Chapter 659



"Yeah, but there wasn't a single hint that he could be your actual mate?" She asked, her eyes narrowed. "None?"

I shook my head.

"Other than my wolf liking him more than anyone else other than Ethan," I said with a shrug. "She gave her stamp of approval, but she didn't push for me to go after him. She was still hurting over her former mate to really go after another man. For me, it was mostly physical attraction at first, and then it grew into so much more after I got to know him. I had no idea what to expect."

"That's incredible," she breathed. "I never knew anyone who had a second chance, mate, so I never really knew what it was like. I've only heard stories from the internet. It's very rare. You must be really special for the Moon Goddess to deem you worthy of a second chance."

I shrugged.

"Maybe it's Gavin that's special and I'm just along for the ride."

"Don't sell yourself short," Nan said as she made her way to the coffee pot to pour herself a mug of coffee. "You are quite special, even if you don't think so." I bit my lower lip.

"I don't know," I admitted, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the thought that I

was special enough to gain the Moon Goddess's favor. "But enough about me... what about you?"

She blinked as she brought her mug to her lips.

"What about me?"

"Don't give me that bullshit," I teased. "You and Chester... not to mention Emalyn."

Nan blushed.

"Oh, that," she breathed. "Well, I guess it was unavoidable. He is my mate after all."

"But you didn't trust him only weeks ago," I told her. "What changed?"

"He did," she admitted. "He hasn't even spoken to another woman since that hussy left the picture. He's been so tentative and caring... seeing him with

Emalyn... it did something to me and I realized that I might have misjudged him." "So, you agreed to be his wife?" I asked, raising my brows.

"Gavin didn't want an unmarried couple adopting Emalyn, and we both grew so attached to her over the last few weeks," she admitted. "Marriage is only a piece of paper, and if that's what we need to keep her in our lives, then that's what we'll do."

I noticed she's still unmarked, and an understanding washed over me.

"Are you waiting to let him mark you?" I asked.

She nodded, setting the mug of coffee on the counter in front of her.

"For right now, yes," she admitted.

"I'm scared I'm not as brave as you. But we will see what happens in the future. So far, he's been amazing. Honestly, he's the best boyfriend I've ever had. I'm falling in love with him... I'm just scared."

I wrap her in my arms and hug my best friend.

"I'm sorry I haven't been here," I whispered. "I'm sorry I didn't take any of your calls. I had my phone shut off these last few weeks, and I kind of dismissed my old life. I shouldn't have done that to you."

"I understand why you left," she admitted, tears brimming in her eyes. "I would have done the same thing."

I pulled back to look at her.

"I wouldn't have stayed away forever. I just needed time," I admitted. "You're my family, Nan. I can't do this thing called life without you."

She smiled at me, though tears still brimmed her eyes.

"I can't do this without you either," she admitted, her voice dropping to a broken whisper.

I hugged her again, tighter this time.

She shook her head.

"Emalyn is at the villa with Nan," she

told me. "Chester and I wanted some

alone time last

199

Narcagreed

to babysit Chester is at the grocery

store shopping so he can restock the

kitchen before he picks her up. I have

today off from work, so I'm

completely available." Visit

chapter of this novel

I grinned, relieved to hear that.

"Good," I said. "Let me get dressed, and we'll head out."

She nodded as she stole another piece of bacon. Just before I left the kitchen,

she called after me.

I stopped and looked at her.

"I'm really glad you're home."

I smiled back at her.

"Me too," I replied, and I truly meant those words.