"You okay bud?" My brows furrowed.

Letting his hands drift up under the pillow, i cringed inwardly as his head turned toward me. "Yeah. I guess. Moms making cookies. We have to go to pack dinner tonight...."

I felt my heart sink in my chest at this.

"Dont worry" his words were quick, noticing the change in my facial expression. "We stick together." His mossy green eyes focused on me. His eyes always change shade with his mood and right now he was feeling the urge to protect. I didn't want him to feel the need to protect me ... i needed to learn how to be a big girl.

"Yeah okay." My smile didn't reach my eyes.

A frown appeared, marring his handsome features as he removed his hand from under my pillow, bringing out the picture i had hoped he wouldnt find.

"What's this?" Confusion is his voice as he studied the photo.

Giving up, i sighed heavily. "I found it when i was packing. Remember when we all used to be happy? I like to remember those times... when i didnt care about mate bonds and we had our best friends.." i gently took the photo from his hand and smiled down at it, remembering that day.

"Nova..." Nic's voice was soft yet deep. "I know how you feel toward him. I do. But you cant torture yourself like this. I wont let you be with him while Grace is around so just dont think about the good things you remember because that al went outthe door as soon as he made his choice." Nic crawled up so that he sat right next to me, taking the picture away from me, studying it once more.

His words hurt my heart. "Nic. Grace will always be in the picture.. shes your mate. Have you thought about what will happen if and when she miscarries? I knw the pull of the bond. I know what can happen. Are you telling me you could reject her and not feel anything over it?" I kept my voice soft when i spoke.. i didnt want him to feel attacked. I know that feeling all too well.

His jaw clenched as well as his muscles. Nostrils flaring he turned his head slowly to meet my gaze. "I would never be with a female like that. I have a need to talk to her.. i have questions that need answers.. but she will never be mine." He gritted out painfuly, dropping the picture onto the floor as he got up and left my room, closing the door firmly behind him.

Tears blurred my vision and the shards of my broken heart vibrated. His pain is my pain. I can feel he doesnt believe what he says.. he would forgive Grace if she came to him and asked for forgiveness if the baby doesnt make it.

I know he would. Just like i would with Zaryn.

Hes that type of male.

A knock at my door had me wiping my tears away, plastering a fake smile on my face as i scented my mom's vanilla and grass scent coming from the door.

"Come in mom"

The door opened slowly to reveal my mom, her dark hair pulled away from her face, sporting a fake smile. We were all sporting them as of late.

"Hey honey. I just wanted to warn you..." her smile turned into pursed lips. This had me worried, a frown creasing my forehead.

"What is it mom?" My body turned to face her.

Her eyes fell to the ground as her expression changed to something akin to nervousness and sorrow."We are all to be at pack dinner tonight.. Grace and Zaryn will be there..." her soft eyes met mine. "You and Nic are to sit far away from them. Alpha Blake's orders. He is going to adress some things during dinner.. we have heard from Grace's father, the northern Alpha. Afterwards.. he wants to have a meeting.. with our family and ours. Im not sure it will be good news.. but i wanted to let you know ahead of time so you can be prepared." Pity in her eyes as they held mine along with regret..

My stomach rolled.

This couldnt be good.

I stared at her blankly as she gave me a half smile before bowing her head and closing the door softly.

What on earth would Alpha Blake say tonight...

What would he have to say to the entire pack?

To us?

To me?

The need to vomit hit me like a ton of bricks and i let my feet rush me to the ensuite bathroom, throwing up the samdwich i had managed to eat earlier.

What is happening?

What else could there be to destroy my life even more?