Page 30 of Dante's Circle Reborn

“I’m in no position to find my other half. My mate,” she said quickly, looking down at her hands.

“I don’t think I’m in that position either.”

The words were soft, yet she felt as if he’d shouted them, the blow shocking.

“Oh,” she said, her voice a whisper.

“But I don’t think anyone is truly looking when it happens, are they?”

Her gaze shot up.

“I don’t know what this means, I don’t know what any of this means. But why don’t you tell me first why the gorgons are after you. And why you were hiding in Dante’s bar.”

“I wasn’t really hiding,” she lied.

“I’ve been a soldier for over two centuries, almost three. I have seen more war and bloodshed than you could imagine. I know when someone is hiding.”

Her head snapped up. “Don’t tell me what I can imagine.”

He nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Humans live but a fraction of our time, and yet they have eons of heartache in those moments. I shouldn’t disregard your feelings because of your age.”

“Thank you. Because you don’t know what I’ve seen.”

“Maybe one day you’ll tell me.”

Maybe one day she would. And perhaps one day she’d figure out exactly why she wanted to tell him. Why she wanted to divulge the secrets that she should hide.

“You should tell me why the gorgons are after you. It’ll help us figure things out.”

“Byus,do you mean you and me? Because I can do it myself. I’ve been doing just fine on my own.”

“You have. You’re alive.”

“Are you placating me?”

He shook his head. “No, Iknow. Those three gorgons were strong, warriors of your people. And I’m sure there are probably others after you. Am I right?”

She nodded.

“And you have survived. That counts for so much more than you think.”

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m just so tired.”

“I’ve been there. Tired, weary.”

She swallowed hard, hating the fact that he could understand when she didn’t even get it herself. “How did you get better?”

“I found a purpose.”

“And what is that?”

He smiled then, laughter filling his eyes. It made him even more handsome. “I found a job. I work for the Alpha of the lion realm.”

Her gaze widened. “Not the jaguars?”

He shook his head. Sadness washed over him, and she wanted to reach out, but she didn’t know him. She had to remind herself that. She didn’t have that right.

“Malik has been my friend for over a century, though it feels like far longer. When he needed help protecting his mate and child, I stepped in. I had been on my own for a while. I wasn’t part of the jaguars anymore,” he whispered, and she knew there was more to the story.

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