Page 15 of My Broken Mate

I’m up earlier than usual. I love sleeping in, normally, but it was a boring night yesterday as Ayden had to go home early to help his mom, and Joel went to an alpha meeting. Eve had work to do, so I was on my own, watching TV and eventually dozed off.

I head to the bathroom, freshening up and getting ready for the day, before I grab my phone. I have a message.

Hello!It’s Remy. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Katalina. My brother gave me your number. I’m supposed to help you with your studies, so, please tell me three days and times when you are free, and I’ll try to comply with your schedule.Until then, stay well.RemyI almost choke on my own spit. I feel a bit awkward almost immediately, not because the message is unfriendly or cold or anything, but because it’s so freaking politethat I know I can only fail when I answer it. I’m too random and too casual to even find an appropriate answer. Three dates? And Remy will choose one? It sounds like we are having a business meeting.I chuckle lightly, putting aside the phone for now and deciding to have breakfast first. Eve is in the kitchen preparing some ham & eggs. “Good morning, Eve.”

“Hi, Kata.”

“Where is Joel?” I ask.

“Oh, he came home late,” he tells me. “It seems like the alpha meeting was a huge success, and he made new friends.”

“That’s good to hear.” I sit down on one of the bar chairs, happily accepting a plate of food. I don’t lack faith in Joel; in fact, I think he is amazing, but I always feel a bit worried when he is out there and has to deal with all those alphas. Not everyone is a good person, and I’m sure some have their eyes on our pack.

“You look worried,” Eve says.

“I guess I can’t help it. What about you?”

“A bit,” he admits. “But I also think Joel knows what he is doing. There is the silly, fun Joel we and his friends know, but there is also the Joel who doesn’t let anyone mess with his family and pack.”

“I know.” Yet, the worst time of my life was when Joel challenged our old alpha. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach, and I was terrified. Although Joel won, that feeling remained.

“Did Remy already contact you?” Eve asks. “Gabriel said he would.”

“Yes, he did. Say, this Gabriel, the friend of yours, how is he?” I ask, trying to sound as casual as possible. Maybe when Eve tells me something about this ominous Gabriel, I will know how to approach Remy. “I’m just curious.”

“He is nice,” Eve explains. He never wastes too many words to describe someone or to answer something, which is probably why he always sounds honest. “A little earnest. Sometimes comes off as stiff. But he is not a bad guy. I like him, always did. He is honest.”

“And do you know anything about Remy?” I ask

Eve smiles sympathetically. “Worried?”

“A bit.”

“Gabriel doesn’t share a lot about his private life,” Eve admits. “When it’s about his upbringing and the older generation of his family, he closes up completely. Sometimes he talks about his two brothers, but he never says anything bad about them. I’m sure Remy is a nice guy.”

“Hm,” I muse, not convinced.

“What are you truly worrying about, Katalina?”

“Honestly?”

Eve nods.

“What if the guy hates me? He just wrote me a message, and it’s not impolite or anything, but so stiff and polite that I can almost see his stoic expression in front of me. You know me, I have problems with these important traditional gatherings. It seems like Gabriel’s family is used to it, though, and lives it on an everyday basis. I’m not sure if I know how to act around Remy.”

“They are traditional,” Eve agrees with a tentative nod. “I know that tradition means a lot to Gabriel, at least. Their family has a huge standing in the upper class and has led packs for centuries. But does it really matter?”

“It does if I embarrass Joel and our pack.”

Eve smiles. “Kata, you don’t have anything to worry about. You are doing okay, you don’t suck at this.Iam bad at it because I’m so slow in my reactions. You and Joel, on the other hand, are fun and casual, and don’t overanalyze a situation, normally. People naturally like you. You get along with just about anyone,right? It’s your strength! If you really don’t get along with Remy in the beginning, I’m sure you will find a way to get through to him. It’s your gift.”

“Well, I guess it’s worth a try,” I say.

“That’s the spirit,” Eve says. Before he can say any more, the door opens and Joel pads into the kitchen. He is only clad in a tank top and his underwear with little strawberries on..

“What’s for breakfast?” he says, scratching his chest.

“Go and get dressed for fuck’s sake, that’s for breakfast!” Eve huffs, surprisingly annoyed.