The walk to the new dress shop was further than I had anticipated. "If I had known we were walking this far, I would have just shifted to run and stretch my legs." I said glancing at Mel who was back to texting on her phone while Gaia and I followed. Mel didn't seem to be paying attention and I could see that her brow was furrowed slightly. Grabbing my arm, Gaia leaned into my ear and said in an exaggerated whisper "I think Mel might have finally found someone who meets her impossibly high standards." I giggled thinking about how unlikely that was.

Mel had never really been interested in anyone romantically. She took pride in knowing exactly what she wanted and refused to accept anything less. I had always respected that about her. So far, no one in our pack had been good enough and Gaia and I worried that maybe our friend would be alone forever. Looking at her now though, I could see a slight blush in her cheeks that had nothing to do with the chill in the air.

I nudged Mel playfully. "So what if I have?" she said looking up and smirking. "Yeah right." Gaia chortled in response. "I think we would know if anyone had caught your eye. You're not exactly subtle." "Says the girl who's on her, what, 4th relationship this year?" Mel replied. Now Gaia's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. "It's not my fault. As soon as they meet their mate, they forget all about me." She sighed. Mel and I shared a look.

We both knew that Gaia was in a difficult position within our small town. Her and her family were the only non werewolves in Rapid Bay which made relationships difficult. "The only people around here are wolves and Goddess help me, they've all ended up meeting their mates. I mean, what are the chances?" Mel put a finger to her chin thinking "Actually, that's a good point. Not everyone meets their destined mate, but all of your partners did. Maybe you're cursed?" Gaia glared at her in response. "Not cursed." I said "But you're attracting them somehow. Have you tried asking your grandmother about it? Maybe it's the bi-product of being a witch in the middle of a wolf pack?"

"What am I supposed to say? Hey grams, do we have any werewolf matchmaker in our blood? Is that why I can't seem to keep a relationship longer than 6 months?" She said sarcastically. "It's either that, or you start a mate finding service." Mel joked. "Date Gaia and you'll find your true mate in 6 months or less, guaranteed!"

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Ha. Ha." Gaia said sadly. She perked up suddenly "Mel, why don't you date me, and then you can find your mate!" She laughed. Mel winked "In your dreams." Gaia was impossible to keep down. Her personality just didn't seem to allow it.

"Hey, we're here!" Mel exclaimed pointing to a building with a sign that said "Fringe" surrounded on both sides by a flower shop and antique store. Staring at the wood facade, I couldn't help but be impressed. The building was large and modern with a wide variety of clothes on display in its windows. Gaia and Mel went in first, chatting about dresses while I walked in behind. I had been looking forward to trying on dresses today, but now that I was here, I felt nervous.

Stepping into the store, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. The racks of clothing lined the walls and mannequins filled the open floor. I had never been in a place like this before. I felt small and insignificant next to the racks of vintage and designer gowns. It took me a few minutes to take everything in. "Could I really shop here?" I thought to myself. Suddenly, I heard someone call my name. Turning around, I saw a tall man with dark hair walking towards me. He was handsome, with blue-grey eyes that seemed to see right through me. His smile was cool but friendly, and for a moment, I forgot all about the dresses and the crowds of people around us. He looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.

"Hi, I'm sorry, have we met?" I said trying to quickly put a name to his face. "Ah, yes. Only once but it was several years ago at some pack function or another." He replied waving away my concern. "I am Javier, the proprietor of this shop." His voice was pompous and bored. I found myself uncomfortable under his gaze and the air around me seemed to get icier as I looked into the watery blue of his eyes.

Before I could think of a reply, Gaia came rushing up with a dress in her arms. "Sorry" she said glancing between us briefly without noticing the chill. "We found a few dresses already that we think you'll love!" If there was ever a real world equivalent to the heart-eye emoji, it was Gaia right at this moment. I smiled genuinely at her enthusiasm. Turning back to Javier, he bowed slightly and said he would be back with a shop assistant to help me change.

As he walked away I couldn't stop trying to figure out where we met. A pack function? I hadn't been to one in years. Perhaps it had been a very long time ago. I didn't have time to think about it after that though. Gaia and Mel both had a pile of gowns waiting for me to try on in the dressing room. I felt exhausted already.