39. Chapter 39

Chapter 39

-Reese-

L ater in the day, I attempted to find Naomi, eager for a quick encounter. However, instead of crossing paths with her, I found myself packing up for the day when Rosa sought me out, a flirtatious smile playing on her lips. Even my wolf recoiled at the sight of her, a reaction I hadn’t experienced before.

“Hey,” she greeted, approaching me, while I leaned against the desk, subtly attempting to create distance between us.

Why was I suddenly feeling a sense of unease in her presence? Could one night with Naomi truly have such a profound effect on me? Though the answer seemed evident, I struggled to accept it.

“Hey,” I replied, striving to maintain composure.

“I missed you last night,” she remarked, halting in front of me and blinking sweetly.

“Um, I missed you too,” I responded, unable to muster the usual ease in my tone.

Why was it suddenly difficult to fabricate a simple lie? Why did Rosa’s presence evoke such discomfort?

“How was your night?” she inquired, her curiosity evident.

“Good.”

“Did you learn something?”

“Um, just that I enjoy being in her presence,” I admitted reluctantly.

“Weird answer,” she commented, her arms crossing as she scrutinized me.

Sighing, I watched her closely before gathering my thoughts.

“I don’t know how to explain it,” I confessed.

“Do you also want to be with her?” she asked.

“I...”

“Have your wolves claimed each other?”

“Not yet,” I admitted.

“Do you believe it will happen?” she challenged.

“I can’t say,” I responded.

“Don’t you still find it odd that they haven’t claimed each other?” she persisted.

“Of course I do! I even accused Naomi of witchcraft because of it!” I snapped in frustration.

“Then why are you trying so hard to be with her?”

“The witch advised us to, and I believe it was good advice. I enjoy being around Naomi. It brings back memories.”

“You spent a lot of time with her?” she inquired.

“No, but I did run into her a few times, and I knew who she was. Now I have a chance to truly get to know her, and I like it,” I confessed, aware that my words might sting, yet I didn’t care much. My mind seemed consumed with thoughts of Naomi —how she tasted, the way she cried out in pleasure whenever I touched her. I wanted more of that, and I could feel my desires for Naomi growing even in Rosa’s presence.

“Reese, we have to fix this broken mess between us,” she asserted firmly.

I sighed once more, running a hand through my hair. “Yeah, I know...”

“We’re mates too!” she reminded me.

“I know!” I exclaimed, causing her to draw back slightly. “I’m sorry, no, you’re right. We need to work on our connection too.”

“I feel like I’m losing you.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I really am. I want to work on it too,” I assured her.

“Does this mean you’re mine tonight?” she asked, a hint of hope in her voice.

I nodded. “I’m yours.”

“Then I want something else too,” she added.

“Okay.”

“Dinner, somewhere private for the two of us,” she explained.

“Now?” I questioned, slightly taken aback.

“No, maybe in a few days. I know you’re busy, and I want to continue planning our ceremony,” she clarified.

I felt a twist in my heart at the thought of our upcoming ceremony. Suddenly, the idea didn’t bring me the joy it once did, but I nodded nonetheless.

“How about this Friday?” I suggested. “It’s in four days.”

She smiled, radiating happiness, and leaned in to kiss my lips. However, the gesture felt colder than ever.

I made an effort to please Rosa throughout the evening and even in bed, though we refrained from mating. Yet, I found little enjoyment in our interactions. Despite my attempts, I couldn’t bring myself to climax, no matter how she touched me or tried to entice me. Nothing seemed to work anymore, and I knew it was frustrating for her.

As we retired to bed, my thoughts once again drifted back to Naomi, and I felt an overwhelming need to cleanse myself, as if Rosa’s touch had tainted me. Though I knew these feelings were irrational, I couldn’t shake them off. I headed for a shower, then dressed in some pants before descending downstairs. I needed to dispel this restless feeling that had settled over me.

Entering the kitchen, I noticed a solitary figure seated there, nibbling on some cake. I froze in the doorway, surprised to find Naomi still present, enjoying the dessert she had made—the only thing I had truly relished at dinner. She noticed me too, our eyes meeting as we both remained rooted to our spots, enveloped in silence.

Suddenly, she pushed her plate forward, as if offering me the food. Unable to resist, I approached and took a seat beside her. She extended her fork, and I accepted, savoring the delightful dessert she had prepared. Though she had barely touched it, I polished off the rest in mere seconds. Her smile in response brought a sense of peace amidst the chaos swirling within me.

“You haven’t gone home yet,” I pointed out, breaking the silence.

“No, I was about to, but then...”

“What happened?”

“I don’t know. I just didn’t feel like leaving,” she admitted hesitantly.

“Why?” I pressed, feeling a sudden tension coursing through my body.

“I... spoke to Rosa today,” she confessed.

“You did?” I responded, my curiosity piqued.

“Don’t worry, it wasn’t a confrontation. She simply suggested that maybe you’re a special case,” she explained.

“A special case?” I repeated, puzzled.

“That perhaps you need to go through several female wolves before you find your mate,” she elaborated.

I recoiled, stunned by Rosa’s insinuation. Was that really what she thought?

“I can see why she might think that, but I’m not on some mate hunt,” I asserted firmly.

“Maybe it’s not entirely up to you.”

“Well, then I refuse to participate in this ridiculous mate game,” I growled, burying my face in my hands.

After a moment, I lifted my head to find Naomi gazing at me with sympathy in her eyes.

“I don’t want multiple mates. I don’t want to test out numerous partners in search of a connection,” I confessed. “I’ve seen the strength of the bond between my parents and other wolves. That’s what I want.”

She nodded understandingly, then reached out to clasp my hand, offering a sense of calm.

“But you might have to choose between us,” she suggested softly.

“Then—”

“And Rosa is the better match. We’ve discussed this already!” she interjected.

“Naomi...” I began.

“But she is,” she insisted.

“That doesn’t mean I want her!”