02Butterscotch

“You want to know about the mate bond we share?” His words stopped me midway as I turned around to face him. I didn’t say a word as I felt my heart palpitate in anticipation. 

“Beta Perez, I…” Before I could speak, he continued. 

“I have decided to never let a woman into my life, Miss. James. I have learned long back that they only serve as a distraction. Why would I need a mate if I could have any women I want? Am I right, Miss. James?” He asked me as I felt my eyes burn, but I held back my tears. 

“A mate is your better half, Beta Perez.” I choked out the words when he let out a humorless laugh. 

“According to me, you need a mate to satisfy your needs and maybe an heir in the long run. I think I can buy that with some money, Miss. James.” 

“Don’t you feel the mate bond, Beta Perez?” I asked him, but he didn’t answer.

“I would have at least considered mating with you if you held a rank, Miss. James. But I don’t think I want a woman who is a nobody with a lonely mother and a runaway father.” I felt my chest rise and fall in anger while something broke within me. A tense silence engulfed us as we stared at one another. 

Join us in this journey where Aurora and Zander find love again as sparks ignite between them and desire crackles in the air, the tension builds, pushing them closer together. Will Zander’s feelings toward the mate bond transform as he grapples with the chemistry between them, or will fear of another heartbreak drive him to reject her? The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: their destinies are intertwined in ways they never anticipated.

Beta Zander Perez

"You can take the guest bedroom," Zander told me as we walked down the empty hallway.

"Thank you. But I think I should really go back to my house." I insisted as we came to a stop in front of a closed door. Zander took a step closer to me as he placed his hands on either side of my waist while he gently turned me around so that we faced the glass wall at the end of the hallway.

The storm hadn't settled in yet, and there were flashes of lighting as well. "You can go back to the cabin in the morning. It would be safer for you," he told me.

"I know, but I want to take this slow, Zander." I insisted, and I could see the conflicting look on his face, but in the end, he gave in.

Chapter 69