Page 13 of Mismatched Mates

I laughed. "Definitely not. You're... challenging. In a good way."

She raised an eyebrow. "Careful, Elston. That almost sounded like a compliment."

Actually, it wasn’t far off one. There was a sameness to the kind of plastic beauty I’d been courting for the past few years, and while I wasn’t one to discriminate, there was something fresh about the honesty of her face. The barest of makeup, not trying to hide, letting her features do all the talking.

Deep brown eyes, framed by lashes that didn’t need any cosmetic help. A strong nose and chin, soft lips. But it was more than that. I'd been with countless beautiful women before, but something about Jane was different. It wasn't just her looks—it was the fire in her eyes, the sharp wit in her words, the strength in her presence.

Quietly confident. I liked that—and so did my wolf.

Easy, boy.

“What about you? I can't imagine you have trouble finding dates either?—"

“Let’s just cut to the chase. You’re a wolf,” she continued, gesturing at her chest. “I’m a bear. We both know this isn’t going to work.”

Maybe not as a romantic prospect, although I couldn’t deny the flare of attraction.

I sipped my Jack. “What’s your deal, then, Jane? Why areyoustill here?” I pressed.

She chewed on her lip, and I glanced down at the movement—the way her teeth pressed into her skin, the flush of bloodwhen she released it. Such a tempting woman stuck in such a tightly controlled package. It wasn’t right.

Cool it. This isn’t what you came here for.

“My ex-husband hates wolves,” she said. “And you’re a wolf.”

“I take it there's a story there?"

"Oh, you know," Jane waved her hand dismissively, but I caught a flash of hurt in her eyes. "The usual. Husband decides the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Turns out, it was just spray-painted."

I'm sorry," I said softly.

She shrugged, "Don't be. I'm not looking for pity. I'm looking for..." she paused, searching for the right word.

"Revenge?" I supplied.

"Justice," she corrected with a grin. "With a side of making him regret ever letting me go. And I need a date for my brother’s wedding.”

As I watched her, an idea began to form in my mind. "You know," I said slowly, "I might be able to help with that."

Jane tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "Oh? And how's that?"

I leaned forward, lowering my voice. "Well, as it happens, I could use a bit of help myself. My family's been on my case about settling down, improving my image. And I need a date to our company gala."

“You… need a date?” she repeated, voice doubtful.

“More specifically, he instructed me to go on this date and make an effort with you so I could have a steady, healthy-looking relationship for the gala.”

“Because of all your affairs,” she concluded, nodding.

“You really shouldn’t be throwing that word around.” I leaned forward, clasping my hands on the white tablecloth. “But yes, because for some reason the Herald has been running stories about my dating habits.”

“Prolific dating habits,” she amended, with another nod.

“Healthy.”

“You’re a serial dater. Admit it.”

“Nothing to deny, Miss Ex Avenger.” A spark of challenge leapt into her eyes. “But fine. I’ve enjoyed my time in the past. None of those women expected me to settle down and none of them wanted to settle down themselves. My father however, has decided that era needs to come to an end, and so now we’re here. Satisfied?”

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