My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191

My Cheating Mate

Grace pov

My eighteenth birthday started the way most days did lately with Uncle Cas and me having coffee in the kitchen before anyone else woke up. 1

Well. He had coffee. I had the elaborate vanilla latte thing Nd learned to make last month using the espresso machine he’d bought me for my seventeenth birthday. “Every artist needs quality caffeine,” he’d said, completely serious, like espresso machines were standard artistic equipment.

“Excited for today?” he asked, reading something on his tablet while giving me his full attention simultaneously. A skill he’d perfected over eighteen years of being Uncle Cas.

“Nervous,” I admitted. “Eighteen is–significant. Officially an adult. Officially able to find my mate.” I paused. “Though statistically, most wolves don’t actually encounter their mate on their exact eighteenth birthday despite what romance novels suggest.”

“You’ve researched the statistics on mate encounters?”

“Of course I researched them. I research everything.” I sipped my latte. “Uncle Cas, what if I don’t have a mate? What if I’m one of the exceptions?”

He set down his tablet, giving me that look that meant he was about to say something important. “Grace, whether you have a mate or not, whether you find them today or in ten years or never–you’re going to be extraordinary. Your worth isn’t determined by a mate bond.”

“I know that intellectually. But-“I paused. “What if I do have a mate and they’re–wrong? What if the Moon Goddess picks someone who doesn’t understand me or appreciate art or think vampire uncles are normal?”

“Then they’re not worthy of you and you reject the bond.” His voice was firm. “Grace, you’ve grown up watching your parents rebuild their relationship after betrayal. You’ve seen what it takes to make a mate bond actually work. You know it’s about

choice as much as destiny.”

“Exactly. Which is why I’m nervous.” I finished my latte. “Uncle Cas, promise me something?”

“What?”

“If I do find my mate today and they’re terrible—if they’re like those wolves who still think vampire–wolf integration is wrong or who don’t understand why I paint or who-” I stopped. “Promise you’ll tell me honestly. No diplomatic vampire politeness. Just honest assessment.”

“I promise.” He smiled slightly. “Though I reserve the right to be terrifying to anyone who doesn’t appreciate you properly.”

“That’s all I ask.”

Mama and Daddy came down half an hour later, both hugging me and wishing me happy birthday with the particular intensity of parents whose oldest child had just officially become an adult. 1

Nate stumbled down last, still half–asleep, his hair wild. He was twelve now, all gangly limbs and increasing height, looking more like Daddy every year. “Happy birthday, Gracie. You’re old now.”

“I’m eighteen, not ancient.”

“That’s what old people say.” He grinned, dodging the playful swat I aimed at him. “Did you find your mate yet? Is he here? Can I meet him?”

“Nate, it’s seven in the morning. I’ve been awake for an hour. I haven’t left the house.”

Chupker

“So that’s an on the mate?”

“That’s a ‘statistically unlikely to encounter mate in kitchen before breakfast,‘

+15 Bonus

The pack house was hosting my birthday party that evening–nothing huge, just family and close friends. I’d specifically requested small and casual. The formal pack celebration could wait for my nineteenth birthday or my eventual Alpha ascension ceremony or whatever. Today I just wanted the people I loved.

I spent the morning in my studio–the converted attic space Uncle Cas had helped me design when I was fifteen. It was full of my art supplies, current projects, pieces in various stages ofcompletion. My safe space.

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