Stella
Raphael leans closer, and my heart beats out of rhythm. The mate-bond is there, and he isn't a terrible person.
But I don't love him.
Somehow, I lift my arms and push at his face. Confusion enters those eyes, and I give him a sad smile. In a different world, I could have seen myself loving Raphael.
He is attractive.
Beautiful and strong.
Yet my heart beats for that sarcastic vampire.
"Please, I don't want this, Raphael. I'm sorry, but I love Evan. You're not a terrible alpha, but it will always be Evan. Only Evan."
I let my hands fall from Raphael's face, and he opens his mouth to speak but isn't given a minute to gather air.
We both turn around when we hear a thud.
Evan is standing by the lake, staring at me with wide eyes and a slow-spreading smile on his lips. I'm
