Chapter 155

Fiona

“Ethan is coming back,” Ryan announces, crouching beside me as I sit at my desk. I try not to look at him and try not to feel relieved. Why should I feel relieved? It’s not like Ethan will do anything. He hasn’t so far, so why start now?

I would love for Ethan to come back, take charge, and punish Angela for what she’s done. It would make me happier than anything, honestly, but the thought almost makes me laugh. I have no doubt that Ethan could do it if he wanted, but if he’s still having trouble with his and Angela’s parents, I don’t see that happening any time soon.

Would him coming back now change anything?

Probably not.

Will he deal with Angela?

Again, probably not.

He didn’t deal with her before, what would make this time different?

Almost as if he senses my thoughts, Ryan lays a kind hand on my arm and offers a small smile.

It doesn’t help, though. In fact, it only proves how valid my feelings are and how confused I am. The uneasy feeling of being underappreciated resurfaces, and I sigh.

“Does he realize it’s too late?” I ask, looking directly at Ryan. I need to know his opinion. He knows Ethan better than I do, so if anyone knows the answer, it’ll be Ryan. However, the shocked expression that takes over Ryan’s face dampens my hope.

He doesn’t move, other than the slight turning of his lips as they pull down into a frown.

“Ethan can say I’m his fated mate all he wants, but if his actions don’t match his words, there’s nothing more to say,” I tell Ryan. Carefully, I slide my arm from underneath his hand. I don’t want Ryan to think I’m angry at him. He’s done nothing wrong, and even though he knows I’ve given up on Ethan, he’s been helping me more than he should.

“I’m sorry, Fiona, but Ethan really does care for yo—”

“Please don’t,” I mumble, looking away. “Please don’t make excuses for him. I know you love him like a brother and that he’s supposed to be your leader, but this isn’t something words can fix, Ryan.”

I take a deep breath and look back at him. His eyes search my face, probably looking for a way to talk me out of this.

“I’m tired, Ryan. I’m angry, sad, and restless,” I murmur, blinking back the first signs of tears. “Ethan told me all these wonderful things about mates and how they were meant for each other. He said they were made specifically for each other, but you don’t treat someone like a side piece or like they’re a pawn if you love them. I don’t know what’s in Ethan’s head or heart, but keeping someone, who is supposed to be your other half, at a distance doesn’t fit with what he told me about mates. I just…” I sigh again and look at the floor. “I wanted that kind of love.”

“Then let him make things right, Fiona,” Ryan begs, grabbing my hands and gently squeezing them.

I pull my hands back, dropping them into my lap.

“I feel like he doesn’t truly recognize me as his mate, though, if he’s treating me this way. His actions prove that, which means there’s no reason to continue an impossible relationship.”

A little rumble of protest sounds from Ryan as he growls, “He cares for you, so please give him another chance to explain.”

“I have,” I cry, spinning on him and glaring. “We’ve… he’s had so much time and so many chances to fix the problems between us. I tried to get him to talk to me, tried to spend time with him, tried to ask questions, and I even tried to offer my help!” Ryan flinches, and I bite my bottom lip, knowing it’s not fair to be angry at him.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around my waist and stepping back. “I just… he’s been absent and negligent. I don’t know what else to do, Ryan.”

“Meet him one more time.”

Squeezing my eyes closed, I feel the rogue tear roll down my cheek, as I reply, “Ryan. I’m tired of the secrecy and of him leaving me out of the loop. Logically, know I’m not like him and there are some things he can’t tell me, but to completely ignore me and the fact that I’ve been hurt by this situation is uncalled for.”

Ryan

I understand.

I don’t say it aloud, but I understand where she’s coming from. My Alpha has made a mess of their relationship by trying to keep Fiona out of the spotlight here and in the West. Most mated couples don’t have problems, but with the possible danger to Fiona in the West, the Lycan King Selection, and the struggle with Angela’s family, there’s been a lot more conflict between Ethan and Fiona than there should be.

As a human, Fiona is more delicate than a Lycan female, but she’s also not wrong in her way of thinking. She deserves to be included in our lives and in our plans if Ethan wants to keep her by his side. That’s how Alpha and Luna pairings work.

The Alpha is the leader, and the Luna is his co-leader and support. She helps balance out the male stupidity and brings a sense of peace and tenderness that Alphas usually lack.

Without a Luna, a pack is doomed to fall. There are two sides to every coin, and with an Alpha’s strength comes the need for a Luna’s gentleness. Its why packs don’t survive long if there is no Luna, and why the Goddess originally created mates.

Once you find your mate, that’s it. She’s the most important thing in your life, which Ethan always believed until his last relationship went wrong. Having someone use magic to manipulate you takes a toll on anyone, including a strong Alpha like Ethan.

Ethan was never the same after he found out his ex was lying to him. Something changed inside him and not in a good way.

So, if Fiona- his true mate- leaves, it will damage him beyond recognition.

Stepping forward, I slowly wrap my arms around Fiona and pull her into a hug.

“You’re right. Ethan should have handled things better, but please give him one more chance. If he messes up again, I’ll kick his ass for you… just think about it, okay?”

She doesn’t respond, so after a minute, I pull back and offer my best non-pushy smile.

“Let’s get you home so you can rest, okay?”

Again, she nods but doesn’t respond, and I watch as she slowly gathers her things.