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.”

my mate and she’s breeding.” I

am your mate!” Nina explodes.

a stab of guilt pierces the walls around my heart. “I see what’s happening Ethan! You’re going to go back to her, and I’m going to be nothing more

Nina to me,

deep breath, I say, “Nina, I’m not going back to Jane. I’m sorry that it’s such a struggle for me – but it is. That doesn’t

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

wordlessly, another pang of 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

stand, looking even more hurt than before.

but Jane.” I explain mercilessly, knowing that

shaking her head. “I don’t understand you – we’re fated, why isn’t

know the heart wants what it wants. Still, I’ve been up front with you from day one.

care for you would be worth

far.” I declare softly, watching as Nina wraps her arms protectively around

If you don’t love me now, you never

helplessly. “I know this isn’t what you were hoping for, but we’ll still marry – your still be my Luna. Jane

gesture against her better judgment – as if

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