Page 48 of Rhett

“In the library,” I replied.

Bonnie stepped into the room with a tentative smile on her lips. “Emmett just dropped off your car.”

I sat up, nearly toppling the book on my lap. “How much do I owe him?”

“I took care of it.”

I arched a brow. “Thanks, but I feel more comfortable paying my own way.”

“Nova, it’s been two days.” She sighed heavily, taking a seat in the chair across from me. “How long are you going to stay mad at me?”

Bonnie’s house was so huge that it didn’t take much effort to avoid bumping into her for days. It also helped that she gave me my space to sulk and lick my wounds.

“I’m not mad,” I replied, slipping the book off my lap and onto the coffee table. “But if you think that I’m going to grovel to a bunch of Hunter-hating fuckers in the hope that they’ll accept me, then you are sadly mistaken.”

“You didn’t let me clarify my statement from a couple of days ago.”

“Then explain,” I said.

“Most of the residents in this town are here because they were driven here out of fear. The residents mistrust you, and mistrust is really fear.”

“Sorry. Not sorry.” I shrugged. “Not my problem.”

“Okay,” Bonnie continued. “Then think of it this way. If a Hunter killed your family member, wouldn’t you be scared if that person showed up at your front door? A place that you considered safe?”

“But this situation is different. My mother’s family are the killers. I have nothing to do with them.”

“But they don’t know that. Others fear what they don’t understand, and I don’t think they will ever understand Hunters. That’s why I made that statement about working to let them see the real you.”

“When I was younger,” I said, “I spent all my time being worried about what people thought of me. It was exhausting. And now you want me to go on some roadshow to convince people in this town that I’m not a killer? Hell no. Look, I understand your position, but none of this matters. I’m leaving Black Forest.”

“I really wish you’d reconsider.” She leaned forward. “The spell brought you here for a reason.”

“To meet you. And I did.”

She arched a brow. “And you’re not even going to mention the fact that your animal is awake now?”

My heart thumped. “How did you know? Did Rhett tell you?”

“No. Your scent has changed. I’ve been around long enough to know what that means. You’ve met your fated mate. Rhett.”

“Rhett and I would never work. He can’t get past the fact that I have a Hunter bloodline, and I can’t give two shits to convince him otherwise.” I paused. “Bonnie, I’m leaving the Ridge on Sunday.”

Her jaw dropped. “But that’s in two days.”

“You can visit me in Africa if you want.”

“Your animal awoke for him, which means Luna—goddess of the moon—has deemed you two a fated-mate match. You can’t run away from your fate, Nova.”

“After the crazy shit that I’ve experienced in this town, I don’t believe in fate.” I stood. “I don’t even believe in love.” I walked out of the library without another word.

I shut the bedroom door and fell onto the plush bed. I hated walking away from Bonnie, but she was pushing me too hard.

Yes, I wanted to get to know her more but not at the expense of my sanity, and that meant I had to leave the Ridge.

My cell rang. “Hi, Imani,” I answered.

“Finally, you answered your cell. I’ve been calling and sending texts for two days. I wanted to check in with you. Rhett told us about the Josie incident.”