Page 108 of Big Bad Bully
My body goes rigid, ice stiffening my spine. I glance at the direction they took my father.
Did he hear? If he knows she’s my mate, he’ll try to kill her.
Once more, I’m in the woods. The hunter’s on his knees. My father presses a knife into my hand. I’m supposed to stab Aubrey.
No, not Aubrey.
It’s a wedding. She’s safe. She’s not in the woods on her knees.
“I think…I think things are really complicated.” I see a depth of sorrow in Aubrey’s eyes, but I don’t understand it.
I barely know where I am.
“Billy, I don’t even know if we’re in a relationship. I don’t think we are because if we were, we could work through this stuff together.”
Wait. What is she saying? I catch sadness in her scent, and it makes me want to fall to my knees.
I made her sad. I lost control.
I’m a violent, dangerous wolf. I’m not safe to be with a human. I’m not fit to mate.
Her hand still cradles my cheek. I catch it and hold it there. I don’t want her to ever let go of me.
“You need to figure out what you want. So do I. Let’s take some space and do that.”
Take…some space?
Fuck.
She’s breaking up with me.
I can’t make my lips move. Can’t figure out any words to say. I’m the fixer for the pack and the company, but I’m at a complete loss for how to fix this.
“Aubrey.” There. I said something. Except I don’t know what to say next. I don’t know what the right words are. Where to take the conversation.
My brain is unwired. Powered down. I don’t know what Aubrey wants or how to make her stay.
I don’t know how to be anything but the man I hate.
William White’s scrappy runt of a son. The one who learned to be violent, ruthless, and cunning to survive.
I don’t know how to be the kind of mate Aubrey deserves.
Her face comes closer to mine. I blink as she stands on her tiptoes and presses a kiss against my lips.
“Don’t,” I murmur.
She lets out a little whimper as she pulls away.
“Wait.” I catch her elbow.
She looks into my eyes. “I love you.”
My heart detonates. My head explodes. I want to say it back. I want to drop to my knees and beg for forgiveness except I’m not sure what part upset her. I’m confused because she doesn’t seem upset. Just sad.
I love you.
I want you.
