Page 56 of His Sunshine Baby

“You don’t seem too happy about it.”

He’s right. I like those moments with Nate, but the more I see him, the more scared I get. I’m afraid of what’s to come, of the two of us betraying our promise to one another. It’s not only me; I’m aware that he doesn’t act simply as friends with benefits either. I don’t know what the exact rules are for these kinds of relationships, but I can tell Nate is going a bit overboard sometimes; it’s in the way we talk and how we interact.

And it terrifies me.

“Babe, talk to me,” says Danny.

“I’m fine. Things are fine with Nate.”

But he doesn’t believe me. After a second of hesitating, he finally speaks.

“Elena, I need to know if this is about Black, or…”

“Or what?”

He bites his lip, the same way I do when I am unsure what to say.

“Elena, I know the date is approaching.”

Shit, I didn’t want to think about that. The mere thought that my ex might come back is enough to drive me nuts. I don’t want to think about it. I put my cup down angrily and shake my head.

“Danny, please, don’t. I’m over it.”

“Elena, I don’t think you are. We need a real talk.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Babe.”

“Seriously, Danny, I can’t! Enough… I’m going to take a shower now.”

I’m sorry I yelled at him, but I just can’t. I get up and run to my room, closing the door a bit more violently than I intended to. Moon Goddess, I didn’t want to think about it. I wanted to forget and pretend it wouldn’t possibly happen.

This is driving me mad. I was feeling so good just a while ago in Nate’s arms, and now I’m back to thinking about my ex again. Why do I have to feel so helpless? I don’t want to fall in love again, and I don’t want to reminisce about what happened five years ago either!

Still upset, I grab whatever clothes I can find and hurry into the shower to avoid Daniel. I can hear him talking to Bobo outside, but I don’t listen and focus on the hot water. Don’t think about it, don’t think about it. This is over and he is not coming back.

About fifteen minutes later, I’m getting dressed in a tank top and denim overalls when I hear a soft knocking on my door.

“Babe. It’s not about your ex but I need to talk to you about something else. Can you come out? Please? I’m sorry, okay? I promise I won’t talk about that matter again.”

I sigh. It’s not like I can ever stay mad at Danny long anyway.

When I walk out of the bathroom, Danny is waiting for me, with a very sorry look on his face. I feel like I’m about to abandon a puppy.

“Alright, what is it?” I ask with a sigh.

“Come here.”

He takes my hand and pulls me to the couch so we can sit down. To my surprise, he takes out his phone, looking for something.

“So, you know how my brother often comes late to the Main House to give his report about the patrol to the Alpha? Well,when he came back last night, Levi heard the Alpha talking with Reagan. They were talking about you. Listen.”

What is this about? He plays an audio file, and after a few seconds of silence, I suddenly hear muffled voices. Someone manipulates the phone until we can actually hear properly. I instantly recognize my Alpha’s voice.

“… won’t be able to protect her, Reagan. I have to make a choice, and she won’t understand unless we tell her the truth.”

“I already said no, Clark!”

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