CHAPTER 155

RICK FORSON

RICK WALKED OUT of the table, ignoring Jones's subtle shaking of his head. Mitch was right, Jones had never had a mate, he didn't know what it felt like. He was in no position to give advice on mate matters.

Rick went out of the dining room, following Reine's scent. She was outside the pack house.

"Reine," he called softly. She turned and looked at him, She inhaled sharply at the hungry look in his eyes. He walked to her and took her hands gently. "You... "

"No, Rick," She said in a weak voice

"No to what?" He asked, "No, to the mate bond that the moon goddess has placed upon us?"

"You have to reject me," she said. "You have to."

"Why?" Rick asked. He held Reine's hand loosely, giving her the chance to remove it, but she did not.

"We can't," She shook her head. "Luna Beth..."

"After everything we have been through, this pack deserves more than Beth," Rick said. "It deserves someone with a good heart, someone strong and moral... not some stu-" he took a deep breath and sto