Page 31 of Plus-Size Sold Mate
Pulling in a discreet breath, I try to shake how weird it feels to have him in my mind, but his sincerity helps to some degree. It almost makes me regret my reaction. Almost.
When I don’t say anything for a beat, he hesitates, then adds,I can pull back.
The offer is shockingly genuine, and the pause it brings me only adds more guilt to the pile. Like something waiting on standby, the bond hums quietly, vaguely warm and more inviting than it has any business being.
As much as I want to shut him out completely, something in me doesn’t like the idea. Damn bond.
A little heads-up would’ve been nice.
I catch the very subtle movement of his lips, like a small smile fighting to settle in.Understood.
Like temporarily hanging up a line, the connection relaxes but doesn’t disappear. And after a moment, I hear his voice in my head again.
What were you thinking about?
You.
It’s a bold move, and maybe more of a risk than I should be taking in all of this, but something in me wants to catch him off guard, too.
Immediately, Luke goes still, and I can’t fully read what he’s thinking, but I know it throws him.
Don’t get ahead of yourself,I add.
He blinks back at me, then his expression softens just enough for me to notice, and a low hum of amusement comes down the connection.
And I still hate you.
I know,he answers, like it’s the easiest thing to accept.
I don’t know what to think of that either.
The mental link goes quiet while everything else unfolds around us, and I find myself sitting in the middle of it, tethered to a man by a connection I didn’t choose.
I’m still angry and overwhelmed, but beneath it all, I can see the effort.
It doesn’t give me back my freedom to choose, but it does complicate things for me that should otherwise be unshakable.
I don’t want to get comfortable, yet I’m not so sure I have a choice in that either.
Chapter 10 - Luke
When the allotted tradition duration ends, I can’t tell if I feel better or worse about everything.
On one hand, it seems like I managed to make some sort of progress with Sera, but on the other, I know there was more distance between us during the getaway than what would be deemed acceptable. We didn’t exactly nurture the bond, but I worked away at some of her defenses, and even if it doesn’t feel like much progress, it’s better than nothing.
Once we had had enough, we went home while the guys found a place to crash for the time being. They’re planning on sticking around in Coldreach for a bit because, apparently, they don’t want to leave me to my devices, just to make sure I don’t go changing the very structure of the island without consulting anyone else.
My connection to Sera pulls subconsciously as I leave the house a few days later.
On the inside, I feel my wolf growing anxious for more of her, and to keep her as close as possible, but I need to give her time and space. At least for now, I want her to settle in and breathe.
Dad’s house is nestled further in for privacy, overlooking the deep woods leading north. He may have been the Alpha for quite some time, but that didn’t mean he wanted to be right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the wharf.
When I pull up, Dad is already waiting outside on his porch swing. His eyes follow the vehicle as I park, then he gets up and approaches the front steps.
For a brief second, I consider turning back and going home, but I know how this works and that he already has something to report.
“Afternoon,” he says casually, though his expression looks anything but.
