Rain was doing a happy dance inside his head. She had taken his hand without any fight. He held his out and her perfectly soft hand slipped into his. Her hand felt small curled into his, it raised his protective instincts even more. He loved that she had dressed up. The little touches that meant she wasn’t taking this as casually as she might say.

When he dropped her off after lunch, he had gone straight back to his dorm and called his brother Cash.

The phone rang once but then there was no answer. He heard some scratching noises, then a bang, then the sound of someone gurgling.

“Jett, give me that,” came the deep voice. “Hello?”

“Hey man, it’s me,” he said into the phone.

“Rain, what’s happening? Sorry, Jett got my phone off the table and had it in her mouth. Good thing these things are water resistant now. How’s school? Cass said you called earlier, sorry I haven’t had a chance to call you back. The kids were crazy when I got home and my mate was nowhere to be found.”

“No problem, I just needed some brotherly advice.”

“Wow, I’m honored that you didn’t ask Cassie. She usually has all the fun advice, at least that’s what Fin says.”

“Fin doesn’t want real advice because that would mean he’d have to grow up. No, this isn’t something that Cassie could help me with. I need brotherly advice…bear stuff.”

There was a long pause until Cash said, “Okay, what can I help you with?”

“So... there’s this girl, and to be honest I have so little experience with them in general. I have no idea where to go from here.”

“I’m kinda surprised, Rain. You’ve never been one to date. This must be some special girl if you’re even interested in her.”

Rain could hear the concern in his voice. His big brother had waited a long time for his mate and had been celibate for years before meeting Cass. He also knew that Rain had decided to never get involved with any woman that wasn’t the One.

“She’s the one I’ve been waiting for, Cash.”

“Baby brother…” Cash’s voice got soft. Just like him to get all sentimental about it.

“Man, I don’t know what to do. I can barely breathe. I just met her and she’s beautiful. She’s a TA in one of my classes. I got her to go to lunch with me, but I don’t think she’s interested in dating.”

“Rain, I’m so fucking happy for you man. I can’t believe you found her at your age. That is phenomenal that you get to spend so long together. What’s her name?”

“Quinn or Quinnlynn. I don’t think she likes her full name, though. Either way it’s still beautiful. She’s so strong and confident. I can’t believe she’s been going to this school for the last three years and I hadn’t run into her.”

“What class did you meet her in? Is she pre-law too?”

“No, I actually was short a credit and had to take an elective class. It’s History of Feminism, she’s the TA. That’s the other problem; I don’t think she’s real keen on men being like us. I know it’s just our nature to care for our mates, but she might find it overwhelming and unwanted. I don’t mean that in a bad way, just that she’s very independent. All I want to do is wrap her in bubble wrap and hide her away somewhere and keep her safe.”

Cash didn’t immediately respond.

“Cash?”

“Sorry, I’m processing the History of Feminism thing. But obviously the Fates were planning on you forgetting that credit so you could take that class and meet her.”

“I don’t think the Fates are that involved, are they? I mean I get they put two people in the same circles so you can find the instant connection.”

“I haven’t met a woman yet that doesn’t accept the love of an honest man that wants nothing but her happiness,” Cash replied.

“She’s not like that, at least I don’t think. I’m going to a party with her tonight and a rally against sexual violence on Friday. Neither are conducive for me to prove my undying love and desire to mate with her for life. I can’t say those things to her; she would never talk to me again. I can’t risk that.”

There was another gurgling noise over the phone. Cash must have picked up one of the babies.

“As I look into my child’s eyes, I can tell you that our mates are picked for us because of who they are. There is something about them that we desperately need. And whether they know it or not, we are giving them something they need or something they want. Either way, whoever we are, it’s what they truly desire. They don’t always want to accept it, so you have to remain steadfast in your honesty and feelings. Be yourself, and don’t hold back what you want to do, but be aware that too much too soon might backfire, especially in your case.

