And I had to talk to somebody about this. Although I’d kept most of the details about Austin to myself and all of it regarding Marius, I might be making awful, irreversible choices—ones I couldn’t recover from.
I made a call and asked something I never thought I’d say, especially after their recent matchmaking tomfoolery. “Can we meet up for a girls’ night at Danger Zone?”
AUSTIN
The interior of the pub was dark and dated, but it advertised hot food and cold beer. That sounded perfect. I found a booth in the back, away from people who gathered around the bar and ordered beer for both of us.
Lucas arrived a few minutes later. When he spotted me, he headed over, his expression more serious than usual.
Once he sat, he asked, “What happened?”
I told him. “Although I didn’t expect her to jump into my arms in joy, I didn’t think I’d get a flat-out rejection.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Okay, maybe a part of me did, but I hoped it would turn out better.”
Lucas assured me, “She probably just needs time. Look at Ross and Rachel. It was a break. Not a break up.”
I cocked my head. From what I remembered aboutFriendswas a lot of drama after that break and didn’t they break up? I didn’t know. “That’s a sitcom with fictional humans. This is real life with a shifter and witch and a confusing mate connection that I feel, but she doesn’t. She ended it.”
“Which makes a relationship more of a challenge,” Lucas added. “I know.”
“She ended it. No ambiguities there. Any suggestions?”
Lucas drank a gulp of beer. “Not one that you’ll want to hear. The only thing I can say is give her time and space and hope she comes around.”
I grunted. “That’s what I thought you’d say.” Then I took an even bigger gulp. “I don’t see how I can stay there. Can you imagine living next door to Zoe but being unable to get close to her?”
Lucas placed his hand on his chest and winced. “Ouch. That would be unbearable.”
“Exactly.”
Lucas attempted to soothe the rejection by distracting me with stories while we finished our beer but despite his best efforts, I sensed he felt what I did—I was screwed. I may not have grown up with shifters but what I felt was the most potent aspect of being one. I’d found my mate, and she’d rejected me. And that was fuckin’ agony.
I took the last sip of beer. “It’s been great getting to know you, Lucas, and I appreciate you coming out here tonight, but maybe it’s time for me to move on from Salem”
“Already?” His tone edged up in surprise. “You just got here. Sure, I can see why you wouldn’t want to live next to Pandora, but the Network can find you someplace else to live.”
I rubbed my forehead. “Yeah, maybe I’m being a little overdramatic.”
“Nah, not at all.” Lucas brushed it off with a wave. “I hear you. I know what you’re going through and don’t wish it on anyone but don’t give up yet. Pandora is into you, man. She might be freaked out. Give her time to come around.”
I exhaled with a low whoosh. If there was even a slim chance that she was as into me as Lucas said, I wouldn’t give up hope yet. Giving her time to adjust would be tortuous, but it was better than the agony of not being with my mate.
CHAPTER22
PANDORA
Isat in a booth at the Danger Zone with Cassandra, Nova, Zoe, and Gianna. It was still early in the evening, so not too many patrons were at the club, and the few who were concentrated near the bar. We were the only ones seated at a table. It was low key compared to the lights and sounds of speed date night. The Damned’s “Alone Again Or” played over the din of conversation, and a flash of Austin singing along to it at the concert returned. I frowned. Now we were both alone, and it was my fault.
Gianna brought over a pitcher of sangria with blueberries and strawberries.
After we each had a glass, I took a sip and smacked my lips together. “This is delicious.” We chatted and drank. When they asked me what was going on, I smoothed my hands over my hips. “I may have screwed things up badly with Austin. And since you were all part of trying to hook us up during the ridiculous speed dating shenanigans, I figure you may be somewhat invested in this relationship.” I gave them a lopsided smile. “At any rate, I need your advice.”
They all responded with a chorus of “Of course” and “What happened?” and “Anytime” and “We’re always around to help.”
I ran my fingers through some condensation on the tabletop. “I need to go back a ways. Where do I start?” I closed my eyes. “The night that Austin showed up at my back door with a kitten.” How could I ever forget that adorable moment? It was seared onto my mind forever. After reopening my eyes, I said, “You all know about that, but what you don’t know is that I had someone else visit the next night.” A bitter taste came over my tongue. “My ex-fiancé.”
“What?” Cassandra gaped, mouth open. “I thought he was dead.”
“Fee-ahn-say?” Nova stretched out the word and exchanged a glance with Gianna.
