Page 9

It had just rubbed salt in the wound when Ella saw Mack next door with some girl leaning against his dumb car, flirting.

Most vampires were happy to enjoy short term sexual relationships until they met their fated mate, so she continued dating even though, deep down, she still thought it was Mack.

Growing up, they had been friends. He’d been almost like a big brother. They’d sometimes hang out. Sometimes they’d fight. He’d fix her bike when it broke and act really unhappy about it.

But he’d always been there.

Until the moment she’d looked at him and hoped he’d kiss her. Then his eyes had turned to fire, his body so much taller andbigger than she’d ever remembered. Ella had been fifteen. Mack seventeen.

She’d licked her lips, not even realizing what she was doing, and he’d groaned, pressing her against the wall.

“Ella, stop.”

“Why?” she’d whispered.

It was the first time she’d felt his erection hard against her. It was scary and exciting.

“You can feel why,” he’d rasped, and her cheeks had felt as if they were burning.

But he didn’t stop.

Mack grabbed her ass, lifting her so his cock tucked between her legs, only her cotton dress between them, and growled some more.

God, she’d been so wet and aching.

His mouth had dipped, looking mad as he glared at her lips.

Ella was sure he’d kiss her.

They were almost touching when his eyes clenched shut and he said, “This can’t happen again.”

What the heck?

He’d released her, backing away, then spun and strode off while she gasped and stood there panting.

The shame had lasted for years.

Ella would keep away, barely look at him, but that didn’t mean she missed the way he watched her. Or toss a towel on the ground when she got out of the pool at a party. Once he ripped off his jacket and put it around her shoulders when they were all at the racetrack.

“No, thanks.” Ella went to pull it off, but he rounded on her.

“Put the damn jacket on, Ella. I told your dad I would look after you.”

“I’m not a kid.”

She’d been nineteen.

“Then act like it and bring sufficient clothing!” He’d hissed and stalked off. After a second of shock, her mouth had twisted into a smile.

It was the start of little things Mack did that kept her believing he was her mate. That and she’d overheard her parents talking about it.

Then he’d left, and Ella had not understood at all.

He had a successful business and was now working for the king. Why? Sure, it was admirable given the race needed powerful males, but it still made no sense.

Then to call her so soon after the exposure—as vampires referred to the incident—and demand she come out east, Ella could only assume it was because he’d finally realized she was his mate.

Finally!