Chapter 18

(Lucian's POV)

"Everett is all over her and he is purposely angering me. He went straight for my marking spot and kissed it." I snapped. Devon sat across from me listening. "Then don't give him the satisfaction of seeing you angry." Devon said as if that fixed everything. "It's not that easy. She's my mate and she let him. Not only that my wolf already wants to murder the little fucker." I growled. "That's her friend you don't want to lose her because you're coming so hard." Devon pointed out. I took a relaxing breath. "My chance to win her lies in this date. What do I say?" I asked. Devon shrugged and walked into the kitchen. "You're usually smooth with the ladies. Besides this is your mate. You can't mess up." He said over his shoulder. "Well I can lose her. Did I mention the fact Asher's scent was all over her. She saw Asher in person." I growled. "Then everything really depends on this date." Devon groaned.

"I would go as far as trying to mark her tonight. Tell her everything." I said. "Are you crazy?! You'll break her!" Devon yelled, pacing back and forth.So I wasn't going to be honest yet. But I was a werewolf, and she was going to hate me for lying to her. "So what do I do?" I asked. "You will compliment her dress, her hair, her . . . whatever. Then you joke around and make her laugh. Play hard to get and make her want you. Then BOOM! Healthy relationship. But don't tell her everything right away. You saw how she freaked out about the car." Devon said, he poured a glass of whiskey. "So do I hold her hand or give her my arm?" I asked. "All her preference. Let her reach out for herself." Devon sighed. I was usually so smooth with the ladies, so why was I freaking out.

"Devon, why am I so fucking nervous." I growled. He took a swig of the whiskey and gave me a look. "It's your mate. She's your fated love. When the love is real, you want the love to blossom and grow. You're just scared you'll ruin it all and she'll never love you." I nodded at his words. Mating bonds are very fragile.They amplify all emotions. Especially love, trust, and loyalty. But it could amplify the opposite: hate, doubt, dishonesty. And all I was feeling right now was a mix of love and doubt. I wanted Inayah to love me back. I needed her to care.

My phone lit up on the counter. I grabbed it and glanced at the notification. {Where are we meeting up?} Inayah had texted. I tried to think what would be safer. Everett already saw me so it didn't matter if my scent was in her house. If anything it'd make the fucker back off. {I'll pick you up from your place.} I texted back and grinned. "I have to go pick up the Luna." I slid my phone into my pants pocket. "Remember she really wants you but doesn't know it's okay to. Make it okay for her."