Page 137 of My Unexpected Mate

Jake frowned as his eyes gazed at Nick’s arm on me.

“Guys, this is Jake,” I said, breaking the tense silence.

I could feel Nick’s chest rumbling. I placed my hand on his and rubbed small circles on the back of his hand. He instantly calmed down. It amazed me the effect I had on him.

“Hi, Jake,” Annie smiled at him. “I am Annie. Aria’s friend.”

“Hi, Annie,” he smiled back at her.

Jake turned to look at me, waiting for me to say something.

“This is Gabriel,” I said and pointed to him. “And this is Nick.”

“Hi,” Jake said and nodded to them.

Guys just nodded back at him.

Goddess, I wanted to punch them. Why do they have to be so tense?

“What are you two to Aria?” Jake said annoyed.

I looked at Jake nervously. How do I explain this to him? Especially about Gabriel.

“I am her mate,” Nick answered before I could, his voice cold.

Jake’s eyes widened and he looked at me.

“Mate?” he asked quietly. “As in, he is a werewolf, and you are his mate?”

I nodded without saying a word. I saw the pain in his eyes. I silently begged him to forgive me.

“I am a hybrid, actually,” Nick said. “Werewolf and warlock. And, yes, Aria is mine.”

I could hear a clear warning in Nick’s voice. I hit him with my elbow. He didn’t move or look at me. His gaze was stuck on Jake.

Jake looked away from me and nodded. He ran his hand through his hair and looked at Gabriel.

“How about you?” Jake said with clear sadness in his voice.

It broke my heart. Even after four years he still loved me. He still wanted me.

“I will tell you, Jake,” I answered before Gabriel could. “But not here. Can we come inside?”

Jake looked at me and nodded. He stepped away from the door and let us walk inside.

The place was just as I remember. The walls were covered in Jake and Cassie’s baby pictures. There were different kinds of plants all over the house and the space was very light and welcoming.

Jake led us to the living room. Other than the new couch and a new big-screen TV, nothing had changed. The piano was still here and behind it, there were shelves with piled-up books. It was always my favorite place in their house.

“Where is Cassie?” I asked, turning to Jake.

“She and Blake went to the farmer’s market,” Jake answered as he sat down on the couch. “They should be here soon.”

“Cassie and Blake are still together?” I asked with a big smile on my face.

Jake nodded, his eyes not leaving mine.

“Are your parents okay?” I asked and walked over to them.

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