ia'
, her voice having a mix of disbelief and amusement. She leans against a tree, arms crossed, one brow
exhausted I am after what just happened. "I had to, Serena. He left me no choice." My chest rises and falls a l
once hid in the kitchen just to avoid talking to the butcher's son. Now you're out here, standing your ground against the Alpha in f
ing but steady. I look away for a second, my fingers tightening at my sides. "I don't even know what I was doing. Maybe he wasn't going to reject me. I didn't let him speak bef
arm lightly. "Well, the Moon Goddess must have been seriously bored to pair you with
e before I completely lose it." I let out a slow breath, dropping my shoulders a little. "Every time I pray for a mate who will unde
around my shoulders, pulling me closer in a slow, groundin
lighter than they are. She and my family are the only ones who treat me like I matter in this pack. In a place
rong, Serena. I feel like my life is ending before it even starts, and I am
t wrong to feel that way, Talia. I don't expect you to have everything figured out right now."
ten to spill. "But what if he's right?" My voice drops despi
ow, leaving no room for argument. "You're more than enough, Talia. You're kind, you're smart, and you
to my face. "You always know
on me. "It's my job as your best friend. Besides, I can't have you walk
I'm the one who just got humiliated in front of the entire pack, inc
s. You're still the most interesting thi
ses just a little. "I don't know what to do about the bond. I can still feel it." I pause, pr
oice is calm but firm. "You don't owe him anything, Talia. If he wants to reject the bond, let him. But you
d onto one long enough to make sense of it. "I
she considers her words. "You don't have to figure ev
g her words settle. "
face. "Of course I'm right.
me. "Well, there was that time you swore eating
rm. "Okay, maybe I've been wrong once
an's rejection is still there in my mind, but it feels different now. It is not
n soft but steady. "You're going to be oka
hank you, Serena. I don't kno
fully. "You would probably end up eatin
hoing into the quiet night. It feels
mated to Alpha Bran, and he has alread
e tilts her head slightly as she stares at my fa
n my fingers again. "Why would the Goddess give me someone like
before speaking again. "Do y
't know. But even if he is.
. "Maybe not. But it doesn't mea
t her, and this time her word
get out of here before someone starts looking for us. The last thing you nee
as we walk away from the noise, the lights, and everything that
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