“And the membership problem?” I ask again, “Is it just a lack of interest from locals maybe?”
This time Trevor smiles at me gently and leans forward to answer. “Well, the whole mate thing has a lot to do with it. The young pups want to build a life for themselves, and that’s hard when you have to travel so far to find a mate. They often move to big cities where the odds are better that they’ll be able to find someone. They also don’t like how quiet it is here. It’s a small town, but we pride ourselves on being inclusive and also fairly boring.”
It makes sense. I guess kids, no matter what species, always want the opposite of what they grew up with when it’s finally time to get out on their own. God knows, I did. But it makes me sad to see the town of Misty Cove be so disregarded.
“Misty Cove is a great town. It’s the perfect size. You’ve got beach access and the woods nearby. You have thriving local businesses and festivals that bring the tourists you want. People are super kind and welcoming but totally willing to let you just do your own thing. The security force is way too attractive, but, I mean other than that, I like it here. You should be proud of it.”
They all stop talking to stare at me. It’s a little intense to have four men stare at you while you’re trying to eat lasagna in a ladylike manner.
Bryan comes up behind me, wraps his arms around me in an awkward hug, and presses a kiss to my cheek.
“What was that for?” I ask, uncaring that my mouth is actually full and it is absurdly gross to talk with your mouth full.
“I’m just glad you like our town, doll. That’s all. It could be your town too!”
I grimace.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I said I like your town, not that I want to marry you guys.”
It occurs to me suddenly that I don’t actually know what this whole mate nonsense ends up as.
“Is that the goal?” I ask, tentatively putting my fork down so I can listen without distractions. “Is claiming a pod or being a mate like getting married in the human world?”
Earl grunts. It seems to be his primary form of communication when he’s not being a dick. I’m slowly beginning to understand it. This grunt is an annoyed grunt. Not to be confused with his lustful grunt, his happy grunt, or his ‘back-the-hell-up-Ronnie-you’re-annoying-me” grunt (a personal favorite).
“It’s more than marriage,” he finally says, “It’s not like humans where you can try someone on and then take it back later if you don’t like them. Your mate is the one that has been selected by Fate for you. It’s destiny.”
Well, that’s not a giant, terrifyingly permanent decision. No, not at all. The brief thought of leaving the necklace behind and running for the hills crosses my mind.
I don’t know what to say and the silence grows longer and more awkward as each second passes.
Finally, Darren clears his throat and stands, refilling my wine glass in the process. Darren is a gem. I could happily get onboard with anything Darren has to offer.
“But, what if I don’t want to choose at all? What if I say ‘thanks but no thanks’ to all this and go on living my life without any of this? Can’t I do that? Can’t I just, I don’t know, date? Get to know people the old-fashioned way?” I whisper and horror tinges my words as they tumble out in a rush.
“You can choose, that’s the gift. But if you don’t, Fate chooses for you,” Earl’s eyes are stormy grey now and I feel a chill pass over my skin.
“So, that’s it then? I escaped a worthless relationship and now you’re telling me that, through no fault of my own, I am going to be forced into some sort of group relationship thing because of a mystical being I don’t even believe in? And on top of that my time is running out?” I want to cry. And rage. And punch something. Or maybe someone. Right in the flipper.
“How long? How long do I have to decide? Is there like an interview process?” I ask sharply as hysteria creeps into my voice.
“The Matestone decides when you’ve had enough options. You can choose before that happens, but you have to make a choice.” Bryan smiles at me sadly and I just want to scream.
“And the reason I can’t go outside without one of you watching me? Is someone going to steal me? Take choice away? Is that the risk?” I am actually hysterical now and I can’t breathe.
“Because it doesn’t just call to us, sweets,” Darren says looking crushed, “Fate built in a failsafe. When the stone is activated, all unclaimed pods or packs are tuned-in to the Matestone’s signal. You’ll have to choose between them.”
“The wolves have been denied a mate for a long time, and they haven’t adapted in the ways we have. They’re more brutal. They wouldn’t be above claiming you and keeping you their prisoner.” Earl mutters.
I think I’ve reached my breaking point because I drain the wine in one burning gulp. Talk about intense dinner conversations!
“Do you agree to take someone with you when you leave the compound? For protection?” Earl rumbles, still not making eye contact with me. Cranky beast.
“Uhhh,” I hedge, trying to decide if this battle is worth winning, “For now. I will agree to an escort. Why not?” He grunts with approval and then stands and stalks towards the door.
The rest of them just look at me with so much damn hope and joy on their faces that I cringe.
“I’m not your soulmate, ok. I’m just a woman staying in your house and I happen to have really weird jewelry. Don’t get any ideas!”
They all reassure me that it’s
