Page 29 of Destined Mate

I couldn’t see him as my mate.

Further, I’d never seen any indication he loved me like that, except for the stares he’d been giving me lately, but even those seemed contrived.

“Really?” he asked with surprise. “You think it involves a long conversation?”

Of course he’d assumed I would jump to say yes. Typical arrogant man. But I couldn’t risk hurting his feelings. I had to reject him in a way that wouldn’t put me on his shit list. “Yes, it does. And one you need to reflect on further. The entire pack views me as worthless…a waste of space. I’m a wolf who can’t shift or link with anyone else, and you’re an alpha and future adviser. You need a strong female wolf next to you to strengthen your standing, not hurt it.”

“You’re who Ineedbeside me,” he insisted.

“That’s why we don’t need to talk about this right now.” Pressure built in my head. “Aligning with me isn’t best for your future.”

He growled in frustration. “I’ve thought about it, but I’ll drop it for tonight. I understand that you want to make sure it’s the best move for me.”

Some of the weight rolled from my body. As I’d hoped, he hadn’t taken it as me refusing him.

I didn’t like admitting it, but mating with him would offer me a certain level of protection. Not all-encompassing—the pack would still resent me and harass me—but not in front of Theo like they did with Zeke. But I refused to mate with someone just for protection. I didn’t need him—or anyone, for that matter—despite what they all thought.

I yawned, and my eyes grew heavy.

He sighed. “I better let you go. You’ve had a rough twenty-four hours.”

It was hard to believe that only a day had passed. My life had changed entirely. For once, someone was protecting me from my pack. “Yeah, it has been, and I still need to call my parents and Stevie.”

“Yeah, you do. They’ve been worried about you as well.”

I didn’t doubt that. Stevie loved me—we were truly sisters—but Pearl probably loved having me away. Mom and Dad treated me well and cared, but it was clear I was adopted.

“Just…don’t get too comfortable there,” he added.

My shoulders tensed. That felt like a warning. Usually, Theo didn’t say shit for the hell of it. “Don’t worry. I’m not.”

“Okay. Good night, Callie. See you soon.” The line went dead.

That had been a bizarre conversation. I stared at the white ceiling so hard that my eyes blurred. My life was getting more complicated. Theo wanted to claim me, and I wasn’t sure how to get out of it. It wasn’t that I was waiting for my fated mate—they weren’t rare, but they weren’t easy to find, either. Most people settled for a chosen mate, which was what Theo wanted, but I at least wanted love.

Between my injuries and the call with Theo, I wasn’t up for calling my parents, but I couldn’tnotcommunicate with them…not after how I’d left.

Creating a group chat with them and Stevie, I shot off a message.

Me: Sorry I didn’t text or call earlier. I’ve been sleeping all day, and I’m on the mend. I’ll give you a call tomorrow. I hope all is well.

Stevie: Thanks for messaging. We were worried. Everything is fine, and Zeke is keeping his promise. Get some rest. We miss you. <3

My eyes burned from her sweet, quick reply. I closed out the text and pulled up my music app, then peacefully drifted off to songs with lyrics that meant so much to me.

* * *

A bird chirped,overpowering my music, and sunlight hit my face. My eyes fluttered open, and I blinked, taking in an unfamiliar room.

When I shook my head to clear it, the motion made my ribs throb, bringing me firmly into the present.

I glanced toward the smaller deck where the sun broke through the blinds. The scent of cinnamon rolls, sausage, and eggs greeted my nose.

Gingerly, I reached for my phone and muted the music, revealing the faint sound of dishes rattling below. Noises I would’ve slept through if it hadn’t been for whatever bird was loudly serenading me outside the door.

My stomach growled. Lately, I was always hungry.

I took my time standing and sighed with relief. My ribs actually seemed better, but it still hurt to breathe.

---