Unexpected Mate(2)

“You were innocent. He took advantage of you. Think about it, Rory. I’m only trying to protect you like I’ve been doing all of my life.”

“You think Damon hurt me? Why would he? He’s my mate. Damon…” Rory looked over his shoulder at Damon.

“I would never hurt you, Rory. I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he said before turning his attention back toward his older brother. “I want you to leave.”

“Rory?”

“You heard him, Adam,” Nicholas said. “You need to leave.”

He knew this conversation didn’t necessarily include him, but he wanted Adam to leave. It was a little selfish on his part, considering that Rory and Adam were brothers, but Nicholas needed some space from all the drama. Adam looked over at Nicholas. His mouth opened and closed as if he wanted to say something, but nothing came out. Their eyes connected, and a staring contest ensued for several moments before Adam turned on his heel and left The Burning Needle. Nicholas stared at Adam’s back. He watched the Alpha leave and felt a pang of sadness in his heart. He’s my mate. Conflicting emotions rushed through his system, making his chest ache.

“I’m gonna take a walk,” Nicholas finally said.

He stepped outside the shop and watched as Adam disappeared around the corner. Going in the opposite direction, Nicholas headed down the sidewalk. He strolled down the busy streets of downtown New Orleans, ignoring the other people. Shoving his hands deep into his pockets, he shook his head, trying to make sense of everything. His mind was a mess after the scene that had just gone down inside The Burning Needle.

How could his mate be an Alpha wolf from the mountains of Virginia? Why would fate match him to a huge beast of a man? And how had he lost control? Shaking his head, Nicholas sighed in disappointment. He’d seen Damon with Rory and Michael with Kenny. Neither of them had lost themselves to the predator within, but for some reason, he had.

I bit him. The realization was scary. He’d been the one to sink his teeth into Adam’s shoulder. He’d started the mate bond, and now, there was no way he could take back his actions. He wanted to blame Adam, but he couldn’t. It’s my fault.

Normally, it was a blessing to find a mate—a sacred, unbreakable bond with another living soul—that shifters craved. Growing up, Nicholas had hoped and prayed that his mate would rescue him from his tragic childhood.

No, no, no, no…He pushed those thoughts away. Don’t think about the past. It’s over.

Nicholas wasn’t sure how long he walked up and down the streets, but eventually he ended up at the tattoo shop. When he opened the door, Damon was sitting on one of the couches. Nicholas could see the worry written all over his brother’s face. Nicholas tried to smile, wanting to hide his true emotions, but he couldn’t.

“Hey.” Damon stood up.

He marched right over to Nicholas and wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling him in for a tight hug. The stress slowly melted away. He wasn’t alone. It was a relief knowing that Damon would always be by his side.

“I bit him,” Nicholas admitted, placing his forehead on Damon’s shoulder. “I claimed him, and now I can’t take it back. I don’t know what the hell I was thinking.”

“You were trying to help me,” Damon said calmly.

“He’s fucking huge.” Nicholas groaned.

“Yeah,” Damon agreed. “He’s an Alpha.”

“I guess we both know who the bitch will be in that relationship, huh?” Nicholas stepped out of Damon’s embrace and walked over to the couch. He dropped down and leaned forward, putting his face in his hands. Why did I bite him?

“That’s bullshit.”

“Really?” Nicholas looked up at him. “We’ve always picked the same type of guys. How do you end up with someone like Rory and I get what’s his name?”

“You know his name,” Damon chastised.

“Whatever.” Nicholas leaned back.

“Fate knows what she’s doing,” he insisted.

Nicholas scoffed. “You’re only saying that because you ended up with Rory. I don’t care if he is my mate. I’m not leaving New Orleans. I’m not moving to some bullshit little hick town in Virginia to join his pack. Fuck that.”

Nicholas knew he sounded like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum, but he couldn’t seem to control his emotions. He was pissed, more at himself than anyone else, though. He’d jumped into a fight without assessing the situation. He’d brought his jaguar forth and didn’t realize Adam was his mate until it was too late.

Damon was silent for a moment, his brows furrowed as he thought. “You could always talk to Adam.”