Shadow Mate - Jen L. Grey Page 0,34

wrong with me? I hate him, and he doesn’t want me. "He is just grouchy because I won't cower to him. It's no big deal. It's nothing more than that."

"Sure, live in denial. It can be a nice place to hang out." He shook his head and sighed. "I'm scared for you."

This conversation needed to change now. "I'm meeting Bree at the restaurant if you want to go."

"Hell, yeah." He winked at me. "I'm glad you invited me so it would be less awkward when I followed you."

"So in other words, you were going to follow me around like a lost puppy?" There was something so endearing about him.

"More like a fierce wolf that is searching for a pack." He pounded his chest. "I'm too strong to be a pup."

"We'll go with that." I began moving in the direction of the restaurant. It took every ounce of self-control that I had. I wanted to turn around and claim Liam, but that would be the worst thing I could possibly ever do. I had to somehow get my wolf and my heart resolved that I couldn’t be with him.

"I'm so glad we're getting lunch." Tripp rubbed his stomach. "I'm starving."

"Me too." If it hadn't been for all that drama, my stomach would have been rumbling.

When we entered the restaurant, Bree was already sitting down with a huge latte in front of her. Luckily, she had found a booth even though the place was packed.

As we approached her, a grin spread across her face, and she pointed to Tripp. "I had a feeling he'd be in tow."

"So... you were thinking about me, huh?" He slid into the seat next to her and smirked. "In case you didn't know, I'm single."

"And you've now told me that twice in the last twenty-four hours." Bree patted his shoulder and shook her head. "I'm not interested. I've found my true mate."

"Oh, damn ..." He jumped from his spot and slid in next to me. "Where is he? I didn't know."

"He goes to another university, so you're safe." She snorted and shook her head. "And even if he went here, he knows where we stand. He wouldn't be too upset that you took his spot unless he was joining us and wanted to sit there."

"Well, he's a damn lucky man." Tripp frowned and picked up the menu. "All the good ones are taken."

"You know Mia is right there beside you and single." Bree arched an eyebrow.

"Hell no ..." He shook his head no so hard I was surprised he didn't break his neck. "Not after the way your brother is all creepy over her. Don't get me wrong. She's hot as hell, but I'm afraid of that crazy."

"They pick on people. It's nothing." Bree waved it off and took a large sip of her coffee. "That's what they are supposed to do. Instill fear. And they're good at it; obviously."

"I don't know." He shook his head. "You didn't see..."

Nope, I wasn't letting him go there, so I cut him off. "What are you getting for lunch?"

Her forehead wrinkled, and her eyes went to Tripp. "What do..."

I knew the perfect way to distract. "We're sharing appetizers, right?"

"What? You’ve gotta be joking." Bree's mouth dropped open, and she tapped her fingers on the table. "I may love you, but I don't share food even with Nate."

"Not even your mate?" Tripp's voice was loud. "Wow. And I thought the bond overrides everything."

"Shh..." Bree leaned over the table with her pointer finger in front of her lips. "Shut up."

"Why?" His forehead creased, and he glanced at me. "What's her problem?"

"No one except us knows." I lightly punched him in the arm. She should've known better than blurt it out with him sitting here.

"But why?" He lowered his tone and leaned forward. "It should be a celebration.'’

"My parents nor brother would never approve." She frowned as she glanced at the table. "He's never going to be a strong alpha. My mom and Dad didn’t marry their fated but rather their chosen. It’s hard, and you’ll never be as happy or content, but Dad says we always put duty before ourselves. Sometimes fated mates don’t help your family get ahead."

That was horrible. Your fated mate made you stronger, and it wasn’t natural to fight it. Maybe Nate could be a great alpha if he and Bree were able to bond together as they should. It was sad that this was what her parents had taught her and Liam. No wonder he was so