Page 59 of The Wolf Prince's Mate

I snorted. “I’ve had a dozen conversations about it with him. He wanted you. It was the mate bond he didn’t, and still doesn’t, want.”

“I don’t think I believe you.”

“You could ask him. I’m sure he’d tell you.”

“We don’t talk unless it’s about—” She cut herself off before she could finish.

“Your dates?” I drawled.

She grimaced. “He told you?”

“Yes. I met one of yourboyfriends.” The last word came out with a growl

Slowly, she released my cock. “They’re not my boyfriends. And it’s not ideal, but it would mean freedom. I’ve met a few decent guys so far. I like them enough.”

“You can’t mate with someone youlike enough, Nova. That’s bullshit, and you know it.”

“What do you think I should do, then?” She lifted her gaze to mine, defiance in her eyes. “I’m in danger as long as I’m unmated. Even if my stalker is gone, Hunter’s wolf is going to keep being obsessive and insane until I’m paired off. I’m going to lose my mind if I keep spending heat alone. I have to pick someone, whether I like it or not.”

“I would protect you,” I countered. “I would spend heat with you. I would help you get Hunter’s wolf to see that there won’t ever be anything between you.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“I could never offer a mate bond, because of my wolf, but I can do friends with benefits.”

She stared at me for a long moment. Finally, she let out a long breath. “I’ll think about it. Now’s not a good time for me to make decisions.”

She was right.

I shouldn’t have brought it up at all while she was recovering from the trauma of that night, but I wanted her too badly to let the conversation go by without making sure she knew it was an option.

A good one, even if I couldn’t give her everything.

“We’ll table it until you’re feeling better.”

She nodded. “Can you help me get the blood and dirt off? My hand is kind of toast right now.”

“Of course. How bad is the pain?”

“It’s not that bad.”

“Liar.” I started washing her back with the bar of soap in my shower.

“It doesn’t do any good to complain about it.”

“I’m the one who asked. Answering and complaining are hardly the same.”

“Fine, it hurts. I’m already regretting letting my wolf soak this thing.” She waved her braced arm.

“I’ll get someone to bring you a dry one.”

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t need someone to deliver it. I can go get it.”

“From the sound of it, there are quite a few men who would be willing to deliver things for you.”

Her cheeks reddened slightly. “Shut up, Savage. None of them actually want to mate with me because of who I am. They just want to be mated to a born female werewolf, so their kids can be as gigantic and vicious as you and your brothers.”

I chuckled. “We are fairly well-known for our size and blood-thirst.”

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