Page 24 of Finding His Fox

My fox had recognized Nate as my fated mate from the moment I laid eyes on him again at the party. But I knew Nate wasn't ready for that knowledge yet.

One step at a time, I reminded myself

"This house never felt like home, not after my dads died," Nate confessed, his gaze distant. "Those two urns in the living room, that's where they rest."

"I gathered," I replied, my voice soft.

Nate lifted his head, his expression filled with a mixture of pain and longing.

"After Jim passed away from lung cancer, Donnie changed. He did his best to take care of me, but he could barely take care of himself. I cleaned up after him every time he had too much to drink. Eventually, Donnie took his own life."

Nate's breath caught, and I couldn't resist. I reached out and gently touched his cheek, urging him to meet my gaze.

His lips parted slightly, and he looked so lost, so vulnerable.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, not daring to do more.

Nate leaned into my touch, shutting his eyes tightly for a moment.

"I have a habit of pushing people away, but with you, I feel comfortable. It's strange," Nate confessed, finally opening his eyes and raising his head.

"Who took care of you after Donnie passed away?" I inquired.

"I stayed with Rory and his family until I turned 18," Nate replied, letting out a bitter laugh. "I couldn't wait to leave Fox Haven, and yet here I am again. Fate has a twisted sense of humor sometimes."

"It certainly does," I agreed, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Do you mind if I put my arm around you? You seem a little cold. I could also grab my jacket from the house.”

A faint blush colored Nate's cheeks and neck, and I almost regretted speaking up.

"I don't mind at all," Nate surprised me with his response.

Sliding my arm around his shoulders, I pulled him close. Nate rested his head against my chest, and in that moment, everything felt right.

Throughout my life, I had rejected the company of others. After Shawn's death, I couldn't bear the thought of getting close to someone again.

Some irrational part of me believed I would lose another special person in my life. When loneliness consumed me, I sought the companionship of a few trusted friends like Owen or James.

Casual encounters helped temporarily fill the void. It was easy to find random hook-ups, eager to warm my bed for a night, but they left me feeling empty and lonelier than before.

It would be different with Nate, my mate. I could feel it deep in my bones.

"Even with Rory and his family, I still felt isolated from the world," Nate shared.

"Did things improve when you moved to the city?" I inquired.

"Not at first. It was only after I met Ian that I started feeling like myself again. And when I adopted Max, he transformed my life, just like Ian did," Nate replied, a wistful smile gracing his lips.

"I imagine it surprised you when Ian fell in love with Owen and decided to settle in Fox Haven," I remarked.

"Yeah, I couldn't wait to leave this place, while my best friend decided to put down roots here," Nate chuckled. “Life’s kinda funny sometimes.”

"Nate," I paused, gathering my courage, "we actually met a long time ago, as kids."

Nate furrowed his brow, as if trying to recall the memory.

"I'm sorry," Nate finally said, frustration in his voice. "When I saw you at the party, you looked vaguely familiar, but I can't—"

"It's okay," I interrupted, regretting bringing it up. "Forget I mentioned it. I apologize for spoiling the mood."