My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 277

Chapter 277

Chapter 277

+15 80US

“No. But I can promise I won’t run from it next time. That I’ll talk to you instead of avoiding you. That I’ll-that I’ll choose the bond instead of choosing fear.” I held her gaze. “Rose, I’m asking for a chance. One real chance to show you I can be better than I’ve been.”

She was quiet. Processing. The mate bond pulled between us-I could feel it now, stronger than before. Maybe because I’d finally stopped fighting it. Or maybe because Rose was close and I was actually paying attention for the first time.

www

“Okay,” she said finally. “One chance. But Nate-if you avoid me again, if you flirt with other she wolves to prove something, if you make me feel unwanted again-I’m done. I’ll reject the bond formally and request transfer back to Nightshade Coven. I won’t stay here being hurt by a mate who doesn’t want me.”

The threat was serious. Real. And completely fair.

“I understand. And Rose-I won’t. I won’t avoid you or flirt with others or make you feel unwanted. I promise.” I paused. “Can I-can I start tomorrow? Courting you properly? Maybe breakfast? I could bring you something— what do vampires eat for breakfast?”

She actually smiled. Small but genuine. “Nate, vampires don’t eat food. We survive on blood.”

“Oh. Right. Obviously.” I felt my face heat. “I should have known that. I’ve grown up with Uncle Cas-”

“But Uncle Cas is polite about it. Doesn’t discuss feeding habits at family dinners.” Her smile widened slightly. Nate, it’s okay. Most wolves don’t know vampire dietary requirements.”

11

“I should learn. If I’m going to court you properly, I should know-everything. What you eat, what you like, what makes you comfortable, what your culture values-“I stopped. “I should have learned all of this two weeks ago instead of avoiding you.”

“Yes. You should have.” But her voice was softer now. Less hurt. “Nate, I don’t need you to be perfect. I just need you to try. Actually try. Not perform or avoid or pretend. Just-be honest with me. About what you’re feeling. About what scares you. About what you want.”

“I want you.” The words came out before I could stop them. “Rose, I want you. I’m terrified of failing. I’m scared of what people will think. I’m worried I’ll hurt you worse by trying than by keeping distance. But underneath all that–I want you. I want the mate bond. I want to see what we could be together.”

She studied me. “That’s the most honest thing you’ve said to me since the bond formed.”

“I know. I’m-I’m trying to be better. To be brave enough to be honest instead of hiding behind fear.”

“Okay.” She turned to unlock her door. “Nate, you can start courting me tomorrow. Properly. But tonight— tonight I need space. Need to process everything. Need to-to stop crying and pull myself together before I face this.”

“I understand.” I wanted to argue. Wanted to push for more time together now. But Rose had given me a chance. I wasn’t going to ruin it by demanding too much too fast. “Rose-thank you. For giving me a chance I don’t deserve. I won’t waste it.”

“You’d better not.” She paused in her doorway. “Nate-vampires appreciate flowers. Particularly night-blooming ones. Just for future reference. Since you’re learning courting traditions.”

She closed the door softly before I could respond.

I stood in the hallway, processing. Rose liked flowers. Night-blooming ones. That was-that was information.

+15 Brous

Something I could use. Something that showed she was actually considering this. Actually willing to let me court her.

I’d made her cry for two weeks. Had broken her trust before we’d even started building it. Had been cruel through fear and cowardice.

But she was giving me a chance anyway.

One chance to prove I could be better. To show her the mate bund mattered. To become worthy of the gift the Moon Goddess had given me.

I wasn’t going to waste it.

Starting tomorrow. With flowers. Night-blooming ones.

And every day after that until Rose believed I wanted her. Until the hurt in her eyes disappeared. Until she trusted I wouldn’t run again.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify