Rutting Season

5

“I’ll be honest, Jacob. You're a wonderful dancer and very handsome,” a female voice on the other side of the rose bushes floated to him. His ears perked up. He recognized her voice.

“There’s nothing wrong with you as a potential mate, and I'm flattered that you are asking me to consider you, but I don't want to waste your time. I'm not a match for you,” she finally said.

Jacob must be the guy with purple hair. He wondered why she wasn't interested in him; they seemed to be having a good time as they danced. “I appreciate your honesty. Should I walk you back inside,” Jacob asked. “No, I’m fine. I think I'll enjoy the garden for a minute before I return,” he heard her answer.

Jacob left the garden without any argument in his defense, and her footsteps approached. His corner was dark, and she wouldn't see him, but he wanted her to know he was there. As she walked by, he asked, “Why wasn't he a good match for you?”

She turned, startled by his unexpected presence. Her shoulders relaxed when she saw him. She approached the bench he sat on and shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed. “He just wasn't the one.”

He wanted to know more and asked, “How do you know from just one dance?” She licked her bottom lip and glanced away. “It may sound silly, but I think I’ll feel it. Shouldn't I know when I've met the right person?”

He snorted, “We’re not werewolves. We don't have fated mates. Those lucky bastards know as soon as they look at their mate. We have to figure it out for ourselves, and if we choose wrong, we’ll be stuck with each other forever.”

She stepped closer and indicated to the spot beside him, “May I join you?” He nodded, “Of course. I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to be rude by not offering.”

She sat, not touching him, and he wanted her to. Just a brush of her leg or hand. He wanted to see if he would feel the same as he had that morning.

“So, Jacob isn't the one. What about the guy you were with this morning,” he couldn't help but ask. She shook her head, “No, Lincoln is nice, but I'm not attracted to him.” He smirked, “So, you want chemistry, not just a protector and provider.”

She hesitated, and he wondered what she was thinking. “Yeah, I do. Don't you? I mean, you're looking for something, or you wouldn't have waited this long to find a match.”

He couldn't resist touching her any longer and used it to avoid answering her question. He reached over and took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips where he kissed her fingers, then turned her hand and kissed her palm.

She shivered at his touch, and his eyes met hers as he drew away, not releasing her hand. “Like this? Is this what you're looking for?” he asked, his voice husky and desireful. She smelled delicious, and it called to his primal instincts.

Tessa didn't pull her hand away, and he held her fingers. “I don’t know,” she answered breathily. “I don't have anything to compare it to.” He laughed, and she loved the sound. It was deep and made her stomach flip-flop. “Yes, you do. How many guys have you danced with tonight? Did any of them make you shiver?”

She felt a blush stain her face, “I think I should go. My Dad will look for me if I don't return soon.” He released her hand and stood. “I’ll walk you back.” They were quiet until they reached the steps that led back into the ballroom, where her father waited. He turned and gave her a slight bow, “Thank you for the walk. Can I have the name of the person who was so entertaining to talk with?”

Tessa felt her face warm again at the mention of their conversation in the garden. Why had she said those things to him? They were too personal. “I’m Tessa,” she answered. He gave her a bright smile, “Well, Tessa, I hope we will get to know each other a little more this week.”

She gave him a polite goodbye and joined her father. “Well, you seem to be quite the center of attention for someone not looking for a mate. I pity the hearts you will break this season,” her Dad told her as he led her back inside.

She shook her head, “I’m not breaking any hearts. These guys don't even know me.” He chuckled like he knew something she didn’t. “Oh, Tessa, you have no idea.” She rolled her eyes, “I’m ready to go home now. These late nights and early mornings are not my thing. Can we go find Mom now?”

Tomas nodded, “Let’s find her before someone else tries to sweep you back onto the dance floor. I think you're more like me when it comes to these types of events than you are your mother. She would stay out all night.”

Tessa agreed, “Yes, I know, and I hate to ruin her fun again, but I'm ready to get out of these shoes.”

Racyn watched Tessa leave the ball and took that as his cue to go as well. He should stay, but she captivated him. He needed to know more about her. He wanted to see if there was a chance she could become his mate.

He found Jessie snoring loudly on the couch and left him there. He shut the bedroom door and called his brother. Rowdy answered in the first ring. “Hey man, how's the season going?” Racyn snorted, “Probably as good as yours, considering you answered quickly.”

Ro laughed, “Yeah, I would say so. Mom will kill us if she finds out we’re cutting out early. What’s on your mind?” “I want you to look someone up for me. I want to know everything you can find about her,” Ro whistled, “Damn. Found someone already?” Racyn told him the truth, “I don't know yet. She’s different, and I like it. I don't want to be fooled if she's putting on a show to catch a mate.”

Rowdy laughed, “Dude, with our population, she doesn't have to, but I will check her out for you.” Racyn smiled. Of all his brothers, Rowdy was the one good at digging up information about people. “Thanks, man. I'll be up for a while. Send me the basics as soon as you have it.”

They ended their call, and he quickly readied for bed, hung his suit on the door for housekeeping to have dry cleaned, and settled into bed with his laptop. He searched her name, too impatient to wait for his brother’s report.

He clicked on the first result in his search. It was for the local newspaper, and he sucked in a breath and released it on a curse. “f**k me,” he groaned as he read the birthday announcement. “Happy 18th Birthday Tessa! We are so proud of you. Love Mom and Dad,” it read with a picture of her. The paper was published two days ago.

He shut his laptop and set it on the table beside the bed. Then, he closed his eyes and tried to reason with himself. She was too damn young. Why was she participating in the season?

Then he reminded himself that many of the participants, both male and female, were her age. He was the exception at twenty-six. Most had already taken a mate by his age. Enduring the rut for so many years alone was rare.