Forced To Love You

Don't Hold Your Breath

Madison knew just what I needed. We walked down the stairs and down the hall that led under them. A large set of French doors opened up to the garden I saw from the balcony. The fountain in the center was larger than I remembered it. Maybe it was because it was right in front of me that it appeared bigger. The flowers were very complimentary of one another. White tulips, orange hyacinths, and purple hyacinths all filled the garden surrounding the fountain. Only a small path led to it, revealing a bench to sit on. It looked like it was unused much of the time and I knew that would change since I was there.

"I'm sorry Zeke was so..." She started, her voice trailing off as she tried to come up with the right words to say.

"Is he always like that?" I couldn't imagine working with or knowing someone who was that much of a tool.

"Unfortunately."

"How does Christian put up with it?"

She shrugged. "Beats me. I suppose he's more patient than most."

I followed her through the garden and sat beside her on the bench. The wind was calm but the air was a little cooler than I liked. I wasn't used to how cold it was in Washington.

"How did he become Beta?"

"He was born into it. His dad was Beta before him."

"Was his dad any better?"

"He was a great leader and asset to the pack. But he wasn't around Zeke much so he gave him money to keep him occupied and you can see how well that worked out."

"What happened with his dad? He can't be that old that he can't continue being Beta."

"He passed away a few years ago. He and his wife were in an accident out of town. Zeke got everything including the title. He and his mate live in his childhood home on the other side of town."

"What is she like?"

"She owns a local flower shop in town and teaches Sunday school at the local church. She's a great pillar to have here but... she's with Zeke."

I shook my head. "That's a shame. Maybe she can try to soften him up. Make him less of a dick."

"They were dating even before they turned 18 so it would have happened by now if that were the case."

"You said they were mates? So they dated before then?"

She nodded. "Werewolves don't mate until they turn 18. You could be happy with someone and not mate with them or mate with someone else. Whatever the goddess decides. I guess even she was hoping Harmony would change Zeke."

I laughed at the thought. Even a higher power was hoping for change. But then it got me thinking that I didn't know Christian's age. Among other things I didn't know. "So... how old is Christian?"

"Almost thirty."

My eyes widened. So I was almost ten years younger than him, give or take, and he'd been mate-less for close to twelve years. I would have said 'poor Christian' but I didn't feel that bad. I would have been fine living my life never knowing that werewolves were a thing and letting him mate with someone else.

"I'm really glad he has you, Blair. I know you don't feel the same way but you're good for Christian. And I feel that he would be good for you, too. If you only let him."

"Yeah, but you don't know me that well."

"I know that the only person back home that you're worried about is your aunt. That says you don't have many friends to get back to."

I frowned as I stared into the fountain. She was right but it still hurt to hear it.

"Please give Christian a chance. I'd hate to see him get depressed because you won't try to get to know him."

"I did. We talked."

"What's his favorite color?"

I rolled my eyes. She was still on that. "That never came up. We just... talked. He told me he was sorry for flipping my car."

"See, that's a start. Apologizing for your mistakes is the first step."

"Maybe in Alcoholics Anonymous but not love."

Her eyes lit up and I realized I'd used the wrong word. "Blair! I told you you would come to your senses!"

"I don't love him. Don't get your hopes up."

She squeezed my shoulder and the excitement was just oozing out of her. "Someday it'll happen. Sooner rather than later, I bet."

"Don't hold your breath."

She rolled her eyes. "I really want to see you end up together so I'll do whatever it takes."

"I'll call you Matchmaker Madison."

"Maybe I should go into business helping mates fall in love."

I rolled my eyes. "It hasn't worked yet."

She winked at me. "Not yet."

I got to my feet and started walking through the flowers. "Where else haven't we gone?"