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“Last night was…” I pause. How do I even start to sum up everything that happened last night?

“That Alpha who visited the pack, he is friends with Aidan.” I explain, and Sofia gasps and looks around as if Aidan could jump out at any moment.

“He followed me to my room, threatened me, said he would tell Aidan where I was if I didn’t stay quiet and let him.

..” My throat closes and Sofia gasps again.

“His Beta came and intervened, and then Jackson showed up. Ryan and Luca too.”

“Oh my goddess,” Sofia whispers. “And I wasn’t there for you. I’m so sorry! I can’t believe that Ryan reduced that to you being safe! What the actual fuck?”

“I’m okay. Well, I was okay until I woke this morning and realized Jackson isn’t my mate,” I say shakily.

My voice sounds broken and small, even to my own ears.

Before continuing, I take a steadying breath.

“Aidan might be my mate. I’m too afraid to reach out and test if I can feel the bond, because what if it draws him to me quicker?

Like maybe he hasn’t realized yet.” I question as I wrap my arms protectively around myself.

As if I have ever had a chance of ever actually protecting myself from him.

“Oh, sweetie,” Sofia whispers, walking closer and pulling me into a hug. “I’m so sorry. Ryan would kill me for even suggesting this, but what if you and Jack take each other as chosen mates? It should override the fated bond.”

I shake my head. “I asked him to leave with me. He said no. I don’t think he wants me anymore. I’m not sure what happened, but he keeps saying his duty is to the pack.” The painful sting of his rejection causes my voice to crack, and I look at the ground to hide my burning cheeks.

“What the fuck is wrong with that wolf?” Sofia huffs in frustration as she strides towards the forest. I follow her in a half run to keep up with the purposeful strides of her longer legs.

“It wouldn’t have to be forever. You could both come back once you’re mated, but at least if you left together now, then you wouldn’t have to rush the decision. ”

As if anyone would choose a pathetic, weak bitch like you. I only agreed to mate you because we are fated.

“That would have been an option, except he doesn’t want me anymore. I messed it up, and he must realize I’m not good enough for him. I’m not worth it.”

Sofia squints at me, like she is trying to read my mind through my facial expressions.

“That’s bullshit. He has been so much happier since you got here than I ever remember.

When I mindlinked him yesterday that something seemed off, he couldn’t get to you fast enough.

Although it would have been nice if he had let me know what happened afterwards instead of blocking me from the mindlink afterwards. Asshole.”

That idea reminds me; all that changed between him wanting me yesterday and today is that I showed him who I am. I showed him what I wanted sexually, and it freaked him out. He must think I’m such a whore and that’s not what he wants.

No one wants a used-up slut like you.

“But seriously, Em. It’s not a smart idea for you to take off on your own. Surely you’re safer here in a pack? I didn’t get to talk to Ryan last night, but I’m sure he will be okay with it.”

“No, I can’t do that. I can’t ask anyone to stand between me and Aidan. I won’t be responsible for anyone getting hurt.”

I don’t tell her that on top of that worry is the pain of seeing Jackson move forward without me. The idea of him meeting his fated mate in the future and forgetting all about me is too much for me to cope with.

“Can you stop being so stubborn?” Sofia says while throwing her arms up in the air. “Why is it fair that you get to keep everyone else safe, but you won’t let anyone help you?”

“Because…. because I’m not worth it!”

“That’s not true!” She shouts. “No one deserved what Aidan put you through.” There are tears in her eyes, but she doesn’t let them fall.

She continues walking deeper into the forest and I follow her.

We’re silent for a few moments as I try to think of how to explain myself.

I know how much Sofia values our friendship, and if the roles were reversed, I absolutely wouldn’t want her alone, either.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been working on this with Maya, but it’s taking time to see myself as worthy of anything.

” My head drops in shame. I wish I could let go of Aidan’s voice.

I wish the memory of his harsh tone and insults would fade.

But whenever I feel insecure, it’s his voice in my head.

I thought I was doing better, that I was hearing him less, but today it has been near constant.

“I still hear him. I’m still haunted by Aidan’s voice, saying I’m a worthless slut that nobody will ever want.”

“Because it’s true. You are a worthless slut, and no one would want you except for me, and that’s only because I’m your mate.”

Aidan’s voice rings out even more clearly than it has since the night I left. The anger and derision so present that the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and goosebumps erupt all over my skin. I swear I can smell his coppery scent. I’m losing my mind.

Except, when I finally look up to Sofia, I see the horror in her eyes and I realize it’s not just in my head.

Aidan has found me.