The Contrary Mate

Aura

Jack took me back to his place, and it seemed like everything was right in the world again, although I felt terrible for how I had handled what Rex had shown me. I should have just called him right away instead of torturing myself for a day while trying to figure out how to effectively stalk him on the internet.

His home didn’t feel as empty as it used to, oddly enough. It wasn’t the comfort of the forest, but it was more tolerable. Because nothing was planned, we raided the kitchen ourselves and made an impromptu picnic on a blanket in the gardens. I noticed the grass was a bit longer and no one had been slaughtering the shrubs into tyrannical geometry since I’d told him I didn’t like it. The little signs that he was willing to adapt for my comfort warmed my heart, and made me want to do the same for him in return.

While I liked the grass, I could picture so much more done with this space. My imagination was active as we sat together. Truly, like this, out in the garden with him, was no less comforting than the wilds.

It probably had something to do with him. Maybe it was the mate bond, maybe something else. Maybe it was the heat that sparked between us at each touch. Light kisses had turned into heavy, demanding ones, and he had somehow ended up lying on top of me. My body was disappointed when he pulled away, and I was, too.

When he took me home that night, I texted my measurements to his secretary upon his encouragement, feeling bad for doing it last minute and putting her out, but she didn’t complain, and a dress that fit me perfectly was delivered to my parents’ home the next day.

Things were going well as could be expected at home. I was getting a few side-eyed glances from other fae as the news of my scandalous relationship spread, but overall things were peaceful. The spreading rumours of Jack’s primacy in my life hadn’t seemed to have much harmed Aunt Fern’s sales amongst the fae, so I ignored the curious looks and not so subtle whispers. It felt strange to be the center of attention in that way.

Any attention I had received when I was younger had been largely complimentary. After all, I had been an obedient little girl gifted with powerful botanical magic.

Apparently I wasn’t that little girl anymore. And I found I didn’t care. I was tired of trying to comply with rigid rules I had barely noticed and never agreed to. Apparently my rebellious streak was coming late.

The night of the gala, Jack picked me up at my parents’ place. From his appreciative glance at me in a shimmering blue gown that wrapped around my neck and hugged me in all the right places, I could tell that I looked good. Even better, it still left my shoulders free in case I needed my wings, and I wondered if that was just a coincidence, or if Jack or his secretary had thought of everything.

Jack was dressed in formal human attire, and he looked so good in it that my heart pounded at the sight of him. There was no doubt that I wanted him like I had never wanted anything, and I let the feeling push me forward towards him. On tiptoes, I brought my mouth to his lips in greeting.

“You look beautiful,” he said, his eyes raking over me hungrily.

“You look great yourself. Very handsome.”

“Glad you approve.” He opened the door for me and I slipped in.

As we drove, I thought about the coming night, and how little I knew what was expected of me. I was used to complying to the expectations of the fae, but what would a group of humans want from me? “So, is there anything I need to know? I suddenly feel like I might be walking into a snake pit.”

He chuckled. “There’s nothing you need to fear. We’re both more powerful than any of the humans you’ll meet tonight.”

“Well, I may be powerful, in the most mild way. What would I do if someone attacked me? Make their houseplants more vibrant?”

He chuckled and winked at me. “You’ve got a werewolf on a leash, you’ll be fine. Just be yourself and smile, and follow my lead and the people around us. Even if the art is terrible, just call it profound or deep or something complimentary like that. No one will call you out on it since art is subjective. If you actually like anything that’s there to be bid on, let me know and I’ll bid on it for you.”

“I didn’t come along to spend your money,” I protested.

“You’re my mate and the proceeds go to charity. I’ll get a tax write-off either way, so if there’s something you actually like, better that than something random which is exactly what I’ll do if you don’t like anything.”

“So, what is this charity you’re supporting?”

“It gives grants to young up and coming artists. There’ll be pieces there by former recipients. It’s a yearly thing.”

I glanced at him. “This seems worthy and all, but why not just make donations to the charity and skip the party?”

He chuckled. “It’s not really about generosity...well I can’t say that entirely, I’m sure some people involved have altruistic intentions. Most importantly, it’s about letting people show how generous and good they are while having an entertaining night. Can’t do that with an anonymous donation. And for me, it’s a lot about reminding people with money that we exist and ensuring them that they’re virtuous people for spending money at Meteor.”

“That seems...kind of cynical.”

“Sorry. Maybe I’m too blunt.”

“No, that’s fine. But are you sure that I should be going if that’s the reason you’re going? What if I embarrass you?”

“I’m sure you won’t, but even if you did, you’re worth more to me than any bit of influence I could gain from this night.” He glanced between me and the road. “How should I introduce you?”

I smiled. “Well, I’m pretty sure not as your mate since the humans will find that odd.”

“Exactly. But I don’t want to push you. I could just label you as we’re in a relationship, or even as something platonic as friends. Or we could leave it mysterious and let people speculate about the beautiful woman on my arm.”

“Well what do you want to say?”

“I’m pretty sure you know.” Did I?

“Any of those are fine.” I thought about the pictures of him smiling and laughing with other women at these things. “Except friends. I think we’re definitely more than friends.”

“Sounds perfect to me. Want to be my official girlfriend?” he smiled at me.

“Sure...” Although even that sounded like much less than what we were. If felt more like he was my fiancé than anything else. We’d said nothing official, but the way he spoke, it sounded exactly like marriage amongst the fae.

But girlfriend might be enough to help keep my competition at bay, so it would do for now, I decided. Later I would have to find out more about the whole werewolf mate thing.

Jack drove us deep into the city, and the comfort of his presence helped chase away the emptiness of the stark surroundings. We pulled up at our destination, a large geometric building with weird harsh angles. I didn’t have much time to consider it as Jack helped me out and handed his keys over to the valet. “You good?”

“A bit nervous, but I’ll be fine.”

With one gaze that made me forget the nervousness I mentioned while I was caught in the heat of his gaze, he held out his arm and I held onto it as he led me inside.