Page 39 of Edward’s Bunny

She gave a slight nod before speaking. “I can’t tell you about bonded mates until you’re bonded. I’m sorry, schatje.” She patted my leg gently. “I’ll tell you when you do. In the meantime, I’d still like to speak with your friends.”

“Why can’t you tell me? Is that bad? And if I have to be bonded, why do you know? You’re not bonded,” I said petulantly.

“I was.”

“What? You were…. you had a mate?” I was shocked. I thought mates were a thing of fairy tales and my grandmother had a mate. Why’d she never tell me?

She nodded slowly, and I could see unshed tears filling in her eyes. This was why she never said anything. It was too painful. I reached over and clasped her hand. “Nana, you don’t have to tell me if it’s too hard.”

“It’s okay, Schatje. It is hard for me to talk about it, but you need to know. Especially if you met your mate. Mine was your grandfather, Raynart. We were fated. I’d just had your father when he was killed in World War II.” She blinked rapidly, and her voice sounded raw. “I wanted to die along with him, but I had your father to look after. I needed to be here for him.”

She took a deep breath and leaned back. “As time went on, my heart healed, and your father grew, and I couldn’t leave my child.” She offered a sad smile. “But I never stopped loving or yearning for my mate.”

“I’m sorry, Nana,” I said. Sorry seemed so small. I wished I could take away her hurt and pain.

“It’s okay, sweetheart.” She leaned forward again. “It may seem like I’m being harsh not telling you things, but there’s a reason. Fate is very fickle, and she can be a cruel mistress. For the longest time, I thought I’d never see another fated pair. I hope I get to see you bonded and happy.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but little screams stopped me. “Nana Hilde!”

I laughed as my brother, his wife, and their twin boys walked into the room. Nana gave them a quick hug before turning back to me. “We’ll talk more later. Go help your mother.” She leaned in close and whispered in my ear. “I’m happy for you, Schatje. I can’t wait to meet your man. Don’t lose hope. Everything works out and happens for a reason.”

And with those few words, she was down on the ground playing animatedly with the twins. I released a breath. I hoped Nana was right. I guess only time will tell.

“Brian!”

My mother’s call pulled me from my thoughts. “Coming, Ma! Let’s cook this bird.”

I can do this, I thought. I just have to survive Thanksgiving.

Fate, help me.

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