This might not be a fast and furious courtship. It might need to build. I know that isn’t what you want to hear. I’m sure you’re already thinking about quitting school and shacking up to make babies. If she sees you abandoning your goals she’ll think that it’s her fault. That will make her reject you faster. Remember, being a lawyer is what you want to do. Having your mate with you doesn’t need to change that. Sounds like she’s the type that wouldn’t want you to abandon your dreams either.”

Rain hadn’t really thought that far ahead. With three more years of school and Quinn starting her career, how were they going to do that? He had so much to explain to her. The fact they were fated mates. The fact that he was a shifter that had the soul of a bear living inside him. These things were an unavoidable part of his life, and he needed to share them with her. But he wasn’t just asking her to accept him for who he was, a man that needed to take care of his mate, fulfill all her needs before she even made them known, but also accept that he might act in a way she probably would find offensive around her.

“I hadn’t even thought about that. You’re right, I would give up my career right now to be with her. She’s going to be a social worker. I’m sure there is a reason she is choosing that profession, I can’t take away her plans. I can’t think around her. And when I am with her, all I can think of is, well, you know.”

There was a deep chuckle over the phone. “Yes, I know that feeling well. I’d like to tell you it gets easier or lessens over time. It doesn’t. The desire for your mate grows to the point that you would be willing to do anything, willing to act anyway, just to make them happy. Hell, Cass has made me dress up as a cop so we can play frisk the prisoner.”

“Dude! Don’t tell me that kind of shit! I do not need to know any of that.”

His brother just laughed. “So, what did Fin think about this?”

Rain cleared his throat. “I haven’t told him. He’s not very supportive about anything right now. After he found out about the class I was taking he has been tormenting me non-stop. I can’t be sure he won’t act like a dick about me finding my mate. He already thinks the virgin jokes are hilarious. I want to just work through this myself without his interference. I just met her. I feel like I’ve known her all my life, but I just met her.”

“I hear ya. Sorry about Fin. Do you need me to come kick his ass?”

“No, I might move out and leave him alone in this pit of a dorm room though. I was staying close to keep an eye on him. But I’ll be honest. My priorities have changed. He should be able to take care of himself. I need to focus on my mate.”

“And you should. Finley will sort his life out when he needs to and not a moment sooner. I think all those years he spent sweet and subservient just meant a little devil was cooking inside. You know that if you want to find an apartment you just need to say so. Not having to deal with dorms will help with your mate, just say the word and I’m sure mom could have something leased for you within a day or two. She might decorate it for you too, but it would still be more private.”

“I’ll think about it. I don’t want to freak Quinn out by setting up house while trying to date her. Fuck, I hate that word. I don’t want to date her. I don’t want to drop her off after meals and drive away. It makes my bear crazy that she’s somewhere right now, possibly walking alone by herself.”

“That’s normal. I still don’t think Cass should go to the grocery store by herself with the kids. I hate that they are all in a car together without me. I want them in the house, under my watch all the time. It’s not practical or advisable, but it’s how I feel and it only got worse when the kids came along.”

“I’ll tell mom and dad. You don’t need to spread the word.”

“I would say don’t tell mom and dad until she knows about you, all about you. Mom and dad are about as subtle as a pair of bulldozers. They don’t think spilling the beans is a bad idea. Forcing the issue is just a faster way for them to get more grandbabies. Keep your secret for as long as you need to. And you know that I’m always here for you. Just a phone call away.”

Cash was so much older than Rain that he often thought of him more as a father figure. His dad was great, but Cash provided that same unconditional love and support without having the separation of parenthood.

“Thanks, man. I’ll let you know how things go.”

“Congratulations, really. I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to welcome her to the family. I think I’ll hold off telling Cassie for as long as I can too. I don’t think we need that whirlwind added to the mix.”

“Good idea. Wish me luck, I’m off to pick her up.”

“Play it cool but be yourself. You’re a great guy and you’ll make a great mate.”

