“I don’t want to be second fiddle in a relationship.”
Christian looks like I’ve punched him in the stomach.“What?”
I square my shoulders.I need to be strong.I finally know what I want, and I need to stick to it.I need to stop letting people treat me as an afterthought.
“I don’t want to be second fiddle in a relationship,” I repeat.
“What does that mean?I never looked at another woman before you.I told you that shifters only have one mate.”
“It’s not a person.It’s your job.You’re like my parents.They have their company, and you have the clinic.And I know that makes me sound like a monster because your job is literally helping people and saving their lives, but I can’t do it.Not with you.”
“Quinn—”
“I want to feel important to my partner, and I don’t think that will happen with you.You love your job, you’re good at it, and it’s a noble occupation.I’m just not the right person to be with you,” I say sadly.
“You are!”he shouts.“You and I were made for each other.”
Tears fill my eyes again.“I can’t.”
“You’re the only person for me, Quinn.Only you.And I’m the only person for you,” he says stubbornly.
“Christian—”
“You don’t get it,” he cuts me off, pushing to his feet.
I watch him pace.I’ve never had to break up with someone before, and I’m finding it harder than expected.
“I’ll do anything for you, Quinn.I’ll change anything, follow you anywhere, quit my job,anything,” he stresses.“I’ll do whatever I have to so I’m the perfect partner for you.My wolf and I both need that.We need to know that you’re happy and healthy and safe and have whatever you need.”
I take a shaky breath as he steps closer and drops to his knees in front of me.
“If you need more of my time and attention, you have it.All you have to do is ask for something, and it will be yours.I promise you.”
“Your patients?—”
He shakes his head.“I’ll hire another doctor and more nurses.I’ll get more help.”
Can I really trust him?I’ve learned that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.I tense as I remember all my parents' broken promises.
Then I remember how sweet and attentive Christian has been with me.He’s already shown me over and over what I mean to him.He’s already proven that he’ll do what he has to in order to keep me safe and happy.
He’s not my parents.And I need to stop treating him like he is.
“All I ask is that you stop running away from me.You have no idea how anxious I was when I was looking for you.I was so worried that the shooter was targeting you.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
He sighs.“You’re supposed to be resting.”
I look back at the bed, then back at him.“I am.”
He rolls his eyes and stands.Gripping me under my arms, he moves me into the center of the bed and tucks me in.I bite back a smile as he fusses over me, bringing the tray of food to the bed and setting it next to me.I’m sure he’s about to feed me when his eyes snag on my packed suitcases.
He glares at them.“Were you going to leave town without telling me?”
I freeze, swallowing hard.“Um…”
“Fuck, Quinn.Do you really think that I would just let you go?I would’ve tracked you to the ends of the earth.”
