“As a matter of fact, yes, I did! We’ve been chatting through Facebook, and I was happy to learn she found a chosen mate at her new pack. What I’ve been dying to tell you is that she’ll be coming here with her son to visit our pack over Thanksgiving weekend. She was able to book a room at the casino, and I really want you to meet her and her son. I think you’ll really like both of them.”
“I’d love to meet them,” I replied, interested.
“She went to school with both your dad and me, so she’ll probably have tons of stories about our old high school days to share with you.” Ivy had a glint in her eyes as she said this.
“I’m looking forward to hearing all the stories.”
“Perfect, I’ll be in touch once she’s in town so we can all plan to meet.” She hugged me and strolled away.
Luke
Afterresolvingtomakethings right, I fucked them up all over again. It was like taking one step forward and three steps back. The next day, my nose was fully healed, and Lucy was waiting in my room again. Thank the Goddess because she had clothes on this time. Otherwise, I wasn’t sure my little head would have cooperated with my big one. Lately, it seemed to have a mind of its own.
“I’m wet and ready for you.” Lucy ran over, reaching for my belt.
“No, wait, stop, Lucy.” I used whatever little willpower I had to move her hand from my groin area. “Let’s sit down. We need to talk.”
“Talk after, fuck now.” She tried again to reach for my belt.
“No, Lucy, I’m serious.”
“Your cock definitely isn’t.” She looked down at my crotch where I was clearly sporting a boner.
“Okay, but he’s not in charge right now. Let’s sit down.” I tried to pull her down to sit on the bed next to me.
“That’s too bad, I like when he’s in charge.” She sat down and instantly grabbed for my crotch, causing me to groan. She wasn’t going to make this easy.
I removed her hand and said, “Come on, Luce, please don’t make this more difficult than it has to be.”
“Well, you have no problem making this difficult for me. I’ve been horny all day and I want to fuck.”
I sighed, putting my head in my hands. “Lucy, we can’t do this anymore.” I lifted my head and looked into her wide eyes, taking her hands in mine, and continued, “I have a mate. We’ve talked about this. I love you but we’re not meant to be together. You have a mate somewhere out there too, and you’ll meet him someday. Artemis wants us to be with our mates. I don’t know why she chooses who she does for us, but I owe it to my mate to at least try to make things work. This isn’t just about you and me. If I reject Jasmine, she doesn’t get another mate. At least have some empathy for the person you’ve been friends with since grade school.”
Lucy was silent. I searched her eyes, wondering if she would accept what I told her. It wasn’t like her to just quietly accept anything. Finally, she exploded.
“I fucking hate Artemis. I fucking hate being a werewolf. And I fucking hate this pack. This whole place is so backward! But you know what I hate the most right now? Most of all, I hate you! I’ve loved you for four years. I’ve been loyal to you even while being apart from you for two years. You know my deepest, darkest secrets and I know yours. Your family’s friends with my family. We’ve always been good together. When we have sex, our bodies fit, like we’re two puzzle pieces coming together. And you’re willing to just throw all of that away for someone you barely ever even spoke to before you found out she was your mate? I know both of you, and I just don’t see it. You’re not right for each other. And you know what you are? You’re a fucking coward!”
She then grabbed her purse, ran out of my room slamming the door. Not long after, I heard the front door being slammed. I put my head in my hands, groaned, then got up and slammed my fist into the wall.
Jasmine
Thatevening,aftertakinga shower and returning to my bedroom, I was surprised to find a text from Luke. I hadn’t heard from him in a month and had finally started to take Blake’s advice to stop thinking about him. Out of sight, out of mind.
Luke: Hey, sorry I’ve been out of touch for so long. I’d like to make it up to you. Can I take you out to dinner one night?
Luke: I have pack duty tomorrow night, but maybe Monday evening if you’re free?
Luke: There’s a nice Italian restaurant in the casino
I blinked at his texts. It seemed so out of the blue after not hearing from him for so long. But I had nothing to lose at this point, so I replied.
Me: Sure, I will be free Monday evening
Luke: Great, I will pick you up at 6?
Me: Can we meet somewhere?
Luke: Why?