Page 30 of The Alpha's Forced Rejected Mate

“Ah, then it’s settled.”

“Nothing is ever settled between us, Cliff. Don’t you know that by now?”

I stood next to her with spaghetti legs for a second as I adjusted to my new height in the world. Around me was Bangor, a magnificent little town with sprightly lights and an admirable population of generous humans. I didn’t make it a habit of getting familiar with human towns, but Bangor had been different. People here were just nice.

“You know, this place isn’t bad,” I commented, “for being human-centered.”

“Guys in town love sharing their goods.”

I laughed. “Goddess, that just sounds filthy.”

“Eh, it could be filthy. Could just be cigarettes.’

“I’d much rather focus on you than some filthy dudes offering theirgoods.”

She peered up at me, lightly kissing her cheeks and enhancing her smile. “Do you remember when you ditched me up here?”

My heart sank. “I’m afraid I don’t, no.”

She got a faraway look in her eyes as she looked out at the city with her arms snug across her chest. Flannel cotton fluttered around her pockets as her hair splashed across her face. She shoved it out of the way. “I waited all night for you.”

“I can’t believe anyone would do that.”

“You were worth doing it for at the time.”

I snickered awkwardly. “Hard to believe that, too.”

She grabbed my hand. “Why? Do you think you’re hard to love?”

Thoughts raced through my brain as my heart chugged ahead of me like a train speeding off the tracks. I was sure to crash if I kept staring down at Robyn with such an abjectly sorrowful frown. “No, it’s not that.”

“Then, why did you leave me for so long?”

“I just couldn’t be with one person.”

She snorted while releasing my hand. “Yeah, that tracks for you.”

“Listen, Robyn,” I said while capturing her hand. She fought to take it back, but I doubled down on my grip, keeping her locked to my side. “Stop pushing me away. Stop fighting me.I’m not leaving you this time.”

She halted with tears in her eyes, the droplets like diamonds decorating her eyelids with how the light illuminated her face. I cupped her cheeks and held her tenderly, ignoring the voice in the back of my head that tried to convince me to runaway from her. I did it before. I could easily do it again. This time, I could stay away for four or five years. And what would bring me back? The news of her falling ill? Hitting her head? Getting hospitalized?

I closed my eyes while resting my forehead against hers. “No, I can’t. I won’t. I’m not going anywhere, Robyn. You can’t push me away.”

“I’m not pushing you away.” She shoved her hands against my chest as she sniffled. “I don’t…I can’t…”

I hugged her. “I’m sorry. I’m such an idiot for leaving you so long. Goddess, Robyn, forgive me for doing that. I’m never doing it again. I promise.”

“How do I know you mean it this time?”

“Because I’m going to challenge your Alpha,” I stated proudly, “and I’m going to win. I’m going to become your next Alpha. I’ll make you proud to be my mate.”

Her next shuddering breath nearly shattered me. As I held her tight against the biting breeze, I observed the city, the place that I could call home if I gave up my place back in West Virginia. I didn’t blame her for doubting my intentions. Three years had passed without a word, without any sign of me caring for her well-being.

“I should have called,” I told her, “and I should have told Bill to shove it.”

She laughed. “He would have punched you.”

“You’re worth taking a punch for.”

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