She tried a different approach, flashing him her brightest smile. “So, tell me about Everflame Isle. It’s the most gorgeous place I’ve ever seen. Your aunt mentioned that your family established the territory here centuries ago?”
“That’s correct.” He reached for his wine glass, his movements controlled and precise. “My grandfather founded this territory as a safe haven.”
His formal tone made her feel like she was conducting an interview rather than having dinner with her supposed fatedmate. She pressed on, refusing to let his emotional walls discourage her.
“It must be incredible, having that kind of family legacy. And the responsibility of protecting it all—that’s quite a burden to carry.”
Something flickered in his eyes at the word ‘burden,’ but it was gone so quickly she might have imagined it.
“Are you settling in well with Evelina?” he asked, clearly deflecting from personal topics.
“Yes, she’s been the most gracious hostess. This whole place is so magical that I could get swept away and stay here forever.”
He leaned forward slightly, his green eyes suddenly sharp and focused. For a heartbeat, she caught a glimpse of something that looked almost like hope.
“This place is something we’re all proud of,” he said, his voice carrying a new intensity. “We work hard to protect it.”
The passion in his voice when he spoke about his territory gave her encouragement that somewhere beneath all that control was a man capable of deep feeling. She just had to find a way to reach him.
“So, why did you run off earlier?” she asked, her voice gentle but direct. “I know I’m your fated mate. Gerri and Evelina told me.”
His entire body went rigid, the wine glass freezing halfway to his lips. “They did?”
“Yes.” She leaned forward, her hazel eyes searching his face for some sign of the connection she’d felt earlier. “I was really hoping we would connect better, but you seem so distant and closed off. And I don’t understand why, if we’re destined to be together.”
The challenge hung in the air between them, and she watched as his expression shifted from surprise to something that looked almost like panic.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” he said, his voice taking on a defensive edge. “Things have been challenging for a long time, and this whole situation just got sprung on me. I didn’t ask for it and I’m not ready for it.”
Each word felt like a small knife to her heart, but she tried to keep her expression neutral.
Don’t take it personally,she reminded herself, echoing Kaelith’s advice.He’s probably just scared.
“So what, you don’t want me here then?” she asked, unable to keep a note of hurt from creeping into her voice. “Am I a problem for you?”
For a moment, his face went completely blank—like a deer caught in headlights. Then his expression hardened into something cold and impenetrable.
“Yes, you are a problem for me, and it’s probably best you just leave for now.” The words came out sharp and final. “I’m sorry my aunt had you come here, and I was trying to be respectful, but this isn’t going to work.”
The words hit her like a punch to the gut, stealing her breath and making her chest tight with sudden, overwhelming pain. Her destined mate—the man the universe had supposedly chosen for her—was telling her she was a problem and asking her to leave.
This isn’t what’s supposed to happen,her mind screamed.Why would the universe be so cruel?
She pushed back from the table, her chair scraping against the deck boards as she stood on unsteady legs. Her dinner sat barely touched, the beautiful meal now seeming to mock her with its perfection.
“Fine,” she managed, her voice thick with hurt and anger. “I won’t stay where I’m not wanted.”
Without another word, she turned and rushed down the back wooden steps of the deck, her vision blurring with tears sherefused to let fall. The sound of her footsteps on the beach sand seemed unnaturally loud as she broke into a run, hoping the moonlight would be enough to guide her back to Evelina’s estate.
As she ran, one thought echoed through her mind with devastating clarity. She was either going to stay and figure this impossible situation out or give up on love for good.
ELEVEN
DAMON
Damon sat frozen in the flickering candlelight, his eyes fixed on the wooden steps where Isla had disappeared into the darkness. The carefully arranged dinner table mocked him with its perfection—white linen pristine, wine glasses catching the flame’s dance, the elaborate meal he’d spent hours preparing now growing cold in the ocean breeze.
You absolute idiot.
