Chapter 10
Rachel had explained it a hundred times–she didn’t like the guy, she didn’t write the
letter, and it was all just a massive misunderstanding.
But Aaron hadn’t cared. He was furious. And when Aaron got angry, things never ended
well.
No one knew exactly how he pulled it off, but somehow, he’d convinced the dean to send that upperclassman abroad. Officially, it was for a “sponsored academic program.” But everyone with a brain knew what it really was–a way to erase him from Rachel’s
world, quietly and permanently.
Rachel had felt guilty about it for weeks.
That guy had been Liza’s crush–her roommate, her friend. Liza never even got the chance to tell him how she felt. That little spark, that tiny thread of fate, had been snipped before it ever had a chance to catch fire.
Rachel had been pissed at Aaron for a long time over that.
Now, outside the airport terminal, a black SUV rolled up to the curb.
Justin was behind the wheel. He rolled down the window and called out with a calm smile, “Edmund, Amanda… and Rachel. Hop in.”
Edmund and Amanda, being the loving couple they were, naturally slid into the backseat together, leaving Rachel with only one option–the front passenger seat.
She stood outside for a moment, unmoving.
Justin noticed. “Rachel? Everything okay? Why aren’t you getting in?”
She hesitated for a beat, then asked, “Justin… do you have a mate?”
The question dropped like a brick.
Amanda blinked, then covered her mouth in a grin, shooting Edmund a quick look that
Chapter 10
Disney Solitaire
Match–ploy and win in Disney Solitaire – your
4.8 FREE
Google Play
INSTALL
5.21%
practically screamed: Did you hear that? Something’s happening here.
Edmund caught on instantly and gave a knowing chuckle.
Even Justin seemed caught off guard. “Uh… what?”
Rachel clarified calmly, “The front seat’s kind of… symbolic, you know? Especially for a
girl If you’ve got someone in your life, I can squeeze in the back with Edmund and
Amanda. No big deal.”
Justin waved his hands quickly. “No girlfriend. Promise. The seat’s yours.”
Only then did Rachel climb in.
Once the car was moving, Amanda leaned forward with a gentle smile. “Rachel, you don’t have to be so formal. You and Justin aren’t strangers.”
Rachel returned the smile, polite as ever. “Even with people you know, it’s good to have boundaries. We’re adults. Gotta act like it.”
A hard–learned lesson–courtesy of Aaron. One she’d never forget.
Amanda turned to Edmund with a look of approval. “Well, she’s definitely got her head on straight. Can’t say that about most people her age.”
Edmund nodded in agreement. “Honestly, her brother deserves the credit. I never expected a young guy–especially a man–to raise a kid this well. He really knew what he was doing.”
Amanda laughed and nudged him. “Raised a kid? Don’t make it sound like Aaron’s ancient. He’s still young. Rachel, he’s five years older than you, right?”
Rachel nodded. “Yeah.”
“So he’s what–early thirties now? Has he found his mate yet?”
Edmund gave his wife a look and gently tugged her arm. “There you go again–playing matchmaker.”
Chapter 10
5.21%
Amanda held up her hands. “Okay, okay. I’m just curious! He’s an Alpha. His mate’s probably gonna be another Alpha’s daughter, right? Either that, or some kind of political match.”
“Exactly,” Edmund said. “And you know how picky Aaron is. Let’s stay out of it.”
a c
Rachel cut in quietly. “Thanks, Amanda. But… he’s already seeing someone.”
gy
Both Amanda and Edmund looked genuinely surprised. “Seriously? Since when? You
never mentioned that before.”
Rachel gave a tight–lipped smile.
How was she supposed to explain?
That the only reason she was standing here now was because of that woman?
Scratch that.
Sierra wasn’t Aaron’s girlfriend anymore.
After the mating ceremony, she’d become his bonded mate–his Luna.
Rachel looked out the window. “I’ve grown up. We’re living separate lives now. We
don’t really talk.”
The distance in her tone didn’t go unnoticed.
Amanda frowned. “Rachel… is that why you left? Did his girlfriend make you
unwelcome?”
Rachel didn’t answer right away.
feel
Edmund glanced between them, then spoke gently, “She’s here because she’s talented. Europe’s just the next step–career–wise, it makes sense.”
Chapter 10
Disney Solitaire
Match, play, and win in Disney Solitaire your favorite game with a magical twist!
4.8 FREE
