chapter 8

The next three days had passed in a heart-wrenching blur for Ava. Having to contain the pain and heartbreak from the rejection.

She knew exactly what she was getting into when she had rejected him as her mate, Consoled by the thought of and knowing that he was affected even more than she was.

Trying to keep herself busy and active had not worked either, she was still in pain, and worse of all, the thought of that night was constantly in her mind.

He had to accept the rejection to make this work, but from all indications, he had not done that, and Ava doubted he would.

The way he had kissed her and held her that night, the look on his face after she rejected him.

He did not look like a man that would accept such rejection so easily.

Ava lay down, resting her back on the lounge chair, crossing her feet lazily, and smiling at the soft evening sun that kissed her skin on the balcony.

Her right hand snaked under her head to support it, while her left hand rested on her naked belly.

Closin