Ethan

“You’re letting them stay?” Nina demands, glaring at me as she wears a hole in the floor, pacing back and forth with the indignant energy of a she-wolf scorned. Unsurprisingly, she was less than amused to learn I decided to allow Jane and the pups to stay with us – though in truth it hadn’t been much of a choice. My mischievous mate forced me between a rock and a hard place, and I wasn’t about to drag her out of the penthouse kicking and screaming.

“I can’t just throw them out.” I sigh, wincing as I do the stretches my surgeon prescribed post-surgery.

“Of course you can.” Nina argues, coming to a stop in front of me. “You just don’t want to.”

Though Nina is my fated mate, I find I have far less patience for her insubordination than I do with Jane. I’m not sure what it is about the woman, but my wolf simply doesn’t have the same soft spot for her. So while I might allow Jane to speak to me this way, my automatic instinct is to cut Nina down to size. Luckily I have enough self- control to avoid snapping at her. “I don’t need this right now, Nina.”

“Then when?” She presses, not taking the hint. “If not now, then when?”

“Careful woman, you’re working my last nerve” I warn. I don’t appreciate her interfering with my family, especially not after she swept me out of the city knowing Jane was in trouble. “You’re already on thin ice and I’m in no mood to be tested.”

Nina flinches reflexively, another sign that we simply aren’t well matched. She looks at me with true fear, not the sultry shudders Jane often displays when chastised. Perhaps I should feel guilty for being such an ogre, or for constantly comparing Nina to Jane, but I simply can’t help it.

How can I look at my fated mate without thinking of the woman who I truly love?

Nina is eyeing me warily, but her reticence merely masks a cool determination I recognize only too well. “Listen to me, Ethan.” She begins, trying to sound warm and gentle. It doesn’t suit her. “I’m so happy you’re better, but I don’t like what’s happening here. You’re letting Jane walk all over you.”

breeding.” I answer simply.

your mate!” Nina

eyes, and a stab of guilt pierces the walls around

make myself fall out of love with Jane. The truth is that I don’t know why the Goddess sent Nina to

it’s such a struggle for me –

recall seeing her. “I’m never going to be enough

regret sounding in my heart. I’d been afraid of this, but until now Nina has insisted she only wanted to be Luna. This is the first time she’s admitted she might have feelings for me. “I warned you from the beginning, Nina. I cannot be a true mate to you. I will

stand, looking even more hurt than

Jane.” I explain mercilessly,

sob, shaking her head. “I don’t understand you – we’re fated, why isn’t that enough? Why aren’t I

“I don’t understand it either. I only know the heart wants what it wants. Still, I’ve been up front with you from day

sacrifices to care for you would be worth something – appreciated.”

but appreciation only goes so far.” I declare softly, watching as Nina wraps her arms protectively around herself “Maybe

lies and placations. If you don’t love me now, you never will

isn’t what you were hoping for, but we’ll still marry – your still be my Luna. Jane will give up eventually and take the pups home, and everything can

her eyes shut, but she nods reluctantly, almost as if she’s making the gesture against

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