Page 31 of Unbreakable Bond
He stopped stroking her hair, “Yes… youdid.”
“Rafe..”
“But it’s okay.” He tilted her head back until he could look her in the eyes, “It’s okay. You were in shock, like you said. You have a history with him. Our bond, our mating, doesn’t wipe away the years you two spent together. I understand why you wish it had beenhim.”
Zoey’s heart was breaking at the resignation in his tone, “I don’t. Not anymore. Not now that we’re bonded andI…”
“It’s okay.” He cut her off with a soft kiss to the forehead, “I thought it myself you know? That he would have been a better pick. He’s the safe choice. Stable. Solid. But I can be those things for you too, Zo. I can be better for you. Ipromise.”
She nodded instantly, tears welling in her eyes again, “We’re good together. I know we are. And we’ll be strong together, for each other, okay? We’ll figure it all out but just know… I don’t wish it was him with me here now.Okay?”
Rafe nodded and hugged her close. She wasn’t certain how reassuring her words really were. They both knew it was the bond and the mating that had changed her feelings. The heat had driven them into each other’s arms and now they were locked together forever. Whatever came next, whatever tomorrow brought, they would deal with ittogether.
“Zo…”
She nuzzled Rafe’s chest when she heard him whisper her name and realized she’d been dozing slightly. Just on the verge of sleep. But he’d pulled her back, just barely, just enough torespond.
“Hmm?”
“I’m glad it wasyou.”
She fell asleep with a smile on her face and her new wolf content because she was wrapped protectively in the arms of theirmate.
