Page 103 of The Forbidden Mate

“What about you?” she asked, frowning. “Where will you be?”

I pointed to the back of the space where I planned on standing in the shadows. Just in case.

“No way. You’re sitting with me.” Kayden grabbed my hand and hauled me after her, leaving me no chance to protest. So, I sat beside her, my heart hammering as the music swelled. That was Garrett’s cue.

I glanced back down the pathway, my breath hitching at the sight of Garrett walking towards the women. Even though I’d just seen him down by the beach, he looked even more elegant and handsome now. The wild, carefree charmer played the role of a dignified gentleman quite well.

My breathing was uneven as he stopped in front of Elizabeth and Reagan. If not for Kayden’s steady hand reaching for mine, squeezing it gently in reassurance, I might have bolted from the garden. Then Garrett began to speak.

“Reagan. Elizabeth. I want to congratulate both of you for making it to the end. You’ve both proven yourselves to be formidable women, both in physical strength and mental aptitude. Both of you have earned your spot here this evening, and I’d just like to take a moment for everyone to recognize all that went into getting this far. You will both be excellent additions to the council.” Garrett gestured toward the small crowd, and everyone broke into applause.

“However,” he said, “even though this is the conclusion of the Contention, this will only be the beginning of your next journey. As full council members, we have much work to do. I look forward to working alongside you, as well as Melissa, to achieve great things in the world. Thank you both for everything.”

Garrett leaned in to kiss each woman on the cheek. They both smiled up and him, and then turned and walked away, taking seats at the end of the row where I sat.

I gripped Kayden’s hand, turning to her as my stomach lurched. “What is he doing? Why did they both sit down?”

I looked back at Garrett, who was now looking only at me, a soft smile curving his lips. Then he was walking toward me, his hand outstretched. “Jessica?”

What was going on? Garrett liked to play by his own rules, but surely, he wouldn’t do anything crazy now. I glanced around at the crowd, my heart thundering in my chest, but Kayden and Holden were looking at me with smiles on their faces. Like they knew exactly what was happening.

Turning back to Garrett, I tilted my head in confusion, but he still stood there, holding his hand out to me, beckoning me to stand. I placed my hand in his, and he pulled me to my feet then led me back to the center of the clearing.

Blood roared in my ears as my pulse skyrocketed, adrenaline pumping through my veins. “What are you doing?” I hissed.

“Breaking all the rules,” he replied with a crooked grin. “What else is new?”

“Oh my God, Garrett.” I could barely think. Barely breathe. “What have you done?”

He took both hands in his, staring down into my eyes. “I’ve realized what I should have done from the very beginning. I’m choosing the woman I really want.”

A murmur ran through the crowd.

“Elizabeth and Reagan both agree—neither want to marry a man who’s in love with another woman.”

I blinked rapidly, fighting back tears as I struggled to comprehend. He wasn’t choosing either of them, but where did that leave everything? Where did that leave him if he was walking away from the Contention?

“You can’t do this, Garrett,” I murmured. “After everything you’ve worked so hard for. You and Holden—”

Garrett shook his head. “It’s okay. None of our plans will change. I’ve spoken to Holden, and I have his approval.” I glanced at Holden, who was smiling and nodding. “If it’s power and influence the alphas want, they’ve got it. I’ve offered both finalists positions on the council with power equal to my own—or the option to challenge me and take my position as beta if they want.”

I gasped, gripping his hands tightly. “You can’t do that, Garrett.”

“It’s my position to walk away from. I’ve already discussed it with Holden.”

I shook my head. “No. You can’t. Not for me.”

He cocked his head and arched a brow. “I would do anything for you, Jessica. I’m not willing to lose you.”

“But your position… it means everything to you.”

He nodded. “Until you came along.”

My heart was soaring, hardly able to believe this was happening. Yet I was also crushed. I couldn’t allow him to give up his position. I wouldn’t.

“The offer has already been made.” He grinned. “Fortunately, neither Elizabeth or Reagan are interested in being beta, and they would have refused to accept if I’d proposed.”

“But the alphas…”

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