Page 13 of No Mane, No Gain
Outside the door, Chaos paused. He took a deep breath, not out of nervousness, but to center himself for the challenge ahead. Then, squaring his broad shoulders, he rapped on the door with two sharp, authoritative knocks.
“Come in,” a cheerful voice called from inside.
Chaos pushed open the door, his presence immediately filling the room. His piercing hazel eyes locked onto the woman seated by the window. Gerri Wilder was not what he had expected, but he sensed immediately that she was a force to be reckoned with.
“Chaos Amato,” Gerri said, rising to greet him with a wide smile. “Nice to see you. Please, have a seat.”
Chaos crossed the room in three long strides, shaking her offered hand. He was surprised by the strength of her grip and found himself reassessing her. This was no mere matchmaker - this was a woman who commanded respect.
“Ms. Wilder,” he acknowledged with a slight nod. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”
“Oh, please call me Gerri,” she said, gesturing to the chair across from her. “Everyone does. Can I offer you something to drink?”
Chaos settled into the chair, his imposing frame making the delicate furniture seem fragile in comparison. “Just water, thank you.”
As Gerri poured, Chaos studied her, his keen mind already analyzing and strategizing. When she leaned back in her chair with a knowing smile, he met her gaze unflinchingly.
“So, Chaos,” Gerri began, her eyes twinkling. “What brings the mighty lion of Silicon Valley to my matchmaking service?”
Chaos’s eyebrows rose slightly at her directness, but he appreciated it. He had no patience for small talk or beating around the bush. “I need a mate,” he stated plainly. “Not just any mate. I need someone exceptional.” Taking a deep breath, Chaos decided to lay all his cards on the table. “I need someone who can keep up with me,” he began. “Someone intelligent, driven, who won’t be intimidated by my position or my... nature.”
Gerri nodded encouragingly. “Go on.”
“I want a true partner,” Chaos continued, warming to the subject. “Not just arm candy or a trophy wife. Someone who has her own passions and goals. Someone who challenges me, who isn’t afraid to call me out when I’m being an ass.”
A soft chuckle escaped Gerri’s lips. “I see. And what about physical attributes? Any preferences there?”
Chaos shrugged. “Honestly, that’s not as important to me. I mean, I’m not blind - I appreciate beauty as much as the next guy. But I’d rather have someone with a sharp mind and a good heart than just a pretty face.”
“Mmm,” Gerri hummed thoughtfully, jotting something down in a notebook. “And how do you feel about humans? Are you open to an interspecies match?”
The question caught Chaos off guard. He’d always assumed he’d end up with another shifter, preferably a lioness. But as he considered Gerri’s question, he realized he didn’t have any strong objections to the idea of a human mate.
“I... I suppose I’d be open to it,” he said slowly. “As long as she could handle the realities of being with a shifter.”
Gerri’s smile widened. “Excellent. Now, tell me about your family situation. I understand there’s some pressure for you to settle down?”
Chaos grimaced. “That’s putting it mildly. My parents are pushing for an arranged marriage with a woman from another prominent family. They mean well, but...”
“But you want more than just a politically advantageous match,” Gerri finished for him.
“Exactly,” Chaos nodded, relieved that she understood. “I want a real connection, not just a business arrangement disguised as a marriage.”
Gerri leaned forward, her expression serious for the first time since he’d entered the room. “Chaos, I want you to listen tome very carefully. What I’m about to tell you may sound strange, but I need you to keep an open mind. Can you do that for me?”
Chaos frowned, then nodded. “I’ll try.”
“Good,” Gerri said. “I’ve already found your perfect match.”
Chaos’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “What? How is that possible? We just met.”
Gerri’s eyes twinkled with that mischievous light again. “Let’s just say I have a gift for these things. Now, I can’t tell you who she is just yet. You need to meet organically without any interference. Besides, that would spoil all the fun. But I can tell you this: She’ll challenge you, support you, and love you fiercely.”
Chaos leaned back in his chair, his mind reeling. Part of him wanted to dismiss Gerri’s claims as nonsense, but another part - a part he usually kept carefully locked away - dared to hope.
“So what happens now?” he asked, his voice gruff.
“Now,” Gerri said, her smile widening, “you trust me. I’ll arrange for you two to meet, but it has to happen naturally. No forced setups or blind dates. You’ll know her when you see her, Chaos. Trust your instincts.”