“Butthere’s zero chance of me ever accepting him.”
Her eyes widen, and I know my sweet omega bestie is shocked at how I’m looking at my mate bond. “Aren’t you worried you’ll start to fall for him if you spend time together? Fighting the mate bond is no joke.”
I stare at her, waiting for her to see how ridiculous the notion of me falling for Luca is, and a giggle bursts out of my throat. “You think I could actually fall for him? It’sLuca. He might be pretending he wants me right now, but I see how temporary that is.”
If he could drop me so easily back when he actually liked me, then it seems obvious to me he will turn on me again. It’s just a matter of time.
“Then why not tell Ryan that? Why pretend?”
“Because something is going on with Ryan. He’s been obsessed with the mate bond since Mom rejected Dad. I’m pretty sure he hasn’t touched a female since. He’s waiting for his mate. Which I really don’t want to think about.” I say while shuddering. But maybe the lack of getting laid is what’s making him crazy. Or maybe it’s something else. I need to figure it out.
“And with what’s going on with the missing omegas. It’s just not as important as everything else going on right now. I’m going to avoid him and hope we find the omegas soon and everything settles down.”
Emily nods and sips her coffee. She doesn’t say anything for a few moments while she contemplates what I’ve said. “I’m just worried, Fia. Jackson is my mate now, and there’s no name for what you are to me. More than friends for sure. It makes me think Fate doesn’t get it all wrong. But we both know that sometimes it’s far from straightforward. I want you to be happy. You deserve the world, and I guess I’m worried about you.”
My chest aches, and I’m so glad to have Emily. Someone who will think of me so I can think of others without getting forgotten in the mix. But she doesn’t need to worry about this. There is absolutely no way that I would fall for Luca. It doesn’t matter in the slightest that my body is drawn to him. Or that my wolf wants him. My mind knows better.
Chapter Thirteen
Luca
Sofia hasn’t shown up for training since our little… tussle three days ago, and my wolf is about ready to tear through my chest. Every hour she stays away feels like a rejection, and the fucker won’t shut up about it—pacing, snarling, pushing me to chase her down.
Not that I don’t want the same. But I’m supposed to be giving her space. And I already pushed her way too fucking far the last time I saw her.
But fuck it. If she doesn’t show today, then I’m going over to her place and forcing her to spend time with me. I’m done giving her space. How the fuck am I supposed to win her over if she keeps avoiding me?
I walk into the training hall and immediately catch Jackson’s infuriating smirk. He knows. He knows about me threatening that prick who put his hands on my mate and that I haven’t seen her since. His smug look makes my wolf itch to bare his teeth.
“Thought I’d observe today,” I mutter.
“Sure, the more the merrier,” Jackson replies, all too casual. “But maybe remember that you’re supposed to be showing Sofia that you’renota complete asshole.”
His grin widens, and I try not to engage, knowing it’ll only encourage him. But I can’t help the puff of air I breathe out. Trying to keep my possessive side in check is going to be damn near impossible when every fiber of my being is pushing me to claim Sofia. This is the reason I stayed away from her for years. Every time I look at her or breathe in her scent, I want to touch her. To taste her.
And it will only get worse. The longer we go on without accepting the bond, the more feral my wolf will become. He’ll keep pushing me until I can’t hold him back any longer. We have months before that happens, though. I hope. I wouldn’t wish moon madness on my worst enemy, but it’s what happens when a male shifter either doesn’t find his mate or finds her but doesn’t get to claim her.
The warriors start spilling into the training area, and at least that prick who was pawing Sofia has the good sense to avoid eye contact and move towards the back of the group. Good. My wolf is still out for his blood.
And then… her.
Sofia strolls in, one of the last to arrive, and my chest tightens, my ribs pressing in on me like a fist. My wolf nearly claws his way out.Later,I tell him. For now, I hang back. If she’s noticed I’m here, she doesn’t show it. And that gives me the opportunity to take her in. Fuck. She’s radiant. Her black leggings cling to her shapely legs like a second skin; a red sports bra shows off her toned stomach. Her dark hair is tamed into two braids.
And then she laughs. A quick, bright burst. My knees nearly buckle. How long has it been since I heard that sound? She used to laugh with me all the time. More of a girlish giggle back then, now it’s a sultry laugh that has my spine tingling.
She still doesn’t even glance my way, and that makes it worse. Makes me want to force her gaze back to me. Now that I’m no longer hiding how I feel, I want all of her attention on me. At all fucking times.
It’s ridiculous, I know it is. I’ve done this to myself. I pushed her away, and now I need to warm her up to me again. But knowing that logically does nothing to temper the borderline obsessive thoughts I’ve been having.
Jackson steps into the center of the group and announces that they will be sparring in human form today. Going head-to-head and following each match, the winner will stay on and face the next opponent. The group will then give feedback on what could have been done to improve their technique.
He indicates two warriors to start—Jason and Samantha. Mid-level warriors. Not our best by a long shot, but solid fighters. They move into position, and the rest of the warriors move into a large circle around them, cheering as they grapple. A few moments later, Samantha emerges victorious. The next warrior—Casey—has her tapping out within a couple of minutes. And then, Casey is promptly knocked out by his next opponent.
The rhythm is familiar: quick wins, a few good matches. Occasionally, someone lasts an extra round before they are defeated.
And then it’s Sofia’s turn. She’s up against Mike. My stomach sinks. He’s a powerful warrior. My wolf bristles, and my jaw clenches at the thought of him laying her out on the mat.
“Just watch,” Jackson murmurs in my head through the mindlink.
