Page 25 of Alpha's Rejected Mate

“No, I’m not going anywhere. I know I fucked up. I know that’s on me, and there is no way for me to fix this, back at my pack.” He took a step toward her and where she had her hand on the doorframe, he placed his over it. “And I’m not going to back down. I’m not going to give up. You’re my woman, Harper. You’re my mate, and one day you will forgive me.” He held onto the door, and knew he took her by surprise when he brushed his lips against hers.

It wasn’t the bruising, passionate kiss he’d hoped to give her, but for now it would have to do.

Chapter Eight

“You can be pissed at me all you want, but Mateo needed to know the truth, and I’m not the one who showed him that picture. Dad was.”

Harper rubbed at her temple.

Mateo had shown up for work, it was now lunchtime, and he’d offered to get himself, Franny, and Harper lunch. He’d been gone ten minutes. She’d waited until he had left before confronting her best friend.

“I can’t believe he would do that,” Harper said.

“Look, you and I both know you were in a bad way, and it had everything to do with Mateo. It wasn’t anyone else’s fault but his. We all know that,” Franny said. “Why are you so upset?”

“Because…” She didn’t have anything to add. Her lips still tingled from the kiss he’d given her the previous night, and she wasn’t feeling too happy about it. She shouldn’t be getting kisses, or feelings. She had to push Mateo away.

“Because?” Franny asked.

“It wasn’t his place to know. He was the one who pushed me aside like I didn’t matter. He didn’t care what he did then, and I don’t think he should be told what happened in-between.”

“Ah, so you’re being stubborn. I get it.”

“I’m not being stubborn. Mateo didn’t need to know.”

Franny’s brows rose up.

Harper rolled her eyes.

“Why do I even bother?” she asked.

“Well, I could also ask that, and besides, you can act that way if you like, but we both know you’ve got a thing for your mate,” Franny said.

Harper had been happy to go back to her desk and look over the upcoming order of new products. She’d been sent a list of what was new and what to expect by several of her distributors.

She spun back toward Franny. “What?”

“Are you going to tell me, Harper dear, that you are not a little curious about your mate?”

“No, I’m not.” Yet, the words felt like a lie as soon as she said them.

Franny tutted.

“The full moon is in less than a week, and I’ve already noticed the way you look toward your mate. Have you?” Franny asked.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Of course not, because then you’d have to admit you’re not half as stubborn as you think you are.” Once again, Franny gave that tut. “I wonder how that would feel? Not being so stubborn.”

“I thought you were meant to be my friend.”

“I am your friend.”

“Then why are you fighting me on this?” Harper asked. “Why are you trying to make me forgive him?”

“I’m not trying to make you forgive him, stupid. I’m trying to make you see reason. I’m trying to make you understand that this time next week, you and him, and your wolves, might have done some serious fucking. Seven years’ worth.”

“He banished me.”

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