Chapter 14: Mates?

Violet didn't know what to say. No one had ever made this much effort for her. "It's beautiful, magical really. You did all this for me?"

"I thought you have had a hard time the last few months and you deserve something special." Eli replied, looking at her intently. She was glowing with happiness. He was enthralled by the beauty of it. Without thinking he pulled her close to his side and gave her a small squeeze. He then took her hand and led her to the picnic. "I am not much of a cook so I hope you don't mind potato salad, ham and cheese sandwiches, and mixed fruit."

"It's great really!" Violet said. He gave her a sandwich and they plated their food. "Can I ask you something?" Violet asked as they ate.

"Vi, you can ask me anything," Eli said with sincerity.

"Why the change of heart?" She asked quickly so she didn't change her mind.

"What do you mean?" Eli asked, drawing his brows together.

"When we met four days ago." Violet started. Then thought man it has only been four days. " You seemed upset by my presence. Then you helped me when I phased. Then again you seemed annoyed at the idea of helping me again. Yet concerned when I was upset. Then today and tonight. Do you like me or what? I feel like I am getting whiplash." She held her breath afraid of his answer. “I know I can be hot and cold but I feel like I am on a roller coaster and can’t figure out which way to lo..” Eli put up his hand, stopping her nervous speech.

"Violet," he looked into her eyes. "I have always liked you. I just felt conflicted. However, someone very wise pointed out the flaws in my conflict yesterday." he smiled, took a deep breath then continued. "There are things you don't know about being a wolf because you have not lived with your pack. So I am going to explain something to you. Do you remember the day I gave you the letters?" Violet slowly nodded her head. "I got angry because you touched my brother. I told you I was going to tell you something you may not like." She once again nodded, unsure of what to say. "When a wolf shifts for the first time they are considered fully matured. This means all of their wolf nature and instincts are complete. Well, one of those things has to do with finding your mate." Eli saw the look of shock on Violet's face. "It's not exactly what it sounds like. You see wolves have something like a soulmate. Someone who completes them. When they meet their mate, it is like all of your feelings are intensified. You see them and all you want is to be with them. To see them happy and to protect them. Violet when you shifted I realized you were my mate."

Violet had so many thoughts going on inside her head she didn't know what to say. Lettie spoke up. He is ours! I was right. He is our mate. Our everything. This made Violet smile because for some reason this all seemed to just click. Everything else she had been through none of it made sense but this did. "So we are soul mates? That's why when I saw you I felt at ease. That is of course until you would piss me off." She said with a grin.

Relief flooded Eli's body. She is smiling and not rejecting the idea Eli thought. "You're not upset?"

"Why would I be upset? This is the first thing that has felt normal in this whole experience. Eli you did all of this for me." She gestured to the lights and picnic. "No one has ever treated me this way. " She smiled again. "So what's next? When you find your mate are you then instantly in a relationship? Because if I am honest I may kill a bitch if I see someone else with you. I don’t know why that is but it's true if I think of another woman with you my heart races a little."

This brought a huge grin to Eli's lips. "The feelings are mutual. However, there is a lot more to this mate thing to make it official and I am not sure it is first-date appropriate." Eli informs her, turning a bright shade of red. Realization hit Violet as a blush bloomed on her cheeks. Eli then stood up. "Ready for part two of the date?" He asked, holding out his hand.

"There's a part two," Violet said, taking his hand and standing up.

"I had hoped this would go well." He pulled his phone out of his pocket and pressed a button. A familiar song came on. "Would you care for a dance?" Eli asked.

"I would love to," Violet replied with a giggle. Eli pulled in close and started swaying to the music. "I love this song." Violet whispered in his ear. Sending a thrill through them both.

Eli leaned in and sang softly to the music "And we danced out there on that empty hardwood floor." Pulling her in tighter. She could feel every part of him up against her body. He has an amazing voice, she thought I could listen to him forever. Eli stopped singing and looked down at Violet. His eyes full of lust "Violet I should have kissed you this morning. Can I kiss you now." She nodded and he leaned down giving her a soft kiss. She leaned up closer pulling him down for another longing spreading through her whole body. He pulled away slowly. This mate thing might be tricky, she thought.

.................

A way down the path someone was watching. Careful not to cross the boundary line. "Boss, we could take her now," said one of the men.

"Where's the fun in that Drake. I want to toy with them first. Before I take that young man's mate!"