Page 110 of The Wolf Prince's Mate

My eyes stung as I reached the elevator, and I wiped them with the back of my hand.

It was fine.

He had to do what he felt was right, the same way I did.

I stepped inside, turning around and waiting.

The doors started to close.

Just before they shut all the way, Clay appeared in the hallway. His expression was dark, but he stopped the doors and slipped inside with me.

Neither of us said anything as the elevator started to rise.

Finally, Clay spoke in a low voice. “I have to leave afterward, but I can’t let you go through this alone.”

I didn’t say anything.

I wasn’t sure what to say, honestly.

The elevator reached the right floor, and I started to go. Before I made it out, Clay hit the button to lock the doors in place, and grabbed my face. He kissed me hard, with no fangs, this time. Just desperation.

“I’m sorry,” he said against my lips, when he finally pulled away. “I wish things were different. I wishIwas different.”

“I don’t,” I said honestly.

His chest rumbled unhappily, and his wolf flashed in his eyes.

He really had no idea how often the beast was at the surface when he was with me. None at all. If he did, he would’ve ditched me long ago.

I slipped down the hallway, headed for the Lodge’s hospital room. Clay followed me silently.

Olive was already sprawled out on the bed with her eyes closed when we got there. Aspen and Enzo occupied chairs nearby, and Aspen stood when we stepped in.

“Are you sure?” she asked me.

“Would you let someone else turn Fletcher for you?” I asked.

Her eyes darkened. “Of course not.”

“Exactly. I’m sure.”

“I’m not getting any healthier over here,” Olive mumbled. “Let’s get this over with.”

Clay growled behind me, but everyone ignored him. Except Olive, who peeked at him with one eye before she closed it again.

“We’re not concerned about that, right?” she asked.

“No. He’s leaving me as soon as I’ve recovered anyway.” I smoothed Olive’s hair away from her face.

Clay snarled, and I heard Aspen make a noise of surprise.

“What does she mean?” Aspen whispered to Clay.

“My wolf claimed her. I’m notleaving her. I just can’t stay,” he gritted out. “He could kill her.”

“A wolf can’t kill his mate,” Enzo growled back. “Where are you going? And for how long?”

Olive started coughing again, and I knew it was time to get going.

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