“See, that’s why it’s good with you,” he says. “You aren’t under any delusions that this can last. We can keep hooking up because we both know it’s going nowhere.”
Ouch. Hearing that hurts, but I must be a glutton for punishment because I have to ask. “What about love? Or finding the one?”
Bane laughs, the cold sound so loud in the silent car. “I gave up on my true mate a long time ago. Now I just want someone who can fight by my side. I just want to win.”
13.Happily Never After?
Josh
I’ve dreamed of finding my fated mate, the one person who would truly understand me. It’s pretty baffling to finally find that person and learn our goals couldn’t be more different.
I’m after love. Bane wants a means to an end.
The revelation hit me pretty hard for a few days. I spent some time wallowing and cursing his evil ex again, the one I suspect made him allergic to tenderness, dating, and emotions, and left only a tough shell out for victory behind.
Now, however, I have a plan. If only I could get this damn watch to work.
“Come on!”
I stand behind the counter of the coven’s store, surrounded by jars of dried herbs, glittering crystals, and other magical ingredients. In the center of the chaos sits a sleek black watch, the object I’m meant to charm.
With no customers around, I take a deep breath and channel my magic. Just like every other attempt, the power fizzles out, leaving the watch unaffected.
“Work with me here, you stupid watch.”
Sampling different crafts has shown me areas thataren’tmy strong suit. Like charms. Experimenting hasn’t given me an idea of what Ishouldfocus on. But even if I never make another charm again, Iamgoing to get this one right.
I grab a jar of crushed quartz on the shelf behind me and sprinkle a pinch of the glittering powder over the watch, hoping the natural amplifier will boost my magic.
As I focus my energy, I think about Bane—his arrogant swagger, his piercing eyes, his muscular frame that always makes my mouth go dry. Despite our rocky past, he’s mesmerizing. The small glimpses I get of the man beyond the cocky, stand-offish alpha have me aching to be so much closer.
The magic suddenly surges through me, swirling and coalescing around the watch. The power imbues the timepiece and gives it special properties.
Yes! It worked.
The bell above the door jingles as a customer enters, and I carefully slip the charmed watch into my pocket and get back to work.
I was really hoping my mate would Recognize me and figure things out on his own. But his priorities aren’t on love at all. He isn’t even stopping to consider it.
Fate can only do so much. I can’t wait around hoping things work out.
Bane’s on a deadline and searching for a strong wolf to partner with. If I sit around hoping he Recognizes me, he’s going to find someone else. I’ll lose him.
It’s time to come clean.
Once my shift is over, I need to find Bane.
~
Josh
I think about borrowing a car or getting a ride, then decide to run. Now that I’ve decided to confess, I can’t wait any longer. I need to get to him and take the chance.
When the imposing Iron Pack wall comes into view, I shift back into my human form. Probably better to approach as a human instead of a charging wolf.
I pat my pocket, feeling the weight of the charmed watch. Still there. Good.
Before I can take another step, a massive dark brown wolf bursts from the shadows and charges toward me. I raise my hands in a placating gesture. I recognize the gold eyes right as the wolf starts transforming into the man I know.
