Fated is overrated

Zane

POV

It's killing me to walk away from my brother like this. I can feel his pain, his sadness, his heartbreak, almost as if it were my own. And right when we were making some progress too.

I had to answer her, I couldn't risk her being upset with me yet again. Even if it might not be what's best for her. I chose the coward's way out. 'Don't worry brother, she will calm down and allow you to explain in a while.

I will plead your case. I am sorry I told her, but I thought it was for the best. She really needs to know we trust her and won't keep secrets from her. I can't lose her again Zeke' I mind link my brother as we walk away.

I don't feel any anger from him, I think he agrees it was the smartest thing to do. 'I can't either, brother....' he croaks out, his voice shaking from sadness. I feel so bad for him, but I am on a mission now, which is to bring us all together.

After years we have finally made some progress, I am not about to lose momentum. 'I'll go find Damon and get us some clothes' he adds, before cutting the link. Lola seems deep in thought as we are walking towards the castle, and I can't suppress the extreme anxiety from building up.

This is the first time I am completely alone with her. And the stakes are higher than ever, I can't f*ck this up. What do I say to her? She isn't some brainless bimbo, she is extremely smart, so I can't talk to her like I have with other women in the past. But what if I try to sound smart and say something stupid, and come off as a complete idi*t?

If I stick to normal chatter, won't she think I'm just some mediocre playboy who isn't trying his best to win her over? As if she could sense my turmoil, she asks "what is your favorite thing to do for fun?". Suddenly I realize we have entered the castle already, and are almost near the staircases. I was so lost in thoughts I hadn't even noticed how much time had passed in silence.

"Well.. uhm.. I know it will sound cheesy as hell, but, spending time with you". I feel my cheeks burning in embarrassment at being such a corny little dude when it comes to Lola.This book has many missing chapters and scenes if you're not reading it on [J]obnib.c[o]m.
But I can't help it, it's the truth, and she does things to me without even trying. She chuckles, before saying "cheesy, lol. But I'm serious, what are your hobbies?

Say something else. Nothing involving me". I wasn't expecting these types of questions, but I am over the moon she seems to want to get to know me nonetheless.

"I.. ehm.. I guess I don't really have hobbies in that case, besides clubbing I suppose? But even that we haven't been doing much in the past years". I feel stupid now. She must think I'm a total loser. Who doesn't have hobbies besides clubbing?! But to my surprise, she replies "well, I guess as a future King there is little time left for a lot of hobbies".

I look at her face, expecting to see a teasing grin, but there is none. Smiling, I reply "I guess not, no. So what are your hobbies?". She is quiet for a few seconds, before saying "motocross". I wasn't expecting this when speaking about hobbies, but her face looks pained. She drops her gaze and adds "I used to do that with Nick". I can hear the raw emotion in her voice.

Her hand is twitching in mine, almost as if it is fighting an internal battle on whether or not to hold on to mine. I squeeze her hand reassuringly and rub my thumb over hers, hoping the mate bond will soothe her a little.

"It feels like I'm cheating on him when I give into the mate bond" she whispers so low, I almost didn't catch it. Her words stop me dead in my tracks and my earlier courage drops.

I know she loved Nick a lot. I would never want her to feel we are replacing him. I pull her towards me and cup her face with my hands, urging her to look up to me. "I know you are struggling, Lola.

And if you don't want the mate bond, we will accept that, no matter how much it hurts. But, I think Nick would have wanted you to be happy. And so do we". I use my thumb to wipe away the stray tear rolling across her cheek. This woman can be so fierce, and yet so vulnerable at the same time.

All she needs is some love. And I intend to shower her with mine for as long as I'll live, if she will let me.

We continue the walk to her room, engaging in small talk all the way there. Small talk she initiated, because I was still stuck in my own head on what to say to her.

But, after my initial struggles, the conversation was flowing easily. It was as if we had known each other for years. She is so easy to talk to. And if you don't get on her bad side, really sweet too.

When we get to her room and she invites me in, I have to take a moment to steady myself, and Lance too. Her scent is so overpowering here, I am having a hard time focusing on the conversation.

Luckily for me, she vanishes into her walk in closet, so I can take some time to gather my bearings. All I want to do is lay on her bed and envelop myself in her scent. And by doing so, putting mine all over her bed in the process.

My joyous moment is cut short when Zeke links me, grumbling 'a meeting among all the kingdoms and their heirs was just called for tomorrow morning. All heirs, except for Lola... The meeting is about her. The warlock and vampire king demanded on it'. The color drains from my face, what the hell is this about?!