All Chapters of Mate: Part One: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

~Jane~I stood in front of the small dresser, slowly pulling a soft sweater over my head, letting the fabric fall into place while my mind drifted back to the warmth of Nathan's arms. It was ridiculous how the memory still lingered like it had only just happened- how my heart still fluttered when I thought about the way he'd looked at me this morning, like I was the only thing in his world. I should be getting ready for school. I should be thinking about my schedule, about Riley waiting for me, about blending into the new routine. But all I could think about was him. That pull toward Nathan was always there now, deep in my chest, impossible to ignore. Like some invisible thread was wound tightly between us, tugging me closer every time I tried to focus on something else. And every time he touched me, every time his fingers brushed mine or he held me close, something inside me always caught fire. I still didn't understand why. I didn't understand what this connection was or why it se

~Jane~I opened my locket and swapped out my books, the metallic clang of the door too sharp in my ears. Around me, the chatter of the other students swirled - plans for the weekend, whispered gossip, and laughter spilling over, but it all felt like background noise compared to the quiet in my chest. Quiet, but not empty. The longing for him sat there, steady and warm, a reminder that no matter how far I walked away, part of me was still with him. "Hey, earth to Jane." Riley's voice cut through the haze, pulling me out of my thoughts. She was leaning against the locker next to mine, her bright smile a welcome contrast to the morning rush. I shut my locker and slung my bag over my shoulder. "Sorry. Just... distracted."Her eyes narrowed slightly. "By Nathan?" Heat rose to my cheeks. "Maybe." Her eyes softened. "The effect he has on you is truly something. The way he looks at you, I can see just how much he cares for you, Jane." Her words struck something deep inside me, a warmth bl

~Jane~It wasn't before our food arrived, the warm plates filling the space between us with the scent of spices and fresh bread. Our waiter set them down with practiced care, and we both looked up, offering a quiet "thank you" in unison. He gave a polite nod before walking away, leaving us in our little corner of the world. We started to eat, the first few bites passing in comfortable silence. Then the conversation found its rhythm, light and easy. I told how school had been going so far, and how Riley had been my anchor through it all. Just saying her name made me feel a little lighter. I didn't know what I would have done without her these past few days. Nathan smiled as he listened, then shared bits of his day. Things about the pack- how training had been going, the younger wolves he'd been helping, and a few stories about kids determined to prove themselves too soon. His voice held a quiet pride. He truly was going to be an amazing Alpha one day- I could see it in the way he car

~Nathan~Walking away from Jane, leaving her in the hallway with Jay, is always the hardest part. Every time we're apart, a hollow emptiness spreads through me. I wish it didn’t have to be this way—but it does.Stepping outside toward my car, it took every ounce of willpower not to turn back. Not to walk into that building and hold her again, to feel her pressed against me. I climbed into the driver's seat, started the engine, and pulled away.The streets blurred past. I gripped the wheel tighter with each passing second, replaying last night—every kiss, every brush of her hand. The last few days, too—each stolen glance, every moment of closeness—echoed in my chest.Jane is scared. Afraid of what the future holds. She believes I belong with someone else.If only she knew. If only she knew we’re mates.But I can’t tell her—not yet. Not until she turns seventeen. And some days, I’m not sure how much longer I can hold this secret.My chest throbbed with the weight of it. I hated hiding t

~Nathan~I watched her rest against the window, her gaze following the blur of the passing world, and a tug of longing stirred deep in me—a mix of hunger and relief, fierce and quiet all at once.This lunch had been perfect. Every moment together felt like a step toward something I’d been waiting for my entire life. She was letting me in, even in the smallest ways, and I could feel her trust weaving between us, fragile but real.My hand hovered near hers on the console, wanting to reassure her without words. Even though I could sense whispers of doubt lurking at the edges of her mind, I refused to let them darken the time we had. Not now. Not while she was right here.She was mine. Our mate.The school parking lot came into view, and my chest tightened at the thought of leaving her, even for a short while. I pulled into a space, setting the car in park, my hand brushing hers on the center console, a gentle squeeze asking her to linger a moment longer.“Want me to walk you to your next