Urgh.
My heart suddenly feels heavy. For all her faults, I cannot deny that the Little Brat knows how to kiss.
I try to remind myself (and Luke) that the Little Brat is a good kisser because she has had a lot of practice, and that the Little Brat’s kissing practice is the reason that Stephanie is dead.
“I do not care about my second chance mate,” I say firmly.
“Are you trying to convince Nick or yourself?” Luke asks me in the link.
“Shut up, Wolf. Go back to your moping session,” I scold Luke. I feel a little bad for scolding him –we generally have a very good relationship- but his obsession with the Little–Brat is getting tiring, and it is not logical or appropriate. Luke simply needs to get over it. 2
“Are you sure, James? Nick questions. “I know you have never experienced the mate bond, but it is something else. I would hate to have you miss out on the sparks, and the sexual tension, and
“I said I DO NOT CARE about my second chance mate,” I interrupt angrily. “What I care about is not being forced to marry your sister.”
“Huh? My sister? I do not understand. Stephanie is dead. And I thought you loved her?”
“Not that sister. Your other one.”
ick takes a step back. “You don’t mean… Lily?”
“Yes, Lily. I think your father came up with this whole idea of forcing me to take a chosen mate so that he
can force me to marry the Little Brat.”
Nick immediately breaks down in laughter. He doubles over and holds on to a wall, trying to avoid falling
down.
“Wow,” he says as he tries to control himself. “I did not think it was possible to get me to laugh on a day like this, but you managed to do it.
“I am serious, Nick. I think your parents want to force me to marry the Little Brat.”
Nick laughs again. “Man, I do not know what has gotten into you this morning, but I can guarantee you that my parents do NOT want you to marry Lily. We hardly see or talk to her anymore. If anything, I think my parents would be disgusted if you were to marry her.”
“Then why do they want the authority to choose my chosen mate?”
“Because they do not trust you to pick someone on your own unless you are forced to do so. Your
parents cannot do it; it is well known that they spoil you rotten. Your parents can talk big, but when push
comes to shove, they believe strongly in fated mates and they would never force you to marry someone
you do not love. My father, on the other hand, sees this as a safety issue, and he has no problem shoving
a luna down your throat if need be. And, like they told you this morning, there is the added benefit that if
my parents pick your mate, it will be harder for anyone in the pack to say that the mating is disrespectful
to Stephanie’s memory.”
I sigh. “Okay, fine. I am not sure that I am convinced, but ultimately it does not matter. Please do me a
favor. Please inform both of our fathers that I am willing to go along with this crazy plan of theirs, but
with a couple of tweaks and a couple of conditions.”
I quickly explain to Nick what I want. I do not explain to him why I want what I want, but he tells me that
nothing I am requesting seems unreasonable. He hurries off to tell our fathers.
After he leaves, I put on my silver cufflinks and glance at my watch. In 30 minutes, part one of my new
revenge plan will go into effect. I cannot wait to see the look on the Little Brat’s face.