Maybe Your Mate is Here

Lusi gave Elestria a room at the back of the boutique. There, she was close to the mannequins and the staff who transported them back and forth. On that first day, she had dinner with Lusi and her mate, Dante.

At the restaurant across the street, they sat. It was the same time that the meat soup arrived. The savory aroma calmed Elestria's mind for a moment.

In peace, they finished their dinner. When it was time for dessert, Dante engaged Elestria in conversation, "Lusi told me that you were looking for your mate. I know someone who doesn't have a mate yet. Maybe you're a match."

Elestria daydreamed for a while. "Thank you for your help. I was wondering what to do when I meet my mate."

Lusi chuckled. "Introduce ourselves, live in the same house, and be happy. Just like us."

Dante flashed a smile. He clasped Lusi's hand on his thigh. The way they smiled until their eyes curved was the same.

Elestria nodded. She seemed to understand, but she was confused if the process of getting to know her mate was as easy as words.

***

Scarlett observed in silence Elestria's expression. Chatting with the couple should have been heart-breaking and mind-soothing considering that the two of them warmed up the atmosphere. Scarlett chided after they sat down in the room.

"Why is your face like that?"

"I'm confused."

"Being a soldier isn't that easy. Be a servant or work here instead." She smiled wryly.

Elestria flopped onto the bed. "It's not that. I'm used to being alone. I did everything by myself, even walking here by myself. If I meet my mate...."

"He'll carry you everywhere!" Scarlett laughed loudly. She didn't know she would choke then.

Elestria cupped her face. Her eyelids were almost down and her hands rubbed her face in frustration.

After the choke finished, Scarlett continued, "My beloved Elestria, you're confused because you're going to meet him soon. You're confused about what expression to make, how to speak, and how to kiss him at the very first moment!"

"I guess you're impatient to meet him."

"Of course, I am! I'm ex-"

Elestria no longer listened to Scarlett. Her body was tired from walking from morning to evening. Her mind was also tired from Dante's invitation to meet his friend. The sweat of early autumn was cold sweat to her.

She clasped her hands. The moonlight reminded her of every full moon. "Where's my mate?" she asked quietly.

"Scarlett."

Scarlett's babble that had been heard earlier immediately stopped. She was surprised that Elestria had called her. Usually, she called her 'you'.

"What?" she replied half confused and half curious.

"Which region is my mate in?"

Scarlett delayed her answer. She mumbled a few times, chuckled, and finally exclaimed happily. "No idea."

"Don't joke," said Elestria exasperatedly.

"I don't. I do have a feeling we'll meet him, but I don't know where."

"You've always said that!"

Scarlett frowned deeply. The emotions inside Elestria affected her. She retorted, "Ever since you were born, I knew we had a mate! But I didn't know when he would come! You also always sat quietly at home. You think Lusi met Dante because she was lying at home with nothing to do?!"

Elestria's body rolled around on the bed. Her hands and feet moved about on each side. She whined. In the end, she rubbed her eyes. She cried when she was angry.

Scarlett's words were true. Lusi and Dante met when they were working in the capital. It didn't take long for them to recognize each other. However, for Elestria, every wolf's destiny was different. She was envious, but could not imitate.

"Go to sleep, Elestria."

Scarlett's soft voice was like a handkerchief wiping away tears. Elestria rubbed the corner of her eyes. She positioned herself properly.

"Tomorrow you become a corporate slave."

The smile that was about to spread on Elestria's face instantly faded.

***

Lusi waited at the door. When it opened, she and Elestria looked at each other. Elestria smiled widely despite her tired eyes.

"Today might be the day. I have to watch you guys!" Lusi spoke enthusiastically. The pink dress wrapped her beautifully. Her blonde hair was braided at the back.

Elestria smiled awkwardly. She was escorted by Lusi to the horse-drawn carriage in front of the boutique. Dante was in the driver's seat. It was the perfect time for Lusi to share the news.

"Lately, many people from the village have moved to the city. They act pretentious because they got a mate from a nobleman. I'm exhausted, Els."

"Your wise self can handle them," Elestria replied while occasionally peeking out the window.

"I can, but I need help. Your job is to deal with those arrogant people."

"What if your boutique is deserted?"

Lusi giggled. "It won't. I have many dignified customers."

"I wonder how you establish a warm relationship, Lusi."

To Lusi, that voice sounded different. Elestria was a tough girl, but this time she asked gently. She revealed, "We were awkward at first, but we got along. We held hands, hugged, kissed, and fucked."

Scarlett replied, "That's what I meant."

The train shook suddenly, then stopped. Lusi opened the window and poked her head out. "Dante, what's wrong?"

Dante looked back. His smile was as sweet as honey. "It's nothing, Lusi. We just ran into Keir."

Elestria was infected with curiosity. She tried to use the opening. At the front corner of the carriage, a man with jet-black hair was chatting with Dante. His eyes were green. When he recognized Elestria, he smiled slightly.

"What's that face? It's not your mate." Scarlett reprimanded her sternly after seeing Elestria's cheeks turn red.

Elestria sat back down. Her back was straight and her gaze was straight ahead. Lusi had already sat back down. She tilted her head.

"No?"

She shook her head.

"Too bad." Lusi cupped her face. She peeked at the window again. Suddenly, she sat back in a hurry because Dante realized her.

"Yes, it's a pity. He's very handsome," Elestria murmured.

Scarlett's mouth opened wide in disbelief. Her forehead wrinkled deeply and she growled. "Outrageous! Why would you use that for another wolf?!"