“Since we’re hanging out, I’m calling in the confession you owe me.”
The slant of his eyebrows increased. “Go ahead.”
Heart strumming a little faster, I asked, “Do you dislike mating bonds because Ness chose her true mate over you?”
“My dislike doesn’t stem from unrequited affection. Yes, Ness and I had a thing. A very brief thing, which ended because I was a dick to her.” His throat moved with a swallow—grief, annoyance? I didn’t know him well enough to tell. “Ultimately, I would’ve lost her to August, so it’s probably a good thing we didn’t get involved. Not only were they magically tethered, but they had history. You can’t compete with history.”
I picked up my pace to keep up with his longer strides. “Do you like him?”
“Who? August?”
I nodded.
“Our relationship’s getting better, but he’s never fully trusted I’ve stopped having designs on his girl.”
“Have you?”
He slanted me a look. “They’re true mates. Once it’s consummated, there’s no coming between that bond.”
“But if they hadn’t consummated it?”
“I don’t likeifs. What’s the point in contemplating fates that never happened? I’d rather focus on the one happening. I didn’t get the girl but got the pack, and then I got a son but didn’t get the mother. I’ve come to terms that you can’t have it all, and I’m satisfied with my lot.”
“That’s a crappy outlook.”
“Excuse me?”
“To think happiness comes at a cost.”
“It does.”
“No, it doesn’t. Happiness isn’t a transaction; it’s a state of mind. You should try it.” Under my breath, I added, “Although you probably wouldn’t see happiness if it slapped you in the face.”
His mouth’s grim line gentled.
“If it isn’t because of Ness, then why do you dislike mating bonds?”
His gaze swept over the tawny trunks shading us from the sun. “Because of my father.”
I waited for him to elaborate.
“His true mate rejected him, which made him treat my mother like a worthless consolation prize.”
“Oh.” I’d heard his father was an awful man. I’d also heard rumors he’d killed his wife. However tempted I was to learn more, Liam sounded upset enough as it was.
When we reached his boxy SUV, he drew open the passenger door for me, then shut it and got behind the wheel.
“Can you drop me off at Adalyn’s salon? I need to pick up my car.”
“I don’t think you should be driving.”
I rolled my eyes. “Darren didn’t perform open-brain surgery on me, Liam. Besides, it’s a short drive.”
“Please get it when you’re feeling better. Or better yet, I’ll tell Lucas to pick it up once he’s done at the bunker.”
The mere mention of the bunker had my stomach rolling. “Do my parents know about Bea yet?”
“I haven’t told them anything.”
