Page 64 of The Enforcer’s Rejected Mate (Red River Rejected Mates #1)

Chapter

Forty-Four

CORDELIA

T he night was perfect, well…almost perfect. It would have been if Thorne had been there.

There was a moment when I thought he had come back.

The other Defenders that had left at the end of the pack meeting came back.

Not all but most of them, and I kept hoping that Thorne would be the next one to walk through the courtyard.

I tried not to make it obvious that I was keeping a look out for him but nothing got past Clover.

Thankfully, she didn’t say anything, just gave me a knowing look and hug. “There was a fire. That’s why they went and came back. He’ll be gone for a few days scouting the borders with a smaller group, I bet.”

I’d been embarrassed at her finding me out but if it was going to be anyone at least it was my friend. “Okay.”

Clover hugged me. “Of course. Of all the people that my cousin could fall for, I’m glad it’s you!” That got us a few looks from nearby pack members. So much for her not saying anything about it.

That had been hours ago as the festivities had finally wound down. As much as I could have kept dancing I was exhausted, so were Clover and Piper which is why I waved them off when they offered to walk me home.

“I’ll be fine. Meet you at breakfast tomorrow?”

Piper groaned, stretching her arms over her head. “As long as it’s a late breakfast.”

We’d made promises to meet at eleven and then I’d been on my way, walking through the quiet streets with a smile on my face. Tonight was every daydream that I’d ever had come to life. A pack of my own, an Alpha that cared, friends, real ones that made every bit of it sweeter…plus there was Thorne.

Keiran and I never courted, not anywhere that anyone could see. There were no small moments where he lent his support, no times that we sat together for meals or when he walked me to work. I didn’t speak to Keiran, let alone run my mouth like I’ve done with Thorne.

I wrap my arms around myself. The big Enforcer that rarely smiles has smiled with me while he’s told me about our ancestors and the tree protecting us all.

I look up at it now. It soars above me, limbs swaying and stars shining through its leaves.

I feel a squeeze in my chest, like a band wrapped so tight that I can hardly get a full breath.

I rub the heel of my palm into my chest and stop walking.

What is wrong with me? I’m almost to my cottage, halfway up the hill to it from the town square, but I almost turn to go back to the Keep.

The Healing Rooms are there and I’ll be able to help myself if this feeling gets worse.

I don’t go though because when I turn I smell him.

Keiran.

Citrus, apples, cranberries.

My stomach turns and I have to bend over and brace my hands on my knees to keep from getting sick.

Oh hells. What is that smell doing here?

Is he here? Fear spikes in me and I turn to look around the lane.

There’s no one on it with me. The few houses here are dark and quiet.

Behind me, I can hear faint laughter and singing from the others as they return home from the courtyard.

What is going on?

I take a deep breath and more of that too sweet smell fills my nose. This isn’t an accident or me making a mistake. It’s Keiran. Well and truly, it’s him. Here. I stand up shakily and debate on calling out to him but I don’t.

I’m too mad for that. If he wants to find me here and force himself on my new life then he can face me.

My wolf rumbles and it comforts me. She wants him dead.

He can face her if he wants to show himself here.

I stalk towards my cottage, alert for any sign that Keiran is here.

I don’t see anyone or hear anything but his scent follows me like a damn ghost. Every step I take it gets stronger.

I know that can only be true if the unthinkable has happened, but still I keep walking.

This is my home, my land, my pack and I refuse to give even an inch of it to the alpha that broke my heart and perverted my love, our bond, into a weapon meant to destroy me.

Keiran won’t destroy me again.

Each step I take brings my thoughts louder and louder until the only one I have is so loud I’m sure even Keiran can hear it.

He’s at your house. He’s at your house. He’s at your house.

My cottage comes into view. The dim glow of the firelight inside tells me someone lit the hearth. I square my shoulders and head inside.