Page 38 of The Wolf's Bullied Mate
“In case you haven’t realized yet, Caden,” Ryder looked his way now, “Oliver’s problem is not just that his wife believes he hurt her—it’s also the fact that he’s mating.”
“I’m—what?!” I exclaimed.
I really needed to sit down now. I plopped into the chair next to Caden, who had his mouth gaping open.
“I’m… mating?” I said in wonder and apprehension.
“You’re plenty serious about Pauline, the way I see it,” Ryder said. “I would dare say all the emotional turmoil you’re experiencing is because you’re in love with her, Oliver. That’s why her suffering makes you suffer. And that’s also why you want the world for her.”
Silence fell in the room. I pondered what my alpha said for a long moment.
“I… might be,” I said. “I did get the impression that she could be my mate when we slept together.”
Caden whistled again. “You slept with her?”
“I had to as per the rules of the arranged marriage agency, but it was something we both wanted to do,” I explained.
Both Ryder and Caden gave me a long look.
“What?” I asked.
“She’s att—” Caden started saying.
“He’ll figure it out on his own,” Ryder interrupted him.
Caden shrugged his shoulders. “You’re right; it is more fun that way.”
“You bet,” Ryder smirked.
Annoyance bubbled in my heart. “What are you two talking about?”
“Nothing,” Ryder chuckled. “Back to your problem—invite her out to dinner and then apologize to her.”
“What if someone else comes up to us, someone who bullied her? It’ll destroy the mood,” I said.
“Then make a good dinner at home. You can cook well, can’t you?” Caden smiled.
“And buy her flowers. You know what kind she likes the most, right?” Ryder asked.
I thought for a moment. “No, I don’t. I know her favorite color is red, though.”
“Can’t go wrong with red roses, then,” Ryder said.
I nodded, taking a mental note of their advice. “And what should I say?”
“Nothing you’ve prepared beforehand,” Caden advised. “The apology has to come from the bottom of your heart. Be genuine.”
“And if it doesn’t work,” Ryder added. “Then try again in a week.”
“And again and again,” Caden chanted.
“But that’s-”
“You want her, don’t you? You’re not afraid of having to work for it, right?” Ryder chuckled.
“I’m not… afraid,” I said. “I just don’t want to come off as a creep.”
“You’ll figure it out. But, in my sincere opinion, she will come to accept your apology sooner than you think,” Ryder assured.
