Chapter 37 - His Replica Mate

I quickly wrapped my hair up, took a shower, and then started rummaging through my closet for something to wear. I wished I could just throw on my PJs like the kids, but since Zoey had dressed up, I had to as well. Luckily, I found a pink floral dress at the back of my closet. I didn’t remember packing it, so it must’ve been Zoey’s doing. Honestly, I didn’t know how I would have survived without her.

I took the dress off the hanger. It had a built-in bra, so I just put on some undies and then slipped the dress over my head. I stared at myself in the mirror, and it fit perfectly. The bodice hugged my top half, and the skirt flared out from my waist, stopping just above my knee.

I removed my hair from the band and let it fall. The curls were still intact, so I just brushed it out a little, then added some mascara and lip gloss. All done. I didn’t bother with shoes. We were inside, and I’d always found them to be restricting, so I took every chance I could not to wear them.

I heard a car pull up-must be them. I quickly rushed out of my room so I could get to the door before Zoey, but by the time I reached the stairs, I could already hear her opening the door.

Just as I got to the bottom of the stairs, Liam shouted at the top of his lungs, “Mom, boss man is here!” I couldn’t help but smile. Ever since I told the kids we’d be having guests for dinner, and that Leo was one of them, Liam had been giddy with excitement. Luke was more reserved. I could tell he was excited, but he didn’t want to show it. As for Karla, she was happy but not as excited as Liam. She was still a little shy around Leo.

I walked to the front door to find Leo and Zeo standing there, but it wasn’t Leo that caught my attention-it was the way Zoey and Zeo were staring at each other. Zoey was looking at him like she wanted to murder him, while Zeo was staring at her like he wanted to devour her-in a good way, not a murder way. No! It couldn’t be.

“You look really beautiful tonight, Lena,” Leo told me as he stepped in front of me, blocking my view of Zoey and Zeo.

I gave him a little smile. “Thank you. You guys are right on time,” I said as I took the wine he brought from his hand.

“It smells amazing,” he said.

“Thank you, I hope it tastes amazing too,” I replied. I managed to look past his shoulder and saw that they were still locked in their staring contest.

“Zoey!” I had to shout her name to shock her out of whatever trance she was in.

“Huh?” She turned around to face me, looking confused.

“Can you help me get dinner out?” I asked her.

“Yeah, sure,” she said, still looking confused, and walked to the kitchen.

“The kids are in the living room with Emmett. I’ll call you guys once we’re ready,” I told them.

“You sure you don’t need any help?” Leo asked.

“No, we’re good. You guys go hang out with the kids,” I told them, then walked back to the kitchen.

“What the hell happened out there?” I asked Zoey the moment I stepped into the kitchen.

“I don’t know. I mean, one moment I was welcoming them in, and then the next thing I know, you’re shouting my name,” she said.

“You don’t remember anything else happening?” I asked her.

“No, Lena, don’t,” she said. I could tell this was really bothering her, so I…

I walked up to her and took her hands in mine.

“Do you remember feeling anything in that moment?” I asked her.

“What the hell are you on about?” she asked.

“Just answer the question, Zoey,” I told her.

“Fine. I had this feeling of rage in the pit of my stomach, but there was also something else there, like longing. What the hell does that mean? I need to get laid. I mean, that can be the only explanation for me longing after Zeo of all people,” she said.

“Yeah, that might be it,” I told her.

“Wait a minute, there’s something you’re not telling me,” she said.

“It’s nothing. I’m not sure. I might be wrong,” I said.

“Then just tell me,” she pressed.

“The day the both of you stared at each other… it’s the same way Leo and I looked at each other when we first met and realized we were mates,” I explained.

She just stared at me, not a single word coming out of her mouth.

It’s been a few minutes, and she still hasn’t said anything. She just keeps staring at me and blinking her eyes.

“Zoey, please say something. You’re starting to scare me,” I told her.

“I’m sorry. I’m fine, I’m fine. It’s not even possible, right? Humans and werewolves can’t be mates, can they?” she asked me.

“Actually, they can. It’s rare, but it does happen,” I replied.

“But like you said, you might be wrong,” she said.

“Yeah, I might be,” I admitted.

“Good, we’ll just chalk up what happened to me needing to get laid. Now, let’s get this food on the table before it gets cold,” she said, carrying one of the serving plates and heading straight to the dining room.

I don’t know whether I want to be right or wrong. For as long as I’ve known Zeo, he’s been looking for his mate. All his friends had found theirs, even some younger guys in the pack. But maybe this is why his mate wasn’t a wolf like him-she was human.

If they are mates, nothing would make me happier-my two favorite people together. But it’s not going to be an easy road for them. Zoey doesn’t like wolves, not just because Leo hurt me and Zeo stood behind him when it happened, but also because wolves and her family have a sordid past.

I took another serving tray of food and carried it to the dining room. Just as I entered, Zoey went back to the kitchen and came back with the huge chicken, placing it in the center of the table. Then I brought in the side dishes.

“There, that looks good,” I told her.

“It almost looks too good to eat,” she said, and I laughed.

“Yeah, I know. I’ll go get them,” I told her, and she nodded.

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