I nod. “I know it’s not going to be easy, but I’m sure there is a solution for it.” I pause, trying to sound calm and collected when I state the one fact I’ve known ever since I met her for the first time. “I do know you don’t like me, though.”

*ELODIE*

Henry Hearst has many qualities I hate in a man. He has a bad temper, he is judgmental, and he can be a real ass to someone if he doesn’t like them for whatever reason. Then, there is his inability to apologize or admit he is wrong. When we were forced to work together, I hated his guts. I even hated the way he looked.

I’ve constantly clashed heads with him. He is infuriating and SO FUCKING HOT.

I hate his arrogance sometimes, but he is also honest, loyal, intelligent, and courageous, and not many people can say that about themselves. He is so infuriating. I have wanted to jump his bones since we set off for our mission.

Mate,my lycan paces around in my mind in overjoy.He is perfect.She almost purrs when she looks at me, and she never purrs. She usually growls and hisses, but hearing her purr is new and a bit disturbing.

You like him, Danae?

You don’t?she asks in a fed-up tone.Last week, when we met, you were so close to jumping him. Not that I mind. He is fucking delicious.

He indeed is. I let my eyes glide over Henry. His hair is dark, sandy-blond, and he wears it with an undercut. He doesn’t look like he puts much effort into styling it; it just falls naturally. He is tall and muscular, typical alpha, but it’s his earnest face and deep eyes that pull me in.

But the hottest thing is his intelligence. I initially thought he’d be all into parties and drinks, but he is one heck of a smart guy who likes to read. I love me a book nerd.

He is perfect, and his wolf is strong.Danae raises her head as if she’d be able to peek out of my mind and into Henry’s head. For a moment, she almost looks flustered.Oh, his wolf just told me I’m beautiful.

Danae is always on the edge. She is like me; we are never truly relaxed. I’m judging Henry for his anger issues, but I’m far worse. I can’t help my sharp tongue from cutting into others. Elise is the gentle one, the nice one, while I’m the twin no one wants to get too close to.

Henry looks at me, his gaze pained now. “You don’t need to make any decision now,” he tells me. His voice is calm, but I can feel his sadness through the bond.

He thinks we’ll reject him!?Danae blurts out.What’s with this guy!?

He thinks we hate him,I admit sadly. It’s my fault. I was never really nice to him, but then I’m not nice to anyone. It seems like he took it personally.

Well, then tell him we don’t.

“Beware of missing chances; otherwise, it may be altogether too late some day,” Henry says suddenly. “Franz Liszt said that.”

“That’s beautiful,” I say quietly. “Who was he?”

“He was a Hungarian-Austrian composer and pianist.” He looks at me, and for the first time ever, I can see a hint of vulnerability in them. “I want you, Elodie. I’ve wanted you from the first moment we met. I think you’re brilliant, you’re smart and cunning and have a sharp mind. I-I thought I shouldn’t miss the chance to tell you…”

He rubs the back of his head, looking a bit embarrassed. “Okay,” he stutters. “I think I should go now and, well… not continue to bomb your party.”

Before he can go, I grab him by his sleeve. “You think I hate you?” I blurt out.

He shrugs. “Maybe hate is the wrong word.”

“It’s true that I sometimes want to punch you,” I huff. “But…” I brush through my hair, successfully ruining the hairstyle my sister did for me.

Henry looks at me, his eyes wide, and this time, he isn’t hiding anything. He is looking hopeful. “But?”

I reach out my hand to take his. “I was hoping it would be you. I, Elodie Desjardins, accept you, Henry Hearst, as my mate.”

5

Promises & Worries

*HENRY*

Idon’tcarewhois watching while I show how happy I am that my mate accepted me. I make sure to accept her as well before I tighten my grip on Elodie’s hand and tug her closer. My free hand grasps her head before pulling her into a heated kiss.

She gasps but willingly opens her lips for me. I push my tongue past her lips, meeting hers, soon finding myself in a battle for dominance. Fuck, I didn’t expect her to accept me so readily.