Lycan Christmas by S. Yule (best contemporary novels txt) 📗

things that just happened. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was not your fault, and you know she wouldn’t want you to feel that way.”

“No. It was the scarf I gave her for Mother’s Day. Rufus told me it had my scent on it. It’s what led him to her. He killed her because she wouldn’t tell him where to find me.”

He tilted her chin up and looked into her eyes with those unwavering hazel pools. “Listen to me. It was not your fault. If your mother was as wonderful as you say, I believe it would make her sad to know that you are blaming yourself for her death.”

153

Lycan Christmas

S. K. Yule

He was right, and in her mind, she knew that, but her heart refused to completely let go of the guilt she felt. It would take her time to fully accept the fact that she had played a part in her mother’s death. For now, she pushed it to the back of her mind.

“Lorent, why didn’t you tell me I was your mate?” She could see some of the tension drain from him as his shoulders relaxed.

“I’m not good enough for you. You deserve better.”

She cupped his jaw, and the dark stubble scraped against her skin. “You are good enough for me. You came to me and told me about your past.”

“But I couldn’t do it in person. I did it through a dream.”

“Doesn’t matter. You still trusted me enough to tell me. And you know what else?”

“What?”

“You love me.”

“I know.”

“You know?” She swallowed hard.

“When I saw you lying on that dirt road with Rufus standing over you, I thought I’d go crazy. The thought of losing you put a kind of bone-deep fear in me I’d never felt before. I don’t want to live without you, Melony. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.”

“That’s definitely love.” She choked back a sob. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” He hugged her to him and nuzzled her hair. “Melony,”

he whispered by her ear.

“Yes?”

“I need you.”

“I need you too.”

Someone started knocking rather insistently on her front door. She wanted to ignore it, but when the sound continued, she figured that whoever it was wouldn’t go away until she answered the door.

She gave Lorent an apologetic shrug. “Talk about bad timing.”

He nodded, and she went to the door only to find Shannon standing behind it. “Shannon, what—”

154

Lycan Christmas

S. K. Yule

Before she could get the question out, Shannon ran past her and wrapped her arms around Lorent.

“I heard what happened. Are you okay?” Shannon looked up into Lorent’s face and remained plastered against him.

He set her away from him as gently as possible. “I’m fine, Shannon. I’m sure the others already told you that.”

“Yes, but I had to see for myself.”

Enough was enough. Melony shut the door and went to Lorent, reached for his hand, and was happy when he pulled her close and put his arm around her shoulders. This was her man, and it was time for Shannon to get the message loud and clear.

“Shannon, I need to tell you something.” She smiled up at Lorent, and he nodded. “I am Lorent’s mate, and I’m not comfortable with your interest in him.”

“She’s your mate?” Shannon’s mouth hung open in a very unappealing way.

“Yes. I love her, and she’s the only woman for me.”

Shannon frowned. “I thought for so long that maybe I was your mate and you were just too shy to admit it. I love you, Lorent.”

“I’m sorry. I tried to make it clear that there was nothing more than friendship between us. I never wanted to hurt you, but please understand once and for all that I don’t return your feelings.” Lorent’s voice was strained.

Melony knew Lorent hated hurting Shannon, but it was way past time for this conversation to happen. Even if she’d never come to Sanctuary, Lorent needed to tell Shannon that he didn’t love her, make her understand.

Melony felt a little sorry for Shannon when tears started falling down her cheeks and she looked as if someone had just run over her dog.

“Shannon, I know we’ve had our differences, but I would really like it if we could be friends.”

Melony wasn’t sure if they could ever be friends, but she was willing to try.

“You still want to be friends with me?” Shannon sniffled.

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Lycan Christmas

S. K. Yule

“Yes, but I don’t think it will work out if you continue to flirt with Lorent. I love him, and he’s mine.”

“I’m sorry I’ve been so horrible to you, Melony, but I really care for Lorent. I understand that he will never return my feelings now that he’s found his mate. I need some time to get over this, but I would like very much if we could be friends.”

Was this the same Shannon? Melony was surprised at the ease of her acceptance. She’d expected more drama, maybe a tantrum, but not grown-up cooperation. Maybe they really could become friends. Shannon headed for the door.

“Wait,” Melony said before Shannon left. “Let Lorent walk you home. It would make me feel better to know you got back safely after everything that’s happened today.”

“Oh. Thank you, Melony. Um, I know it’s not a good time, but when I got my laundry back, my favorite red panties were missing. Have you seen them?”

“Yeaahh.” Melony cast a mischievous glance at Lorent. “You know that huge tree about midway down the path to Rindy and Brent’s?”

“Yes.”

“They are about halfway up it. Sorry. I was little irked about the laundry thing.” Melony tried hard not to laugh at Shannon’s surprised expression.

“Well, I guess that solves that mystery.” Shannon gave a halfhearted lopsided grin. “I suppose I deserved that one.” She turned and walked out the door without a further word.

Lorent bent and placed a quick kiss on Melony’s lips before following Shannon out the door. “I’ll be right back.”

“I’m counting on it,” Melony answered.

She watched