Page 6 of Forgotten Mate

“I see.”

“Is that a problem?” Zenia asked.

“The longer the spell goes on, the strongerit gets. Throw dark magic in there, and, well, it’s not going towant to give you up.”

Greyden frowned. “Can you remove it?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “I hope so.There might be a potion I can brew, but it needs a couple of hoursto ferment.”

“All right,” he said. “The sooner thebetter.”

“Zenia, perhaps you can talk to him. Remindhim of your bond. It might help.”

He looked at Zenia. “Would you mind talkingwith me?”

“I don’t know,” she whispered.

“Please. I think we’re both victimshere.”

She was the victim. Not him. How doesa man of his strength and power consider himself a victim? Shecouldn’t look at him. Wasn’t able to look anyone in the eye. It wastoo much. Too many people staring at her with pity in their eyes.The walls started to cave in on her. Turning, she fled, needingspace. Needing to get away from all of them. She ran to the woodsand slipped under the cool canopy of trees. Running until her lungsburned, she found herself in a clearing. Zenia dropped her kneesand that’s when she broke down, losing the grip on her emotions.Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she knelt there, dragging thecrisp air into her lungs.

“Please don’t cry.”

Startled, she gave a little screech andspun, toppling off her knees. Greyden rushed forward to help herand soon as their skin touched, a lightning bolt shot through herbody. He jerked his hands away and looked down at them.

“What was that?”

“You know what that was,” Zenia whispered.“Only true mates have attraction like that.”

He curled his hands into fists and loweredhimself onto the ground. They stared at one another. His jawflexed, as if trying to hold back his rage.

“Tell me how we met.”

His voice was different, and she realized hewas in alpha mode. She just stared at him, waiting. He was hermate, and as such couldn’t compel her to do anything. After amoment, he closed his eyes, shoulders slumping.

“Please,” he begged.

“The day was like this one…”

Chapter Four

Five Years Ago

Greyden bought caramel apples for them andhanded over hers.

“I love these,” she said.

“So do I.” He took a deep bite, causing hischeek to puff out.

She laughed but did the same thing. Itdidn’t take long for them to finish their sticky treat, and theyran over to the restrooms to wash their hands. Once clean again, heheld out his hand and she entwined their fingers.

“Is it always like this between mates?” sheasked.

“I’m not sure but my parents can’t keeptheir hands off each other. Isn’t it the same for yours?”

“My parents probably shouldn’t have beenmates,” she admitted. “They fight all the time.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” He pulled her to astop. “I promise we won’t be like that. I’ve just met you but Ialready am falling for you. And we both like caramel apples, so wehave that going for us.”

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