I called Colin and got Bailey’s phone number, telling him that I wanted to catch up with her since we hadn’t spoken since the night our families were killed. He didn’t mention anything about Micah being my mate, so I kept it to myself. I’m assuming the news hadn’t traveled to him yet.
Stark’s footsteps crunch in the snow as he walks from his cabin to mine and Dany’s. I’m curious to hear what he says when I tell him about Soren and Micah being my mates. Will he tell me to choose Micah since he’s a royal and we have a history? Or has he fully embraced being part of the Black Hills pack? My nerves are shot.
Stark walks inside and sits across from me and Dany, his expression hard to read and devoid of any emotion. “I just left Micah’s place and heard some interesting news.”
A gasp escapes my lips. “I didn’t know you were going there.”
That means he knows. Running his hands over his face, Stark sighs. “So, he’s your mate, too?”
“He is,” I confess. “The connection was so strong it felt like I was going to explode.”
Stark narrows his gaze. “Did you not feel that way with Soren?”
I shrug. “Yes and no. It’s strange. The second I saw Micah, it was as if Soren didn’t exist. All I could feel was Micah and how my wolf wanted to be with him.”
Dany touches my arm. “And this morning with Soren? How did you feel then?”
Confused. Full of regret.
Throwing my hands in the air, I bring them down and cover my face. “I felt the bond with him, but I could also feel my need to be with Micah. I don’t know what to do.”
“What does your heart tell you?” Dany murmurs.
I slide my hands off my face and look away. A vision of Micah comes to me first, and guilt racks through my body. The connection to him is stronger. The problem now is the guys. I know they’ll fight, and the last thing I want is their blood on my hands. I don’t need two mates, so why would the Great Luna do this? Why would she want this kind of strife between her people? There’s too much violence in our world, and we sure as hell don’t need more.
Stark clears his throat. “Look at me, Rae.” When I do, the expression on his face softens. “Micah wants to see you. Of course, I support you on whatever you decide, but it might be best to figure this out sooner rather than later.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Dany nod. “I agree,” she adds.
I meet her gaze and then focus on Stark. “I’m scared. Being around Micah this morning made me feel like I didn’t have control of myself.” It was such a euphoric experience that was also terrifying at the same time. I’m afraid of what I’ll do if I give in.
Stark slaps his hands on his knees and stands. “Well, I think that’s the answer you needed. Are you coming with us to the bar tonight?”
“No,” I blurt out, shaking my head back and forth. “I told Soren I would, but I think it’s best I don’t. I’ll call him later and tell him I’m not feeling well.”
Stretching his arms above his head, Stark cracks his neck. “All right. Hopefully, he believes it.”
With my luck, he won’t, and he’ll blow off the bar to come to me. What I need is to be alone, to think about the travesty that is my life right now. Sometimes, I wish I was human. That way, I wouldn’t have to worry about pack politics and wondering if some crazed alpha will try to abduct me. There are pros and cons to being either human or shifter, but honestly, being a human right now doesn’t sound so bad.
Getting to my feet, I wrap my arms around my stomach; it’s in knots. “Is Micah really leaving soon?”
Stark shakes his head and bellows out a laugh. “Of course not. He doesn’t want to leave without you.” Then, his tone turns grave. “Sadly, whoever you decide on to be your mate isn’t going to matter. There will be a fight; I just hope you’re ready.”
Stark walks out the door, and Dany latches onto my arm. “I know you didn’t want to hear that, but it’s the truth. I’m sorry, Rae.”
My stomach twists into tight coils, and I swallow hard to keep the feeling of throwing up at bay. I pat Dany’s hand and slide away from her. “I want to be alone for a while. Have fun at the bar.”
Thankfully, Dany lets me go without saying another word. When I get to my bedroom, I shut the door and lie down on the bed, afraid to close my eyes for fear of who I’ll see. Will it be Micah or Soren? Which one will I have to watch die? Because I know for a fact that neither one will give up until the other is dead.
As soon as Dany and Stark leave for the bar, I’ll call Bailey. I know it’s been seventeen years since I’ve spoken to her, but she’s the only one I can think of who will know what I should do.