Page 150 of A Broody Mate for the Human

“No, that’s not why,” he hurries to explain, his voice going an octave higher. He sounds panicked. “I just didn’t want to disturb you.”

I stare at him, noticing how his cheeks are a bit hollow. He must have lost some weight. My heart aches a bit. Maybe I’m stupid for feeling sorry for him, but I know he went through shit his whole life. Unlike Raffy, he didn’t make it out of his shit in time.

Raffy himself admitted that had we met a year ago, he might have rejected me too, just for being a human and a man.

I notice the bag in Matthew’s hands. “You bought something too?” I ask, merely to make conversation and have him loosen up.

“I just needed something from the bookstore,” he admits.

“Oh, you picked up reading?” I ask curiously.

“I’ve always liked reading,” he admits. “It’s just… when we met, I was trying so hard to be manly and, to that end, I pretended I did nothing else but train and fight.”

That’s just so sad. “How are things?” I ask quietly, deciding there is no reason to beat around the bush anymore.

“Better,” Matthew admits. “I’m working at the infirmary part-time, and I really enjoy it there.”

“Oh.” My eyes widen. “That’s great, Matt!”

“At first it was to make up for everything, for what I did to you, but now I really like it there.” He pauses. “It’s good not to live a lie anymore.”

I nod. I can understand him way more than he probably thinks I do.

“And you?” Matthew asks, his gaze scanning me carefully. “You look great,” he adds quietly.

“I’m doing well.” I smile.

Matthew’s gaze stops at my neck. “Congrats,” he whispers.

For a split second I wonder what he is talking about, my fingers touching my neck and feeling the scar there. Oh right. I blush nervously. I didn’t want to rub it in his face that I have a second chance mate now and am so happy with him. “You will get your second chance too,” I tell him quietly.

“Maybe,” Matthew says evasively. “If the Goddess thinks I deserve it. But I’m not sure…” He shifts around. “I need to leave,” he mutters. “I have a few errands to run for the infirmary.”

“Sure.” I nod.

“Thank you, Dave,” he says. “For being so friendly. Not everyone would have done that. You could have sent your new mate to kill me, and not many would have stopped him.”

“What?” I exclaimed in shock. “I would never do that!” I strongly believe in redemption but also in justice. Matthew is obviously working hard on himself, and I would never have anyone rip him out of his life. Living in his reality has to be hard enough.

Matthew just smiles shortly at me. “Bye, Dave.”

“Bye,” I mutter.

I watch him leave, noticing how he targets the pharmacy with a list in his hands. Poor Matthew, I think sadly. Maybe one day, he can find his peace too.

I shake off the gloomy feelings and return to my girls, just in time to see they have found a beautiful floor-length dress for Esme in royal blue. It fits perfectly with her tanned skin tone and her brown hair.

“What do you think?” Celine asks me while eyeing Esme in approval.

Esme twirls around in front of us, revealing one of her legs through the long slit on the left side of the dress.

“Brilliant.” I beam. “It fits you perfectly. Just the right amount of elegant and sexy.”

“And it’s not too expensive either,” Esme beams. “Thank you everyone. I didn’t think I’d find a dress today.”

We wait for her to change back into her clothes and accompany her to the cashier before we make it to a few other shops. The last stop is lingerie, and fortunately, they have male underwear here too.

“Goodness, I’m dying,” Ella groans. “Just get moving, Dave, so we can finally wrap this shopping trip up.”