My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 193

Chapter 193

Cas was very quiet. The particular vampire stillness that meant he was containing significant emotion.

“Grace,” he said finally. “Look at me.”

I did.

“This is not your fault. His choice to ignore the mate bond- to be with someone who’s treated you cruelly–that says everything about him and nothing about you.” His voice was firm. Absolute. “You are not less because your fated mate is an idiot who doesn’t recognize what he has.”

“But the mate bond-

“Is one factor. Not the only factor. Your parents rebuilt their bond after your father’s betrayal, yes. But that required him choosing to do the work. Choosing to be worthy of your mother.” He paused. “Connor Reed is currently choosing Courtney Vex over his fated mate. That’s his choice. Now you get to choose how to respond.”

“What are my options?”

“You can reject the bond outright. Break it before it fully forms.” His voice was careful. “Or you can wait. Give him time to come to his senses. See if he chooses differently.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

“Then you reject the bond and move forward. Grace, you have agency here. The mate bond isn’t a cage. It’s an opportunity–but only if both people choose to honor it.”

I wiped my eyes. “I don’t want to be like Mama. Waiting for someone to choose me. Working to rebuild something that was broken from the start.”

“Then don’t be. Your mother’s choice to stay and rebuild was hers. Your choice can be different.” He pulled me closer. “Grace, you are brilliant and talented and extraordinary. Any mate would be lucky to have you. If Connor Reed can’t see that–if he’s choosing someone who’s hurt you over someone who could love him–then he doesn’t deserve you.”

“It hurts though. The bond. It’s like–like something vital is being torn.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” His voice was gentle. “The first hours are the hardest. The bond wants completion. Wants you to go to him, claim him, accept what the Moon Goddess offered. Resisting that is painful.”

“How do you know?”

He was quiet for a moment. “Because I’ve watched mate bonds form and break for eleven centuries. Watched wolves struggle with exactly what you’re feeling. The pain eases. Especially if you make a clear choice about how to proceed.”

I sat with that. Processing. Trying to think past the hurt and confusion and the mate bond that was screaming at me to go back, to find Connor, to make this work somehow.

But I kept seeing his hand on Courtney’s waist. His mouth on hers. His choice to stay with her even after recognizing our bond. “I’m going to wait,” I said finally. “Twenty–four hours. If he comes to me in that time, if he chooses to acknowledge the bond and explain himself–then I’ll listen. But if he doesn’t-”

“Then you reject it,” Cas finished.

“Then I reject it,” I confirmed. “Uncle Cas, is that fair? Am I giving up too easily?”

“You’re protecting yourself. That’s not giving up. That’s wisdom.” He stood, offering me his hand. “Come on. Let’s get you back to the house. You need to tell your parents.”

“I don’t want to ruin my birthday.”

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“you mate being an idiot already ruined your birthday. Telling your parents just means you don’t have to carry this alone.”

He was right. Of course he wasıight.

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