Chapter 25: Your Love Is King

Bound by Moon mates?

Where did these kids even come up with this?

With each new generation, there are always some teenagers who think that they found the person (either of them) that was destined to be their mate BEFORE they turn 18. It is an old argument that teens use to try to persuade their parents to let them 'get an advance' on the completion of the bond.

Yes, you understood it correctly. A horny teen thinks their boyfriend / girlfriend is going to be their mate, so they want to complete the bond in anticipation of their upcoming mating. It is not an unheard of tactic and parents are prepared for this as they heard it too when they were teenagers or they tried to use it themselves.

Sure, Jan.

There were maybe one hundred seniors in my old high school. That is only counting the werewolves because my school was mixed with humans as well. From that number, can you guess how many teens got mated to the person they thought they would?

Zero.

Nobody on Earth knows the metric by which the Goddess goes when She does Her pairings. It is impossible to predict who is going to be your mate. We all know that and were taught this when we were young.

This is exactly why parents discourage their children from dating while unmated. Because you will never get it right. But do we listen to them? No, we don't. Teenagers never listen to anyone. It's an issue for sure.

With all that being said, that is not what my son is trying to do here. He is only eleven years old, so he is definitely NOT trying to get lucky with a girl. Goddess protects me! *barf*

Most importantly, he is not trying to claim Clarissa is going to be his mate. No, sir. That would be too easy and predictable. Charlie is stating that she actually is his mate. Not going to be, already is. Right now at eleven years old.

That is unprecedented. I have never heard of this concept, nor could I find any literature to support his claim. I have done some googling, but there is not much information available about werewolves. Not credible ones at least.

I guess there is nothing for us to do about it. My only concern is that Charlie refrains from using violence again, that is never the answer nor do I want to raise a bully. Though if I heard it correctly Clarissa and Charlie were the ones being bullied.

I have talked to my son at length about this issue since he was suspended, so now all I can do is to try to give him some space and respect his relationship with Clarissa. I mean, as much as an eleven year old is to be respected. That is, with eyes wide open.

Stephano has come through with the private tutor, so my son is able to keep up with his school courses even during suspension. It is also useful to clarify any doubts he could have, and any difficulties adjusting to the transfer here. I am sure the move from Oklahoma to Texas was troubling for him in terms of a new school and a different curriculum.

But the tutor has been great in working with Charlie one on one to help him with that.

Gosh, I am a nearly broke single father who hasn't been able to work for three weeks now. I hate to admit it, but Stephano really was a present from the Goddess to me. It is not that I needed a rich man, by any means, that's not what this is about.

But to have someone so willing to do whatever it takes to make our stay here more comfortable. To make us feel good about moving to Regency Falls. From the moment I have been mated to Stephano, he has done everything in his power to put me at ease. He has gone above and beyond to make both my son and I feel comfortable around him.

It hasn't been a month yet and I am completely head over heels infatuated and impressed by my mate. He is literally perfect to me in every way. In fact, I am waiting for the other shoe to drop at any moment. What are his flaws?

He has to have some. Right?

I don't believe in perfection, I believe in 'making it work for you' with what you have.

Regardless, I am not going to poke around waiting for the bad stuff to come, no. Instead, I am going to enjoy my situation because I freaking deserve it. I waited eleven years to be mated, so I do deserve a prince in anything but name.

I will say this, it is increasingly harder to resist completing the bond with my mate.

He is not pushing for it, not at all. But I am so thoroughly impressed by him from the short time that we got to know each other, that I can barely find any reason to resist my mate. However, I know that the threat of Richard's presence lingers in the air.

I can only do what's best for me and my son now. If I stay worried about Richard, then he wins. I mean, I am still worried about him finding us. But I cannot let that threat keep me from living my life. I have wasted too much time already.

When my parents were here in Regency Falls, they were nice enough to bring me some money because they knew I would be uncomfortable accepting it from my mate. I am afraid to use any electronic paying methods - credit cards included - because I fear someone will alert Richard if I do.

Goddess only knows if he has someone inside the bank. I have no idea how far his reach stretches, so I figured it's better not to push my luck. But now it's past time I find some employment or I won't be able to afford the room and board here at the pack house.

"It's already been taken care of, Mr. Aragon." The pack secretary was telling me on Monday morning. I was worried about my pack house bill since I have been here for close to a month, so I came to her office to ask how much I owed.

"It is? By whom?" I gasped in shock as she told me my rent was already paid for this month and the next one.

