Page 14 of Shattered Mates

You can pretend you’re fine all you want, but our mate knows what it means to experience trauma, my wolf finally speaks up.

It’s felt so long since we’ve had steady communication that I almost forgot we could speak with each other.

What do you mean? I ask, wondering if he somehow knows something that I don’t.

I mean that we’re not okay, he states. Being reunited with Jules has dulled our pain, but we were ready to die before she showed up. That’s not something you just get over. What we’ve had to do to survive since leaving isn’t something that we will soon forget. Be prepared for the chance that things may get worse before they get better.

I shake my head. That can’t be right. I made it home. I deserve to be with my mate. I deserve some fucking peace.

Yet, the way my rage just spiked, I can’t help but wonder if he’s right.

I don’t want to talk about this right now, I say. Let me have tonight.

He quiets, and I reach for Jules, needing her touch more than ever.

She looks up at me and smiles, sending my heart into my throat. She takes away every bit of pain and panic with just one look, scattering any of the lingering shadows from within my mind. I don’t know how I went so long without her or could forget her, but I won’t make that mistake again. Not for anyone or anything.

“Everyone ready?” Aunt Andie asks, nudging me back to the present.

Without looking away from my mate, I nod. “Let’s get this over with.”

“Dawsyn promised it wouldn’t be more than her and Cillian when we get there.”

I hope she’s right.

My aunt grabs each of our arms, and the world falls out from beneath me for a few beats before I feel the earth under my feet again.

Taking a deep inhale, I sigh. Home.

I might not have ever officially lived here, but I’ve always known I’d end up in Texas. As much as I love my parents, being back east was never where I belonged.

Before I can really get my bearings, I’m ripped from Jules’ side and tackled to the ground. “River!” Dawsyn is on top of me, her arms locked around my waist and her face buried against my chest. “I missed you so fucking much.”

I manage to free an arm and rub a hand over her back. “I missed you, too.”

I catch Jules grinning from above us. At least she isn’t jealous. Though, I know if another man was hugging her like this—even if he was her best friend—someone would need to be holding me back.

Dawsyn finally releases me, and when I can see her face, her eyes are red and puffy. I knew I’d made her cry earlier, but hearing and seeing her pain are two very different things.

“I’m here and I’m okay,” I tell her softly. Even though my reassurances don’t feel like enough, they’re all I have to offer at the present.

She nods and swallows thickly. “It’s just been a lot.”

“Tell me about it.”

We get up and she says, “Why don’t you tell us about it?”

“Maybe he should get some rest,” Jules says. “You have a room for him inside still, and I can bring some of his things over.”

My gaze locks on hers and I open my mouth, but words escape me. How could she not want me by her side? Even just the idea that my mate doesn’t want my company sends a jolt of cold dread through my veins.

Even Dawsyn stutters over her words. “If that’s what you want, River.”

No, it’s not what I want, but I’m still staring at Jules and more confused than ever.

Cillian steps in, pulling Dawsyn from my side. “How about we give them time to sort things out, and everyone can catch up in the morning?”

“That’s a great idea,” Aunt Andie says. “I’m staying here tonight, River. I’ll give you a magical checkup when you’ve had some rest.”

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