Three Fated Hearts by LNC

"Well?! What do they do?” I'm pacing back and forth while keeping an eye on all exits. I'm deep in the forest in an unknown cabin, but that doesn’t mean people haven't followed me. I look up, and the silence is becoming unbearable. “I don't have all day! It's almost time.”

To be clear, the Alpha ceremony is tomorrow. I have to be sure about these items before then. I have waited for an answer for days, and my patience is running out. This is the final piece to the puzzle. “You were given a bit of the wrong information.” I stop in my tracks.

"What do you mean?” The witch sighs.

“These were created for fated mates. If are in the same area, this keep their wolves from seeking the other out. The bond will be dampened so teh desire will be gone.” I swear that's the same thing I told her in the first place.

“That's what I told you.”

I nod to Alpha Paul and take a deep breath, taking the steps needed to face my fate. Standing in front of the trio feels like standing in front of the open freezer, and I can't blame them. “Uh...hi. Can....can I speak to you guys?” I can see Tia's jaw clench, and Lincoln rolls his eyes.

"Anything you need to say, do so now. Make it quick; we have others to welcome.” Landon, straight to the point, and he isn't wrong. I swallow the lump in my throat and send a quick prayer to the Moon Goddess

“I just want to apologize to you two for everything. I was wrong when you were on my territory and I was wrong when I was on yours. I had no right to push myself on you both.” Landon and Lincoln's eyes are huge, and they look genuinely shocked. I turn to Tia and reach out, brushing my fingers along her arm. She looks at the spot I touched and then at my face. “I was beyond wrong and sorry doesn't cover everything I put you through. I truly apologize and I'm happy that you found your fated mates. I don't expect your forgiveness, but I am truly sorry.”

Tia looks at me...I mean, really looks at me. It's like she’s trying to peer into my soul. I hold her gaze even though it's extremely uncomfortable. “I don't like you; you've given me no reason to.” I hold my breath and wait for what will come next. Tia sighs and steps toward me. She leans in close so that her mouth is at my ear. “Mark is at home. If you follow the path to your right, his house is the yellow door. You can't miss it.” Tia walks back to her mates, and I'm floored. I never expected her to forgive me, but I also never expected her to point in Mark's direction. I don't deserve it, but I will gladly take it.

“If you all will excuse me.” I nod to the trio and turn to my right, determined to find the house with the yellow door.