"Answer the question on the table, and I just might."
I opened my mouth to say, "For fuck's sake, one date, no sex," but what came out instead was a flat, "No."
Jak didn't immediately say anything, but I could see his surprise. Hell, I was surprised. And yet, weirdly, I also felt free. I may not have wanted him back in my life, but at least confronting him had finally freed me from the pain of our past.
I could move on.
At least until Azriel got around to shattering my barely healed heart again.
"Look," I continued. "I'm not denying there's still chemistry between us, but I have to wonder how much of it is just the pull of our wolf natures."
"This is more than just that—"
"Jak," I cut in, exasperated. "I'm with someone else. I don't care how much lust might flare between you and me—or anyone else for that matter—it's not going to happen. If you can't accept that and move on, well, then, good-bye. But I won't be blackmailed into something I don't want." Not this fucking time, anyway.
He stared at me for several seconds, then took a deep breath and released it slowly. "Okay."
"Okay, you accept what I said, or okay, you're out the door?"
He smiled. "The former. You still owe me a major story, my dear, and you're not getting rid of me until I get it."
I couldn't help a chuckle. He really hadn't changed. "Then cut the crap and tell me what you've got."
"I just hope your reaper appreciates what you're giving up," he said, amusement teasing his lips.
"Who said it was the reaper?"
He snorted. "Anyone with two eyes and half a brain. Don't try to kid a kidder."