The Mate's Ring: Thomas

By Wendy Lanore

Thomas is out of time. He is a shifter without a mate and growing weaker every day. He is ready to give up when fate intervenes and he suddenly finds himself mated. Only someone wants her out of the picture. 

Christine has been married

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wendy Collett
• Release date: Sep 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781088057742

Wendy Lanore

Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky. Daughter to a homemaker and a Coalminer. Wendy started her career a little later in life in order to stay home with her two children. An avid crafter, artist and reader. Wendy spent many hours volunteering in her community for the children in the area.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Thomas had been wondering the world for nearly three hundred years.  Years spent searching for something apparently unattainable for him.  The time for hope was long gone and in less than two weeks his time on earth would be over.  Just as well. He was so tired of being alone.  Sure he had friends and his brother, but it was different when you had nothing to look forward to in the future.  So when his time came in the few weeks ahead, he would go with the hopes that others of his kind would not suffer as he would. 

Walking along the street in the cold night, he found himself looking at all the Christmas lights that sparkled.  It was the reason to come out so late.  To savor the last Christmas he would ever have.  Looking in shop windows at all the beautiful decorations brought back memories of Christmases past.  The changes the world had made in his many years. 

His shopping was done in preparation for his end.  He wouldn’t actually be spending time with his friends on Christmas, but he would be there with them in spirit.  He preferred to not have any of his friends with him when his life was ending.  The suffering would be unbearable and he would not subject his friends to watch him die, especially on a holiday that was supposed to be full of joy. 

He had selected his friends’ gifts with a lot of thought and care.  Most of them were of his kind and knew what was coming but not when.  Some of his human friends knew what he was but did not know his time was near.  And he preferred it that way.  He did not want anyone’s pity.  He wanted his friends to remember him the way he was. 

As he kept walking a soft, fluffy snow began to fall.  A small smile tugged at his lips.  It would be a white Christmas this year.  His favorite.  Looking into another window he saw a scarf and glove set.  Beautifully made.  It was a soft white, plush material that looked like it had fallen from a cloud.  The ends of the scarf were fringed, but not fuzzy.  A golden angel was embroidered at one end of the scarf.  He thought of Grace.  The sixty-something year old secretary that had worked at his office since the day he had taken it over.  It would be perfect for his Secret Santa gift for her.  The office party was tomorrow and she was the only one he still needed to buy a gift for. 

Walking to the door he mentally crossed his fingers hoping they were still open, since the lights were still on.  The hours were displayed and indicated that the store closed at 10:00 p.m.  Looking at his watch a rush of disappointment flooded him.  Tomorrow was Sunday and most stores would be closed on Sundays.  Just as he was turning to leave the door opened.  A man with stark white hair and wrinkles that creased at his eyes and mouth filled the doorway. 

Can I help you, young man?  Thomas could not help but smile.  He was probably four times older than this man, but was not about to comment on that. 

Yes.  I see that you are closed but I was hoping you would consider making a sale before you leave for the night. 

Sure thing.  I try to stay in late when it gets close to Christmas.  Don’t want anyone disappointed when they open their gifts, now do we?  The store owner smiled at him and his face crinkled even more.  This was a generous man.  Thomas could see it in his eyes, as well as feel it.  It was one of his many gifts.  He could feel what was in a person’s soul. 

Thank you, I really appreciate this.  Tomorrow is our office Christmas party and I still have to get my Secret Santa gift.  I saw the scarf and glove set in the window and would like to purchase that.

Ah, a wonderful gift.  For a special girl?  He asked with a smile on his face. 

Yes, she is very special.  My secretary.  Although, I have to say she scolds me like a mother, Thomas chuckled.

Oh, so no special love to buy for?  I have many very wonderful gifts for someone like that as well. 

No.  No one special.  Thomas knew the man could see the disappointment on his face.  He had looked for his mate for years without any success.  Now it was too late.  He tried not to dwell on that thought. 

Well don’t worry.  You’ll find her when you are supposed to and not a moment too soon, the store owner offered.  He seemed to really have a good heart, but he wouldn’t bother telling him that his time had come and gone.  Instead, Thomas gave him an answering smile.

Would you prefer traditional wrapping paper or this stuff with odd shapes?  The store owner was pointing at several different roles of paper.  Some rolls had animated Santa’s and snowmen, while others stood out with bright colors, lines, circles and geometric shapes.  He agreed completely with the store owner, this particular paper did not look the part of the holiday season at all. 

I think traditional, don’t you?  Thomas said with a smile. 

Yes I do.  I don’t know what has gotten in to these new age people and their geometric shapes.  Christmas should be about love, family, friends, and the traditions they all share together.  I’m not sure where geometric shapes fit in there.  The store owner was definitely on the same page as Thomas.  He made quick work of wrapping Grace’s gift, including a nice big bow to top it off. 

Thank you for stopping in.  I will be open extended hours on Christmas Eve if you find yourself in a bind again.  He said with a smile that made Thomas wonder if he had family to celebrate with. 

Thank you for letting me in and I am sorry for keeping you so late, Sir.  Thomas said as he paid for his purchase.

Not a problem.  I’m usually here late working anyway, and call me Carl.  He answered in return, offering his hand for a shake.   

Okay Carl, have a Merry Christmas.    Thomas gathered up his gift and headed home.  His spirits were lifted a little after all the kind words and warm smiles that Carl had given so freely.  People in this time were not generally as friendly as they had been in the past. 

