Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
I stroked my fingers across my bristly jaw as I built my response. As much as I wished I could promise him a full recovery and grand reconciliation between the brothers, I couldn’t, which is why I assumed Tage left his mate at home. There was one thing I could promise.
“I will do everything I can for Dalton. I will stay on his case, push him, and guide him in the direction he needs to get on the right track. But please understand, there is only so much I can do on my side of things. A person can only change if he wants to. Some people are too far gone to be reached. But I can guarantee that I will present him options until they are exhausted, and give him every opportunity that I can.”
“I understand. That’s all I ask for, and I appreciate you,” Tage replied, standing up and offering me his hand once more. I rose to my feet and shook his hand firmly, sealing my promise.
“Thank you for coming in, Tage. It was helpful to hear a little more about Dalton’s background. I hope that he’s receptive, and that we can make life better for him and his brother.”
“So do I. Now, if you will excuse me, I’ll let you get back to work, and it’s time for me to get back to my mate.”
“Of course.” We shared a smile and nod before Tage retreated through the door.
It warmed my heart to witness the care the doctor felt for his boy, and made me wish that I had a sweet mate to care for as well. Tage had waited over eleven hundred years to find his match, and unfortunately, I wasn’t far behind him. He and I were two of the oldest vampires in our coven, evidenced by our gray hairs and the subtle lines in our skin. It was a slow process, but vampires did age, and mine showed itself more every day.
I sighed and sat back down at my desk, picking up Dalton’s file once more. I decided to read through it yet again, this time with the knowledge Tage gave to me. Perhaps it would give me more clarity on how to approach his case.
As the clock ticked on, I grew more frustrated; Dalton was already ten minutes late and counting. If he missed his appointment all together, I’d have to go hunt him down and throw his ass back in jail. I wasn’t sure how Tage would react to that, but I had to follow the law.
When the time showed 10:15 AM, a quarter past Dalton’s slated appointment, I finally heard footsteps approaching down the hall. To dilute my anger, I took a deep breath…and froze.
Hitting my nostrils wasn’t just the typical scent of the dank air of the courthouse basement, where my office was located. There was something different swirled within; the scent of cedar and rosemary. A scent that caused my fangs to tingle, and my blood to race with anticipation and recognition. The scent of my mate.
As realization settled in, a figure stepped into the doorway, and my breath caught in my chest, both at the man’s beauty, and his identity. For all of my existence, I thought my mate would be a total sweetheart who would take my mind off of my work. Never did I think a parolee would be intertwined with it.
Already knowing the answer, I forced out the question, “Dalton Bowman?”
He nodded before asking, “Officer Hutchinson?”
“Hutch,” I replied on instinct. Dammit. Parolees were not permitted to use my first name Nathaniel, let alone the nickname I went by. But this man was my mate. This man is my mate. While grateful for Fate’s precious gift, I was having trouble reconciling that this person was both the other half of my soul, and the ex-con entrusted to me.
I sat in silence, my mind spinning while my eyes took in the sight of him. He was gorgeous, with a tall frame and a strong, scruffy jaw. His dark curly hair hung around his shoulders, though it was pulled into a low ponytail.
His eyes were dark brown, almost black, and were filled with confusion and pain. Dalton’s forehead was marred with lines. He appeared older than I was, even though he was centuries younger, and even young in human years, at only twenty-nine. He was worn down by a tough life and trouble, but he was still beautiful.
He was also still my parolee, and I had a job to do. Besides, Fate delivered this man to me in this manner for a reason. He wasn’t someone who would take my mind off of my job; he was someone who needed my expertise and guidance. My mate needed me, and I would not let him down.
Trying to stay focused on the task at hand, I began with, “You’re late.” I kept my voice kinder than I would normally speak to my offenders, but it still sounded too harsh as it left my lips, and I internally shuddered, though I kept my face neutral.