“Jasmine,” he said softly. “Can we talk?” I nodded, not able to speak. He took a deep breath and said, “I just want to tell you how sorry I am about everything I put you through and how much I hurt you. To be honest, I was a huge idiot, and you deserve so much better. I know there’s someone else out there who will treat you really well and give you everything that I wasn’t able to. After you rejected me, I was in a lot of pain, and I spent a lot of time reflecting on the past few months.
“To be totally honest, I’ve come to care a lot about you, and I wish things had worked out differently than they did. If I was able to live my life all over again, I would have made completely different choices. Anyway, I know that this apology probably isn’t enough to make up for everything I put you through, but I hope it’s at least a start. You’re an amazing woman, and you’re going to make someone else really happy one day. I’m not just saying that. I really believe it.”
I nodded at him, feeling overcome with emotion, a prickling at the back of my throat. I did my best to hold off my tears, not wanting Luke to see how much he affected me, trying to stay strong. And then I realized, he no longer had that amazing scent anymore. He just smelled the way he had when I had first met him, long before the mate bond had taken effect. He touched my arm in a friendly gesture, and I noticed the sparks were gone. He was just Luke now, no longer my mate.
When I didn’t respond to his apology, he said, “You don’t have to say anything but thank you for listening to me. Take care of yourself, Jasmine. And if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. After all, I owe you my life now.” He then turned and walked away.
I sat down on the temple steps, my knees feeling a bit weak, reflecting on the interaction I’d just had as snowflakes began to drop from the sky. Moments later, Blake’s scent entered my nose. I turned to see him sitting down next to me.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey,” I replied, looking at him. “Nice speech.”
“Thanks.”
“Sorry again about your dad,” I said, feeling emotional, touching his leg.
“Thanks.” He looked down at his hands.
“I see you recovered finally.”
“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to text you, but I got caught up in pack duty stuff. I had to visit all the families of the fallen warriors and meet with the priest. It’s honestly been a lot.” He sighed. We sat silently together for a bit and then he spoke again. “Do you want to do something tonight?”
“Like what?”
“Just hang out. I’ve missed you. I’d like to spend some time with you.”
“You know how my parents are.”
“One second,” he said, getting up and walking toward my parents. I stood up, shocked by him approaching them so suddenly. I watched as he shook my father’s hand and spoke with him. After about a minute, he returned. “You’re a free woman. Let’s go!”
“What did you say to him?”
“I played the whole, ‘she needs to get out of the house and cheer up’ card.” He smiled. “Also, it helps that I’m the alpha, so no one ever says no to me.” He took my hand and walked with me to the packhouse where his car was parked. He opened the passenger door and helped me in and then got into the driver’s seat. Once he was seated, he turned to me and said, “Since we’re already dressed up, we should go somewhere nice. Of course, there’s really only one nice place around here, so looks like we’re going to the casino.”
I groaned. “Please don’t tell me we’re going to the Italian restaurant.”
“I was actually going to take you to the steakhouse. What, do you not like Italian food?” He pulled out of the packhouse lot.
“Steakhouse sounds great,” I replied.
“Good, because it’s open late on Fridays.” We drove for a while until he pulled into valet and the valet opened my door for me. Blake came around the car to take my hand and lead me inside. We walked up to the host stand where he asked for a table. The hostess clicked through her iPad when a man came over. “Mr. Wulfric! I didn’t know you’d be joining us tonight!”
“It was a last-minute decision,” he replied.
“Ah, well, I have the perfect table for you,” he said.
“Actually, maybe something in the lounge area.”
“Ah yes, even better,” he said, grabbing menus. “Right this way.” We followed the man to an area that was set up with couches and small tables. He brought us to one that was directly in front of the live piano player and singer duo that was putting on a live show.
After I opened my menu, Blake said, “I thought this would be more relaxing than sitting at a table.”
“It’s nice here,” I replied.
He looked over my shoulder as I reviewed the menu. “Order whatever you want. The burgers are a personal favorite of mine, FYI. I believe they might be top-rated in Vermont. And I’m not just saying that to save some money tonight. I’d be happy to get you a steak if that’s what you prefer.”
“Burger sounds good to me.”