Valencia!

Eight

I hear a knock and my heart races as Griffin gets up to get the door and I smooth my light green and white floral sundress.

I can smell his scent before I see him, and once I do, my heart throbs in anticipation of what I’m about to do.

“Valencia,” he says with longing and everything inside me calls me to run into his embrace, but I remain seated. It’s illogical to love a man you’ve only just met; I tell myself for the thousandth time trying to keep my emotions in check. I am not a wolf; I repeat to myself in my head.

I look up at him and see his face full of remorse “Thank you for seeing me, Valen . . . I . . . this has been so difficult.” he says taking a seat across from me next to Griffin. “Listen, I want to apologize . . . I need to explain . . .” He starts but I hold up my hand unable to speak as my heart is racing out of control at just the sound of his voice and he pauses.

“Are you ok Valen?” My brother asks concerned and I nod “yes, just give me a minute please.” I ask and move my hand to my chest to try and calm my breaking heart.

“Alpha Maximus,” I begin without looking up “No please just, Max.” he says with fear creeping into his voice, and I shake my head “I’m so sorry Alpha but I can't do this, I won't come between you and your child.” I say breathless.

“No Valencia please don’t do this, please . . . I’m begging you.” He pleads and it's ripping my insides into pieces, and I choke out a sob, but I quickly push to regain control of my emotions.

I see my brother move to come check on me, but I shake my head at him, and he sits back down.

“I’m so sorry.” I whisper and can hear Maximus start to cry.

“I won't accept it Valen, I won't give up on you.” he says sadly and it’s breaking me. I can't do this anymore, so I draw in the courage to do what needs to be done

“I Valencia Isles,”

“No.” I hear him beg softly “No . . . please.”

“Reject you, Maximus Calloway.” “Stop Valen please.” he pleads in tears.

He moves to come over to me, but my brother gently grabs his shoulder and pulls him back down to the couch “It’s gonna be alright man.” my brother encourages him

“No . . . Valencia” Maximus says panicked “I won't accept it, I won't lose you forever.” he tells me.

“As my mate.” I finish the words my dad taught me, my heart breaks and I sob. Partly from being broken and partly from the relief of finally getting the words out.

Maximus stands and shakes his head “No I won't.” is all he says in a broken voice, Griffen stands and holds his shoulder “Max, my sister wants to move on and go to school, please don’t leave it like this.”

Maximus looks to me with wide fearful eyes “No.” he tells my brother “No I won't accept it. I’ll give up everything to be with her.” he says honestly.

My brother gently gains his attention again. “Max, man I know this hurts but I know you won't be able to give up your own pup.” he coaxes him, and Maximus just shakes his head

“This is all wrong Griffin, I don’t even know how this happened, I wasn’t even with Terra for that long.” he cries, and my brother pulls him in for a hug. “I know man, I don’t know but she swears it's your pup. I’m so sorry.” He pauses for a moment “You can't change the way things have happened.” Griffin says gently and Maximus still shakes his head “I don’t expect you to be with me right now, but I won't break our bond.” he says sternly.

“I’m sorry Valencia but I love you, you’re my soul mate and I can’t do this. Even if you don’t choose me now maybe . . . I don’t know. Maybe in the future.” he says defeated. “Please don’t do this to me. It hurts . . .” I whisper

“I’m sorry, my answer is no.” he says, Maximus gives me one last look of longing and leaves the house.

As soon as I hear the front door click closed, I fall to my knees and sob. Griffin runs to my side and pulls me to his chest. “It's ok Valen, it's gonna be ok sweet girl. I promise.” he says sweetly over my sobs.