Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 116662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
His father Koen had explained that, though his inner animal hadn’t emotionally connected to Isaiah’s mother initially, it had thought of Andaya as under its protection once she was branded. The cat had acknowledged that she belonged to him and, like Koen himself, eventually bonded to her enough that an imprint connection had formed between them.
A shifter could form a metaphysical bond with someone who wasn’t their true mate. Imprinting wasn’t a process that was well-understood. It could happen to couples fast or slowly. It might spark to life even if they didn’t harbor deep feelings for each other. It also might not happen at all, and it could even reverse itself if things went tits up.
Snapping out of his thoughts, he saw that he had another message from Quinley: It’s understandable that your cat would disengage, though it can’t be fun for you.
No, it wasn’t. What about your cat? Is she on the same page as you here?
She wants a mate, but I think it’s more about filling a void than anything else.
Isaiah knew a thing or two about voids. His cat’s void was one huge gaping hole that might never be filled. Isaiah … he couldn’t say if he’d ever manage to fill his own. His soul would never be bound to its other half; would always be incomplete. And it would also carry the open wound of being kept apart from his true mate.
But then … Quinley was in the same boat, wasn’t she? They would have this in common. He liked the idea of that; of being understood.
Much as his head was kind of a mess, he did believe he’d be the best mate that he could be. He’d give it his everything, determined that imprinting would begin. He’d be loyal. Protective. Fully committed to the female he took as his mate, even as he might not be particularly possessive unless, or until, they bonded.
And as he looked again at the profile picture on his screen, he thought that maybe, just maybe, Quinley could be that female. The shadows in her eyes made him feel a sort of kinship with her, as did many of her answers and comments.
She ticked his boxes. She could relate to his anger. She knew his pain.
More, as a black-foot, she wouldn’t feel neglected by how much of his time and attention was taken up with his enforcer duties and acting as bodyguard to his Alpha male. Quinley’s kind weren’t asocial, but they liked to have plenty of alone-time.
And … he was interested. More than he’d expected to be. So much so that he liked the thought of meeting her.
If nothing came of it, well, nothing came of it. He’d contact another of his recommended matches.
Have you talked to any other shifter males on here? he asked, wondering if maybe she’d met up with others but it hadn’t worked out.
No. I only logged in to find a list of potentials twenty minutes ago. I probably wouldn’t have messaged you, though.
He felt his brow pinch. Why not?
You’re tall. I’m kind of … height challenged.
There was no stopping his lips from winging up. He’d noticed by the details on her profile that she was only five foot six—a good eight inches shorter than him. A height difference means nothing when you’re horizontal.
Hmm, valid point, I guess. I’m assuming, then, that you don’t care about my not being tall.
It matters nothing to me. All I need to know at this point is that you wouldn’t back out if things did move ahead. He didn’t want to waste time.
There’d be no backing out.
Then I’d like to take the next step and set up a meet for us and our Alphas. You up for that? Isaiah tapped his fingers on the edge of the laptop as he waited for a response, not liking how much a “no” would bother him.
Sure. Do you have a preferred time or date?
A breath eased out of him. You choose. I can do it as soon as tomorrow, which I’d prefer if it’s possible. I’m not interested in this being dragged out.
Me neither. I’ll talk to my Alphas and then get back to you.
Speak to you soon.
Isaiah logged out of the site, switched off his laptop, and did a long stretch. He’d taken the first step toward officially moving on with his life, and it felt good. Better than good.
Hopefully, he’d hear from Quinley again at some point today. The faster things moved, the better. Until then, he had errands to run and a party to attend.
CHAPTER TWO
Hitting the reset button on life was a bitch, especially when you were only twenty-five years old, but sometimes shit called for an early intervention. And so you found yourself sitting across from your Alpha in his office, announcing that you’d pretty much arranged your own mating and simply needed him to help make it official.