Martin refused to ride in Beula to the wedding. He told me no self-respecting wolf would ever be seen in a car like that, and we would most likely end up stranded by the side of the road if we did. I thought he was being judgmental. Beula had done me good; she had always been reliable. But since he refused, we were sitting in his car with him behind the wheel.

It had been over a year since I left the little town to join the pack. I had kept in touch with CeCe, but it still felt strange returning. The part of my life where I had lived as a human felt like a dream.

“Excited to go back and see your friends?” Martin asked.

“I am. It will be nice to see everyone, and I’m happy for CeCe and Jessie. This has been a long time coming,” I told him.

“So, how do you want to introduce me? As your boyfriend?” he asked with a grin. I laughed.

“Don’t be gross,” I said. He laughed as well.

“Come on, I thought it was a big deal to have a date for events like these when you are human,” he insisted.

“I guess it is. I never understood that part of their culture. Maybe because I’m a werewolf, and we don’t tend to place as much importance on dating. Or maybe it’s because of the whole rejection thing. And since I’m dragging you to this thing, I don’t want to block you from having some fun. The ladies will go crazy for you, trust me. You have a high chance of scoring at this thing. But it won’t be with me,” I told him and giggled.

“Of course not with you; who is being gross now? I don’t need to score. I do well in that department when I want to. Are you planning to score?” he asked.

“You know me. I’m staying away from anything romantic.”

“Yeah, I know. And I get why in the pack. All single wolves have a potential mate out there; it’s a one-sided risk in your case. Totally get it. But these are humans; there is no such risk here.”

“Maybe not. I’m not interested in a one-night thing. I know these men; they are not someone I would consider for a relationship. I guess it would make sense for me to have a relationship with a human, but I don’t like the idea. There is a huge gap between how we live and how we see the world,” I said. And then there was this thing between Finlay and me. I didn’t say it, but I knew that as long as I had unresolved feelings for our Alpha, no one else would feel right.

“You should know, since you lived among them for years. Then I don’t see why you don’t just tell people I’m your boyfriend.”

“Because we are going to a wedding, one of the most romantic social events in the human world. If I show up with my boyfriend, they will expect us to act all lovey-dovey, kissing and cuddling and slow dancing and stuff,” I explained and looked at him. I made a face, and I laughed. I loved Martin, and I knew he loved me, but we were as brother and sister, and anything else felt wrong. Imagining kissing Martin felt the same as imagining kissing Elder. “Thought so.”

“Fine, I get it. But just so we are clear, I will make sure other men stay away from you.”

I laughed and shook my head. “And why is that? You just asked me if I planned to get laid.”

“That was to scope your intentions. Now I know I don’t have to talk sense into you, and I can just do my thing,” he said and sounded pleased.

“What is up with you?” I asked. He glanced over at me and sighed.

“Let’s talk about the elephant in the car.”

“Do we have one of those?” I asked.

“We do. You know I love you like a sister.”

“I do.”

“And Finlay is my best friend.” Oh shit, I thought. “I’m not blind; I can see whatever it is between the two of you. It’s frustrating to watch, but it’s up to you to deal with. I’m just making sure that since he can’t be here, I will make sure I keep you safe.”

My heart was pounding in my chest. I thought I had been hiding my feelings.

“Does everyone know?” I asked.

“No. Matilda does, because she sees everything. Maybe Medow does as well, but she hides it well if she does. Sam has no clue. The rest of the pack… I don’t think they see what I see. But everyone knows the two of you are close. Why do you act as if it’s a problem if the others know?”

“I don’t know. It’s between Finlay and me, and even we don’t talk about it. It’s just kind of… just is.”

“And why is that?”

“Because if we talk about it, we need to make a decision on how to move forward, and I’m too big of a coward for that,” I said. He laughed, but when he noticed me not laughing, he glanced at me.

“You are serious?”

“I am.”

“But what is there to be scared of? And I have never seen you scared. Why are you running away from this of all things?”

“Because... Because there are two outcomes. Either we decide to start something, or we decide to leave it and pretend it doesn’t exist.”

“Right.”

“What if we give it a try and he finds his mate?” I asked.

“Yeah, I see that it’s a shitty option. But he is almost twenty-five, and he hasn’t found her despite having been to several packs in recent years in his Alpha role. The risk is low that he will find her. She could be dead or mated, and then he never will,” Martin told me.

“But if he does?”

“I have seen how he looks at you, Amie. I don’t think that will change. My guess is he would choose you.”

“And then I will be the reason why someone gets rejected. I know how that feels; I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. How could I do that to someone?”

“I see your point. But if the two of you mate, his link to his true mate will be cut. Then there would be no rejection,” he pointed out.

“Just someone that will forever be looking for their mate that I stole. And could I do that to Finlay? His true mate is his perfect match. This whole thing is such a fucking mess. I hate it,” I sighed and shook my head.

“I’m sorry, Amie. I didn’t want to make you upset. I just see how the two of you act, and to me, it’s obvious the two of you belong together. I didn’t consider all the things surrounding it. I get why you don’t talk about it.”

“It’s okay. I just don’t want things between me and Finlay to become strange or awkward. He is too important to me. So for now, we will continue this, whatever it is.”

“I get it. If you need to vent, you can always talk to me. I will keep your secrets safe,” he promised. I smiled.

“You are amazing, and I’m thankful you’re in my life. And thank you for coming with me to this wedding. I won’t feel lonely when you are here,” I told him.

“Hey, you are my little sister in all but blood. Of course I came with you. Just know that our talk hasn’t changed my mind. I will still make sure the men keep away from you,” he told me. I laughed.

“I don’t mind.”