Page 54 of This Mate Thing

He nods but doesn't say anything else.I don't think he knows what's going on.

Minutes go by.

"Will he forgive you, you think?"

I press my lips together."I don't know.I think he got scared."

He nods."He worried a lot when you were away with Zahrah.He's afraid of wolves."

"Aren't you?"

He shakes his head."I know they can be dangerous if they need to be but so can bears and tigers and snakes.It doesn't mean they'll attack you, only that you have to be careful.When we did our animal drawings in school, Mabel painted a python."

Mabel?"She did?"

"They can strangle you."

"What did you draw?"

"A wolf, of course."He sighs."I wanted to show it to Zahrah, get her to tell me what I did wrong, but Dad said no."

I chuckle into his hair."Maybe you can show her when we deliver the cookies."

"No, they're on the wall in the classroom now.I won't be allowed to take it home until Christmas."

"Ah...but it's Christmas soon."

He clings to me, and I lean back in the uncomfortable chair.When he grows quiet again, I close my eyes.

"Will you spend Christmas with us?"

My heart aches."I'd love to, but I don't think Simon wants me there."

"Maybe he'll change his mind.It's a few weeks away."

I nod, but I don't think he'll change his mind.The first few days after he asked me to leave, I believed he only needed a little time to come to terms with things, but he hasn't spoken to me since.

Maybe I'm destined to have a mate who doesn't want me.

Destined to be alone forever.

I hug Ira tighter, already dreading the moment he'll head back home.

* * * *

Chapter 26

Simon

I heat the chicken casserole Boris left on the doorstep.I most likely shouldn't eat the food he cooks for us, but it's too good to turn down.

"Ira, food!"

No reply.

I sigh but set the table before I go to his room.I give the door a light knock.He's been subdued these last couple of weeks, quieter than normal.When he doesn't tell me to enter, I hesitate."Ira?"

Still no reply.