How much can love save?
*
Leila is torn between keeping away from her mate and saving her Pack. She believes staying away from him is best for the both of them. But the only way she stands a chance at protecting the people she loves is if she accept...
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~LEILA
Rachel had left early that morning, back to the relative whose visit was cut short. Max never showed up for dinner that day. He came for breakfast the next day and was addressed with something totally different.
He looked at Ana. "I've seen you before."
Ana raised her gaze from her food.
Max snapped his finger. "Six years ago, when I showed up butt-naked."
Nick and I cleared our throats and Max looked at Rey.
"Oops! I meant when I showed up...whatever. You are?"
"Ana. Nick's fiancé."
Max laughed and we all looked at him. He then fixed his composure. "Oh...you weren't joking."
Ana frowned and I saw how awkward this was going to be.
He looked at me. "I didn't know you guys were in a co-parenting agreement. Then why is this guy spending the night with you?" He pointed at Nick, then me.
Ana said, "He's there for his daughter."
"And you're okay with it?"
"I trust him."
Max winced as if the pain was physical. "I wouldn't say that out loud."
Nick and I spoke in unison. "Max!"
Max looked at Nick. "What? Be decent enough to tell her."
Ana pushed her chair back and stomped out of the room. Rey flinched at the act.
I shot Max a glare. "You can't be serious."
He sat back. "What? As much as I still want you, I still respect your mate bond. Why does she play pretend at something that'll never happen?"
"Ugh! You don't get to act all-wise."
"I mean seriously... He looked at Nick. Be honest, were you gonna marry her?"
I exclaimed, "Max!"
Nick sighed, putting his cutleries on his plate.
"See! He's obviously trying not to break her heart. But let me tell you something, sometimes we can't stall an inevitability. We rip it off like a band-aid." Nick glared at him but Dana ate slowly. Rey watched, confused.
Max huffed, "I'm just being honest."
I scoffed, anger bubbling in me. I didn't know where he got this attitude. I knew he was always honest. But not today...not right now.
"Honest? You're seriously speaking of honesty when you're not telling me things."
I knocked his stupid grin off his face and the first thing he did was look at Nick.
