Chapter 201

We kissed for longer this time. Nix and Megan came to the edge of my mind. I know they were there to watch me, stop me from making a choice that would affect all of us. But they were letting me have this. I reluctantly pulled away from his face, and the smile that lit his face made me want to kiss him again.

“I’m sorry.” I completely let go of his face, and I felt my face burn.

“You are perfect,” he whispered, which made my face burn even more.

“Why does my father want you to accept a chosen mate?” I turned the conversation back to what was important.

“He doesn’t. He just wants me to pretend I have.” Rowan leaned back but grabbed my hand in his and threaded our fingers together. “The council has been pushing Nina at me because she is the niece of one member, but there are a few other candidates. He wants me to fight against the council and then, maybe next year or so, when you are ready, to court these women.”

“Why?” I felt the telltale burn at my gums. My fangs wanted to descend again, but I focused on his words.

“Because he thinks that with him dead, and me courting other she-wolves, then it might be more believable that you might want to get closer to other males.” I could hear his teeth grind as his jaw clenched. “He said it would give both of us the space to move behind the scenes. I could visit these packs and see what I can find out, and you can make Brandon believe he is making progress in mating you.”

I nodded. In theory, the plan was smart, but I didn’t like it. I would rather die than allow Brandon to ever touch me again. I growled out without thinking.

Megan gasped at my words, and Nix lowered herself to the ground. I know you are upset, Amy, but be aware of your words. You just admitted to dying. Her admonishment was soft, and I bit the inside of my cheek. But it didn’t seem like Rowan caught what I said.

“He doesn’t have to touch you. Goddess, I hope he doesn’t touch you. But we will have to play our parts.” He turned to stare into my face. “I don’t want to do this either, but if this will help us figure it all out, if this can help us save more wolves, I’ll do it.” He was so sincere that I felt a worrying pit open in my stomach.

But he was right. I knew if it came down to it, I would allow Brandon to get close. “I won’t sleep with him.” My voice was barely above a whisper when I said it, but Rowan lunged to his feet.

“I would kill him if you did.” His eyes flashed, and dark brown fur rippled down his arms. “But that isn’t what your father had in mind either, and I think you know that.”

“I know. But Brandon is just like his father. He will expect it.” I leaned my hand on my knee.

“Well then, I guess you will have to be more reluctant than he is used to. Men, especially wolves, love the chase.” He sank down next to me and grabbed for my hands again. “I wish this wasn’t something I had to ask of you.”

“Are you asking me? Or are you telling me?” I felt his fingers tighten around mine.

“Everything is your choice, Amy. Brandon, what to do with Vince, even after all of this is over…with me? It will always be your choice.”

I stared up into his eyes, and I saw a little worry there, but mostly there was a deep sadness about it all. “You’re sad.” My words were a surprising thought I didn’t even think to conceal.

He looked away from me and then nodded. “I shouldn’t have to ask you to do this. I should have been able to figure it all out, and we shouldn't have come to this.”

I thought about it and then pulled my hands out of his, making him turn back to face me with a silent desolation on his face. I wrapped my arms around him and leaned against his shoulder. “If none of this had ever happened…I don’t think we would have ever met. You would have met your Lycan mate, probably years ago, and I would have ended up dead,” I confessed.

“That isn’t true,” he tried to argue, but I just laughed.

“Everything happens for a reason, Rowan. The goddess has her designs, and all of this was meant to be.” I lifted my head and laid a soft kiss on his cheek. “I can only hope that when this is all said and done, we get the ending we both deserve.” Whether it is together is to be seen. I left the last words unspoken.