50

KATHERINE

“Just one.” I answered lowly, my tone laced with curiosity.

“Then why is your scent masked?” Derek asked huskily.

I became lost. So lost that I don’t understand him anymore nor any reason why he could be asking.

Xavier is only mate I have ever had. Moreso, since I have been rejected by him, I’ve never come across another. Neither have I- since then- abored any thought my scent could be masked. Who would do that?

“My scent isn’t.” I shook my head, zero percent certain of what I was saying. Somehow, a doubt is poking out a one corner of my mind.

My scent could have been masked, by somehow who doesn’t want me to find my mate. Possibly?

Or maybe not. I’m no one’s business. In fact, I’m nothing but an object of ridicule, that no one will want to have anything to do with.

He huffed and then retreated away from me, getting out of the bed and fetching his jacket, which he flung over his shoulders, ready to leave the room.

“Goodness, Derek. You’ve only just finished receiving