Returning To My Rejected Mate

Shay's Point of View

"Mate."

I stare at Dan and Ashley with a wide smile.

I look down at Zayde tugging on my hand with a frown on his face.

"Yes baby?" I ask softly.

"What's going on? Why is uncle Dan and aunt Ashley just staring at each other? Are they okay?"

He whispers rather loud, bringing the two people out of their trance.

Dan lets her go slowly and gives her a smile.

"Hi, my name is Dan. What's yours beautiful?"

Ashley blushes as she gives him a shy smile.

"It's nice to meet you Dan. I'm Ashley. I'm sorry for running into you."

He shakes his head.

"No, I'm sorry. I was following the scent that has been driving me crazy since I got back and I didn't notice were I was heading."

They stand there just smiling at each other like idiots, until my always untimely son pipes up again.

"I still don't understand what is going on. They're just staring at each other again." He huffed.

We all laugh at the annoyed and confused look on his face.

"You'll understand when you are older. But uncle Dan and aunt Ashley are mates."

He looks at them curiously.

"So people who just stare at each other are mates?"

I smile and shake my head.

"No, sweetie. They are just happy too see each other for the first time."

He nods at me and then tugs on my hand again.

"Okay, are they done now? I'm really hungry."

I shake my head at him.

"Seriously Zayde?" I turn to Ashley and Dan giving them a smile. "Congratulations guys. I'm so happy for you."

Ashley smiles as Dan wraps his arms around her shoulders and pulls her closer to him. "Thank you. I can't believe my mate was with you all this time. How have we never met?"

I shrug.

"It's crazy right. She lives right next door. And you've been to visit many times."

"I guess the Moon Goddess has her own timeline." Ashley says smiling up at Dan.

Dan nods. "Indeed. All that matters now is that you're here, finally." He says kissing her on the forehead making Ashley blush again.

"You guys are so cute!"

Before I can say anything else Zayde tugs on my hand again and mumbled something about mates making us late for dinner.

I shake my head and look at my brother and my friend.

"Sorry guys, I'll take him down for dinner. Are you going to join us downstairs?"

Dan looks at Ashley hesitantly and she shrugs.

"Actually, would you mind if we didn't? I'd like to spend some alone time with Ashley." He turns

to her. "That is if you want to of course?"

She blushes but nods her head.

"I would love to."

I smirk at them.

"Oh I'm sure you would. I'll have some dinner sent up to you. Have fun you guys. I'd love some nieces and nephews."

"Oh my god Shay!"

Ashley yells, turning bright red and looking absolutely mortified while Dan only smirks at me. I laugh and give them a small wave before taking Zayde's hand and heading downstairs. My smile falters as we walk in silence. I'm happy for them both, but now I'm losing another friend. Both her and Megan will be here while I'll be heading back home at some point.

I sigh and my mind wonders to the night I met my own mate. Every girl dreams about that magical day, finding that one person that is made just for you. And it really was a great night, we spent most of it talking, getting to know each other better. Only for the rug to be ripped right out from under me the very next morning.

My heart aches thinking about it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to forget that scene. Or the hurt

I felt. I honestly didn't expect that. I thought the previous night was perfect, I gave him

everything I had and he told me he'd love me forever. I guess his forever didn't last long.

I was startled out of my thoughts when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I look around bewildered, not realizing we've already made it to the dining hall.

"Shay are you okay?"

My mother asks concerned, her hand still on my shoulder.

I give her a small smile and nod my head.

"Yes, sorry I'm was just deep in thought."

My mother looks at me skeptically but nods anyway.

"I asked where your friend was when you came down?"

"Oh well.. about that.." I gave her a big smile and gestured for her to follow me to the tables with food.

After I've filled her in on Dan and Ashley she looks at me with wide eyes as we sit at our table. "Oh my! That's great. What are the chances."

I nod. "I know right. But looking at them.. They're perfect for each other Mom. I'm glad for the both of them."

Mom nods. "As am I. It's good Dan found his Luna. A pack with an Alpha without his Luna by his side isn't as strong."

I make a noncommittal sound while eating my food. My thoughts falling back on Zane.

"Are you going to see him while your here?"

"Who?"

"Don't pretend you don't know who I'm talking about. The very person that has been occupying your heart and mind since you left."

"That's not true."

I frown at her and she gives me small smile while squeezing my hand.

"Of course it is my dear. You haven't even attempted to find someone else."

"I've been busy raising my son and working on my career. I don't have time for dating."

"Shay, you can talk to me. You know that right? You can deny it all you want honey, but I know you and I know how the mate bond works. You still feel it.."

I frown and stab my potato.

"I know.. But I don't want to. He hurt me and I don't think I'll be able to trust him again."

"I know honey but maybe seeing him and talking things out will help you heal and move on."

I sigh. "Yes, that seems to be what everyone thinks."

She gives me a questioning look and I sigh again before telling her about my conversation with

Dan.

"So yeah.. I'll be meeting with him tomorrow."

I finish my story and put another potato wedge in my mouth.

"Are you ready to meet with him?"

I shrug.

"Not really.. I don't know, but I'll have to do it sooner or later so I guess sooner is better."

She nods and then frowns at me.

"And you said he just wants to talk about Zayde?"

"That's what Dan said. I found it strange as well. But I guess we'll see tomorrow."

She nods at me again and we eat in silence for a few minutes before she calls my attention.

"Shay?"

"Yes?"

"Promise me something."

I frown at her.

"Okay? What?"

"Keep an open mind tomorrow. I know your still hurting and you don't want him back in your life. But please, there was a reason you guys were paired together. Just keep that in mind. Don't completely shut him out. I want you to feel the power of the matebond. To have someone in your love that loves you more than anything. Someone to protect and take care of you. Just consider giving him a chance. For your son and for you. Trust me, it is hard to be without the one made for you."

She stares at me and I look down at the table contemplating what she said before I nod slowly. "I'll try mom."

She gives me a soft smile before she squeezes my hand and stands up.

"Thank you. I only want what's best for you, you know that right?

I smile back at her.

"I know. Thank you."

"Goodnight dear. I'll see you tomorrow."

She heads over to were Zayde is seated with a few other kids and kiss his head before heading

upstairs.

I look at her back until she dissappears up the stairs and sigh before I head over to my son.

"Come on, time for bed. Tomorrow is going to be a big day."