Page 3 of Masked Fate

Soren is a wild card—you never know what side of him you will get. He is a heartbreaker and a manwhore but also the chilled-out, funny one. He has a wicked sense of humor, at least for anyone who isn’t me. He’s a good man. A warrior. He’s the one who makes people feel comfortable, but he also has a temper and likes being in control. No, not like—he needs it. I’ve heard whispers about what he prefers in the bedroom. He’s dominant as fuck and treats his females like his own personal playthings.

And above all, he hates me.

“And what are you doing about your mate situation?” she asks, twirling her fingers around the end of her long braid. She’s beautiful, with almond-shaped hazel eyes and a figure females would die for.

“The same as the last time you asked. I’m doing nothing,” I reply, pursing my lips.

Yeah, she knows my darkest secret, all right.

“Pandora…”

“It is what it is,” I murmur.

She hesitates for a few moments before speaking, “You know, I love Soren, and I don’t mean to be a petty bitch, but I think you need to teach him a lesson. Kiss someone. Fuck someone. Enjoy your life. He doesn’t deserve you to be loyal to him with the way he treats you.”

“I haven’t been loyal. I gave August my virginity, remember?”

“Well, go and climb back on him then because you deserve to have someone worshiping you, and unless you are going to tell Soren the truth, he’s going to continue to be a dick.”

Speaking of the devil, Soren appears as if summoned, his twin swords strapped to his back. Lately, he’s been favoring those instead of his usual short swords. He’s wearing all black witha tunic that shows off his smooth, tanned chest and his sleeves rolled up to expose his corded forearms.

I want to trace the veins along there with my tongue.

“My queen,” Soren greets Astrid, his words formal, but the gentle touch he gives her cheek, anything but. I know they are close, but I can’t help but feel a dash of jealousy that hits me every time I see how caring and loving he is with her. The burning sensation in my chest isn’t new, but it still makes it difficult for me to breathe.

He dips his head at me. His gray eyes, shaded in dark, heavy lashes, only land on me for a split second, and I’m lucky even to get that.

Astrid’s eyes flash to mine in sympathy, but she doesn’t say anything. I know she wants to, but she won’t for my sake. “Soren, where have you been?”

He runs his tongue over his upper lip, which is slightly fuller than his bottom, then smirks. “Was getting some cardio in as a warmup.”

Astrid winces slightly and closes her eyes before taking a deep breath. “Soren—”

“Fucking, then fighting. My life really doesn’t get any better than this.”

And mine clearly can’t get any worse.

I know Soren sleeps around, but he thinks he hasn’t met his mate yet, so I can’t blame him. I spent one night with August, Astrid’s best friend, and I felt so guilty that I couldn’t do it again.

Soren doesn’t know, but I do.

I might have had a night of physical satisfaction, but the Soren-shaped void is still there.

August wanted to keep seeing me, but I told him I couldn’t, no matter how good he was in bed. It also wasn’t fair to him.

Soren is his friend, and the whole situation is fucking messy.

I keep digging myself deeper into this pit of lies I’ve createdfor myself.

“Well, I’m glad you are having such a good day,” Astrid replies in a dry tone, clearing her throat. Her eyes drop to the necklace I’m wearing—the black diamond that masks the bond between Soren and me. “You know, Pandora, August was asking about you the other day.”

“Was he?” I reply, my brow furrowing.

What is she playing at here?

Soren swings his gaze back to me, his brows arching. “Hope he knows what he’s getting into with a witch.”

Astrid’s head snaps back to him. “Excuse me? Apologize, Soren. Not all witches are evil. Pandora is one of my closest friends, and I trust her with my life.”

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