My Brother's Best Friend Is My Mate

"A mate is what humans call their soulmate. Only better than Romeo and Juliet. They're picked out for you by the moon goddess- the ruler of our kind. You and your mate will be inseparable. You'll both feel so linked together that you're ready and willing to take on any feat of life, so long as they have their soulmate by their side. They make you feel loved, secured, cared for and stable. Sometimes soul mates don't always stay together, but the love is always their. Forever. The bond is unbreakable."

"That sounds... powerful. What happens when a mate dies?" I ask. Suddenly a painful thought drives across my brain but I shoot it down.

"All werewolves are born with mates, but unfortunately, sometimes mates die. Some people have been lucky enough to get a second mate, a second chance for a happy end. But some others aren't so lucky. Loosing a mate is almost unbearable, sometimes it makes werewolves insane. It drives them mad, and they want to do anything to make that pain go away."

"So what you're saying is?" I ponder for an answer. Liam's face hardens.

"Loosing a mate can cause death in some cases." Liam says.

"Oh."

Liam continues to tell me all about werewolf societies, relationships and traditions. About the pack, their laws, and ceremonies.

"So, you're the Alpha, right?" I ask Liam.

"Yeah." He answers.

"Isn't there like, someone who helps the Alpha run the pack?" I ask Liam.

"Yes. The Luna. She is the mate of the Alpha, and she performs duties to help the pack. A Luna is gentle, caring and would do anything for her pack."

"Oh." Whoever is Liam's mate must be really lucky. "Who's yours?" I ask in a quiet voice. I'm already imaging her in my mind. Pretty, smart and talented. Tall and beautiful. I wonder if Sarah likes her. "My what?" Liam looks confused for a second.

"Your mate? She must be nice." I say under my breath.

"Oh. I haven't found her yet. But-"

"But?"

"I think I know who it is?" Liam says it like a question.

"Who?" I ask. I want to be happy for him, I truly do. I try to control my feelings while I wait for a reply from Liam. Whoever she is, I hope she makes Liam happy. He deserves happiness. "Promise you won't get mad, or laugh." Liam says and swallows. He looks nervous, and this foreign expression is on his face. Fear.

But of what?

"I promise." I tell him.

"You." Came the answer.

"What?" I must not be hearing properly. My heart is beating faster every passing minute and Liam's eyes are staring directly at my soul. He doesn't look like he's joking.

"Have you ever felt any different around me?" Liam asks.

"Yes." I answer truthfully. My brain is still trying to process what Liam just said. Why on earth would he even think that I am his mate? I'm just a feeble human girl who just unexpectedly crashed into his life.

"I just feel like you're the one. You make me feel like I can do anything, Emerald. I love everything about you. Your smile, your laugh. Even the random jokes you tell during serious situations are funny. I just, feel it in my soul. But I don't know yet for sure. I want it to be. I want to be sure. And I'll know, on your birthday, when you turn 18. I'll know if you're mine. And if you are, I'll treat you like the Queen you are. You're special to me Emerald. " Liam says and takes a deep breath.

"That was sweet." I say finally after comfortable silence.

"I really, really like you Emerald." Liam says and my heart suddenly feels like it has stopped pumping blood.

"Me too." I say in a quiet voice.

Liam's cheeks redden and I blush

also. In a quick movements, I lean

over towards him and tip us both over in the pool. The water is cold and chilling but I feel relaxed tiam is looking at me as if I'm his world. And to be honest, I kinda feel that way.