Page 19 of Edward’s Bunny

Owen sighed and softened his tone. “Brian, you know how much finding Hayden changed my life. When I found him, everything fell into place. It wasn’t easy, and we went through things, but it was worth it. I want you to experience the same happiness I have. That's why I want you to give Edward a chance. I know it can get complicated, but I believe it could also be worth it for you.”

“Owen,” I said. I could hear the exasperation in my voice. I sounded tired and resigned. I didn’t want to go into this. “Yes, Randy and I have been having a hard time lately, but I think I still love him. I’ve been with him for six years. I know we’re having issues, but can I really give him up so easily?”

Owen was the one to look away now. He seemed to understand the complexity of the situation, but I could tell he was still grappling with the fact that I had rejected my fated mate. Owen sat back down on the couch and heaved a heavy sigh.

“I know it’s difficult to think about, and I get what you’re saying, but this is your mate, Brian. You’re fated, mate. What if you do give up on Edward? Will you forever pine for what could’ve been? How will that affect your relationship with Randy?”

I understood what Owen was saying, but at the same time, I was scared. That’s what it really came down to. I was petrified to take this chance, to take this step. I just couldn’t do it.

“Brian, you once told me it was special, and you’d give anything to have that connection. This is your chance.”

“I know what I said, and that’s what’s killing me. Maybe fate made a mistake. I mean, Edward’s a predator shifter, for fuck’s sake.”

“Bri, I know this is hard, but you need to be fair to both Edward and Randy. You can’t let your prejudice cloud your judgment.”

“But he’s a fucking lion and king of his pride. He’s obviously an alpha asshole. You saw how he manhandled me.”

“Did he hurt you?”

I scrunched my brow. “What?”

“Did he hurt you when you pulled you to his study?”

I stared at Owen, and the images and the feeling of Edward grabbing my arm flooded my memory. No, he didn’t hurt me. In fact, when he first touched me, it was as if I was struck by lightning, and warmth spread through my body. The connection was so intense, and the electric shock I felt made my heart race, my breath hitch, and my rabbit jump with excitement.

“What difference does that make?” I had to stall and deflect. It was for the best that I didn’t get involved with Edward.

“Just answer me. Did he hurt you? If you tell me he hurt you, I’ll leave you alone and support your decision.”

Damn, Owen was like a dog on a bone. He wouldn’t let it go. “No," I admitted hesitantly, "he didn't hurt me. It actually felt... amazing. But I don’t see what difference that makes. He’s still a predator, and I’m still a prey.”

“Bri, it makes a huge difference. You don’t know if he’s an Alpha asshole, and you won’t know unless you give him a chance. Lion shifters aren’t all bad. You get along with Hayden and Mike,” he said.

“I tolerate Hayden and Mike—there’s a difference.”

Owen’s lips puckered like he sucked a lemon, and his eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean? Hayden has been nothing but nice to you and Mike makes jokes but he cares—he’s been nice, too. And let’s not forget Vanessa, you’ve gotten close to her as well. Is it all an act? What the hell?”

“Owen, you don’t understand. Predators made my life hell in high school. You were there. Don’t you remember Alex and Seth from the football team?”

“Wait, those jock assholes are shifters? They were dicks!” Owen interrupted.

I jerked a nod. “Yeah, and it was a thousand times worse for me because I was a prey shifter, and they were predators.”

“But still, that was high school; everyone sucks in high school. Hayden, Mike, and Vanessa prove it’s different. Brian, I understand that you've been hurt, and they were dicks—I get it, I do. But something I’ve learned is you can't let the past dictate your entire life.”

Anger, frustration, or a mix of the two boiled within me. Owen’s words resonated with me, but I just couldn’t. I was too scared. “You don't get what it's like, Owen! You have no idea how it feels to be so conflicted and scared. I just can’t.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, and my body trembled. My emotions were on a roller coaster of hell. My chest felt like a vice was wrapped around it, and I gasped for air.

“Yeah, I have no idea what it’s like.” Owen’s words dripped with sarcasm, and I peered up at him. “I have no idea what it’s like to be scared or conflicted. Did you forget what I just went through, what Kevin did to me? Or the abuse I suffered when I was little? I have the scars on my fucking body to prove it. Hell, we just had a restitution ceremony for people that wanted me dead. Yeah, and yet I don’t know what it’s like.”

“Owen,” I said as a wave of shame washed over me. I was being a selfish, thoughtless asshole. Owen had indeed faced his own demons. Hell, not just demons, but devils. He went through hell and back, but he never gave up. He found a way to heal. And here I was: too much of a coward to confront my monsters.

Owen’s strained voice broke the silence. “Brian, I think the heart of the issue is you’re scared. And I do get it. I really do.” Owen stared up at the ceiling and ran his hand through his wild red hair. His eyes didn’t hold the same fire from a moment ago. He refocused on me. “Like I said from the beginning. I just want you to be happy. From what I’ve seen with Randy these last few months, you’re not, but it’s up to you to decide what happiness means for you. You can decide to face your fears head-on, and I’ll be there to support you, but ultimately, that choice is for you to make.”

Owen stood from his seat. “I’ll let you think about things. If you need me, call, and I’ll answer.”

Could I really face my fear? I thought as Owen left my apartment. I exhaled a large breath. I had to find a way to do it. I had to be honest with Randy and confront the undeniable pull toward Edward. The road ahead was daunting, and I knew that no matter what I chose to ultimately do, my life would never be the same. God, why couldn’t things be easy?

Because nothing worthwhile ever is. I smiled at the thought of my nana’s words. How true they were. How true they were, indeed.

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