Page 19

I’ve spent years keeping my distance, and now, in a moment of pure weakness, I’ve gone and complicated everything. She’s going to think that things have changed between us, assume I’m ready for this life.

Fuck.

My head pounds as I stumble into the kitchen, hoping a strong cup of coffee will somehow materialize and help me sort out this mess. Yelena is usually the one who sets up the coffeemaker and leaves an easy breakfast for me to grab in the morning. When I walk into the kitchen, the smell of dark roast fills the air, and I feel an uneasy appreciation for my intended-mate flood through me.

The automatic coffeemaker is brewing, and there’s a plate of muffins covered in plastic wrap on the kitchen island.

She takes good care of me. Even though I push her away.

The uneasy feeling turns to guilt as I pour myself a cup of the piping hot brew and pull out a muffin.

Blueberry. My favorite.It’s unnerving the way she knows me so well.

I take a bite, barely tasting it as my mind spins. What the hell am I going to say to her when she wakes up? How can I look her in the eye after last night?

I curse under my breath. I never should have let things go so far.

As I take my first sip of coffee, I feel a jolt of energy rush through me. I close my eyes and savor the warmth as it travels down my throat.

I’m so lost in my thoughts that I don’t hear the back door open. It’s only when I hear my mother’s voice that my eyes snap open.

“Austin, sweetheart, you’re up early,” she says, bustling into the kitchen with my father trailing behind her.

I nearly choke on my coffee. Mom just smiles and walks over to kiss me on the cheek. She’s carrying a large vase of wildflowers which she places on the counter.

"Son," my father greets me with a nod. His gaze travels over my disheveled appearance, one eyebrow raised. "Rough night?"

I grunt noncommittally, avoiding his probing stare by taking another swig of coffee. The hot liquid scalds my tongue, but I barely register the discomfort.

He helps himself to a mug off the counter and fills it with coffee.

“Mom, Father…what are you doing here?” I manage to say, setting down my mug. I immediately think of Yelena, still asleep in my bed, and my pulse pounds. The last thing I need is my parents finding out aboutthat.

“We have some exciting news for you and Yelena!” my mother beams, her eyes sparkling. “Where is she?” Her voice is bright, almost giddy. It sets me on edge.

I cough and my mind races to come up with something that my parents will accept but that won’t be suspicious.

I gesture to the muffins on the island. “She’s still asleep. I am going to bring her breakfast in a little while.”

My mother smiles at me. “How considerate! Well, I will let you be the one to tell her the good news, then!”

"What news?" I ask warily. An uneasy feeling coils in my gut. Whatever they're about to say, I know I won't like it.

Father moves to stand next to me, and my stomach drops.

“We’ve set the date for your mating ceremony!” he booms, clapping me on the shoulder forcefully. “You and Yelena will be bound together before the Moon Goddess and the Pack at a Full Moon Ceremony in two months’ time.”

My head spins as I try to process my father's words. I knew this day was coming, but a part of me had hoped it never would.

Two months. I only have two short months left before I’m shackled for life.

The walls of the kitchen seem to close in around me.

"No," I choke out, shaking my head vehemently. "I'm not ready. I don't want this."

My mother's smile falters, and she exchanges a concerned glance with my father. "Austin, what do you mean? You've known this was coming for a long time now. You’reFated. Blessed by the Moon Goddess herself!"

"I don't care!" I snap, slamming my mug down on the counter. Hot coffee sloshes over the rim, splattering across the granite. "This is my life we're talking about. I should get a say in who I marry and when, and I’m telling you,I don’t want her."