Page 69 of Forced Knocked-Up Mate

She glares at me, and I see the glow of her wolf shimmering in her eyes. “Then throw down, newbie. But remember the pack rules.”

I close my eyes and look away. The horrible feeling in my guts is getting worse, and I know I can’t keep running from it. I have to face it.

“I do not wish to fight you, Luna,” I say.

“Good,” Fiona says. “Tell me why you didn’t leave Lucy, even though you could have.”

“I thought we were still tethered, so I didn’t…” But as I start to speak, Fiona glares at me even harder, and I know she won’t be satisfied by a surface answer. I sigh, closing my eyes.

“Because I didn’t want to,” I grumble.

“Sorry? I didn’t hear that.”

“Because I didn’t want to.”

“One more time?”

“BECAUSE I DIDN’T WANT TO!” my voice comes roaring out of my throat. My hands clench so hard on my mug of cider, it shatters all over my lap.

When I look up at Fiona, she’s grinning. Her eyes are still hard but dancing with mischief.

“There you are,” she says. “Was that really so difficult?”

“It really was,” I groan.

“So, what were you doing up on the mountain sending distress calls if you know you love Lucy?”

“I ran,” I answer, shaking my head. “I had to. It doesn’t matter what I feel. She doesn’t want me.”

“What in holy fucking hell gave you that idea?” Fiona demands. “She adores you!”

“So why did she act like she wanted the tether broken?” I snap. “Ever since she heard her mentor was coming, she’s been all distant and cold. I figured she couldn’t wait to get rid of me.”

“Lord,” Fiona mumbles, pressing her palm to her forehead. “I’m sorry, Peter, but this is ridiculous. She loves you. I know she does.”

“So, why—”

“Look, I can’t speak for her,” Fiona cuts me off. “All she did was tell me how she felt, that she wants you, but she’s afraid you don’t want her. The two of you need to have a conversation about this.”

“Yeah,” I say, nodding and sighing. “But does it have to be now? I’m exhausted… and I’m not sure I can talk to Lucy right now.”

Fiona rubs my arm, giving me a sympathetic look. I don’t want to tell her that I’m ashamed of the way I left—not even acknowledging Lucy’s tears or pain as I fled into the woods.

Far better if Fiona believes I’m just awkward and stressed.

“Stay with us a couple of days,” she says. “Take a rest, and return to her when you know what you want to say.”

“Thanks, Fiona,” I say.

Even if I have forever to think about it, I won’t know what I want to say to Lucy.

Chapter 23 - Lucy

Amanda doesn’t let go of my hand the whole way home. I’m shivering so badly, I can barely walk, and it isn’t just because of the blizzard blowing down from the peaks.

As we reach the backyard, I think I hear the baying of wolves, and I pause to look back up the mountain. All I can see is the thick, swirling clouds of snow and the chips of ice raining down on us ahead of the blizzard.

I walk into the living room, barely aware of Amanda hurrying around the house and making sure the windows and curtains are shut. I find my bottle of tequila and sit down on the couch, wrapping one of Peter’s blankets around me.

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