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“Hey,” I say, getting in Chloe’s red Audi.
She raises her eyebrows at me. “So, what the hell happened since I saw you yesterday?”
I take her through the whole sequence of events from Ethan showing up at the dinner last night, to taking me home, convincing me to come to his house, and kissing me again.
“I know things aren’t always perfect with Colin, but my behavior isn’t fair to him, Chloe. He has no idea what’s been going on behind his back. I couldn’t go to Ethan’s today.”
“Yeah, I get it,” she says with a nod. “but it’s like I told you, Liv. The mate bond is pushing you and Ethan together.”
I’ve been going on and on talking about last night this whole time, not even paying attention to where Chloe is driving. When I finally look out the window, I notice we’re now on a highway heading out of town.
Damn it.
Turning sideways in my seat, I pin my eyes on her. “Chloe, where are we going?” She sighs but says nothing, and continues looking straight ahead. “Chloe, answer me. Where are we going?”
She looks at me and shrugs her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I know you’re going to be upset with me, but when I told Ethan you weren’t coming, he was really pissed off. He thinks Colin got to you and convinced you not to see him. He kind of demanded I bring you to him.”
My mouth drops open. “And you just agreed? You’re supposed to be on my side, Chloe,” I say, crossing my arms.
“I am on your side. If I didn’t agree to bring you to him, he was going to find Colin. I thought this was the better option. Then I had Nick in my ear too—I think you know by now Nick is team Ethan. I didn’t know what to do.”
“You could have thought about what I’d want.”
“I’m sorry, Liv. But, I mean, would you really want Ethan going to find Colin? Can it really be that bad to talk to him?”
I sigh, knowing I’m stuck now. “Apparently, I don’t have a choice.”
We pass through the guarded gates of the Pinewood Pack and it feels strange being back here again. Driving through winding streets takes us deeper into the woods until we pull into a driveway in front of a large, stunning home tucked into the trees. The entire exterior is covered with rustic stone and rich, stained wood. With several prominent peaks and a front entrance with acanopy of rustic timbers, it’s magnificent, to say the least. I look around, taking in my surroundings. This is some bachelor pad.
“You are not to leave me here alone this time,” I warn Chloe.
“Okay, that’s fine. Nick and I can hang out if that makes you more comfortable.” There’s nothing about this that makes me comfortable.
Ethan stands on the front porch, arms crossed and a scowl on his face, with Nick by his side. “I did say you’d be back, and here you are,” Ethan says, to which I roll my eyes.
“By force.”
“I don’t like being told no, Olivia.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t like being told what to do. Who the hell do you think you are?”
“I’m the fucking Alpha of the Pinewood Pack, and I’m your mate. I won’t be blown off and ignored like I don’t matter.”
“I won’t tolerate you throwing a fit like a child, and making demands when you don’t get what you want. Now, I’m here. You want to talk? Talk. Chloe and Nick stay this time.”
“Fine. Let’s go inside.” Ethan takes my hand to lead me through the front door with Chloe and Nick following behind us. As soon as his hand touches mine, a bonding warmth spreads through my body. I yank my hand out of his grip.
“You can’t fight this forever, Olivia,” he says with a knowing smirk.
“We’ll see about that.” I cross my arms in defiance as I move into the foyer. I’m not just going to let him back into my good graces after what he pulled today.
The home's interior is just as gorgeous as the exterior, with beautiful hardwood floors, and stone and wood accents throughout. I’m immediately surrounded by an intoxicating fragrance. It’s the same scent I notice every time I’m near Ethan. This must be why he always smells so good. It overwhelms all my senses, and I’m instantly relaxed.
“God, what is that amazing smell? Is it a candle?” I ask, looking around for the source.
“You’re in my home. It’s me,” Ethan says from behind me. He sure as hell doesn’t lack confidence.
“Cocky much?” I ask. Chloe and Nick look at each other and chuckle while Ethan grins. “Seriously. Is that cologne or something?” I take another deep breath.
