“I’m sorry,” he spoke and took another step closer to her. He seemed to check himself and took two back.
“I met your brother the other day.”
“What?” she spat out. “He didn’t tell me.”
“I asked him not to. I thought it best I talk to you myself.”
“Ok.”
Zain seemed really nervous to her. He didn’t have any of the confident air that he used to have when he was around her. He appeared to be in direct conflict with himself. His body leaned toward her when he spoke, but he kept himself rigid and away from her in another instant. It was as though, when he spoke, he couldn’t concentrate on staying away from her, but the second he listened, his mind took over and he withdrew from her.
“Why did you go? Was it because of your parents?”
“Partly. I realized something when they died.” He looked past her when he spoke. It was subtle, but she picked up on it. “I was no longer in love with you. I should never have slept with you for that reason, and I’m sorry. You gave me a great gift with your virginity, and I selfishly took it. I should’ve left before then.”
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. He was in love with her when they’d slept together. She’d felt it in every move that he’d made. Had she been dreaming it? Had the reality of that day become clouded over the years with her fantasies of what it meant? No, he loved her.
“I’ve moved on.”
“You’ve met someone else,” she painfully uttered.
“Yes.” He took his time over the words.
“Liar,” she spoke in a tone laced with anger, this time. He was a coward and weaving stories. Zain’s eyes darkened.
“I don’t care if you think I’m lying or not. I came here, out of respect for what we once had, to tell you to move on and stop wasting your life like a love-struck teenager. I fucked you. It passed the time, and I’ve moved on and found a real woman now. Grow up and go back in there and fuck Ian or whatever his name is. I’m never coming back for you, so stop dreaming.” His voice broke on the last few words. He was trying to be strong, but she saw through him in an instant. Why was he doing this? Why was he trying to hurt her this way when his entire body was struggling to stay away from her? He was still in love with her, she knew it. Anyone who looked at him would know it. It was fucking obvious. Oh god! It hit her like a ton of bricks. She’d been stupid over the years. It was obvious why he’d left her. Why hadn’t she seen it before? Zain turned to disappear back into the woods. He wasn’t going to get away this time, though.
“I know what you are!” she called out. He froze.
“I’m the man you thought you loved but were wrong for. I’m nothing but a bastard.” He turned back to face her with his schooled features glistening in the moonlight, which shone on him.
“No. You’re what my father fears.”
A flash of panic crossed his face but was quickly locked away. She was right. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Her chest heaved with the emotion coursing through her.
“Your father fears to lose his job. I don’t see how that’s relevant.”
“He’s scared of losing his job because everyone thinks he’s gone insane.” She was walking closer to Zain, now. He didn’t move; he was rooted to the spot by her determination. She stood up tall and looked him directly in the eyes. “The truth is shifters exist. You and I both know it because I’ve seen you change into a bear.”