: S

someone to pick me up to discuss the mate situation,

his blonde hair cascading to his shoulders and piercing grey eyes that seemed to captivate everyone around him. Standing before

of questions. He had instructed me to keep the mate business a secret, yet I felt compelled to share the news with my mom. Her excitement

he have forgotten? How could he forget? Just then, a knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.

Are you Saint?" he inquired, hi

t's me,"

I've been sent to escort you

en. "Just a moment," I replied and hurried to m

journey was surprisingly quiet, devoid of any casual chatter. This suited me perfectly; I ne

us. "Oh, good afternoon, Samantha! I wasn't aware you were

smile. "Come on in. He isn't here yet, but he should

aling. The living room was of moderate size, adorned with elegant and luxurious decor.

ttling down. "We haven't had the chance to introduce ourselves.

self in turn. "I'm Saint, here from

en if you need anything," sh

adorning the walls. One particular photo captivated my attention: it depicted him and t

owed the lump that ha

ld? Oh goddess, he has a child with her. A wave of unease washed over me. Could this be the

when those images feel like they're mocking me. I stood up and approached the

one else's home." I turned to see him sta

ammered, quickly ret

Sam mentioned you wanted to talk to him," she said, givin

thing I can't han

e in the kitchen," sh

." He ascended the stairs, and I trailed behind, taking in th

d silence enveloped us. I wanted to speak, to break the tensio

m Jackson, Alpha of the New Moon pack."

agged his tail in response. "I'm Saint, a n

replied, hi

" That was rather curt

mates, but I need to be honest-I can't share those feelings.

red, my voice bare

se pictures in the living ro

mi

brought you here. I certainly don't need a mate; I'm perfectly fine with my s

cruel joke from the moon goddess? Is he really going to reject

ces would be too dire and unpredictable. We'll just keep our bond platonic. I can't

Agree? No, I didn't want that. Disagree? I couldn't force him to feel something he didn't. In a s

d to spill over. As I dashed out of the room, I struggled to remember the path to the

umped into Chris, who was accompanied

ish his thought. Lost and overwhelmed, I couldn't bring myself to ask

causing some of them to

e a ride?" a voice called from behind me. I

'd really appreciate it," I repl

op in," she said, lead

and glanced over at me. "Is eve

t wanting to share my feelings, es

alk," she said kindly, reaching into the gl

t my tears. The rest of the ride was filled

said, grateful that she

don't hesitate to reach out,"

gain," I replied as I s

expression shifted as she noticed me, a frown forming on h

elmed with emotion. "He said he doesn't want me, Mom.

alright," she soothed, wrappi

o cry, lettin