All Chapters of Mate : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

~Jane~It wasn't long before Nathan pulled into the school's parking lot. I peered out the passenger's window, nerves creeping up my spine as I took in the building I would now attend. It was massive- tall brick walls, long rows of windows, a courtyard busting with early students. Everything about it felt foreign, intimidating, and completely overwhelming. Nathan eased the car into a parking spot near the front entrance, then turned off the engine with the quiet click of his key. Jay pulled into the space beside us and stepped out, standing tall and watchful next to Nathan's car. Inside, Nathan turned towards me and gently took my hand in his. That simple touch sent a familiar rush through me. No matter how many times he reached for me like this, it still stirred something powerful- desire, warmth, safety. He grounded me with just a glance, just a squeeze of his fingers. I looked down at our joined hands and swallowed hard. "I still can't believe I'm actually going to school. For th

~Jane~"Hey there, Jane," Riley said, waving at me with a bright smile. "Hi," I replied, walking toward her. "How was your lunch?" "It was good. Yours?" I returned the smile, though my mind drifted back to the moment I had just shared with Nathan in the car. The way his lips brushed mine, the heat between us- it had ignited something primal inside me. Even now, just the memory made my body hum with desire. Riley cleared her throat. "You okay, Jane? You seemed a little... lost there."I snapped back to the present, my cheeks heating up, "Yeah, sorry. I'm fine.""Before I forget," she said, gesturing to the group behind her, "these are my friends. Guys, this is Jane Foster. She's new." "Nice to meet you all," I said with a small wave. They all smiled and gave casual greetings in return. "Hey Jane, if you want, I can show you to your next class," Riley offered. "That would be amazing, thank you." As we walked down the hallway away from the main staircase, Riley's friends split o

~Jane~I started to move off his lap and took a seat back in the passenger seat, my chest still heaving from the kiss we'd just shared. My skin tingled where his hands had touched me, and I pressed my thighs together to soothe the ache pulsing deep within me. Nathan ran a hand through his hair and turned off the engine, his eyes lingering on mine. The heat between us buzzed in the air like a second heartbeat. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, brushing his knuckles along my jaw. That one small touch made my breath hitch. "Yeah," I whispered. "Just... I didn't want it to stop." His eyes softened. He leaned over and pressed a kiss to my temple. "I don't either, Jane." My stomach fluttered at his words. He got out and came around to my side, offering me his hand like he always did. I slid mine into his, and together we walked towards the house. Every step was heavy with desire still simmering between us. As we stepped inside the house, I barely made it to the stairs before a fresh wa

~Jane~Hearing the words he just spoke to me, I felt tears sting the corners of my eyes. I wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with this man. The way he makes me feel- it's like nothing I've ever known. And I never want this feeling to end. I don't think I could ever love anyone else the way I love him. Even the idea of finding my true mate someday doesn't seem to compare. If my wolf were to feel that pull toward someone else, I can't imagine it being stronger than what I feel for Nathan. I don't think I could accept anyone else because my love for Nathan consumes every part of me. Being with him feels like where I belong- as if this, between us, is meant to be. I might not know what the future holds, but I do know one thing: I want no other kind of future than the one that includes Nathan. I want to be mated to him. I want his love. There is nothing in life I want than to grow old with him. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Nathan. I can't even think

~Jane~"Oh, Nathan," I breathed, trying to hold back the tears welling in my eyes as the flickering glow ahead came into focus. My heart swelled with surprise. I didn't know what to say- what could I say?Candlelight danced along the sand, forming a glowing pathway that led us toward a soft blanket nestled between pools of gold flame. More candles surrounding the blanket their gentle light flickering like stars, grounding the earth. It was beautiful. Magical. He did this... for me. I was overwhelmed, wrapped in a warmth that had nothing to do with the summer night. Nathan had created something so perfect, so intimate, that it made my chest ache. I felt loved- completely, impossibly, utterly loved. Maybe he was right. Maybe we really were meant for each other. Maybe I could finally accept that. Accept that Nathan was my future... that this connection between us wasn't just a coincidence or fleeting desire. Maybe I was the one he had been waiting for all along. Maybe he's always know