Page 13 of His Rejected Fated Mate

“The dark magic? Surely you guys know more about it.”

My mother shook her head. “You know more than we do, Elize.”

My dad walked over and sat down next to my mother. “So, you’re Troy’s mate?”

I nodded. “It would seem.”

My father cleared his throat. “Are you… did…” He stammered for words. “Are you guys having a ceremony?”

I nodded. “We are. I didn’t know if you’d want to attend since… well…”

My mother frowned. “Elize, we never thought of you as an outsider, if that’s what you’re suggesting. We just… we didn’t know how to handle…”

“Me?” I finished.

My father shook his head. “Elize, we love you. But you, being a witch, had challenges.”

“I’m aware,” I grumbled back.

“We didn’t know anything, and the only family member who was a witch died before you were born.”

I didn’t hate my parents. I knew they tried. My mother’s aunt was a witch, and they figured my powers came from that side of the family from the past. My folks were never outright about it, but they didn’t like how quickly Martin agreed to move me to the convent. They never understood why I would want to leave the pack. They never stepped in my way either.

I knew there were things they didn’t know how to answer. They didn’t know when my magic would come out and what I would be capable of doing. I just wish they had trusted me more while I was growing up.

I wish they had tried to protect me more while I was growing up. The only one that did was Martin. When the councilwanted me locked up, Martin was the only one who stopped them. He did what they should have.

“I guess my coming here was a waste of your time.”

“Elize…” My mother gave me a hurt expression. “I wish we could fix things.”

I did too. But some things weren’t fixable.

I got up and headed for the door. I walked down the stairs and headed for my car. I watched as a car pulled up and parked on the street. The door opened, and Troy stepped out.

I froze as he spotted me and walked toward me. “Elize.”

“What are you doing here?”

Chapter 5 - Troy

I stared at her, feeling that tuck deep in my chest. It was the same feeling I had when we were in high school. I wish I had realized it sooner. She was my mate, and I wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice.

“What are you doing here?” she asked again, crossing her arms as she stared at me with nothing but contempt. I guess I shouldn’t be hurt that she didn’t miss me. I had ended things without a good reason.

“I just wanted to see if there was anything else you wanted. I wasn’t kidding about giving the convent protection and helping where I could. If there is…”

She waved a hand, stopping me. “I already agreed, so I don’t know why you’re here.”

I knew she’d agreed, but I thought she was going to backpedal. I was sure she was going to talk to someone to help her get out of this. But she wasn’t. Or at least, she was giving me the vibe she was.

“Oh, I guess I’m surprised. You’re just agreeing so…”

She raised an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t say easily if that was what you were about to say. I’m agreeing because it’s what’s best for the convent. It has nothing to do with you. And there will be boundaries. This is not going to be some cute marriage. It’s legal, but that’s all. I’m not labeling it husband and wife because that’s just an insult to the meaning of that. This is a contract.”

I felt like I’d been hit. I understood why she was saying everything, but it hit my wolf. He growled, frustrated in my head.

I nodded, trying not to let my emotions get the better of me. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to fix this. “Understood.”