His Plump Mate (Book 1: The 'His' Series) novel Chapter 577

Adrian POV

Aiden told me that Sinclair was back. I was in the middle of training warriors. I stopped and made my way to the pack house, but I stood back. I looked at her from afar. It’s not like I haven’t observed her from afar in the past. I always liked teasing her about shifting and going for runs.

When I think back, I’ve always gotten along with Sinclair. But mates? That’s a different territory altogether. I know I need to apologize to her. I need to talk to her. Maybe we can take the mate bond slow. Maybe she will be okay with starting as friends.

I’m just not ready to mark another woman. I’m not ready to be mated again. I just need time. I don’t want to hurt her, but I’ve been getting an earful from everyone. Thalia doesn’t even want to look at me. Aiden has been short with me. Dad is only so understanding. Mom is the worst one, though. She flat-out smacked me in the back of the head and yelled at me for being a crude jackass.

‘You are a jackass. She is our mate, and you walked out on her in front of everyone. You didn’t handle it right, and you know it.’

‘I need time.’

‘You’ve had three months. You are mourning a woman who didn’t love and respect you. I want our mates. Mali is feisty like Sinclair. They are fighters. They are brilliant. They are more selfless than Amber ever was, Adrian.’

Great. Thor doesn’t stop berating me either.

‘Until you get your head out of your ass, I am going to continue berating you, too, jackass.’

I shut him down. I slowly walked to the pack house entrance. When I got inside, I noticed how quiet it was. No one was around. I started following Sinclair’s scent. I followed it down the hall. The last door on the left. Isolated.

Something doesn’t sit right with me that she is in the very corner of the house. Maybe she prefers it that way, though. I muster up the courage to knock on the door.

“Just a minute,’ I heard her call out.

I wait by the door for a couple of minutes. When she finally opens the door, her hair is wet, and her face is flushed from the hot water. She looks surprised.

“Hey,” I said quietly.

She schooled her facial expressions and replied, “Hey.”

“Can we talk?” I asked.

She opened the door and let me in. Her scent in the room is immediate, filling my senses. Thor growls in my mind at the headiness of her unique smell.

I’m not even paying attention when Sinclair stands behind me with her arms crossed over her chest. She’s defensive. It’s my fault. I know it is, and I still can’t bring myself to pull her into my arms.

I see a moment of disappointment flash in her eyes, but she schooled her features again. We are not connected by the mate bond, so I am not completely certain what she is feeling. I can tell by this conversation that she is upset. I can’t blame her either. I’m trying my best to do right by her, without pushing myself into the abyss of my past.

“Is that the only reason?”

“Yeah,” I said.

She scoffed. “Liar. Adrian, I’ve heard enough. I understand. Go handle what you need to handle. I’m not waiting, though.”

She opened the door and gestured for me to get out. I don’t think a woman has ever thrown me out before, but if she wants time, I will give it to her, too.

“Please think about it,” I pleaded.

“I just did. You have my answer. Leave. I’m tired.”

I nodded and left the room. Before I could turn around, she slammed the door on me. I stood there for a minute. Debating whether I should knock again. But I hear her slide down the door. I hear her crying.

Fuck. I can’t seem to find a middle ground.