Free Destiny's Choice by Kimberly Hunter Page B

really wanted her. Now she knew the truth.
    Climbing off him, she went and picked her robe off the floor, slipping it on and tying the sash with angry movements.
    “Rivera, wait.” He sat up quickly; about to leave the bed but she stopped him.
    “My life has gone to shit, my parents are monsters, and the only consolation out of all this is you. At least, that’s what I thought. But once again, the happy ending I’d wished for isn’t going to come true. Though why I should be surprised is even more of a shock, but there you go.” She swallowed back tears, not wanting Roan to see just how much his rejection hurt. “You made me believe, Roan. For the first time in my miserable life, you made me believe that finally, finally, it was my turn. That getting to this moment was worth the hell I lived through. My God, you even bared your throat to me.” Sh e choked out. “But it looks as if you don’t really want me either.”
    “No! That’s not true.” He came off the bed, reaching out to her, but she took a quick step back, her expression making him stay where he was. “Sweetheart, I never said an untruth, I swear. I’ve been upfront with you about everything.”
    “Really.” She folded her arms under her breasts. “So this was what? A mistake? A trial run? A diversion?”
    “Of course not,” H e snapped. “You’re my True Mate . I have more respect for you than that.”
    “Then what is it, Roan? Because I’m really getting sick of having the rug pulled out from under my feet.”
    “I…” His mouth opened and closed, confusion and frustration clear on his face. “I…”
    When he didn’t say anything else, Rivera just shook her head. “Figures.” She then retrieved her bag, getting out a tee and a pair of cotton shorts.
    “Rivera…”
    “Don’t!” She rounded on him. “Just, don’t.” Grabbing the spare blanket from the foot of the bed, she went to the living room. Once changed, she lay on the sofa, pulling the blanket over her. Trying to empty her mind, she closed her eyes. But sleep was a long time coming.
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
    Roan LeGuer, you are, without a doubt, the worlds biggest fool , he thought as he sat on the bed, head in his hands.
    He finally had his True Mate ready to claim him and what d id he do? He panics like a scared virgin on prom night. And why? Because…because…Hell, he couldn’t explain it in his own mind why. There were way too many thoughts and feelings jumbled around to even begin to sort through them. Kind of sad really considering he ’d been anticipating finally being with Rivera from the moment he knew she was his. Now, not only had she not claimed him because of his own stupidity, but making it up to her was going to take some serious thought. Possibly some groveling. Maybe even a little castigation.
    He groaned, rubbing both hands down his face. There was nothing he could do about it at the moment. Morning would come soon enough to beg for forgiveness.
    With that happy thought in mind, he stood then shifted, padding quietly to the living room and taking his usual place on the hearth rug. Rivera’s even breathing let Roan know she was asleep. But he could still feel the hurt and sadness through their bond. His wolf whimpered softly, wanting to comfort their Mate . Roan remained where he was. Any kind of apology wouldn’t be welcome at the moment regardless of the sincerity. No, he and his wolf would just have to console themselves with watching over her and being close should she need them. Not exactly the best plan for making it up to her, but it would have to do. His wolf didn’t exactly like that plan, but was mollified to stay close.
    Letting out a deep sigh, Roan closed his eyes. The scen t of gardenias and fresh snow followed him into a light doze.
     
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    A piercing scream rent the morning quiet causing Roan to jerk