Page 18 of Edward’s Bunny

Crossroads

Brian

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

I groaned at Owen’s question, feeling the weight of the day's events pushing down on my shoulders. I just wanted to be left alone. My rabbit was furious with me for leaving Edward, and my heart ached with overwhelming emotions. I found myself caught in a mental storm between the undeniable attraction I felt toward Edward and my commitment to Randy.

The image of Edward’s devastation, after I rejected him lingered in my mind, and his anguished roar still echoed in my ears. The sight nearly broke me. I wanted to run back to him and tell him I made a mistake, but at the same time, I knew this was the right thing to do. Predators and prey do not mix, and I still had Randy. That was six years of my life. I couldn’t just throw it away.

“Brian, are you listening to me?”

I cracked my eyes and flopped my head to the side to look at Owen. I was glad my couch cushion was soft, so I didn’t have to lift my head. When we’d gotten to my apartment, I’d collapsed on my couch and closed my eyes. I desperately wanted to be alone and forget this whole day had ever happened. It was almost too much, fighting with Randy in the morning and finding my fated mate in the afternoon. I wondered what the evening would bring.

“You should’ve gone back with Mike; you really didn’t have to stay,” I said, ignoring his question.

Owen’s eyebrows shot up, his eyes widened, and his mouth slightly parted in disbelief. It was an expression I could only call incredulous. “Like that’s going to happen, Brian. First, Hayden’s dad all but drags you away to his study. Then you come running out looking like you want to cry, demanding to be taken home. And to wrap it up, when we got to the car, we heard the most pathetic roar in my life. You’re gonna have to spill the tea, like now. What happened?”

I sighed. Could I tell Owen the truth? It was apparent he wasn’t going anywhere. I hung my head down and closed my eyes.

“He’s my mate,” I whispered.

As much as I tried to avoid the stereotypes and judgments surrounding predator and prey shifters, I couldn't deny the fear deep down. Our society was built on these divides, with predator shifters often dominating the prey. It was hard to forget the stories of violence and power struggles I'd heard growing up.

The admission brought all the pain and hurt rushing back, and my rabbit shouted again in my mind. He was totally pissed off. He recognized our bond as I had and wanted the big lion—the big, gorgeous lion, just my type, with salt and pepper hair lion.

The thought of Edward made my heart race, and I couldn't deny that the attraction between us was powerful. But I also knew that I couldn't ignore the years and relationship I had with Randy. I wasn't ready to let go of that.

I can’t think about him. I made my choice,I thought. I needed to convince myself that I’d made the right decision, but deep down; I couldn't shake the feeling that I was denying myself something extraordinary. The pull toward Edward was undeniable, and I couldn't help but wonder if I was making the biggest mistake of my life.

“Excuse me? What did you just say? He’s your mate?”

I opened my eyes and looked at Owen. Giving a tiny nod, I said, “Yeah, surprise! Your future father-in-law is my fated mate.”

Owen’s mouth hung open, bobbing like a fish. I would’ve laughed at the expression, but my heart was heavy, and I didn’t have the energy to smile.

“What the fuck are you doing here? You guys should be all into each other. I mean, when I first met Hayden, I wanted to jump him. Granted, I didn’t understand my feelings and didn’t. But with you guys, you know what’s going on: you’re both shifters. This should be easy for you.” Owen brought his hand to his chest dramatically and inhaled a sharp breath. “He didn’t do something to you, did he? Because if he did, Hayden will set him straight. Wait, did he reject you? Did he go through the whole I’m not a gay thing like Hayden?”

“Owen, stop,” I said, raising my hand. I needed to calm him down. He was rambling like a fool.

“Right, sorry,” he apologized. “I’ll let you tell me what happened. So tell me.”

I shook my head. I loved Owen. He was my best friend, but he could be so extra. I looked back at Owen, and he stared at me expectantly.

“It’s not that simple. Yes, we’re both shifters, and we know what’s going on, but…” I sighed. I didn’t know how to explain the but. “It’s just not that simple.”

Owen leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his gaze unyielding. “You better continue. You can’t just leave it at that. I’m your best friend, and we’re going to talk this out. Did he reject you?”

Owen's concern was palpable, and I knew that he only wanted the best for me. But the truth was that I was the one who had rejected Edward and that knowledge weighed heavily on me.

I looked away. I couldn’t see him when I admitted what was weighing my heart down.

“I rejected him,” I said quietly.

Owen jumped from his seat. “You what? How could you? I mean, I thought you always wanted a mate!”

“As I said, it’s not that simple. Think for a moment, Owen. I’m in a relationship with another man.”

“A crappy relationship,” Owen retorted. “Did you forget the fight you guys had?”

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