Big Misfate. Against All Odds, #1

A bear and a cougar walk into a bar. See? Fate's got jokes. Too bad they're all on me. When a cougar moves to Bernton, her very presence sets the rumor mill ablaze. When she strolls into my bar and says I smell like fate, I shut down that shit fast. It's no secret that the wait for my fated mate has made me a surly grouch. For nearly thirty years, I've searched for my mate with no luck. Now, this little girl shows up claiming to be mine? I don't think so.
Fate would never pair me with a female so young. Atlas Kavar, aforementioned cougar, doesn't look old enough to drive a car, much less handle a brute like me. I send her on her way, with maybe a bit too much snarling. How was I supposed to know cougars maintain their youthful looks longer than any other shifters?It's a mistake that will cost me everything if I don't make it right.