Mine

-Thank you so much for choosing to read this story. Updates will either be on Sunday evenings or Monday midday. It just depends on my schedule. This story will be short and sweet and when it is done I will be doing a two for one book that ties into the rogue series. Like always, thank you for your support. Kayla Macintosh, It is with deepest regret to inform you that the council was unable to successfully find you a mate due to your unknown parentage. As per the law, you are to move out on your eighteenth birthday and, since you will not have a mate, you will be given a cottage on the far eastern side of the village. Council member Daven will meet you at first light at the cottage and inform you of what is expected of you. Sincerely, The council. The letter fell out of my hand and slowly floated to the ground as I stood there in shock. I was being ostracized because of my mother's loose morals. No one knew who my father was, but I never suspected the council would use that against me, but they did. “I saw one of the council members come to the door. What did they say?” My mother said as she walked in through the back door. I could hear the excitement in her voice, but currently I was in shock. I turned around and looked at her with tears in my eyes. “It cannot be that bad, Kayla. I am sure the man your paired with will be handsome and kind,” she said as she put the basket of fresh vegetables on the table. “I will not be given a mate, mom,” I whispered. My mother looked up at me and said, “That is not possible. Every human female is given a male human to mate with. That is their law.” “Since they do not know who my father is, I will not be given a mate, but I will be given the empty cottage on the far eastern side of the town. They sent a letter.” “That cannot be. Let me see the letter,” she said with anger in her voice and her hand held out. I bent down and picked up the letter and handed it to her. She read the letter and turned pale. “We need to petition this. They cannot use the fact I don’t remember who your father is against you, plus that cottage was abandoned for a reason. Nothing can grow there and it is falling apart.” My mother's mate had died while hunting and she drank a lot afterwards. Due to her drinking, she slept around, making many enemies in the village and I was the product of her drunkenness. Even though she cleaned herself up, the villagers would not let me forget about her infidelity. I looked at my mother and said, “The council has spoken. Since tomorrow is my birthday, I will report to the cottage. I will make do mama.” “If only things were the way they once were, you would not be in this situation.” “It is a legend, mama.” “Some tails are not always legends.” “I’ll believe it when I see proof. Not once have I seen giant buildings or cars in our travels. The dragon shifters have always controlled us and made the laws. Stop living in la la land mom.” “Your great great great grandmother used to tell stories of how life used to be and the millions of humans who lived here. The tragedy of the planets colliding and the dragons appearing is what changed it all. They destroyed our history.” “Enough mom. If the council hears your ramblings, they will make an example out of you.” My mom walked up to me and gave me a hug. “Your brother and I will help you anyway we can.” “Thank you, mama.” That night I packed my things and the next day I hugged my mother goodbye and walked towards the cottage on the outskirts of the village. The cottage was small and falling apart. The roof on the left side looked like it was ready to cave in, the front window was busted and junk was spread out on the land, but not a single piece of plant life was growing. Honestly, I was not sure how I was going to make it. Men always took care of their wives and mothers. I have never heard of a female without a mate taking care of herself. "Kayla?" I heard someone say as they approached from behind me. I turned around and saw the council member coming my way. He was dressed in regular council robes with the hood over his head hiding his face. "Council member Daven." "Thank you for meeting with me this early." "Of course," I said as I looked away from him. We were not allowed to stare at the council. They were dragons and by staring they would take it as a challenge. "I know this situation is unusual but it was the best option we could think of. I know this house is falling apart but I have faith that you will make it livable." "I will do my best," I said as I turned and looked at the house. It was a dump. "Well, here are your keys." I looked back at the council member and smiled as I took the keys. "Thank you." As I walked up the steps that creaked and felt like they were going to bust, Council member Daven said, "Kayla, we can not risk imbreeding. You are forbidden from sleepign with a male. The council will be watching." Before I could say anything he walked away with a speed I had never seen anyone have. I turned back towards the house, stuck the key in the door and as I turned the handle I took a deep breath.