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After changing into a more presentable outfit, I checked out of the motel with Zane carrying my things. He threw the bags into the trunk of his car and held the door open for him to step in.

Although I was still keeping my guard up against him, I whispered words of gratitude under my breath and sat down.

Once Zane got behind the wheel, he spoke up. “I know a good restaurant around here,” He turned to face me briefly and said. “Why don’t we go there for breakfast, then I’ll explain.”

I didn’t see a problem with that. The faster I found out what he wanted from me, the sooner I would be able to get away from him and start planning my new life.

Three whole years of living alone and away from the pack…I wondered how I was going to cope.

But I sure as hell wasn’t going to go back and beg them.

“Sure,” I nodded. “Let’s do that.”

Zane started the engine and drove off. Soon, we arrived at a fancy-looking restaurant. All the buildings around the restaurant towered over it, but the décor and atmosphere of the restaurant seemed to radiate a sort of royalty feeling.

“Come on,” Zane said, coming around the other side and opening the door for me.

I took the hand he offered and stepped out, ignoring the way my skin tingled as it made contact with his.

Keep it together, Cana, you just had your heart broken, don’t go making it any worse by falling for the first person who was nice to you.

“Thanks,” I said as I was led into the restaurant.

Zane showed a staff member the reservation he had already made and we were led into a private room, equally as fancy as the restaurant. Although I had seen my fair share of luxury, I couldn’t help but look around like a little child who had just entered a candy store.

Our meal was served as soon as we were seated. I took a bite from the steak and temporarily enjoyed the good taste.

“It’s good, isn’t it?” Zane said with a smile, cutting off a piece from his steak.

I nodded. “Yes.” After answering, I recalled the reason why I had agreed to follow him. “So?”

The questioning tone in my voice had Zane’s expression sobering.

“Can’t we at least wait till the meal is over?”

I remained silent at his question and he sighed.

“Fine, what do you want to know, Cana?”

“Why are you interested in me?”

Zane placed the fork and knife down and leaned back on his chair, eyes staring directly at me.

The expression on his face clearly showed that he was playing with his thoughts for a few seconds before he answered.

“You’re important to me.”

I frowned. “How?”

A few more seconds went by, and Zane once again looked like he was choosing his words wisely.

“You’re my mate.”

I blinked once, then twice, waiting for the moment when he’d laugh and say it was all a joke. But it never came.

“What?”

“We’re mates, Cana-“

“Don’t bullshit me.” I stood up. “I was already rejected by my mate and you already have a betroth, don’t play games with me.”

I had already suffered enough and didn’t need to suffer anymore.

Zane grabbed my wrist before I could walk off and forced me to sit down.

“I’m not playing games with you, Cana,” He ran his finger up my forearm and I unconsciously shivered, pleasantly.

His eyes met mine and for the first time, I could see the blue in them was more on the green side, but the mixture looked beautiful.

“You feel it, don’t you?” He continued, running his fingers up and down my forearm before gently cupping my cheek, inviting that foreign feeling I had run away from the previous night. “Don’t you, Cana?”

I gulped and looked away, afraid that words I didn’t want to speak would leave my lips the moment I parted them.

Seconds after my action, the scent of Zane’s pheromone filled the room and he growled. “Look at me, Cana.”

It was a command, a command that I was unable to ignore. So, slowly, I looked up and was immediately drawn into his eyes.

“Don’t deny it, Cana,” He leaned closer, allowing his breath to fan my lips, dangerously close. “We’re mates.”

We’re mates, his words replayed in my mind over and over.

Then what did that make Axel and I? And…his betroth, what about her?

The fog clouding my mind seemed to ease up at the thought of his betroth and I quickly spoke up before his lips could touch mine.

“Please stop.”

Zane halted his actions and his eyes scanned my face. The moment he spotted hesitancy written all over my face, he sighed and backed away.

I took the chance to stand up and create some distance between us.

“I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I can’t…be your mate.”

Zane’s expression softened at my words, almost as if he was hurt by them.

I grimaced, not sure why I had suddenly cared about his feelings.

“I understand you’re confused.”

I wasn’t. I was a hundred percent sure that I couldn’t be Zane’s mate. The moon goddess wouldn’t play such a cruel trick on me.

“Let’s first go home, We’ll talk when you’ve rested and calmed down.”

He stretched his hand out, but I didn’t take it.

“I’m not going.” My voice was firm, this was the one thing I was sure about.

Zane’s expression hardened, but after a few seconds, he sighed and dipped his hand into the pocket of his jacket.

“I will give you some time,” He stretched his hand out with a card. Under further inspection, I realized it was a black credit card. “Take it.”

“I can’t-“ I tried to refuse, but he gently grabbed my wrist and placed the card in my palm.

“It belongs to you.”

When I looked down at the card, I was shocked to see my initials branded on it.

“The pin’s your birthday.”

I stared at Zane, not sure what to do or say.

He smiled tightly. “Use it as you wish and don’t forget to call me if you need anything.” He slid his business card into my hand and walked towards the door without another word.

But just before he stepped out, he stopped and called out to me.

“Don’t try running away again, Cana, because no matter where you go, I will find you.”

With that, he was gone, leaving me to my wild thoughts.

~•~

~Zane’s POV:

I sighed heavily as soon as I got into my car.

Fuck!

This situation hadn’t played out as fine as I thought it would. I never expected her to reject me. Not only was I handsome and well off, I was a Lycan, the top of the chain, and everything a mate would want in her partner.

And yet, she still rejected me.

Sighing, I leaned my head against the headrest behind me.

‘It wasn’t an official rejection.’ I consoled myself.

“But what if she officially rejects us?” The wolf inside me growled. “What would you do then?”

Closing my eyes, I swallowed thickly and silenced the wolf in me. He was rowdy, paranoid, and afraid of losing our mate after years of searching. But I knew everything was going to be okay.

Cana would eventually come around, she’d eventually accept us, and if she didn’t, then we’d just have to change her mind.

No matter what It took, she will be ours, after all, she was our mate ordained by the moon goddess.