Page 49 of Midnight Mate
“What?” She stared at me like I was crazy. Maybe I was.
“Come with me,” I repeated. “When I leave.” I grabbed her hand. Held it tight. “Let’s see where this goes. Away from here. Together.”
She yanked her hand free. “I can’t go with you. That’s crazy.”
“It’s not crazy. You want me. I want you.” My wolf needs to claim you. “Come with me.”
“East, the clinic.”
“There are clinics everywhere. You’ll get a job.”
“It’s not just a job.” Her voice had hardened. I tried to figure out what I’d said wrong because based on the way she’d just shut down, I’d definitely fucked up. “That clinic belongs to me. I own it.”
I blinked. “I didn’t realize. That’s amazing.”
“It passed to me when my parents died last year. You know, the funeral you never showed up for.”
“Cat, I’m sorry. I didn’t know, or I would have been here. But the clinic...” I tried to get back on even footing. “That’s great.”
“It’s been a mess,” she said, not giving an inch. “They were in a lot of debt.”
“I didn’t realize.”
“You didn’t ask.”
“I . . .”
“You also didn’t ask why I live with a roommate. Or why I chose to sell my parents’ house, the only place that I ever knew as home. In case you’re wondering, I was forced to sell.”
“What? Cat, I—”
“My parents’ car accident was tragic and untimely, but it was also expensive. Between medical bills, burials, and their terrible money management skills, they left me alone. In debt. With a flailing business. And just when I think I’m treading water again, you show up. And I’m drowning.”
When I reached for her, she scooted away, creating a distance between us I felt in my bones.
“You’re right. I’ve been so wrapped up in my personal drama. Coming back here fucked with my head in a lot of ways, and I haven’t been a good friend to you in all this. I haven’t stopped to think about what you’ve been through. All I can ask is that you forgive me.”
She didn’t answer. Instead, she stood and I braced myself for her to walk out.
Fear crept in, and my wolf snarled at me for my stupidity.
If I lost her now, it was my own damn fault.
“Cat.” I looked right at her, uncaring if she saw my fear right now.
“I forgive you.” Her lip trembled and she exhaled. “Of course I forgive you, East. I love you.”
I closed the distance before she could take it back.
My mouth crashed against hers, claiming and taking and—
I broke off, determined to do this right.
“I’ve never stopped thinking about you,” I whispered.
“Me neither,” she admitted.
I held her gaze with mine and slowly lifted my hand to cup her cheek. She leaned into my touch, eyes closing in pleasure. It was all the encouragement I needed.