"Beta Cortez cut us a check not soon after you arrived here, sir." She informed me with a polite smile.

"OK, then. Thanks for your time." I said, mulling over this. I should not be surprised at this point. Our rent here is pocket change for Stephano. I am still not all that comfortable with this, but I can not exactly say I had the money to pay my rent, so...

I guess I need to put on my big boy pants and look for a job. It is not like I have a child support check coming in... *grunts in annoyance*

Since Stephano went back to work, we have been seeing each other only at nights. Last weekend, he took me out on a date and I loved every minute of it. We have been sleeping together on and off at his house, but it would be easier for me if he slept here at the pack house.

Or if my son and I were to move in with him at his house. Then, I wouldn't need to worry about rent checks. But I still think it's too soon for that, but my mate sure does put up a good fight. He is irresistible.

Charlie is working with the tutor now, so I have the entire day all to myself.

The problem is I do not know anyone in this town. I have no idea where to look for a job in the first place. I guess I should talk to my mate about that. He promised to help me find a job last week if I kept him company until the end of his vacation.

That was then, this is now. Anyway, I'll be sure to address this when I see him. Instead, I occupied myself by organizing and cleaning my room until it was time for lunch.

In the days that followed, Stephano got me a job as a security officer at the local mall. Though I am short, I have been trained for years and I can definitely carry my weight in an altercation, though that hardly ever happens in Regency Falls.

Nowadays, mall cops only watch over teenagers who like to cause a raucous and the occasional shoplifter. The pay is not much, but it is enough that I can support my son and I. However, I am not crazy about the 12 hour shifts but I can not afford to be picky right now.

It is not like I have a college degree to seek a better job. I am sure this will suffice for now.

My son has served up his suspension and is now back to school. I am sure that the fact that he didn't see Clarissa for a week and he was kept out of the playroom for that period was enough of a scare that he will not fight his classmates anymore.

Clarissa's parents are worried about her closeness with Charlie, but for now there is nothing that they can do. For my money, I think trying to stop them from seeing each other would do more harm than good. As long as they keep their bond like a friendship I see no harm in them together.

I was so worried about my son starting over in a new school, I did not see that coming at all. I mean, no one could have. But as the days of November passed us by, things were looking up for us.

Stephano has volunteered to watch over Charlie on the days that I arrive late from work. I cannot exactly plan my own shifts. A supervisor does that. So, I have to take the shifts that come my way without complaining. I am not new to this. I know how it goes.

My mate has been gracious enough to not complain when I arrive home late and tired from standing all day long. He does not demand much of me, he just likes to be there for me whenever I need him.

Could I find a better man than him for myself?

No, I could not.

I am not mad at this. I could get used to this life with an amazing man by my side and my son doing well in school. I do care about the fact that my parents have to be kept away from us, but I have stayed in touch with them over the phone. I am sure we will be able to sort something out soon in terms of another visit.

Stephano once again hinted that his house was available if I wanted to move in. I take comfort in the pack house and what they provide for my son and I in terms of the amenities. I never have to worry about cooking for Charlie and when I have to leave early for a shift, I can have my mate drive him to school. He also offered to pick him up whenever I cannot.

"I have a housekeeper that would be happy to cook anything for Charlie. That would not be an issue. Plus, I can cook too. He would not go without food, I promise you." Stephano argued as we lay on his bed on a Thursday night.

"I will take that under advisement, mate. But for now someone promised me a relaxing massage when I arrived from work." I deflected, rolling on my stomach. He smiled and prepared himself to put his hands on me, though not before spilling some oil on my bare back.

Oh I could use a massage today. I was not accustomed to staying on my feet for so long. Maybe I should take my mate up on his offer and be a stay at home dad. That would be so nice... *fantasizes*

My mate delicately massages my aching muscles and the relaxing feeling I am getting from his hands puts me in a daze. It was so good and felt so comforting that I fell asleep right there. Who needs sex when your partner does massages like this?

Honestly, I don't know how much more I can resist giving in to the mate bond. Stephano is my future and the more time I spend with him the more I am convinced of that. He is not a prince, he is a king. And I want nothing more than to be getting massages from him for the rest of my life. *drools*

A|N: It is on!

I honestly had no idea what to name this chapter, but I am here for the flashback.

I love their relationship so much. I know I am setting up for a big twist, but what can I do?

It's my bread and butter.

If I were you, I would be like our next chapter and...

"Be Prepared".

Yes, from the Lion King soundtrack. I am having the best time.

Love,

Léo.