~Wren~“Mate” My world spins on its axis as I stare at the dying man before me, the cold hard knife of reality gutting me once again. My mate. Sebastian is my mate, and he is lying here in a pool of his own blood. I have never in my life seen someone in such a condition. Sebastian’s once perfect muscles shredded as they lie exposed and gushing blood, trying to knit his flesh back together. A huge gash oozes above his ear and his eyes wane in and out of focus. “Seb!” I sob out loud, not caring if anyone hears me or comes back. My hands are holding fast to his cheeks, the only place where his flesh looks to be remaining intact as I gently give him another slap.“I need you to look at me, please.”His hand tries to move, to reach for me, but it fails, as the bulging muscles in his chest are bundled and broken. I reach for his hand, moving it to my cheek for him, letting him touc

~Sebastian~ Every part of me aches and screams in pain, begging me to stop walking. To just lie down and let my body mend itself. I know I overdid it by making us take the longer route, but I couldn’t help it anymore. I can’t help these euphoric sparks that bloom with each brush of skin. My wolf and subconsciousness are both to blame, needing to be with her for a while. When it came down to getting out safely or coming to my aid, she came for me, and shit if that thought isn’t messing with my brain. She chose me. She could have done it because Nickolai had Tank and the two of them are formidable fighters. But for now, I’ll live in the fairytale that this woman under my arm, helping carry my weight, saved me in the heat of battle. I slide a glance down at her. Her hair looks almost red in the morning sunlight, as fiery as her spirit today. Full of snark and determination. Sweat beads from the sweltering heat, holding her hair hostage, gluing it to her perfect neck as she takes an an

  ~Wren~   Sebastian relents and falls back into a peaceful deep sleep. Tears are falling from my chin as I swipe at them, hating how much pain he is in. He seemed to handle it fine when we were traveling the distance to get here. I mean fine in the sense that he could walk and even joked a little. I’m understanding that it might have more to do with the mate bond than the healing of his body.    After going our separate ways, I was able to shower and get clothes that fit me thanks to Nickolai. He had insisted he would go himself to get me what I needed. I feel guilty having him dote on me the way he has been and I should feel guilty. Especially when I know for a fact he isn’t my mate, but mentally I am too drained to fight it. It also doesn’t help that my actual mate thinks of him as a brother and doesn’t want him to know yet.   I am hesitant to step away from Seb, but hastening

“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

~Wren~“You need to focus on me, Wren.” Tank scolds me after what feels like the hundredth time getting struck on my right side. “Sorry,” I mutter, wiping my sweaty brow with my forearm. I take a quick peek over my shoulder, feeling the void of Sebastian’s stare. It doesn’t matter that I know he isn’t there, I still catch myself hoping he is waiting for me. I refuse to beg him to accept me or keep me close. It doesn’t matter how many times I have to remind myself that I have too much pride. I can not be the one who gives in. Sebastian knows where I stand. The next move is on him.  A sharp pain vibrates up my side as Tank lands yet another blow on my upper torso. “Fucking shit! Couldn’t you pull your punches or something?” I seethe rubbing my rib cage. “You expect the enemy to care if you are daydreaming?” He quirks a curious brow from behind his f