Mates were supposed to be perfect for each other, and he’d known right from the start that he could not be right for her. Did Leonie’s animal agree? Had it looked into his soul and found him wanting?
No.Not a snarl of denial, but the whimper of a hurt cub, lost and alone.No.
Yes. It was the only explanation. And it was a kindness, really. He could leave, and she would not miss him. Her lioness was protecting her. He was grateful.
Leonie deserved better than to be bound to a monster.
A light touch on his shoulder dragged him out of his rumination. Rufus stared at him in solemn silence for a moment, then gestured at his sunglasses.
The boy’s request was clear, if not his purpose. Somewhat confused, he took off his sunglasses, blinking.
Rufus looked him right in the eye.
*Shan,* Rufus said in his head.*You need to ask Leonie about her sister.*
CHAPTER 27
Leonie hadn’t wanted to admit it to Shan, but his imminent departure really had dumped a whole pile of extra work on her plate. By the time she’d finished rearranging the cabin duty roster, fielding inquiries about whether his room was now up for grabs, and reassuring worried counselors that the mystery of the camp ghost reallyhadbeen definitively settled for once and for all—not to mention patiently talking Don down from an anxiety spiral—the moon was high in the sky, bathing the camp in silver light.
Don’t get your hopes up,she told herself as she walked through the still, quiet campground.You already said your goodbyes. He’s probably long gone by now.
But he hadn’t. She found Shan sitting alone at the staff firepit, staring into the dying embers. It was ridiculous, but despite everything, her heart still quickened at the sight of him.
“You waited for me,” she said, stupidly pleased that he hadn’t slipped off without a final farewell. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Yes.” He was wearing his sunglasses again, the silly man. Firelight glimmered from the lenses as he looked up at her. “I did.”
“Well, I’m happy you’re still here.” She took a seat on the log next to him, setting down the bag she was carrying with aclink. “I stopped by the lake to fish out the cooler I pretend I don’t know the other counselors have hidden under the dock. Want a contraband beer?”
He accepted the offered bottle, looking somewhat quizzical. “You knew I would stay?”
“Oh, no,” she said lightly, cracking the cap off another beer. “If you’d already gone, I was just going to drink these by myself. But I’m glad you stayed.”
He regarded her, face in shadow. “Truth.”
“Is that a statement or a toast?” She held out her beer to him. “Either way, cheers. Here’s to solved mysteries.”
Shan nodded, clinking his bottle against hers. They drank together, side by side, both watching the fire.
The last log crumbled into ash, sending up a shower of sparks. Leonie fidgeted with her beer, taking another drink just to avoid having to speak. Everything they hadn’t discussed sat like a boulder between them.
She should apologize. For forcing him to go along with her silly plan in the first place; for letting herself forget the difference between what was real and what was just pretend. For accusing him of concealing the truth. Especially for—oh God, her face heated just at the memory—what had happened in the freezer.
I’m sorry,she should tell him.I’m sorry for getting you involved in all this. I’m sorry I made things awkward. I’m sorry you had to stay so long.
But he could taste lies. And really, there was only one thing she regretted.
I’m sorry I’m not your mate.
Shan broke the silence first. “Truth or dare.”
Leonie almost spit out her beer. She spluttered, alcohol burning the back of her sinuses. “What, really?”
Shan nodded slightly, still watching the fire. “Truth or dare.”
As far as she could tell, he was completely serious. She coughed, taking another swig of beer to clear her throat. “Uh…truth, I suppose.”
“Tell me about your sister.”
