Page 33 of The Wolf and His Forbidden Witch
Aurora steepled her fingers and raised them to her chin. “Good question. I guess the next step is figuring out where I want to go.”
He tried to keep his voice nonchalant, so as not to come on too strong. “Have you thought about living somewhere outside of Salem? Somewhere like here?”
A surprising sound escaped her, which didn’t bode well. “We barely know each other, Grayson. It’s a lot to consider so soon. Besides, a witch living with a wolf pack? That won’t go over well.”
Although she didn’t reject him outright, she didn’t jump at the idea either. “I don’t see why it would be an issue.”
“I know you say I’m your mate, but how would the rest of your pack feel about that? If any of them are like Victoria, I won’t make it through a week without being impaled by eye daggers.”
Grayson groaned. “She can be a bit much, but don’t let her sway you.”
“I can’t think about anything that massive right now, Grayson. Let’s get through this mess before we think about us. In the meantime, we need to be careful.“
* * *
Grayson didn’t enterhis office until later that morning. Soon after he did, Victoria sauntered in, dressed to be noticed in her tight, red cashmere sweater, skinny black jeans, and high-heeled boots.
“I saw the witch leaving your place with you this morning.”
What the hell? Grayson had dropped Aurora off near the base of the mountain, so they wouldn’t be seen.
He stood and leaned his hands on his desk. “Are you spying on me?”
Victoria rolled one shoulder. “I thought you said it wasn’t anything.”
“Once again, this isn’t your concern.”
“Of course it is. You’re my mate!”
“Damn it, Victoria.” He pounded his fist on the desk. “No. I’ve found my mate, and it isn’t you.”
Shit, he shouldn’t have let her get to him. He shouldn’t have reacted that way. It wasn’t like him, but he was sick of Victoria’s persistence—especially since he now found the one he truly wanted to be with.
Victoria recoiled, and she stepped backward. “What?”
“We don’t all find our mates in our pack.”
“Mate?” Her eyes bulged wide, and her mouth flew open. “You’re saying she’s not just a fling, but yourmate?”
He rubbed his hand over his temple and through his hair. “What do you want me to say? You know how this works.”
“You’re picking a witch over me?” She pointed to her chest.
He sighed. “I only want what’s best for you, Victoria. I’ve told you before that we will not be together. You need to move on.”
Tears shined in Victoria’s eyes, and she averted his gaze.
He stepped out from behind his desk and touched her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
She sniffled. “I will be.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
She took a shaky breath. “No. You’re right. I need to wake up and move on.”
“I’m sorry.” He hated hurting her, hurting anyone. “Should we hug it out?”
Victoria forced a smile. “That probably won’t help things.” She glanced out the window. “I need space. Some fresh air.” She turned and walked out of his office, but paused. “I should be happy for you, Grayson. Soon, I hope I will be.”
