Adea
The running water shut off and Ethan reappeared in the doorway. His I-just-had-sex hair only made him hotter. My eyes took in his strong muscular shoulders, before dropping to his flexed biceps, and chiseled torso. I was the luckiest woman alive. No matter what happened, I’d been blessed with the time I’d had with Ethan.
His expression was one of clear unease. He made his way toward me on the bed with a cloth in hand. My heart warmed at the sight of my mate coming to take care of me like he did every night. I was blessed with a mate who not only loved me but one who was consistent in expressing that love. Even though he didn’t need to, Ethan has taken care of me as no one else has since the beginning.
There was one problem, the only problem with the plan I’d been cooking up in my head, was Ethan. I did not account for my overprotective mate. I didn’t have to ask him to know what he would think of my plan. He would do everything in his power to keep me here, to keep me safe and I loved him for that but this was something I was going to do. I’ve made up my mind, now I had to figure out a way to either keep him here or sneak out. I wasn’t going to fool myself into believing he would just let me go.
My heart broke at the idea but I could think of one way. If I started a fight, a terrible one, I could move into another room. The plan was stupid. Not only would he never allow me to leave things left unsaid, but he would also do everything he could to make sure we resolved our fight.
The only other option would be to leave while he’s sleeping. He would try and come after me but if I said I needed space. He just might give me some but first, I would have to get past Leo.
My over-alert guard was right outside the door. It would be impossible to get away from him during the day. The only way sneaking out would be possible is if I sneaked out at night while Leo took a bathroom break.
I’ll be damned if I sit here and wait for Shane to take me. I wouldn’t make it easy for him, fate was obviously on his side. I gasped as snippets of my dreams rushed to the forefront of my mind. My mouth went dry. No. I wouldn’t let that happen, not again.
I’d fight with Ethan. It would hurt but it would make him think I just needed time to cool off. I’d tell him that before I left the territory. If I didn’t do this, Shane would come for me.
Whereas if I did this, let him take me, I’d lure him into this false sense of victory. I would have the upper hand. I would be out of the way and my pack would be safe. I could avoid unnecessary bloodshed.
The image of Gabe’s detached head in my hands caused my body to freeze. My mate’s heart ripped from his chest while blood dripped from Shane’s hand. The all too strong feeling of our mate blond snapping. My body went into panic mode but it was the reminder and the confirmation that I needed.
The past month of training, the ceremony and the happiness I have been able to experience would all be gone. If I could only stop him from taking me, maybe I could stop or delay what was already set into motion. To do that, I would need to convince Shane of my decision.
My mate was on his knees in front of me, his eyes downcast while he cleaned me up. My heart was breaking with the thought of what I was about to do. My chest ached as I took a deep breath and steeled my resolve.
“I don’t want pups.”
The hand that had been dabbing the evidence of our lovemaking froze, and slowly, Ethan lifted his chin. Shock followed by sadness sets in as he looks for an answer in my eyes. His brows furrow and his lips are sealed tight. Putting down the towel, Ethan squeezes my hands before lowering his head and kisses the back of my hand. The act is so loving despite the hurt he must be feeling from what I said. His breathing shutters as he tries to find the words to say what he’s thinking.
“I know what I said was unexpected,” Ethan said slowly, carefully thinking out his words. “Maybe it wasn’t the right time to say that. I wasn’t thinking. I…. the thought of seeing you with a baby crossed my mind and it just came out. I want nothing more than to live happily by your side. This week has been nothing but stressful with Shane taking over Half Moon and seeing him tonight, I know the time isn’t ideal. Things don’t look good right now but I hope my efforts have helped to soothe your worries.”
“Ethan, I-”
“Please, just let me finish,” Ethan interrupted. Goddess, I need to stop him. His words are making this harder than it already was. Biting my lip, I nodded, and Ethan continued.
“I know I screwed up by not killing him when I had the chance to at the trial. It eats at me every day knowing I let him get away but I’m doing everything I can to keep you and our family safe. I know this is all my fault but I hope I can give you even a little bit of ease during these difficult times. You’re my light in the dark times, Adea. Even when our nightmares become reality, I will continue to choose to live happily. I choose you and the life we have. I choose not to let all of the negative shit that happens taint the happiness I have with you.”