“Who the fuck is Jing?” I was a little shocked, it wasn’t often I don’t at least know of someone, especially when it seems like my good friends know them.

“Dr. Jing Owens. He’s the physiatrist in town and a member of the Council.” Cecilia quickly wipes down my side inspecting her finished work. “He also restores classic Motorcycles, I had him do one for Sampson. Looks good Magnus, leave your shirt off for a bit while it heals.”

With that she strips off her gloves and leaves the room. Carson was smirking at me from his perch against the wall.

“I feel like you have something to say Carson.”

“I thought you knew every single man over 18 in this town.”

“I’m not a slut Carson.” I groan out digging my palms into my eyes. Honestly it was starting to piss me off how many slut jokes he has made today. “I haven’t been with anyone in 5 months.”

“Wow, you were serious. You must really be ready for a Mate.”

I nod.

6 months ago, I celebrated my 27th birthday and things started to feel very hollow. My one-night stands that used to be all I wanted left me feeling very empty and sad. I envied the Mated pairs I saw. I wanted what they had, a true connection.

“I’m ready Carson. Plus, it’s getting harder and harder to be around my nieces and nephews and not want a cub of my own. The family barbeques are like torture, but you know Mama won’t let me miss one.”

“Hmm, I miss your mother’s cooking. When is it this month, I’m coming.”

I laugh, Carson was such a member of the family I’m surprised he didn’t already know. But he hadn’t been back that long, maybe Mama didn’t know yet. It’d be a fun surprise for her.

“About 2 weeks. Try not to text her. Let’s see if we can surprise them.”

I stand up finally and go to look at the words not scrolling across my ribs. I know I could have had someone else do this, but Cecilia has been my artist since she set up shop here. I’d rather wait for when she has time than go to just anyone.

I can hear Cecilia’s voice as she comes back in the house and she was answered by a quiet low male voice. I couldn’t make out any words or even tone but for some reason I was dying to know more about that voice.

I don’t bother to grab my shirt as I leave the room. I’m on a mission. As soon as I open the door, I’m hit with a scent I want to smell for the rest of my life. The strong tangy scent of citrus, like tangerines and a subtle note of honey makes my mind go blank and my mouth water.

I follow that scent to the kitchen not even noticing Carson trailing behind me. The voice is clearer now, still low but very crisp and precise. I don’t catch much of what he is saying but from the stretches of silence between his words he must be on the phone.

Cecilia’s leaning against the center island when I walk into the kitchen, drinking from a tumbler glass. As soon as she sees me come in, she presses a finger to her lips then points at something across the room. My eyes follow the direction of her finger and it feels like my heart actually stops beating for a second.

He’s handsome, ridiculously handsome. His face is classic, like you would see in sculptures or paintings. A strong jaw that sports some dark stubble, somewhere between on purpose and a 5 o’clock shadow. His bottom lip is slightly fuller than his top lip and it is oh so enticing. I can’t really see his eyes, he keeps pacing, his gaze on the floor. His brown hair was cut short and slightly disheveled, at first it looked purposely messy but as I watch him, he keeps running his hand through it.

He is at or around 6 feet tall and very well built. I’m definitely taller and wider but I also don’t feel like I could squish him without even trying.

An old dark brown leather jacket, charcoal grey V-neck shirt, dark jeans and a pair of converse shoes gave him a casual but still fashionable look. His jeans should be illegal by the way, they were tight enough to give me a good eyeful of his ass, which was perfect.

Damn.

I’ve never felt this attracted to anyone before. I want to throw him over my shoulder and take him away to my den.

“AHEM!” A throat being cleared loudly behind me makes me jump and stop staring. I spin around and see both Cecilia and Carson smirking knowingly at me.

I haven’t blushed so hard since before puberty.

I take in a deep breath, trying to calm myself and my….excitement. Instead I take in a lung full of that mouthwatering, cock hardening scent. Citrus and Honey. It was similar to the smell of a bear but slightly more exotic.

I had to bite my lip not to moan.

“Hell of a coincidence, you admit out loud to wanting a Mate and the goddess practically drops him in your lap.” Carson whispers.

“First of all, I don’t know he’s my Mate, he hasn’t looked up from the floor once.” I try not to sound bitter about that, I really do, “Second of all there is no way life works out that way, it’s too easy.”

Cecilia snorts, again. Her expression tells me she thinks I’m an idiot.

“I’m gonna say to you what Oscar has said to me, ‘Fate is a funny thing, don’t try to understand it or the goddess.’”

“Also, you’re a moron if you think he’s not your Mate. You practically hunted him down from just his scent.” Carson adds on.

I roll my eyes at them and turn back to look at the man who has captured my attention faster than anyone I have ever met.

He’s off the phone.

And looking right at me.

His dark chocolate brown eyes meet my own.

Yup, no question about it.

He’s my Mate.