I shook my head as I cupped her face. “I don’t care. I love you. I never want you to leave.”
“You mean that?”
“With every fiber of my being.”
As her features smoothed into a smile, I lowered my gaze, licking my lips nervously.
It was my turn, to tell the truth.
“April, before you, I tried to claim someone,” I admitted, carefully choosing my words. “I...was more aggressive than I should have been. I hurt her physically and emotionally.”
“What did you do?”
I sat up in the bed, resting my elbows on my knees as I bowed my head reverently to my mate. “I would understand if you wanted me to redact my claim of you considering this information. I should have told you before, but there seemed to be danger at every corner.”
“What did you do, Claude?”
I stared at the bedsheets. “I cornered her and tried to kiss her. I almost tried to bite her, too. I was full of rage and pride. It was my mistake—and I have every intention of fixing it.”
“Claude…” Her fingers met my chin, raising my gaze to hers. “Where is this woman?”
“I’m not sure, but she might be at the Thornton Estate.”
She nodded, eyes expressionless. “Then, we have a trip to make, don’t we?”
“Right now?”
“No, we should rest. But first thing when we wake up, I want us to call ahead to the estate and let them know we’re on the way.”
I gulped. “What if she won’t receive my apology?”
“Then, she won’t. You’ll have to live with that for the rest of your life.”
“I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
She nodded slowly, understanding washing over her features. “I was afraid to tell you I couldn’t have children. But now we both know the truth.”
“I was afraid you’d think I’m a monster.”
“No, I don’t think you’re a monster. I think you’re a man who made a mistake.”
My lips quivered as I whispered, “Thank you...”
“And now that we know each other’s darkest secrets, we can both face them.”
“Together?”
“Yes, my love,” she whispered as she leaned close. “We’ll face it together…”
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed the third book in The Unbreakable Doctor series. It was a close call whether Claude would redeem himself and save his family, but he did it with the support and love of his true mate, April. Were you worried they wouldn’t make it? They proved to us that love can be the most powerful bond of all!
Landon seemed to be a great caregiver, didn’t he? And Maria appeared to be interested in him. But will she stay with him when she finds out his dark secret? Only time will tell!
Find out whether Landon can win the affection of his mate in the fourth book in the series by clicking HERE.
Tortured Panther’s One Night Mate book description:
He doesn’t notice me.
Saving people was something I was always meant to do. I help those who are in danger and get them to a safe place with a brilliant doctor at my side.
His troublesome past is catching up to him. There’s danger around every corner, a new dilemma to be dealt with that makes it more challenging for us to spend time together. The world seems to constantly get in our way…
Having one taste of his lips will sate my hunger, I swear. Loving his body that works so hard for others is my calling. I’ll be satisfied then as long as he doesn’t make me want more.
But what if I do want more? What if I want to save him just like he saves everyone else?
Will he let me?
But will he let me take care of him?