Page 92 of Wolf Mate

I glanced at the ceiling, trying to keep myself from sobbing. “Then why does he letherdo it? And he ignores me when they’re together.”

Lucy took my hand and led me to the couch. I sat down, and she turned her body toward me.

“The five of us grew up together, and Josie’s parents are Raffe’s parents’ best friends.” Lucy clasped her hands together. “They’ve always been close, and in high school, Raffe had problems with all the human girls wanting to date him, so they came up with the plan to have Josie pretend to be his girlfriend.” She rubbed her palms on her jeans. “They’ve been pretending since the eleventh grade, and Raffe isn’t willing to tell anyone about you two. So …” She trailed off and cringed.

“He’s keeping up the ruse.” I laughed bitterly. “Great. That’s just swell.” I sniffled, my nose stuffy from holding back tears.

“Look, I know it hurts, and it doesn’t seem this way now, but hehasbeen shrugging off her touches, and I can see how uncomfortable he is with her attention.” Lucy sighed.

I bit the inside of my cheek. “That doesn’t make it okay. If I did something like that with Slade, or even Adam, he’d come unglued.”

She nodded. “You’re right.” Then her eyes glowed. “He’s on his way up here.”

That was my cue to head to my room … alone. “Tell him that my outburst with Dave exhausted me and I went to bed.” I needed space, and I couldn’t think straight around him.

“Okay.”

I forced a smile and wiped away another tear. “Thanks. And please don’t say anything about me being upset.” The last thing I wanted to do was cause things to be more difficult for Raffe.

She saluted me. “You got it.”

I rushed into my room and locked the door. I’d never handled a problem like this before, but I was certain of one thing: When I did date someone, they wouldn’t be ashamed of me. I’d felt unworthy enough my whole life, and at some point, I had to start loving myself.

I put in my earbuds, turned on music, and lay down. Closing my eyes, I wished like hell sleep would come.

I’d been driftingfor a while when my phone buzzed. I glanced at the message, hoping pathetically that it was from Raffe. It was near ten p.m., and I hadn’t heard a peep from him. It didn’t surprise me—if he thought I was asleep, he wouldn’t chance waking me, knowing I needed rest after my encounter with Dave. But it wasn’t him.

Slade: Hey, I know it’s late. Mom thought tonight would be a good night for you to visit the coven library, but it’s off if you tell Raffe.

My pulse raced, and I sat up. Slade had mentioned that he’d try to set this up, but I’d never expected it to happen. The slight nap I’d taken was enough for me to be alert now.

Me: I’m in. Where do I meet you?

Slade: Behind the men’s residence hall. I’ll come from the library to meet you.

Interesting. That was in the direction of where the bonfire had been held. I’d expected the coven library to be behind the apartments where he and I often trained.

Me: Give me twenty.

After running a brush through my hair and changing into a thicker sweater, I headed downstairs, and when I exited the elevator, Raffe was standing in the lobby in front of the door. His eyes snapped to me, and he immediately pulled me into his arms. “Hey, I’ve been gathering the nerve to come to your room and talk to you.”

Like always, my anger and annoyance vanished. His touch had a way of making me feel safe and loved. It was when he wasn’t touching me that was the problem. “What are you doing out here? You could’ve texted or called me.”

“I know, but I needed to talk to you, and I was afraid you wouldn’t answer the door. Babe, I’m so damn sorry.” He pulled back, cupping my face. “I’ve been beside myself all night. I’m such a jackass.”

I inhaled his scent and forced myself to step back. “What do you mean?” I didn’t want to assume he’d figured out what had upset me.

“It was the second time that put it into perspective.” He bit his bottom lip. “Seeing how hurt you were when Josie jumped onmy back. I felt uncomfortable with it, but until I saw your face, I didn’t realize how badly it was hurting you. I was stupid.”

Okay, so he did have a clue. “Look, I get that you and Josie are friends, and I don’t want to come between that, but when you two are together, it’s like you’re withherand not me. You sit next to her and have private conversations with her, and she constantly touches you like I want to do.” My chest tightened. “I—”

“It won’t happen anymore.” He pulled me to his chest. “I swear it. You’re theonlywoman who will touch me, and I’ll make sure you’re the one who feels special, not hurt.”

I tilted my head. “But you don’t want anyone to know about me.”

“I’m still figuring that out, but I’ll tell Josie we need to cut the act.” He kissed my lips. “I’d rather deal with that fallout than see you hurt like that again.”

Even though part of my heartlovedhis answer, the other part was in agony. He still didn’t want his closest friends to know he was with me. I wondered if whatever we had had been doomed from the start.

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