It’s a secret I’ve been holding close to my heart for as long as I can remember. It’s something I’ve always been scared to share: my fear. Maybe it’s because of how my parents’ marriage ended. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen so many people hurt one another. Maybe it’s a combination of all of those things.
I don’t have all of the answers, but I do have one bright, wonderful thing to look forward to: Matthew.
“Cassidy,” he says. “You’re my mate.”
His words settle deep in my soul. It’s a secret I want to grab and bury deep inside of me so I can cling to it and hold onto it.
Mates.
It’s something I never really believed in before, but now it seems like it makes perfect sense. Our animals crave each other. Our hearts want each other. Our lives have intertwined in a way that logic just can’t really explain, and when I’m with Matthew, suddenly, the entire world seems like it makes sense.
It seems like everything is going to be okay.
We’re going to be okay.
“I know,” I whisper, and he chuckles.
“You know, huh?”
“I suspected.”
“Well, I’m glad we’re on the same page.”
He kisses me, pulling me close, and he holds me. Together, we watch the afternoon sun rise higher in the sky and as we look at what lies before us, I realize that no matter what tomorrow brings, I’ll always have Matthew by my side.
That’s the beauty of true mates.
You always have hope.
Epilogue
Cassidy
Once upon a time, there was a girl who fell in love.
She wasn’t particularly smart or clever or even very brave, but she took a chance.
She took a shot.
Now, the world seems like it’s a little bit brighter.
It seems more beautiful.
It seems clear.
When I decided to go to a mixer to meet other single shifters in my area, I didn’t think things could possibly get any worse than they already were, but I didn’t take the time to consider that they might go right. I didn’t take the time to think that I could meet someone who makes my heart soar.
“Are you ready?” Matthew walks into the room and smiles. He looks me up and down and then grabs me, pulling me close. He kisses me gently, softly, and nips at my lips in that special way I just love.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I say.
“You look fantastic.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
“What about me?” He asks, spinning in a circle.
“Stunning,” I laugh.