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Chapter 3

Ryland

I was sitting through some boring meeting with Marcus, trying to keep myself awake. Since the meeting involved training techniques and increases in border patrol, I had to be there.

“So everyone clear on the changes coming up? Starting next week, I want all of you to pitch in. A pack meeting will be scheduled for next week to inform the others. We need to train longer and harder and make sure nothing or no one passes our borders."

Everyone agreed and we were dismissed. Man, I hated meetings. All I really wanted to do is to spend all my time with Marilyn. I know we aren’t mates, but I love her. I knew my mate don’t exist, so what was the harm in being with someone I cared about.

I knew there is a possibility I could be wrong about not having a mate, but I had to face reality. I am now twenty-one and mateless. I should have found her by now. It's not normal for wolves to find their mates this late in life, so why would I be an exception?

From the looks of Marilyn, she doesn’t have a mate either. I don’t want to think of what would happen if she does. I know it's selfish, but I wouldn't just be able to let her go. It is too depressing to think about being without her.

My mom used to tell me that people come into your life for a reason, even if it's not always clear why. She never let me forget that every relationship formed was a blessing and you have to cherish the time you spent with people.

When I first introduced her to Marilyn, she told me to not fall too deep or get to the point where we start to plan our future because one day I would meet my mate, so if I didn't want to end up in a world of trouble, I needed to tread lightly. My dad agreed with her, saying that the worst mistake you can make is one that would hurt your mate.

I tried to follow their advice, and for a while I believed them. But the more time went by, the less true it became. I started having serious feelings for Marilyn, and my mate never showed. They would remind me every now and again to be careful, but started to accept that I loved her and things weren't going to change.

They respected our relationship, and they mostly keep their opinions about us to themselves, which I was grateful for. I understood how they felt. They were mated and happy and wanted what was best for me. They just needed to accept that Marilyn was the closest I would ever get to what they had, and I was okay with that. I had accepted there was no other half for me, and eventually they would too.

Daniel

I finished training and went home to take a much-needed shower before heading to this party.

All I wanted to do was go out and take my mind off things. I hoped tonight would be worth my while.

I got dressed and Luke was there right on time. He brought some girls along, but I wasn't drunk enough for them to catch my attention yet.

All I wanted was my mate. Most people would have given up by now, but I knew she was out there somewhere. I could feel it. It felt like half of me was missing, and the other half was silently calling.

I would search the world if I had to in order to find her. I told everyone that if she didn't show up in a year, I would go looking for her. I would be done with college by then, and I would have more time to focus on finding her.

When we arrived at the party, people were already drunk and passed out. All of a sudden, I didn't find it so appealing. My mate wasn't here. I would have been able to since her presence.

"Come on, man, loosen up! You only live once," Luke said encouragingly.

I decided to take his advice and headed toward the bar, might as well make the most of this night.

A few hours later, I was almost wasted. I hadn't drunk that much in a long time.

A girl with wavy brown hair and crystal blue eyes came up and sat next to me. She tried to make conversation, but I wasn't in the right state of mind to comprehend. However, I could since she was sad and more than anything she just wanted someone to listen.

"Thank you for listening. I know I've been whining non-stop about my pathetic life, but you seemed so easy to talk to," she said, wiping her tears. That's when I realized I didn't even know her name.

"My names is Destiny, by the way. No need to tell me yours. I know you're Daniel"

I was stunned. She knew my name. I was certain I had never seen this girl in my life, and she practically just told me her life story. The next thing I knew, she kissed me long and hard before walking away.

I didn't know whether I was seeing things or if she was really real. I did know that it wouldn't be the last time I saw her.

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