"I knew I would find you here." A female voice spoke as she approached from behind him.
He was not surprised by her presence since he had already sensed that she had been watching him for quite some time. He was only waiting for her to walk up to him and tell him her purpose for seeking him out.
He was here to be alone today, but it would seem that even on this day, someone still needed him. That was the burden of the alpha that he had accepted when he became one.
"Yes, Autumn. Do you need something?" Matteo asked her little sister. But she was not so little anymore.
In human form, she would be around her early twenties. But in wolf years, she would be almost double that age. She was relatively young compared to them, way too young.
She was adopted by their parents when she was a baby. Her parents died in an accident. When his mother saw her, she knew that she could not let her go to another family. So, they raised her as their own.
"I was just concerned that you might want some company today," Autumn answered him as she sat beside him on the grassy lawn of their sacred burial ground.
She stared at the letters engraved on the big stone in front of her. In memory of a beloved wife. Kelsey Sullivan. She still could not believe that she was gone. She also loved her like a sister.
But she was not like them. Her human form could not heal herself from the disease that slowly destroyed her body. She had a chance to be like them, but she refused to be one. Now, she would be forever beyond their reach.
"I don't, but since you are already here. I don't think I have any choice." He shrugged his shoulder, knowing his sister was not going away.
He messed up her hair as a way to get back at her. He knew that she did not like it when he did that to her. She would point out that she was not a kid anymore, even if she still did look like one.
In a way, he did not mind the company. He had already spent a few hours with her anyway. He was sure that Autumn would want a few moments with her too.
"Do you miss her like I miss Mom and Dad?" She asked her brother, giving him a solemn look, wondering what was going through Matteo's mind.
Unlike before, when she was young, she could easily control her emotions now. She could only laugh at herself, remembering how much she cried whenever reminded of their parent's death.
"Of course I do. Kelsey was the first woman I truly loved. She was not just my mate. She was my soulmate." He declared, looking at the single rose he placed on the top of the tombstone. That was her favorite flower.
"How did you know that she was your mate?" Autumn asked, curious about the mating ritual.
She was unsure if she would ever find hers, but how did one know who their mate was in the first place. Was it the calling of the flesh, like what she heard from the old tales? Or was it a feeling?
She and her friends had discussed it several times, but no one did have a good answer for it. They all heard several speculations, but it was all too obscure.
"You just know," Matteo answered her, not elaborating more.
He also could never explain it clearly. It was like magic, a feeling, an obsession, a craving, and a sequence of mixed emotions. A possessiveness that he barely controls, at the same time, a protective instinct to make her safe.
"You know that it doesn't answer my question." She said, staring at the flower that he left on her tombstone.
She wondered if she would ever find her mate. Would he be like her brothers? Aldric also had his mate. She was beautiful and kind. She was perfect for him, and Aldric adored her.
Matteo placed his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. He kissed the top of her head as she leaned her head on his shoulders. "All I know is that I started behaving irrationally around her."
It was the best explanation he could think of regarding the matter. Other than that, it was the same emotion of loving someone too much.
He wanted to spend his entire life with her. But in their case, a very short lifetime. Kelsey accepted who he was, but she also wanted him to do the same.
She loved him with all she had during the short time they were together, not holding anything back. Then, let go of him when it was time to move on to her next life.
"I guess that is good enough." Autumn nodded her head, knowing that it was the best answer she could get from him. That should be good enough until she did meet the man for her.
"Are you ready to move?" Matteo asked her as they prepared to leave the burial grounds.
Matteo stood up and pulled her sister to her feet. It was time to leave their home for the meantime and settle in another place. It was why he was here today, to say goodbye for now.
This town had been home to many of their kinds. It was also the home for the other species that would not classify as pure humans. But it was not safe for them to stay for too long in one place.
"Yes, I hope you don't mind if I opt to stay with Aldric and Gracie." Autumn looked at her brother, trying to read what he might be feeling.
His attention had still remained on the name of his late wife. He was probably saying his temporary farewell, she thought. It would probably be a while before they would return to this town again.
"Of course not. I think it is better that you have a female companion. Gracie would be able to guide you more. But any signs of trouble, call me immediately." Matteo reminded his sister.
His obligation as their leader and brother would continue even if they were going on different paths. He would forever protect and serve them even if he was away.
He figured communications and transportation were more accessible and faster due to modern technology. So, staying in touch with his family and the pack would not be a problem.