back of the chair before she plops down in the one beside her, crossing her legs to face her. "What are you two up to?"

"Steph is making me do paperwork. "

"You poor thing," Sally says sadly, resting her elbow on the back of the chair, her head hitting her palm.

"Are we serious about the bakery?" I ask, raising a brow.

"Yes," she sighs.

I shuffle through some receipts. "I need to get us organized and on a budget. Do you have your business account information? I need all your finances—what you intend to spend, and what you don't want to touch. Also, do you have your menu figured out yet? What are your prices for each item?" I look up from the papers to see both of them looking afraid.

"I see what you mean," Sally whispers to Breeane. "I hired someone to handle all this for me when I had the diner." She waves toward the desk.

"I don't need to hire someone; I have Steph." Breeane smooths out her expression. "I'm sorry. I promise to get you everything you said."

"You don't have to be sorry. I understand. You haven't been mated very long. You've been a little preoccupied," I say.

"How's that going for you?" Sally asks. I smile softly. "That good, huh?"

"It's going well," I say.

"I've always knew Quinn had game," Sally smirks.

"Game?" Breeane laughs.

"Do people not say that anymore?" Sally frowns and I wonder how old she is.

"I don't think so," Breeane muses.

"Shame," she responds. "Regardless, he's hot as fuck. He seems like a man who knows how to please a woman."

"Sally," I gasp.

"I can't be wrong." She glares.

"You are not wrong," I mumble .

The humor disappears from her face. "He deserves happiness. I have faith it will all work out in the end."

"Is this another prediction?" Breeane asks.

Sally shrugs. "Any relationship has ups, downs, and things you have to accept about the other person."

"I can't wait until you find your mate," Breeane says with relish.

"Bite your tongue," Sally snarks. "I'm having too much fun playing." I smile at her offended face.

My phone buzzes and I side it out of my pocket. I'm excited, hoping Quinn is messaging me. I swipe, and my face falls.

"Do you know your mate likes to play Games, too?"

My stomach rolls.

What?

"Girl, your face is white," Sally says.

"What's wrong?" Breeane asks.

I can't answer over the lump in my throat. What does this mean? The word ‘Games' brings me instantly back to the cage. Why would they use that word?

"Steph, you're scaring me. What is it?" Breeane stands and leans over the desk, grabbing my phone from my shaking hand.

"What the fuck?" She looks from the phone to my face. "Do you know what this means?" I shake my head fast.

"I'll call Quinn," Sally says after she looks over Breeane's shoulder at the message. "Steph, keep an open mind."

Could my mate be part of the Games? My heart thunders, and I cross my arms, huddling in the chair.

Please, don't let the only man who is meant for me, who is bringing me back to life, be part of the men who tortured shifters.

He wouldn't. I have to believe he wouldn't.