Page 3 of The Bunny Blues

Out of options, I pulled the blanket over my head, trying to block out the light and high-pitched buzzing. Under the protection of the blanket, I felt free to give in to the sorrow that was consuming me. Great, racking sobs shook my entire frame as I cried for the imaginary life I would never have.

I’d idiotically hoped the men would soften and they’d find themselves falling in love with me. But that was impossible, since they’d already found their true love—themselves.

My heat would be over in a day or two, and we’d return to normal life.

Except my life was forever changed.

My rabbit had claimed these men as her mates, and it was something that could never be undone.

I cried until I was sick of crying.

My life might have seemed hopeless, but I was still alive, and I was determined to make the best of my situation.

Maybe if I was the perfect mate, my mates would fall in love with me. And so, I began to come up with a plan. I’d keep the mansion spotless and filled with the delicious scents of elaborate dinners and fragrant baked goods.

I’d make it so my mates were eager to rush home to me after work, and they’d never have reason to look elsewhere for comfort or pleasure.

I’d be the perfect mate.

A tiny seed of hope unfurled in my chest. I would make this work.

I have to.

Iheld onto my resolve through the last two days of my heat, but that didn’t keep me from needing to hold back tears while their hands greedily traveled across my skin, and they found their release in my body.

There was no love or feeling in their touch, only carnal lust, and I’d sworn that by my next heat, things would’ve changed. I was determined to have my mates touch me with love.

When my heat finally passed, our lives fell into a new normal, and I worked hard to be the perfect little mate. I tried to come up with ways to please the guys.

Each morning, I woke before they rose. I would hurry to make myself look presentable so I could rush into the kitchen and prepare their coffee and breakfast.

Yet day after day, the guys scarfed down their food, chugged their coffee, and headed out the door without little more than a jerk of their chins in my direction. I was left blinking back tears and hiding my sadness behind a brilliant smile. After all, no one wanted to be with someone who cried all the time.

As the days passed, I lost count of the number of times one of my mates would come into my room at random hours of the night to take care of their biological needs. I never refused or complained.

My shifter side was elated at any and all physical contact, but when my mates left my room after finishing, instead of curling up in bed beside me, fresh cracks would appear in my heart.

I murmured no complaints when one of the guys asked me to attend business dinners and act as their adoring arm candy, even though I would’ve rather stayed home with pizza and a movie. They’d parade me around their peers, and I’d keep my smile firmly in place, sipping my wine and listening to the endless, mind-numbing small talk.

There were times when I sat at the ugly marble dining table, surrounded by my mates and listening to their laughter as they ate the meal I’d prepared, that I convinced myself it was working. They were softening to me, and with time, they’d fall in love.

Tonight was another business dinner, and although I’d felt ill most of the day, I wasn’t going to tell Brett I couldn’t go. It had taken me twice as long to get ready, but I was nearly ready.

Standing in front of the mirror, I used concealer to cover the dark circles beneath my eyes. Satisfied that I’d evened out my skin tone, I used mascara and eyeshadow to give my eyes a sultry, smoky look that I hoped would help hide my bone-deep exhaustion.

Emerging from my room, I came face-to-face with Brett, who was leaning against the wall outside my bedroom door. For a moment, I thought he might pull me into his arms and compliment my efforts, but I was left disappointed.

Brett gave me a once over from head to toe and grunted, “That will work. You look good.”

Even though my feelings were hurt, the stupid mate bond had me flushing in delight at the utterly underwhelming compliment.

I hate it.

“Are you ready to go?” Brett asked, twisting his wrist to check the time on his oversized gold watch.

“Yes. Where’s Edward?” Both of my mates were attending the dinner, but I hadn’t seen Edward since he’d left for work that morning.

Brett headed down the stairs, speaking over his shoulder. “He’ll meet us there.”

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