Merrily Mated(5)

He’d straightened his shoulders, determination making his voice rough. “I’ll just have to prove you wrong about that.”

And he’d spent four damn years trying to be good enough for her. He’d worked with Mason to become stronger, a better fighter. He’d saved his money so he could provide for her, even though she didn’t need him to, and strengthened his business ties in the neighboring communities. He’d given her space while still being her friend.

All the right things.

If he could’ve been turned like the were-creatures that exist in the world of Hollywood, he would have. Not because she required it, but because he felt like one of them already.

Except shifters like Layna were born not created.

At least he’d thought that was the case until his sister’s friend, Josie, mysteriously became one of them and mated Magic, the clan leader and owner of the lodge. Josie’s turning was the final straw for Ryan. It was that eye-opening pivotal moment that makes you question what the hell you’re doing with your life. A come-to-Jesus thing. The a-ha in Ryan’s quest for Layna: he was never going to be a were, and he was never going to be what she wanted.

It was time to make his life somewhere else where he wouldn’t pine after her day in and day out. Some place his eyes wouldn’t be constantly pulled in her direction. Some place where he wasn’t always trying to prove his worth. Because he knew he could make some woman happy. He’d kick ass at being a husband. It just wasn’t going to be Layna.

He sighed, tucking his phone away.

This was the right choice. If he ever wanted to move on from her, this was what had to happen.

Knowing something was right didn’t make it hurt any less. In fact, it wasn’t much consolation at all, if he was real honest.

He stood, facing the mirror that hung on the back of the bathroom door and pulled his t-shirt over his head to inspect the claw mark on his shoulder. It hurt like a bitch, but Mason was right, it was healing just fine. They’d been sparring when Ryan rattled off a jibe about Mason’s sex marathon. Normally trash talk was part of the game, but Mason’s competitive streak drew his cougar out enough to nick Ryan. Three wide gashes stretched from his shoulder and across the top of his arm.

It was kind of badass, really, and a cool scar to have. It would be his souvenir from his clan days. He’d look at it when he was like, seventy and remember his family of big cats. Maybe he’d even make up stories about them like Mrs. Markel.

Aw, shit. It was time to go. Now, before he got anymore sappy. Besides, he’d see them again. He’d be back to visit Bethany and his nephew. Not to mention the new little bundle hitting the lodge in nine months.

Pulling his shirt back on, he grabbed his stuff and headed for the door. Down the hall past the lobby was Magic’s office. He figured there would be as good a place to start as any. Ryan knocked on the door and waited for his leader’s voice.

“Come on in.” It wasn’t Magic’s, but Josie’s.

Ryan stepped into the office and closed the door behind him, setting the suitcase on the floor. Magic sat behind his huge ass desk with Josie draped casually across his lap. It took him a second to drag his gaze from hers, but eventually, his eyes landed on Ryan.

He frowned, staring at the suitcase. “You heading out?”

“Yeah, I figured it’d be best to hit Memphis before morning rush hour.”

Josie slid from Magic’s lap and walked around the desk. “Ry…” Her face was scrunched in confusion. Who knew what the hell she was taking in with her new feline senses. Maybe she could smell his grief. “Why would you leave now? Everything’s going so well for the clan. And with Beth pregnant… I don’t get it.”

Her hand fell to her own belly where her young grew. She was right. The clan would be celebrating two new lives soon. Things were good.

But all of that wasn’t convincing him to stay. In fact, it was pushing him to go. He wanted what she had, what his sister had. A mate, and a young. His own family to care for. Seeing Josie inherit a cat he’d wanted for so many years was just too much right now, and he needed to get his head straight.

“I need this, Jos. I need to find my…” How could he explain?

“Your mate,” Magic rumbled, capturing Josie’s attention.

Ryan shrugged. “I guess that’s one way to say it. Human though,” he reminded, pointing a thumb at his chest. “So… my future, I suppose, is how I’d say it. I need to find my future.”

Magic raised a knowing eyebrow and fingered the mouse on his desk. “You sure you haven’t already found it?”