Mated by Midnight (Moonlight Mates #3)

Chapter 17

17

T he bell above the bank door jingled softly as Elijah and Celine stepped inside. Elijah gave Celine’s hand a squeeze, feeling the warmth of her fingers entwined with his. The bond between them was stronger than ever. Today wasn’t just about securing a loan—it was about starting their future together.

They were greeted by the quiet hum of bank activity: the low murmur of voices, the soft click of keyboards, and the occasional shuffle of papers. Rochelle Etienne, the bank's VP of Operations, stood behind the sleek desk near the back of the building. She was dressed sharply, her hair pulled into a neat twist, her demeanor calm and in control. The bank manager’s posture was one of confidence, as if she were made for this sterile world of numbers and transactions.

"Elijah, Celine, good morning," Rochelle said with a professional smile as they approached. Her eyes flickered briefly to their joined hands before she gestured toward the chairs in front of her desk. "Please, have a seat."

As Elijah settled into the chair, he couldn’t help but notice the quiet energy in the room. Rochelle was calm, poised as always, but there was something in the way her eyes kept drifting to Celine’s hand in his. She was thriving here at the bank—he could tell that much. The polished surface of the desk reflected her drive, her ambition. She’d moved up quickly, earning respect within the pack and beyond. Still, as she sat across from them, something seemed… off.

“I understand you two are looking to expand your home,” Rochelle began, her voice crisp and professional. “And start a business as well?”

Celine grinned in that way Elijah loved. His mate leaned forward slightly. “Yes, we’re hoping to grow in both ways. Elijah and I want to build a studio space for my artwork, and eventually… well, we’re thinking about starting a family, too.”

The thought of building something real with her—both their home and their future together—made Elijah's mouth water. He crossed his legs, hoping Rochelle didn't see how his pants tightened when his mate spoke of babies. But as he glanced at Rochelle, he caught the fleeting look in her eyes as she watched them. There was a hesitation there, a flicker of something deeper, though her face remained composed.

Rochelle nodded, her fingers lightly tapping the keyboard as she reviewed the loan details. “It sounds like a solid plan. Both your credit is strong, and the project sounds feasible. I’ll just need a few more details to finalize everything.”

Elijah’s focus drifted. He had to wonder—did Rochelle regret her decision? Her fingers hesitated just a little too long on the keys, and the way her gaze flicked between him and Celine, the subtle lingering on their entwined fingers, made Elijah think so. Was Rochelle second-guessing her choice to reject the mate bond with Caleb?

Elijah’s gaze caught movement outside the window. He spotted his brother standing in the shadows across the street, watching. Always watching. The weight of Caleb’s silent vigil pressed heavily on Elijah’s chest.

Caleb had never fully let Rochelle go. He didn’t interfere in her life, but he never left her side, either. He stayed on the fringes, protecting her from afar, even though she had walked away from the bond.

Elijah tore his gaze from the window and focused back on Rochelle. She was speaking again, but there was something in her tone now—a distant coolness.

“I recently received a promotion,” she said, her eyes locking on to Elijah’s. “It’ll take me out of the pack for a while. I’ll be moving to oversee another branch.”

Elijah raised an eyebrow. “Out of the pack?”

Rochelle nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Yes. It’s a great opportunity. I’ve always prioritized my career, and this is the next step.”

There was a pause. Elijah glanced at Celine, feeling her fingers tighten around his as she sensed the unspoken tension in the room. Then, unable to stop himself, he said, "I almost accepted a job outside of the pack. But my mate stopped me. In fact, she tackled me until I gave in."

"I did not tackle you. I kissed you."

"It was some kiss."

They grinned at each other. Elijah wanted to kiss those lush lips right now. He almost forgot where they were, what they were talking about.

"Don't give up on finding your mate," Celine said. "It could take a while, but it's worth it."

Elijah had told Celine that Rochelle was Caleb's mate. But it wasn't something the family discussed much. The whole town knew, but they only watched instead of giving any advice.

Rochelle gave his mate a small, distant smile. “I prefer my career over a mate. It’s what I’ve chosen.”

Her words were firm, but Elijah saw something flicker in her eyes—regret, maybe? Pain? It was hard to say. Rochelle had made her choice, and she had built a life on it. But was she truly happy?

The conversation quickly turned back to business. With brisk efficiency, Rochelle finalized the loan paperwork, her demeanor shifting back into the professional bank manager. Celine thanked Rochelle as they stood to leave, and Elijah did the same. But as they walked out of the bank, his mind wandered back to Caleb, standing in the shadows, still waiting. He glanced back at Rochelle one last time, catching her watching them, her gaze lingering on their joined hands.

Once they were outside, the cool air hit his face. Elijah felt Celine’s presence beside him, grounding him. He turned to her, his hand still wrapped around hers, and smiled.

“We got the loan. We can put even deeper roots down for our future."

"Come on home so I can tackle you in the bed."

“Will you kiss me senseless, too?”

“We can start that right now.”

Elijah dipped his head down to meet his mate’s lips. As they walked down the street, hand in hand, he felt the warmth of their bond wrapping around him, stronger than ever. He didn’t know what the future held for Caleb or for Rochelle, but he knew one thing for certain—he had found his place. His future. His love.

And that was what mattered most.