But ignore it I did. “No. I just don’t need everyone in the pack knowing my business.”
“That’s never bothered you before, has it?”
“No, but it’s bad enough having someone watching my every move. I don’t need them knowing when I hook up as well.”
“Someone in particular you want to keep in the dark?” Dathal wasn’t going to let it go. Clearly.
I scrubbed a hand through my hair and lowered my voice. “Stop,please. I know you think if you keep forcing the issue, then Talis and I will work things out, but it’s not going to happen.”
“Why?” Dathal tilted his head. “I don’t like seeing you this way, Cousin. But I can’t help you if you refuse to tell me why the two of you can’t be within ten feet of each other without scowling. I thought you were friends.”
“We were.Are,” I corrected with a grimace, because the thought of rehashing this with Dathal was as appealing as eating a plate offerra n’ul. “Like I said. We did something stupid and now we’re dealing with the consequences. You know what happened, so believe me when I tell you that the only thing that will fix me and Talis is time.”
Dathal rolled his eyes. “Ah, yes. Ignoring the problem until it goes away.”
“That’s not what I said.”
“Isn’t it?” He pinned me with his violet gaze, and I groaned.
I should’ve stayed home.
“I know you, Axel. I know you hate the idea of hurting anyone, and anyone with eyes can see that Talis is in pain. Don’t try and tell me it doesn’t cut you up inside every time you catch the look on his face.”
“Fuck you,” I spat, but it lacked any righteous indignation because he was right.
But so was I. We couldn’t go back. Couldn’t change anything. Time was the only healer we had.
IntimeI wouldn’t wish we’d never done what we did. And he wouldn’t hate me for it.
For now, I needed to do what I’d come here for in the first place—move the fuck on.
Easing off my stool, I stood and smoothed out my clothes.
Dathal’s eyes narrowed. “What are you doing?”
“Exactly what you brought me here to do. I’m going to dance and hopefully find myself a bit of fun.” I shot him a wink that felt as forced as the smile I plastered on, then made my way to the dance floor. I didn’t look back and he didn’t follow me, and soon enough I was swallowed up in the sea of bodies all intent on having a good time.
I’d never felt more out of place.
* * *
“Did you have fun tonight?”Sasha glanced at me before pulling out of the club car park and onto the main road. There was no judgement in her voice, but I felt it all the same.
I felt guilty too, even though I’d done nothing to warrant that either.
I shrugged. “Some.”
There’d been no shortage of offers. Midnight was a wealth of paranormal possibilities any night of the week, and I’d tried to lose myself to the feel of warm bodies and willing mouths. But when it came to doing more, my heart wasn’t in it. My cock? Yes, totally on board, but the tight feeling in my chest stopped me from taking things further. I couldn’t decide whether I was pissed off or relieved. “It was good to get out,” I added, hoping to derail that line of conversation.
“I bet.” She shuddered. “I’m surrounded by pack for the majority of the day, but I can’t imagine having someone watching me twenty-four seven.”
I turned to stare at her, unimpressed. “Yes, thank you so much for reminding me.”
She laughed loudly and I settled back in my seat, watching the scenery slowly morph into the trees and greenery of Dark Forest Pack territory.
“How come you got stuck with babysitting duty tonight? I thought it was your night off?”
She hesitated and I wanted to suck the words back in.
