The Designated Mate novel Chapter 13

"Thank you so much for all your help. I wouldn't have gotten nearly a third of this done if it wasn't for you," I gushed sincerely.

"Hey, what are best bitches for?" She teased with a wink.

Grace stole my keys from me and drove to her own home, which I was excited to see. How someone decorates the space they call their own says a lot about them. I had a feeling I was going to see a lot of bright colors. Or artwork with ironic, sassy sayings.

When we walked in, we were instantly greeted by her mate.

"Where have you been all day?" He asked, a worried expression on his face.

"Helping Poppy clean up her new place a bit," She responded simply before pecking him on the lips. I stood awkwardly by the door as I watched him wrap his arms around her waist and press a loving kiss to her cheek and finally her mark. I felt like I was invading on their private moment, so I averted my gaze out the window and watched as the wind moved the trees around.

"Poppy, it's nice to be able to finally get a proper introduction," Jason said before reaching his arm out to shake my hand. "If my mate ever gets you into trouble, just know that I'm sorry, but it was inevitable," He joked with a laugh before giving Grace a teasing kiss and disappearing into the kitchen where he'd emerged from.

"Alright, let's go find something to wear," She said with excitement before pulling me up a set of stairs and into a large bedroom. I gasped when I saw two sets of pink fuzzy handcuffs attached to either side of their headboard.

"Jason's the kinky type," She giggled. I felt like I was going to die from embarrassment. How was she so comfortable talking about these kinds of things.

"My God, you're too innocent for your own good," She stated before brushing it off and entering her closet.

"I have the perfect thing for you to wear. It's not too casual and not too dressy and can be accessorized really easily," She mumbled while rifling around. "Ah-ha! Here it is." She exclaimed before pulling out a plain-looking, black striped t-shirt dress. It had quarter-length sleeves and rested a few inches above my knees.

"It's simple, but pretty." I complimented while fingering the soft fabric.

"Nonsense, honey. That's normal, the land is new to you. Please, have a seat," The Luna softly said, calming my nerves with a friendly smile. I nodded before taking the only available seat at the table.

"Hi there. I'm Corbin, future Alpha," The man next to me said, slight cockiness seeping into his tone. I examined him up and down, noting that while he looked like an identical, albeit younger, version of his father, he didn't seem to carry himself like him in anyway.

"Hi, I'm Poppy." I said politely, shaking his outstretched hand. He kept his hold on me for longer than necessary, causing me to clear my throat in discomfort. He pulled his hand back with what he probably thought was an sexy smile, but it just furthered my discomfort.

"While you were gone, we went ahead and gave everyone a brief rundown of your situation and why you've come to stay with us. I figured it would be easier on you to do it before you showed up," The Luna explained. I gave her a grateful look before expressing my thanks.

"So, Poppy, have you thought about what kind of job you'd like to take up in the pack?" One of the men I'd yet to be introduced to yet asked.

"I'm not quite sure. I love children and taking care of people, but I can go wherever I'm needed," I said. He gave me an approving smile before nodding.