Page 51 of This Mate Thing

"Okay, I'm here if you need me.And Simon, most importantly, you're in no danger, and Ira is in no danger.No one in the pack would ever hurt a mate or a child.We've got your back, whether you decide to go through with the mating with Boris or not.You'll always be safe and cared for, do you understand?"

He stares at me, and I nod.I'm not pleased she told him he doesn't have to go through with the mating, but it's true.He's not forced to do anything, and no matter what, the pack will look out for them.

They're safe.

* * * *

Chapter 24

Simon

Boris hangs up and puts his phone back into his pocket.I can't move.Could this be a dream?A nightmare.

"I want you to leave."

"No, baby."He's about to say something else, but I speak over him.

"Yes.Leave."I'm about to tell him never to speak to me again, but the pain on his face tears at my heart.I can't explain it.I shouldn't care.

He deceived me.

He scared me, then he infiltrated my life and endangered my son.

"Go."My voice is surprisingly strong.

His shoulders slump, and the pain in my chest intensifies.He's always stood strong and proud, now he's folding in on himself.

"Simon."

I shake my head."Get out of my house."

He gives me one short nod, but I can see his eyes filling with tears.I look away.He has no right to do this to me.

He grabs the jacket off the chair and leaves the kitchen.When the sound of the front door sounds, I let out a shuddering breath.This has to be a joke.A prank.A nightmare.

I slump against the wall.What should I do now?

I don't know how long I sit there.The light spilling in through the window wanders over the floor.

There had been claws.I wasn't imagining it.I'm almost sure.Could it be faked?If I'd seen it in a clip, I'd say it had been faked, but it wasn't some post on social media.Boris' hand had changed right in front of my eyes.

It had.

Which meant all of him could change.He could...turn into a wolf?A wolf Zahrah could take photos of.A wolf who'd pose exactly how she wanted him to.Could they understand what you said when they were in their animal form?

Shaking my head, I pull myself to my feet.

It can't be true.

Maybe I have a fever and am hallucinating.I nod to myself.It would explain a lot.

I slide my fingers along the wall as I head toward the bathroom--something I've told Ira a million times not to do.I don't want smears on the wallpaper.

I step into the shower and try not to think as the too-hot sprays pound my skin.How the fuck did I end up here?I had things under control, had I not?We got by, and then we didn't.No job and now monsters are invading my life, my mind.

I shudder despite the heat.

When I'm finally able to make myself get out of the shower and get dressed, I walk around the house without aim.I alternate between looking out the kitchen window and the window in Ira's room.Those are the only windows I can see Boris' house from.