Encrypted Souls

Chapter Two.

“That’s impossible though. Are you sure he recognized you? Maybe he just thought that you’re a hot piece of –excuse my French-ass, and couldn’t take his eyes off of you. Did you ever think that?”

If only, Ethan – if only.

The way he looked at me was much more than just lust. It was like watching my nightmare of myself finding the man I’m supposed to be mated with, unravel before my eyes. Even thinking about it now, sends shivers down my spine.

“No, I never thought that.” I take a very un-lady like swig from my glass. “And that’s because I was - and still am - certain that he thinks that I am his mate. It’s like I can feel him searching for me.” I take an anxious look over my shoulder, only to find the anticipated scenery of males and females dancing and rubbing their bodies allover each other.

“Well then, since you’re so sure that you are right… what are you going to do about it?” He eyes me as I finish the last of my drink, and I suddenly start to feel the effects of the alcohol as it continues to rush through my bloodstream.

“I’m going to show him how wrong he is.” Ethan looks at me seriously. “Let me ask you something.”

“Shoot.” He replies.

“What would happen if a female has recognized her mate, but he doesn’t accept it?”

“She would pursue him, and he would eventually give in.” He says in a flat, matter -of -fact manner. I hadn’t expected any other reply though; this is what is drilled into our heads from day one. Studies have proven that the woman will continue the hunt, and the men will eventually accept their mate – and instantly fall in love after acceptance.

“Correct. Now tell me this… what would happen if the male continued to reject, and pursued another female?” Ethan places his chin on his hand, resting his elbow on the table across from me.

“Well… I would assume that the initial female would be enraged. She would be able to feel certain bits of emotion coming from her mate. She would either become hopeless, or more determined.”

“Yes. The mate in question would be unknowingly radiating their feelings and emotions to the other. The female would be inclined to intercept and initiate the finalization of the bond between them.” I say, reciting the ‘Rituals and Mating’ text, from chapter four of our study book.

“Okay, so what are you getting at here?” His voice oozes of impatience. I can clearly see that I am starting to irritate him.

“If I am truly his mate, he will feel inclined to find me once he feels a certain emotion coming from me. He will not be able to bare the feeling, or sight of me with another male.” I tuck a curl of my hair behind my ear. “But if I am not his mate – which is clearly the situation at hand – then he will not be able to find me, nor will he feel anything but disappointment when finding me with another male.”

A small, sharp pain erupts through out my chest at the thought of being with another man. Not because of Ross – I realize, but because of Ethan. I shake my head in disbelief. Why am I feeling these things, these emotions that I have never experienced before? I only just met Ethan a few hours ago…

Oh no. It can’t be; he can’t be.

I look at him in shock, my eyes stretching as I widen them with apprehension. He looks at me quizzically, and I don’t blame him. I look past him, and into the mirror, and see myself. My face mostly pale, only rosy along my cheekbones, my eyes wide in wonder, and my lips closed tightly together – as if holding in a secret that could end the world as we know it.

“Are you alright, Ev?” His voice echoes through my ears, alerting something within me to snap out of it.

I blink a few times too many, and push my empty glass towards him. “Yes. Sorry… just got lost in thought there for a second.” He releases an audible sigh, and looks somewhat relieved. “I just hope that my plan is successful.” I say, trying to cover up my unpredicted mishap.

“Well, there’s only one way to find out -although, I’m sure your right. He’s probably just infatuated with you, and you just read too much into it.” His voice is reassuring, and I can only hope that he is right.

God so help me if he’s wrong.

“When’s your shift over?” The words come flowing out of my mouth before I even think them through. What’s wrong with me?

His eyes show the surprise that I’m feeling, but he answers quickly. “I’m done in ten, actually. Sarena will be coming in for her half of the shift any minute now.”

“Oh, that’s great.” Where am I going with this? Just what, exactly, am I brewing here?

“Yeah… why, what’s up?” He asks, washing his hands at the small sink behind the counter.

“I just thought that maybe you could help me out with my plan. I mean, obviously not intimately. But perhaps we could dance, or something?” I square my shoulders and raise my head, getting ready for the words of rejection, and the look of pity.

“I think that I could help you. Actually, after hearing your whole story, I almost feel inclined to help you. It’s a sticky situation you’ve got yourself into, love.”

Love.

A term of endearment that I would usually cringe at, as opposed to blushing like I currently am.

This is going to be a long night.