Chapter 124 Not on My Watch
Lydia poured us drinks before sitting back in her chair, her eyes locked on mine. "But Ember... what if you actually find your real mate that day?"
My hand paused mid-air. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, you’re turning eighteen soon. What if you really find your mate on that day? Then what?"
Caroline shifted on her seat. "It’s rare, but it happens. You might fake it, only for the real thing to hit you right after. And when it does, there’s no hiding it."
I didn’t know what to say. My throat tightened. "But what if I don’t? What if no one’s out there for me?"
"Then you’ll still be free," Lydia said gently. "You’ll have choices. Not everyone finds their mate at eighteen, but at least... you’ll know you tried."
Caroline leaned forward. "But Ember... if Alpha Damon really cared about you, wouldn’t he fight to keep you by his side? Even if he had a Luna?"
My mouth parted but no words came out.
I didn’t know anymore. Maybe I never did. My fingers tightened around the rim of the cup. "Sometimes, I feel like he cares... then he turns around and acts like I’m nothing but property."
Lydia was quiet for a moment. "Then maybe he’s confused too."
"Or maybe I’m just imagining things," I muttered, lowering my gaze. "It’s foolish to hope, right?"