Chapter 37: What you need

“Uh. No, I mean. He thinks so, but I doubt it.” I gulp the hot tea quickly, pretending not to feel the searing burn of it as it flows down my throat like a hot acid burning from the inside out. If I hadn’t just scalded my mouth on the hot concoction, I’m sure I would have found the flavor profile nice.

I’m not a nervous person. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t hold my tongue or stutter for the right words. I don’t back down and I sure as shit don’t lie. Yet here I am, knowing for a fact that Nickolai is not my mate, playing under the false pretenses that he might be all because my real mate wants to protect him.

“Hmm, and is that because you know who your mate is or because you don’t want to find your mate? I have heard a lot about you, Wren. From more than one person.” He smiles kindly, waiting for a response.

“Nickolai is probably one of the best men I have ever met, Alpha. But I am not suitable for the best. I, at best, always fall short.”

“Ah, I didn’t take you for one t