He is born to one of the oldest bloodlines of his people. For him to join his life to yours in a permanent and public way would be like the Queen of England to declare she wished to marry the man who disposes of her rubbish.”
“So I’m not good enough for you? Is that it?” The idea hurt Paul’s pride, though he didn’t want to admit it.
“No, of course not.” Laurent’s voice was fierce and he took Paul’s hand and squeezed it tightly. “You are my Coeur de Sang, the love of my life, Paul. I defy anyone to say you are not right for me.”
“Well it doesn’t sound like you dare defy your father,” Paul pointed out, pulling his hand away.
Laurent’s eyes narrowed. “And would you dare as much for me? Would you tell your father—your packleader and the other wolves in your pack—of our love?”
“I don’t know, okay?” Paul ran both hands through his hair. “This whole situation—it’s so fucking crazy. Uh, sorry,” he added with a nod toward Nana. “It’s just…ever since I met Laurent everything’s been all messed up. My pack is turning against me, my old man is pissed, and I can’t even change forms. A were who can’t shift is no fucking good to anyone. Sorry.” He nodded at Nana again.
“Do not worry about your language, young man, I have heard much worse in my day.” Nana fixed them both a piercing gaze. “But it sounds to me like you have much deeper problems than either of you wants to admit. Why should you be unable to call your inner wolf, Paul?”
“Because the bond between us is incomplete,” Laurent answered for him. “It was formed by accident when I was exchanging blood with Paul to save his life. It is not so bad when we are together but when we are apart—”
“It’s fucking distracting,” Paul finished. “And like I said, it gets between me and the moon and won’t let me change. So we need a way to dissolve it.”
Nana arched an eyebrow again. “This is what you wish? To break the bond?”
“Break it, cut it—whatever.” Paul cast a look at Laurent who was sitting still and staring down at his hands. The look on the other man’s face made him feel like the worst kind of asshole. “I mean, come on, Laurent,” he said. “What are we supposed to do? Tell both our families to fuck off and move in together?”
“I would do that with you if you wished.” Laurent’s melodious voice was quiet. “I would take that risk to be with you.” “And it would be a risk indeed, mein liebling, ” Nana murmured. “For you know how your father would react. Such a love could cost you your title—maybe even your life.”
“You think I don’t know that?” Laurent looked up at her and Paul could see the anguish in his eyes. “But didn’t you always tell me that those who found their Coeur de Sang had to go through many trials and tribulations? Why should I expect to be any different just because of my bloodlines?”
Nana nodded thoughtfully. “It is wise of you to realize this, Laurent. Together, the two of you might overcome the obstacles that stand in your path. However, I do not believe that Paul wishes to face the conflict and danger such a union will bring.”
Paul shrugged helplessly. “Don’t get me wrong, I like Laurent. I’m, uh…more attracted to him than I ever have been to anyone else in my whole fucking life. And seeing that he’s a guy, that’s saying something. But I just…” He shook his head. “I just don’t see how this is going to work. We’re too different. I mean, a fish might love a bird but where are they gonna build a house together?”
“Anywhere they wanted to.” Laurent gave him an intense look. “Away from the prying eyes of others we could be happy together, Paul, I know we could.”
Paul looked back at him. “And you’re willing to give up your whole life—all your cash, your pretty clothes, those sweet toys like the Spyder out there—just to be with me?”
Laurent didn’t hesitate. “In a heartbeat.”
“Dios.” Paul stood up and started pacing. “Look, ’mano, you’re kind of freaking me out here. I thought we agreed that we were coming up here to get rid of this thing.”
“You agreed to that—I did not.” Laurent crossed his arms over his chest.
“It does not matter what you agree on,” Nana broke in. “Because you cannot break the bond.”
“What?” Paul whipped around to face her. “What did you say?”
Laurent felt like his heart would burst when he saw the panic in his wolf’s eyes. He truly does not wish to be tied to me. The very idea makes him feel hunted…trapped.
Nana was unmoved by Paul’s outburst. “You heard me, boys. I said that you cannot break the bond between you.”