CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

“ Y ou will let her go because she’s leaving in the morning. Let’s go, Bri,” Willow said.

Bri’s head spun as she tried to process what Craig had just said. He didn’t want her to leave?

Before she could, Willow stepped forward to grab her.

Craig stepped between them. “Willow, stop.”

His protective stance halted her, but Willow didn’t look like she feared him. As the prince’s mate, she had no reason to, but damn, Craig was pouring off powerful aggression.

Willow tilted her head in response. “What the hell, Craig. I thought you mated another woman years ago?”

Craig froze. “What?”

Bri leaned around the big vampire’s body. “Willow, can you please give us a minute?”

Craig looked down at her. “You knew?”

Bri nodded.

“Shit.”

“You didn’t tell her?” Willow accused.

“Of course not. Why the hell would I—” Craig said, his voice rising as Bri tried to explain to Willow it was no big deal, they’d just been shagging. Then Brayden flew through the doors, and they all came to a halt.

“What’s going on?” the prince demanded.

Willow pointed at Craig. “He’s mated with her.”

What?

“Just hang on a moment—”

“Have you?” Brayden asked Craig.

The two males stared at each other for a long moment before Craig glanced down at Bri and pulled her to his side.

“I don’t know.”

“What?”

“Jesus!” Brayden cursed.

“But you—”

“Bri, I told you—” Willow interrupted.

“What? What did you fucking tell me, Willow?” she snapped.

Willow threw her arms in the air. “Ah, for you not to shag a damn vampire. Look where it got me!”

She sighed.

“Sorry, but I am not having my best friend go through what I did. You need to go home, Bri. Go home and grow old. Live.”

“She’s not going anywhere,” Craig interjected, tightening his hold on her. “Not until I work this out. Brayden, tell her.”

The prince dropped his head and sighed.

“He’s right. If Brianna is his mate, I cannot send her home.”

“But...”

Brayden shook his head and looked at his mate. “I’m sorry, Willow.”

“Brianna, you can decide this for yourself. Go home. Get far away from here and live your life. I want you to leave tonight. This is too dangerous.” She shook her head in regret. “I was selfish asking you to come here. I am sorry.”

Brianna’s mind was whirling.

“Willow, give them a night to talk,” Brayden said, pulling her into his arms. “You cannot control other people’s destiny.”

Bri glanced up at Craig, who looked as shell-shocked as she was. He sent her an apologetic look.

“You need to be sure, my friend,” Brayden instructed. “I was with you that day. You believed she was your mate.”

Craig nodded and scrubbed his face, looking unsure now.

“I know. Fuck, I know.”

So was she or was she not his mate?