Raikar's grip tightened on the communicator. "You found her."
"I certainly did. Your fated mate is absolutely perfect—fierce, strong, disciplined, and completely capable of matching that legendary control of yours." Gerri's tone carried satisfaction and something else that sounded suspiciously like amusement. "But there's a tiny complication we need to discuss."
The word 'complication' sent ice through his veins. Raikar had built his entire career on eliminating complications before they became problems. "Explain."
"Well, I found her on Earth in a small mountain town, running her own martial arts dojo. Her name is Jade Moreno—and let me tell you, she's everything you didn't know you needed. But here's the thing, darling, she's not the type of woman who would accept being brought here as anyone's mate." She paused for a moment, seeming a bit flustered. "The whole 'destined partner' approach would have gotten me thrown out of her dojo faster than a feral cat."
Raikar's jaw clenched as the implications hit him. He'd specifically requested Gerri's services to find his fated mate because the council's pressure had reached a breaking point in him. They needed him mated for him to ascend to High Commander, and his panther had refused every politically appropriate option they'd presented. The beast wanted what it wanted—its true mate, not some convenient alliance.
"So what did you tell her?" Raikar's voice carried the edge of barely controlled frustration.
"I told her you were looking for a strong warrior to help with missions in your jungle territory. Temporary work. She agreed to that—quite quickly, actually."
The silence stretched between them as Raikar processed this information. His panther paced restlessly, torn betweensatisfaction that their mate was coming and frustration at the deception required to get her here.
"I don't have time for elaborate courtship rituals, Gerri. The council's patience has worn thin, and I need this resolved quickly."
"I understand that, dear, and that's exactly why you hired me instead of trying to handle this yourself." Gerri's voice carried gentle but firm authority. "My success rate is one hundred percent for a reason—I know what I'm doing. But rushing a strong woman like Jade will only push her away. You're going to have to trust my methods, even if they feel unconventional."
Raikar stood and moved to the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked his territory's training grounds. Panthers in both human and shifted forms moved through combat drills with deadly precision, their movements a testament to the discipline he'd instilled in his forces. Everything in his world operated on hierarchy, respect, and clear chains of command.
"So she agreed to come here to train and work with me," he said slowly, testing the parameters of this new reality. "How long before she realizes what she actually is to me?"
"That depends entirely on how you handle the situation, darling. But my suggestion, don't mention anything about mates right away—let her adapt to the environment and to you first. Once she sees what kind of man you are, once she feels that connection building naturally, then you can address the bigger picture."
The strategic part of his mind was already calculating timelines and potential obstacles. The emotional part—the part he usually kept locked away—whispered that perhaps this approach would give him the chance to earn his mate's respect and love before claiming it.
"Fine," he said finally. "I'll maintain the training and missions narrative for now. But Gerri?—"
"I know exactly what you're going to say, and yes, I'm confident this will work. I wouldn't have taken your case if I didn't believe you could convince your mate to accept the mate bond. You're more persuasive and likeable than you give yourself credit for."
"When do you arrive?"
"Tomorrow morning. And Raikar? Try not to overwhelm her with that intense alpha energy of yours right out of the gate."
The call ended, leaving Raikar staring out at his domain with a mixture of anticipation and frustration coursing through his system. Tomorrow, he would meet the woman destined to stand beside him.
The woman who had no idea she belonged to him.
The sound of approaching footsteps announced his second-in-command's arrival before Veynor appeared in the doorway.
"Sir? You told me to report anything significant."
Raikar turned from the window, his predatory instincts immediately picking up on the tension in Veynor's posture. "Before you say anything yet, Gerri Wilder just called me back. She's located my fated mate," Raikar said, trying to mask his anticipation. "She arrives tomorrow."
Veynor's steel-gray eyes flickered with something that looked like concern rather than congratulations. The expression sent warning signals through Raikar's enhanced senses.
"Well, that poses a problem. The council has already selected a mate for you, and this time, they won't accept your refusal."
The words hit Raikar like a blow, his panther surging forward with territorial rage. "What did you just say?"
"I heard the gossip circulating through the clan today. Apparently, the council's patience with your... independence in this matter has run out. They've chosen Sera Valdris as your intended mate and are planning to make the announcement soon."
Raikar's hands clenched into fists as fury and frustration warred in his chest. Sera—elegant, politically connected, everything the council valued in a high-ranking female. She was attractive, competent, and carried the right bloodline. She was also completely wrong for him, inspiring nothing more than polite indifference from both man and beast.
"Why wouldn't they trust me to handle my own mating?" The question came out rougher than intended, his control slipping under the weight of this new complication.
"They were willing to trust you, and waited for the past decade, but you didn't choose anyone," Veynor replied with the blunt honesty that made him an invaluable second. "Their patience has limits, and you've reached them. But the timing couldn't be worse—they probably have no idea you recently contacted the matchmaker."
