I personally don’t feel like bringing up what happened all those years ago, probably because of my ego, and the fact that he keeps playing dumb just makes it worse.
But can I really be in a pack with him?
Live with him?
Share Sloane and Ethan with him?
I’m going to have to or else I risk losing everything.
“Truce,” I say, holding out my hand.
Max looks at my palm like it’s toxic but shakes it regardless.
“Truce.”
“No more fighting in front of Sloane,” I say, and he nods his head in agreement.
“I’m not saying you’re the one who started it, but you kind of are. You’re the one with the bigger problem than me,” he says.
I inhale deeply, too embarrassed to bring up what happened over five years ago.
“I’ll work on it. But you also need to work with me. I’ve been with Sloane for months now, slowly getting to know her and dating her. You just swooped in out of nowhere. It’s been more than an adjustment.”
“You know, this was all out of my hands. I’m happy about it, and I feel blessed. But I didn’t ask to come in here and upend anyone’s life.”
Deep down, I know that. I know that Max didn’t maliciously try to ruin everything I’ve worked for, but I can’t help that I still feel that way. I’ve just got to push it down. Not just for Sloane, but for me too. I don’t want to be an angry asshole all the time, especially not around my pack. That’s the one time I should be able to be myself.
I don’t forgive Max, simply because I’m a petty asshole, but I can try to forget. If only for my own selfish reasons.
“Should we talk about why you hate me so much?”
“No,” I snap back quickly, and the other Alpha sighs. “Past is in the past. We’re moving forward to be what Sloane needs.”
“And what does that look like for the rest of her heat? You can’t just rip her out of my arms.”
“Is that not what you did to me last fucking night?” I snap back and take a deep breath and rub the bridge of my nose. “Fighting over her is only going to upset her more. It’s my job?—”
“Our job,” he interrupts.
I kinda want to hit him in his pretty-boy face again.
“Our job,” I drone, “to make sure she’s taken care of and happy. So no more ripping her out of each other’s arms, and we’ll have to take turns. After this heat, we’ll have to deal with the rest of this, but I’m not going anywhere. I don’t care if you’re her fucking scent match. I’m not leaving her, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine, even if that means having to deal with you for the rest of my life.”
“You know, if my face wasn’t half numb, I’d probably smile and say that’s kind of romantic.”
“Fuck off.”
“I thought we were in a truce,” Max says.
“Truce doesn’t mean I can’t tell you when you’re being a fucking moron.”
“I think I’m growing on you already, Nilsen.”
“You’re not,” I deadpan, and the man smiles and winces.
“I think you’re gonna be my friend before you know it, and you’re going to be so mad at yourself for not being able to hold a grudge for the rest of your life.”
“Don’t count on it.”
