CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” I ask.

I’m not sure if I’m asking because I’m not okay with this or because I suspect he’ll change his answer. Maybe both.

I know this will hurt him. It’ll hurt me. This is all wrong, but it feels like I’m destined to be tortured like this.

“I am,” Caden says, as he straightens his tie. His body is rigid though. His words are clipped. It seems like he’s struggling to hold onto his composure.

“It hurts,” he admits. “It really does. But it’d hurt more to be with someone who doesn’t want to be with me. I can’t make her want to be with me.

“I love Lavender, but if she can’t see it, this is for the best. I want to find someone who will love me back. And I’m starting to question if she is my mate at all. I don’t think a true mate can hurt you like that.”

I nod. “I understand. That’s how I feel about Sasha. I feel it in my soul that she’s my mate, but I don’t understand how she could hurt me like that if she is. It’s all so confusing and awful.”