Page 27 of Hot in Witch City
With that mantra in mind, I told myself not to glance toward Nova’s apartment and not to think of Gianna being over there.
Within seconds, I failed.
Later that afternoon,Nova found me in the living room.
She plopped down beside me. “What’s going on with you and Gianna?”
I grinned. “We had a good time.”
She bent her head and lowered her voice. “You know what I mean.”
The smile fell from my face as I exhaled. “Oh. In that my wolf thought she was my mate?”
“Yes. That's… A problem.”
“I know.” I ran my hand over my beard. “The sex was great, but I’m not interested in getting involved.” My wolf growled at me.
She slanted her gaze. “You aren’t?”
“No.”
Nova studied me some more. “Gianna is half-siren. Guys often flock to her and act weird.”
“It's not like that,” I said.
“Then what is it?”
“I can’t let my wolf guide me with this foolish desire for a stranger because of how shesmells,” I dismissed. “It’s ludicrous. Besides, I’m happy with the way my life is.”
“Well, that's good because Gianna is not interested in a relationship.”
“Right.” I gritted my teeth. “She made that clear.”
“She likes her freedom. I don’t see her giving it up for anyone.”
My wolf grew increasingly distressed by this conversation.
“Then it's settled, isn't it?” I tapped my foot. “We had a good time last night. Today, we’re going our own ways.”
“I guess so.”
My wolf yipped at me with increasing desperation.She’s. Our. Mate.
I scowled. In a smaller voice, I asked Nova, “What if it’s not that easy?”
Nova narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
“What if I can't forget her?”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, Sebastian. You must. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for rejection.”
My wolf moaned. Being rejected by a mate was the worst fate for any shifter.
“Listen, I know this sucks,” Nova added in a gentler tone. “Unrequited feelings are brutal. But if you can stop this now, it will keep you from getting hurt.”
“Right, right,” I declared, seeking a new resolve. “I just needed to scratch that itch.” With a clap of my hands, I added, “Done.”
Nova stared at me with wariness in her eyes, as if unconvinced. “I hope you’re right.”
