Page 24 of True Calling
“But I can help! I need to help.” Berk tossed his hands in the air, “Why doesn’t he understand? I need to help. I couldn’t do anything for those kids at the foster homes, but I can do something for the people at that zoo. This plan makes sense. Carl will never expect me as someone investigating his zoo. I go in with my dad, we do a tour of the place, do my best to try and get one of the shifters to talk to me and see what I can see as far as abuse or neglect go, then get the fuck out. It’s a good plan.” Berk insisted.
Nodding, Chance said, “We all agree. It’s why you’re on this plane and Garth was outvoted. He knows it is too, Berk. It’s just that he doesn’t want you hurt. His dragon is going to go insane when you step out the door with no one there for backup. If you were mated it might be different, but you’re not, and that makes it even harder on Garth.”
“I’ve been taking care of myself for a really long time. I’m not stupid and I won’t do anything that would get my dad hurt or even killed.” Berk hissed out.
“We know that. Garth knows that, but you should understand his feelings, Berk. You’re human and Carl is a shifter. If we’re right, he’s a dangerous man. You’re asking Garth to just stand back and watch his very human and fragile mate go to a very lethal shifter alone and without backup. He’s as much afraid of losing you as you are of losing him. You can’t be mad at that. Not if you don’t want him upset with you for how you’re feeling.” Chance calmly explained.
Sighing, Berk replied, “I know. I really do know, but he won’t even talk to me, and when he does it’s with a growl in his voice. It’s... it... I mean...”
“It hurts.” Chance said in understanding.
Berk could only nod. Chance smiled, “Then it’s a good thing I have an idea that might help the both of you.”
“What did you mean about it being different if we were mated?” Berk asked.
Chance answered, “If you were mated, you two could mind talk and he could feel if you were in danger.”
“Seriously? Damn, I really want to know if any of those gay romances I read are done by shifters. Because they talk about that all the time. Is it true that your hearts and breathing match up when you mate? And that you are two souls separated in time only to be brought together by fate?” Berk asked.
“No, our hearts and breathing don’t link up like that, and I don’t know how true the soul separation thing is, but it would make sense, I guess. Because there’s nothing like finding that fated one and joining. You will feel complete like you have never felt before.” Chance thought a moment, then asked. “Have you ever eaten so much you just know you can’t take another bite, because your stomach is so stretched no more will fit?”
Berk laughed. “Only at Thanksgiving and when my mom makes fried chicken strips with mashed potatoes, white gravy and biscuits. I’ll eat so much and forget how the breads expand in my stomach... ha ha. Ha. I can’t move for hours after that meal.”
“That’s how your soul feels. Full and content.” Chance stated.
Berk thought about what Chance had been saying, then asked, “How did you know?”
“Know what?” Chance asked in confusion.
Berk whispered, “How did you know that Micah was the man for you and that you were willing to take that plunge?”
Chance laughed, “Sorry, I wasn’t laughing at your question, just the wording. You know with how we claim and all.”
Berk felt his cheeks redden, “You know what I mean.”
Laughing a bit more, Chance finally answered, “It’s not the same for shifters, Berk. We’re told very early in life about mates. We know by scent. It isn’t unusual for mates to claim each other the second they scent their partner. It’s so hard to find that person and we don’t want to wait another second. Again, it’s a trust thing. We trust that fate knows. I’ve heard stories of shifters mating and not even knowing the other person’s name.”
“Seriously?” Berk asked in surprise.
Chance nodded, “A mate is supposed to be perfect for us in every way and we live a very long time. We know that we have centuries to get to know each other.”
“And you think that fate chose me for Garth?” Berk asked curiously.
Shaking his head, Berk almost felt sad, until the man said, “I don’t think fate chose you for Berk, Iknowfate chose you. Garth scented you and said as much, but even if he didn’t say anything, we all see how he is with you. We see how protective he is with you. Berk, Garth is a great man. You couldn’t have been given a greater gift.”
“But what do I have to offer Garth? There isn’t shit special about me.” Berk softly argued. “How the hell am I supposed to complete him when I have nothing to offer.”
Chance’s gaze softened, “Berk, you offer so much for Garth. You’re his mate and there is nothing like a mate. You bring Garth balance. A person he can talk to... share his doubts and fears with... love and have purpose in life. When we sent our request intoFantasy, it was because Garth has done so much for all of us and we wanted him to experience the love only a mate could offer, like he had given us.”
“I wish I could truly understand this mate thing.” Berk muttered, laying his head back on the head rest.
Smiling, Chance’s look turned so serene and happy. “There is nothing like it. To feel love within you every moment of every day. To know that no matter what life throws at you, you don’t have to face it alone. To have that one person to be there for a hug or kiss when you need it, or even when you don’t know you need it.” Wiggling his brows, Chance said, “And the sex is off the charts.”