Her Younger Mate (Old Version)

The blare of the alarm, a rock anthem assaulting the pre-dawn quiet, dragged Anna from the depths of sleep. "Ugh," she groaned, burrowing deeper under the covers, a silent plea for five more minutes of oblivion. The song, once 'pretty cool' yesterday, was rapidly descending into the realm of 'songs she'd hate forever' thanks to this brilliant idea.

Before she could even contemplate turning it off, her adopted brother, Alex, burst into the room, looking thoroughly annoyed. "Anna! Your radio has been blasting rock for almost an hour now!" he exclaimed, running a hand through his already disheveled hair.

"Sorry, I swear it was pop when I set the station yesterday," she mumbled, flinging a pillow in his general direction, which he deftly caught.

"Very mature," Alex retorted, though a hint of a smile touched his lips. "That's not the point! You have a plane to catch in... two hours!" His voice was laced with alarm, but Anna was too sleepy to care. She just wanted to disappear back into her dreams.

"Do I really have to go? Can't I just stay with you forever? I love your cooking," she whined, pulling the sheet over her face, feigning utter defeat.

"Two words, little sister: your mate."

That did it. The words sliced through her grogginess like a sharp blade. Her mate. Just the thought of them, whoever they might be, brought a silly, hopeful smile to her face. She sprung out of bed, her earlier protests forgotten. "I will find you, my dear mate, and when I do, I will love you, and treasure you, and steal your food and your hoodies!" she rambled, giggling at her own ridiculousness.