The lost mate
Chapter 34: Confessions

Chapter 34: Confessions

Annie adjusted her dress and took a deep breath as she pushed open the door to her home. The familiar scent of warmth and comfort washed over her, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she had been trying to keep at bay. Before she could even set her things down, Ryan rushed towards her, his small arms wrapping around her legs in a tight hug.

"Mommy!" he exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement. Annie couldn’t help but smile as she bent down to scoop him up into her arms. The weight of him, his giggles, and his bright blue eyes were an anchor in the midst of the storm raging inside her.

"Hey, sweetheart," she murmured, kissing the top of his head. "Did you have fun today?"

Ryan’s face lit up even more, if that was possible, as he launched into a rapid-fire recount of his day. "It was so fun, Mommy! There were rides and candy and, oh, oh! Aunt Emily found a new boyfriend!"

Annie blinked in surprise and looked over Ryan’s head at Emily, who was standing in the doorway, looking slightly guilty. Emily offered a sheepish smile and a small wave, clearly aware of how this might sound to Annie.

"Oh, really?" Annie replied, trying to keep her tone light as she set Ryan down. "Why don’t you go to your bed, and I’ll be there in a minute?"

Ryan nodded enthusiastically and dashed off, his little feet pattering against the floor. Annie turned to Emily, who was already stepping forward, wringing her hands nervously.

"Annie, I’m so sorry," Emily started, her voice trembling slightly. "I lost Ryan at the funfair. Just for a moment, I swear. He got distracted, and before I knew it, he was gone. I panicked, and I was searching everywhere, and then... this handsome guy found him and was looking after him."

Annie’s heart skipped a beat; the protective instincts flared up for a split second. But as she took in Emily’s genuine remorse, she softened.

"It’s okay, Emily," Annie said gently, pulling her into a comforting hug. "You found him, and he’s safe. That’s all that matters."

Emily exhaled a shaky breath, her relief palpable as she hugged Annie back. "I was so scared," she whispered. "But this guy—Chris—he was so kind, and... well, he’s the one I mentioned. The ’new boyfriend,’ as Ryan called him."

Annie pulled back slightly, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "So, Chris, huh? Tell me more."

Emily’s cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she looked away, but Annie could see the sparkle in her eyes. "He’s...he’s amazing, Annie. He was so sweet with Ryan, making sure he was okay and not scared. And then, when we were talking, he was just... I don’t know; I’ve never felt like this before. I’m completely smitten."

Annie chuckled softly, leading Emily to the living room, where they both sat down. "You deserve to be happy, Emily. If Chris makes you feel this way, then I’m happy for you."

Emily smiled, though it was a little shy. "I just... I feel like I’m in high school again, getting all fluttery over a guy. But he’s so handsome and kind."

Annie listened as Emily gushed about Chris, feeling warmth in her chest. Glad to see her so excited and hopeful.

"And he seems really interested in me, too," Emily continued, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and excitement. "He asked if we could meet up again, maybe for coffee or something."

Annie smiled, nodding encouragingly. "You should go. Enjoy yourself. You deserve it."

Emily’s grin widened. "I think I will. But I promise I’ll be more careful with Ryan next time. I’d never want to put him—or you—through that again."

Annie reached out and squeezed Emily’s hand. "I know you wouldn’t. And thank you for always being there for us, Emily. "

Emily’s eyes shimmered with emotion as she squeezed Annie’s hand back.

They shared a laugh, but then Emily’s expression turned curious. "So... what about your date? How did it go?"

Annie felt her face heat up, and she quickly turned away, trying to hide the flush creeping up her cheeks. "It was fine," she replied a little too quickly, focusing on adjusting a stray cushion on the couch.

Emily’s eyes narrowed with playful suspicion. "Just fine? Come on, Annie, you’ve got to give me more than that!"

Annie felt the heat rising in her cheeks as Emily’s curious gaze bore into her. The memory of her evening with Damien was still fresh—too fresh.

"Uh, I just realized... Ryan should have been in bed ages ago," Annie blurted out, seizing on the first excuse that came to mind. She cast a quick glance in the direction where Ryan was playing, his toys scattered across the living room floor. "I need to get him settled for the night."

"Of course, go ahead. We can talk more later."

Annie nodded quickly, grateful for the easy out. She turned and walked briskly towards Ryan, who was still engrossed in his game.

"Okay, buddy, time for bed," she announced, her voice filled with the forced cheerfulness of a mother trying to avoid any arguments. Ryan looked up at her, his little face scrunching in disappointment.

"But I’m not tired yet!" he protested; his blue eyes wide with innocence.

Annie kneeled beside him, her heart softening. "I know, sweetie, but it’s getting late. You can tell me all about your funfair adventures tomorrow, okay?"

Ryan sighed dramatically but didn’t argue further. He allowed Annie to scoop him up, wrapping his arms around her neck as she carried him to his room. She settled Ryan under the covers.

She brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering for a moment. "Did you have a good time with Aunt Emily today?"

Ryan nodded, his eyes already starting to droop. "Uh-huh. It was fun. I like the funfair. And I liked Chris too."

"I’m glad," Annie whispered, leaning down to kiss his forehead. "Now, close your eyes and get some sleep, okay?"

Ryan mumbled something incoherent in response, already halfway to dreamland. Annie watched him for a moment, her heart swelling with love and protectiveness.

****************************

Chris walked into the bar, his steps a little slower than usual, and his expression a mix of confusion and wonder. Spotting Damien, he made his way over and slid onto the stool next to him. Damien glanced at him, raising an eyebrow.

"Weren’t you supposed to be on a date?" Chris asked, his tone curious.

Damien let out a small, bitter chuckle. "Yeah, the date’s over. We called it a night."

Chris nodded, though his mind seemed elsewhere. His usually sharp eyes were dazed, and he appeared almost dreamy. Damien noticed and frowned slightly.

"Where have you been?" Damien asked, genuinely curious.

Chris took a deep breath, as if trying to steady himself. "I was at the fun fair. And... I found my mate."

Damien’s eyes widened in surprise. "Your mate? That’s... unexpected."

"Yeah," Chris continued, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "She’s human."

Damien stared at him for a moment, then let out a low whistle. "A human mate, huh? That’s going to be interesting."

Chris nodded, still looking a bit dazed. "She’s... amazing. I’ve never felt anything like this before. It’s like my world just shifted."

Damien looked at his friend, a mixture of envy and happiness swirling inside him. "Good luck with that, Chris. Don’t screw it up like I did."

Chris turned to look at Damien, sensing the weight behind those words. "You didn’t screw it up, Damien. It’s just... complicated."

"Complicated doesn’t even begin to cover it," Damien muttered, taking another sip of his drink.

"But if you’ve found your mate, Chris, hold on to her. Don’t let anything come between you two."

Chris nodded. "I won’t. I’ll make sure of that."

Damien clinked his glass against Chris’s, a silent toast to newfound mates and the challenges they both knew were ahead.