SIX
Nic stared at the book in front of him, the newspaper articles he’d meticulously cut out and the announcements, the pictures the news shared. Really, it looked like he was a stalker from anyone else outside, but he’d just wanted to know she was doing okay, that she was making it.
And Jo was achieving all her dreams.
The newest newspaper article in the folder showed Jo standing with three other people, their arms wrapped around each other as if they were close friends. The article talked about how their new app was making waves, a dating app for supes. It was brilliant, gaining traction far faster than anyone had expected, and now, Jo was making lists about the newest up and coming supe entrepreneurs. He’d never been so proud.
And yet he couldn’t tell her that. Not yet. Jo wouldn’t so easily forgive him. He knew that, but at least, with the Race Games, he’d be able to spend time in close proximity to her. That was all he needed. If at the end of the race she decided she didn’t want anything to do with him, he’d respect that.
It would hurt like hell, but he’d still respect it.
Nic still wasn’t sure about things, didn’t truly know how to win over a woman with such ambition. He could be charming and charismatic, but because of their past, Jo would take one look at him and laugh in his face. He’d have to get through the trauma of their first meeting to make any progress and that was a hurdle he wasn’t sure was possible to get over. He’d been an idiot ten years ago. If he were being honest, he was worried he’d be just as big of an idiot this time as he was last. One wrong word and he’d lose his chance. He couldn’t let that happen again.
There was only one person he could trust with his plight, one person he knew he could go talk to and get their advice. That’s how he found himself back in Hallow Falls, driving up the long winding road in his pickup truck, the giant trees swaying with the slight wind.
Nic often found himself making the same drive though typically it was so he could work on the finances his future role as beta would demand. Today, he made the drive for a different reason.
When the path opened up to reveal a vast community hidden among the trees, he breathed deeply, at home in the woods in a way only a wolf could be. This was home, and though he may have wandered and explored, he would always find his way back. It was instinct. Though ten years ago, it had felt like something was missing, it was still relaxing to simply be there in his home.
The cabin at the end of the lane on the right was one of the older ones but it was still well-maintained. The logs were well-oiled and trimmed, the old home settling well into its spot. Each spring brought about necessary repairs, but Nic knew they would be taken care of if he didn’t get to them. Most summers, if he was able to get away from his duty, he came out to help scrape the pine needles from the roof and fix any leaks that sprung up. It was the least he could do.
The old wolf standing on the porch smiled when Nic pulled up. He was gray now, his face weathered, but it did nothing to detract from his looks. The man was still well-loved in his circles, but he never took any lovers. No. Not after Nic’s mother had died.
Climbing from the truck and grinning wide, Nic happily trotted around the truck to give his father a hug. “You were expecting me?”
“One of the sentries called and told me you’d come into town. Naturally, I figured you’d come here first.” He patted Nic on the back before breaking the embrace. “I take it the meeting with the elders went well?”
“Let’s go inside,” Nic suggested. “I’ll tell you all about it while I make some coffee.”
That was how, twenty minutes later, they found themselves sitting down in the living room with a mug of coffee in each of their hands. His father preferred the dark roast and while Nic preferred things a little lighter, he still happily accepted the drink that was as much a part of his father as the smell of whiskey was.
“So, tell me how it went?”
Nic sighed. “They asked me the situation of course, which I expected. I thought for a moment they might deny me but, in the end, they seemed happy to let me pursue Jo again. I explained what an idiot I was back then.”
His father lifted his coffee mug in a salute. “That you were.”
“Hopefully, I don’t make more mistakes this time around.” Frowning, Nic set his coffee mug down. “Which is why I’ve come to talk to you.”
“Oh?”
“Jo entered the Race Games.”
His father’s brows shot up. “She what?”
“The prize is a large chunk of land and a cash prize. Jo is planning on putting the winnings towards building her business and offering some of the land to the wolves. I’m sure you’ve seen the news mentioning her app?”
“Of course. Who hasn’t? That woman is a force to be reckoned with. Intelligent, beautiful, strong—”
“Which is why I don’t want to fuck this up,” Nic grunted. “She’s smart enough to decide she’s better off without me. It’s my job to prove to her that I’m not the same pup today I was ten years ago, that I can be supportive and help her achieve her dreams, but how do I do that when her memory of me taints the image she sees?”
His father sat there a moment, studying him. “You’re racing with her, I presume?”
“Whatever their intentions, the elders put me as her driver. So yes, I’m entering the games.”
“If you die, there will be no ready beta.”
“If I don’t race and Jo dies, I’ll never be able to live with myself.”
His father smiled. “That’s the attitude you’re going to need, son. That’s what I wanted to hear.” He reached out and clapped him on the shoulder. “The two of you are still bonded. You have a lot of work to do to make up for your actions, but I believe in you. Just don’t be an asshole. Listen to her. Respect her. Help her achieve her dreams. Eventually, the bond will grow stronger if the two of you allow it.”
“And if she doesn’t?” Nic asked. “If she decides she doesn’t want me?”
“Well, then, there are some things we have to let go for their own good. You let her go once. If she comes back to you, then it’s meant to be. If not, well then you missed that chance, son, and you’ll have to live with that.”
Running a hand through his hair, Nic sighed. “I don’t know if I could live in a world, knowing she’s out there but never being able to speak to her, to see her. If it makes her happy, then I’ll respect that, but. . .I want her to be happy with me.”
“Then work on it. No relationship is easy, son, and you’ve already messed up that first impression. It’s time to make up for what you did and make her feel safe with you. Explain how you feel and don’t pressure her. Just be there for her. That’s what’s important.”
“I understand.” Nic frowned. “I have to head out in two days to meet her. You got any more advice for me?”
His father laughed. “Don’t put your foot in your mouth. And remember, a fated bond isn’t a guarantee. It’s a blessing, sure, but it’s only the first step. It’s up to the two of you to ignite it.” With a twinkle in his eyes, he lifted his mug again in another salute. “Good luck. May Luna be on your side.”
Nic lifted his own cup. “May Jo decide not to gut me the moment I step into the games.”
Deep laughter. “Here, here.”
But if she decided to do that, Nic knew he’d let her. He’d let her do whatever she wanted to as long as she was looking at him.