Thomas arrived home ten minutes later.  Walking in his foyer he deposited his coat and scarf in the closet.  He walked into his living room and placed the gift under his tree.  It was decorated with ornaments he had collected over his many Christmases.  He sat down on his luxuriously simple leather couch and reached for the remote.  Maybe tomorrow he would feel less of a downer during the party.  He sure didn’t want to bring everyone else down. 

***

Christine was helping her grandmother wash dishes and wondered what she was up to.  Her grandmother had opened her door to Christine when she needed somewhere to stay, but she had been feeling that she had worn out her welcome.  Only the gleam in her grandmother’s eyes said she was up to something and Christine was waiting for the big drop.  Her grandmother, Grace, had a sneaky way of pulling Christine into anything, usually with the best of intentions, Christine smiled.  Lately Christine was a little wary of people’s best intentions, even her grandmother’s.

I have an office Christmas party that I have to attend tomorrow.  Would you like to come?  I am supposed to bring someone and I thought you might like to go.  Her grandmother was definitely up to something.  I don’t really feel like it, Grams, she could already see the disappointment in her grandmother’s eyes.  She had done that.  A few minutes ago there had been excitement and mischief, now there was a sadness, but her grandmother didn’t say anything else.  She turned back around and continued washing the dishes.  After a few minutes of silence Christine couldn’t take it any longer. Well maybe I could go, but I don’t have anything to wear." 

Her grandmother’s eyes lit up again, Oh thank you, sweetie.  I really hate going to these things alone.  Since your grandfather passed, it’s hard to go to parties and whatnot. 

I know what you mean.  Although, Alex didn’t die, when he left it made going to parties difficult.  Always thinking people were talking about me, and pitying me.  Christine and Alex had been divorced for a little over a year now and the holidays made her loneliness double.  She couldn’t imagine what her grandmother was feeling.  Her grandfather had died only 8 months ago and her grandparents had been married for forty-eight years.

Well, maybe you should be dating instead of going out with your grandmother.  Christine smiled at her grandmother’s attempt at getting her back out there. 

I don’t know, going out on a date with my Grams is the best prospect I’ve had in a long time. 

Grace smiled, Well don’t get your hopes up.  I don’t kiss on the first date!  And then they were both laughing.  We’ll go to the mall early tomorrow and find you something to wear.  I wouldn’t mind finding a little something for myself. 

Sure.  Sounds great.  Maybe we can sex you up a little.

Oh no, I’ve had all the sexing up I need.  We’ll just work on you.  Her grandmother had that sneaky look in her eyes again.  Christine decided to let it go.  Her grandmother had a good heart and she was always trying to cheer Christine up. 

They finished the dishes and Christine cleaned the counters.  Once done, they made some popcorn and settled in the living room to watch the newest Christmas movie.  Although the last few years had been hard for her, Christine wouldn’t change anything.  She was here with her Grams.  The only family she had left in the world.  What more could she ask for?  Then the loneliness tried to creep back in her heart.  She had her Grams, but she was lonely for love.  However, after what Alex had put her through, she had no desire to put her heart on the line again. 

***

Christmas music was blasting.  Half an hour into the party, laughter and excited chatter rang out through the crowd of people attending.  Thomas couldn’t have been more pleased.  At least he could make sure the last party was memorable for everyone else. 

Looking around, he still didn’t see his secretary anywhere.  He hoped that nothing had happened and she could still make it.  After all the years she had worked here, she had not once missed a party.  She had been the one to arrange this shindig and always made it special.

All at once, the most intoxicating aroma hit him.  It was a potent blend of vanilla and something else he couldn’t quite describe.  It took his breath and he found himself having difficulty breathing.  He looked around to see if anyone else was having trouble breathing, but no one else seemed affected.  That’s when he saw Grace. 

She was just coming through the door, pulling her coat off to hang up with everyone else’s.  Taking slow, deep breaths his breathing recovered, but his system was still overwhelmed by the scent and the strong effect it had on him.  But what was the cause?

Looking around wondering why no one else seemed to notice the intoxicating aroma, he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.  She was following behind Grace.  The woman had long, brown, wavy hair.  Her skin was creamy and looked so soft he had to fight the urge to go touch her.  She was dressed in a red velvet dress, cut low above her modest breasts.  The dress fell just above her knees and flared slightly out around the bottom, but fit like a glove everywhere else.  Her long legs ended with the sexiest pair of silver heels with a strap that crossed delicate ankles. 

Making his way over to Grace and the beauty beside her, he tried to control his senses.  If he didn’t block out some of the smells and sounds, his senses would overload and cause him pain.  A creation of his final days.  The senses were always the first to go and could be very painful.  The more he tried he still couldn’t block out the aroma that had taken his breath away.  The intoxicating aroma only continued to get stronger.  The closer he got to Grace the more he was struck by the scent.  A scent that was becoming more distinct.  It smelled of vanilla, with a hint of citrus.  His mouth started to water and his skin began to tingle.  What was happening to him?  Was it possible for him to have an allergic reaction?  The thought made him smile.  Of course it wasn’t possible. 

Moving through the crowd, he made his decent on the two women slower.  Pushing forward, he was stopped within several feet of Grace and her guest, who were near his partner Ted.