The lost mate
Chapter 36: Hidden secrets

Chapter 36: Hidden secrets

Chris and Emily sat across from each other at a quaint little café, the soft hum of conversation around them creating a cozy atmosphere. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, blending with the sweetness of pastries displayed on the counter. Chris couldn’t help but smile as he watched Emily stir her coffee, her delicate fingers moving gracefully.

"So, you’re a schoolteacher?" Chris asked, his tone warm with genuine interest.

Emily nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yes, I teach kindergarten. It’s a lot of work, but I absolutely love it. The kids are so full of energy and curiosity. They keep me on my toes."

Chris leant in slightly, captivated by the light in her eyes as she talked about her job. "It sounds like you’re really passionate about it."

"I am," Emily agreed, her smile widening. "And it helps that I can take Ryan to school with me. I help take care of him because my sister is busy with the café. My mum runs it."

Chris’s admiration for Emily deepened as she spoke. "You must really love kids."

Emily’s expression softened as she looked at him. "I do. They’re so pure and honest. It’s hard not to love them."

Chris found himself thinking that his mate was absolutely perfect. Her kindness, her dedication to her family, and her love for children—it all seemed like a dream. The more he got to know her, the more he realised just how special she was. He could already see her as the most wonderful mother, someone who would nurture and love with all her heart.

"So, what exactly do you do, Chris?" Emily asked, her eyes sparkling with interest as she took a sip of her coffee.

Chris hesitated for a moment. He couldn’t exactly tell her that he was a werewolf and the beta of Damien Montefort, the Alpha prince. That would be a bit too much for a first date. Instead, he decided to keep it vague but truthful.

"Well," he began, trying to find the right words, "I work closely with Damien Monteforte. He’s a, uh, businessman who’s here to establish some new ventures in the area. I’m sort of his right-hand man, helping him with all the logistics and planning."

Emily’s face, which had been relaxed and cheerful just a moment ago, suddenly drained of colour. Her smile faltered, and she looked like she had just seen a ghost. Chris noticed the change immediately.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.

Emily forced a tight smile, her mind racing. Damien Monteforte? Wasn’t that the name of the man Annie had been involved with? The one she had been trying to avoid. Emily’s thoughts spiraled as she connected the dots, her anxiety growing.

"I—I just remembered I have something I need to take care of," Emily stammered, standing up abruptly. "I’m so sorry, Chris, but I have to go."

Chris blinked in surprise, not expecting such a sudden exit. "Wait, did I say something wrong?"

"No, no," Emily said quickly, waving her hands in a dismissive manner. "It’s not you; I just—uh, have to help my sister with something. She’s—uh—waiting for me."

Before Chris could say another word, Emily had already grabbed her bag and was halfway to the door. He watched her leave, utterly bewildered. What had just happened? He replayed the conversation in his head, trying to figure out what had gone wrong.

As he sat there, his coffee growing cold, Chris couldn’t shake the feeling that he had somehow blown it. All he had wanted was to impress her. But instead, he had scared her off.

"Great job, Chris," he muttered to himself, leaning back in his chair. "Just great."

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

Chris stood in the corner of Damien’s hotel room, arms crossed, a deep frown etched on his face. The room was a mess of half-packed suitcases and clothes scattered everywhere as Damien prepared to leave town. It was clear from Chris’s body language that he was in a foul mood.

Damien glanced over at his beta, raising an eyebrow as he stuffed another shirt into his suitcase.

"Listen, Chris," he said, his tone growing serious. "I’m leaving town for a bit, but I need you to keep an eye on Annie while I’m gone. Patrol around her home, make sure she’s safe, and keep me updated if anything happens. I don’t trust anyone else with this."

Chris straightened, nodding. "Of course. You can count on me."

Damien gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. "I know I can. Just keep your head in the game, alright?"

Chris forced a small smile, though his thoughts were still on Emily. "Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’ll take care of everything."

"You look like you just swallowed a lemon. What’s up with you?" Damien asked, his tone light but with a hint of curiosity.

Chris grunted, not meeting Damien’s eyes. "Nothing. Just doing my job."

Damien paused, sensing there was more to it. He had known Chris long enough to recognise when something was bothering him. "You’re grumpier than usual," Damien observed, zipping up his suitcase. "What happened? Spill it."

Chris sighed, uncrossing his arms and running a hand through his hair in frustration. "It’s Emily," he admitted reluctantly. "She’s been avoiding me, and I have no idea why. One minute, everything’s going fine, and the next, she’s acting like she can’t get away from me fast enough."

Damien stopped what he was doing and turned to face Chris fully. "Emily? The one you met at the fun fair?"

"Well, yeah," Chris replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "I mean, I didn’t do anything wrong. I was simply talking. But the moment I mentioned I worked for you, she freaked out and bolted. It’s like she’s scared of me now."

Damien’s expression shifted from mild curiosity to something far more serious. "Her mother runs a café, right?"

"Yeah, that’s the one," Chris confirmed, puzzled by Damien’s sudden intensity. "Do you know her?"

Damien set the shirt he was holding down, giving Chris his full attention. "Emily is Heather’s daughter. Annie lives with them."

Chris frozen, the implications of Damien’s words crashing down on him. "Wait, what? You mean Annie, as in the Annie you’ve been chasing after, lives with Emily and her mum?"

Damien nodded, his expression grave. "Exactly. That explains why she’s been avoiding you. She probably found out about your connection to me and doesn’t trust you. To her, you’re part of the same problem."

Chris thought about the little boy, Ryan. Who was he? Was he Annie’s son?