Three Fated Hearts by LNC

~Mark~

The seconds ticked by, and my anxiety was growing. I came out with it; I told Tia that Jenna was my fated mate, and I was met with silence. I swear I could probably hear a pin drop if there were one dropping.

“I completely understand that. I won't ever try to force you two together. Hell,” I get up and walk back to the window. I'm not even sure that she and I will ever come together. She seems hell-bent on having your mates. She didn't even acknowledge that we are mates. I know she felt the bond; I mean, she’s an Alpha. I felt it, and I'm barely a Beta.”

“If she doesn't come around, it's completely her loss. She'd be a fool to ignore you.”

"Of course you'd say that. We are friends.” I see Tia move out of the corner of my eye. She is next to me quickly and has a hand on my back.

"We may be friends, but you know I never lie to you about anything. I will always tell you the truth and if you were horrible, I would have told you so. You're an amazing guy and she'd be lucky to have you in her life.” I wrap an arm around Tia's waist and give her a squeeze.

“I don't know. Maybe we will figure this all out and maybe we won't. I'm still trying to come to terms with everything.”

“I understand and you should take your time. There is no time limit on the mate bond. I wouldn't try to push anything; let things flow.” I lean down and place my head on Tia's. Even though I prepared myself for the worst, I don't know what I would have done if Tia had been against this union. “I will say, if she hurts you, I will f**k her up.” I throw my head back and laugh. “What's so funny? I'm serious.”

“I know you are and that's why it's so funny. The image of you and Jenna fighting; I can totally see her losing to you too.” Tia starts to chuckle as well as she wraps her arms around my torso. We stand at the window for a while, just enjoying the quiet between us and the view outside.