Rain said goodbye to his brother and hung up. He texted Fin and told him he was in for the party and he was bringing a date. He also told Fin that he needed to find someone to bring too.

It wouldn’t take much to explain to Fin why he was going. He’d probably assume that his recent lapse in credits was making him reckless.

Now he was walking with his mate and he wished they could just keep walking the rest of the night. Holding her hand wasn’t enough, but it was something.

“I only told my brother that you were the TA in my class. I didn’t give him any other information, so I can’t even guess what he may say to you.”

She cocked her head to the side. “Is there anything other than that? I thought we were just hanging out.”

“We are, hanging out, getting to know each other. Not dating, of course.”

“Why when you say that I don’t believe it at all. There is so much you aren’t saying that I can’t tell where to go from here.”

“I’d say enjoy the moment and let’s go to a party. No need to define all the details.”

“This is a date to you, isn’t it?” her tone was accusatory.

“I can honestly say that I have no desire to date you. It’s an antiquated ritual that is nothing but a job interview.”

“I’d agree, but you’re holding my hand, you changed clothes…”

He turned his head to look at her and gave her a dazzling smile. “So did you…”

“Hey, I needed to change, there was burger grease on my shirt. The hand holding, well, I just haven’t let go yet, but I could at any time.”

“Of course you could, but you won’t.”

“Pfft, why wouldn’t I?”

“Because it feels good.”

She didn’t say anything to that and they kept walking. He could almost hear her mind spinning as she tried to decide if he was right or not. He already knew the answer. She could feel the mating pull and didn’t know how to describe it. The need to touch, smell, feel. She wanted him, and for her it might be even harder to convince her mind to do what her heart already wanted.

They made it to the street where there was a gray two-door car.

“Cute,” she commented as they approached the car.

“Cute? This is a Hyundai Genesis. Three hundred and forty-eight horsepower, rear wheel drive, it’s awesome.”

“Uh yeah, cute.”

“You’re lucky that I don’t take that personally, I love this car.”

“Did daddy buy it?”

“No, I saved all my summer earnings through high school and invested the money. I just bought it this year. So no, my dad didn’t buy it. He would have if I’d asked. My parents are very generous.”

“I’ve never owned a car. I know how to drive. I took the classes and got my license just to prove that I could do it. I figured someday I might have my own.” she admitted.

“Can you drive a stick shift? If not we should start driving lessons right away.”

“Why would I ever want to drive stick?”

Walking around to open her car door, the music blasted out from the interior.

Rain let out a sigh and shook his head. Before helping her in, he added, “When you do get a car and it’s a stick the chances it will ever be stolen are slim to none. Nobody drives a stick anymore.”

He handed her into the car and made it around the front of the car in no time. Getting in, he turned in the seat after turning down the music.

“Quinn, this is my brother Finley, or just Fin. His date for the evening is Katie. Fin, Katie, this is Quinn.”

“Wow, what did my brother do to get you to say yes to this?” Fin asked, reaching between the seats to awkwardly shake her hand.

“Oh, he owed me a big debt. I’m his bookie normally, and I really wanted to go to this party. I didn’t want to go stag so I knocked a couple grand off his debt to escort me.”

There was silence in the car for a moment as Fin’s head twisted between Quinn and Rain. “Nah, Mr. Penny Pincher would never gamble. Nice try,” he said with a laugh.

“Well, I guess you’re going to have to keep wondering,” she said, giving Rain a wink.

It was a shift in dynamics that to anyone else would be something so subtle, it wouldn’t have been noticeable. To Rain, it was the fact they were a team. Even if it was just to torment his brother, it was them against someone else. He liked it. He liked it a fucking lot.

“Everyone buckled up?” he asked as he started the car.

He turned to the back seat first, Fin rolled his eyes and buckled, Katie was already strapped in. He looked to Quinn who pulled on the shoulder strap and gave him a look.

With a chuckle, he put the car in gear and headed out.