Page 30 of Broken Souls

“I don't know what to say to that,” I say, amused.

Amelia goes into detail about what he looked like and everything. I kind of want to talk about Axe, considering this is the first time we've talked about sex. Since we are both exploring with men, it would be nice to talk about it. But I can't mention Axe without her questioning who he is and where I met him. So I stay quiet and listen to her babble on, me adding a comment every few minutes or so. The bell rings making me realise how fast time goes when Amelia is talking. She groans and walks off in the direction of her next class.

I dawdle to my class like I always do, pulling out my phone and using an app. It's nice walking the school grounds when it's empty because everyone's in class.

“Elora.” I shriek as I feel my body get yanked behind the corner of the wall. Joel stares at me and keeps his hands on my waist.

“What do you want?” I question. I look down at his hands and give him an angry look. He lets go of me and steps back.

He sighs. “I want to talk to you.”

“You already said everything you need to,” I remark.

“I've been thinking...” He goes quiet.

“What?”

“I'm not sure how to say this.” Joel stares anywhere but me.

“Just say it,” I growl.

“I want to mate you,” he states, looking directly into my eyes now. My breathing seems to stop by his words.

“I don't know what you're playing at but haven't you hurt me enough?”

I'm trying to appear strong but his words are breaking me and affecting my wolf.

“I'm not playing anything. I want my mate. Is that so hard to believe?” Joel looks annoyed.

“You rejected me,” I remind him.

“I changed my mind.”

“Jenna left you, didn't she?” I ask. That's the only reason he's coming to me now. He's alone.

He grunts. “So what?”

“I'm going to class.”

I shake my head, feeling overwhelmed by him admitting he wants me. Even if it only happened because his girlfriend broke up with him, my wolf is pushing me to go to him. If I don't leave his presence now, it'll be too hard to later. I try to move past him but he grabs my hips and pins me against the wall, crashing his body into mine, making our lips touch. My breath catches in my throat as he kisses me harder. I hate to say it but my lips start moving against his. I can't help the undeniable amount of desire running through every nerve in my body. No, it's only the stupid sparks. Why are the sparks still there? His lips go down to my neck.

“I can make you feel so good, Elora,” Joel whispers, his hot breath travelling right through my ear making me shiver.

I squeeze my eyes shut trying to get a hold of myself. My wolf is approving this contact with Joel but I'm not. He has disrespected me too many times. He's coming to me now because I'm his last option. If I'm not his first, I don't want to be anything to him. As hard as this choice is for my wolf, I make the decision to push him away, for good. Axe is the only one who deserves me.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Instead of going to class, I go home. I can't bear to be in such proximity to Joel after that kiss. I can't believe I let that happen. The way his lips felt on mine was so right. But I'm not going to be some worthless servant to Joel. If I gave in, the physical connection might be nice but that's the only positive we would have. Would he even go public with us being mates? Bottom line, he still thinks of me as the crossbred. I'm not going to stand for that. Not from him. Just because he's my mate doesn't give him any entitlement to me. Not after the rejection.

Regardless of the unpredictability of my relationship with Axe, I would rather be with him. He respects me. That's it. That's what I want. Respect. And Axe is the only one who gives it to me. My soul lies with Axe; I know it does. But my wolf lies with Joel. How do I choose between my soul and my wolf? I'm broken and I have a feeling Axe can fix that. Yet if I don't choose Joel, what will become of my wolf?

On my way home, my mind is going crazy and I don't even realise I've gotten in the driveway. Before I go inside I have to figure out if I should tell Axe about the kiss. He respects me so I owe him the same, which includes not lying to him. Keeping my abuse secrets is different to lying. This lying has to do with cheating. I have to be honest. But what if he kicks me out? What if he realises I'm not in with him a hundred percent?

My heart beats out of my chest as I walk inside. As I come to the living room, a beautiful woman is sitting on the couch. My stomach turns. Is she... who... did Axe sleep with her? I know I just kissed my mate but this woman is in Axe's house, looking comfortable. Did he change his mind? Does he want someone else? Did he somehow find out about Joel and me? I must have made a noise because she turns to look at me.

“Hi, you must be Elora,” she says enthusiastically with a great smile, standing up and walking over to me, even shaking my hand.

“Umm...” I stammer.