Wolf's Fall by J.D. Tyler

flooded her eyes and suddenly she wanted nothing more than to get away. From him, and this place that should’ve been so special to them.
    She stood frozen as he gathered the remnants ofher clothing. Couldn’t breathe as he pulled her from the waterfall and back onto dry land. He handed her the bundle, his expression stoic.
    â€œWouldn’t want anyone to find these,” he said. “No telling what they might think.”
    â€œIt doesn’t matter what they think. You’re my mate.” Her bold declaration was met with a grim stare.
    â€œAnd you’re mine. But I’m not fit to be your mate. Not now, maybe not ever.”
    She tried to hold back the tears, but they fell anyway. “You’re going to run from me without even trying? Is that it?”
    â€œNot running,” he insisted. “I just need time. Time to think. I don’t know if I can be the man you need.”
    Her voice broke. She couldn’t help it. “I know you already are. But
you
have to know it, or we won’t work out.”
    For a moment, he looked like he might take her in his arms. Instead, he nodded toward her mountain home. “I won’t leave you out here alone. Go, before your brother or a guard comes looking if they haven’t already.”
    It wouldn’t do any good to stand here and argue with him. Not with their emotions so raw. As much as it hurt, he was right—he had to come to terms with what Darrow had done to him before he could accept his place as her mate. And accept her as his, with all that entailed.
    â€œAll right. But this isn’t good-bye, Commander. Not by a long shot.” Wiping her tears, she pinned him with a determined look. “I don’t give up easily and I don’t think you do, either.”
    â€œUntil later,” he said.
    â€œI’ll hold you to that.”
    Lifting her chin, she teleported away, leaving him standing there looking as lost as she felt. Seconds later, she was in her private quarters, alone. Without Nick. Not the ending she’d imagined after the wonderful lovemaking they’d just enjoyed.
    Tossing the bundle of tattered clothing on the floor, she walked to her bed and sat down, staring at a picture on the wall. Not just any picture, but one of her and Stefano, taken decades ago. They’d been so happy, so in love.
    After his murder, she had never hoped to find another mate. She hadn’t wanted anyone else, ever. Then she’d met Nick at that party, placed her hand in his. Looked into his eyes, and was gone. She’d known instantly what he was to her. Or what he could be, if only. Now it seemed as though fate had gifted her with another mate, but one so damaged he might never open himself to happiness.
    She’d lost Stefano. She might lose Nick before they began.
    Unable to hold back the flood, she let herself indulge in a good, hard cry. She sobbed until she was hiccupping, finally cried out. Though she felt better, crying solved nothing.
    She was still alone, and to make matters worse, she was hungry. The burning in her gut wouldn’t be denied. Though she didn’t want anyone but her mate, she had to feed or be sick. At least they hadn’t officially mated yet, or she’d be forced to starve.
    With a shudder, she dressed in comfortable sweats and a T-shirt. Screw it. She wasn’t going back to Tarron’s gathering. Once she was clothed, she used her cell phone to call one of her favorite guards, who was always happy to serve as her donor. She would survive, day by day.
    Nick would be hers. Somehow, she would help him through his nightmare so they could be together.
    She was sure of it.
    *   *   *
    From the safety of the trees, the vampire watched the commander fuck his fiery princess.
    He’d been careful to make certain he stayed downwind, to avoid being detected by the wolf’s superior sense of smell. Picking his way soundlessly after them, he’d