?Chapter 126:

It had taken me a while toe to terms with her being my mate. I’d even shrugged off Kade’s reasoning, but when she fell into thea, I knew I didn’t want to spend a day without her. She was my muse, my ride-or-die, and even with a temper like a whirlwind, she was my fucking mate, and nothing could change that.

I slouched further into the plush couch, tossing my arm over the backrest as the credits rolled on therge screen. I wasn’t a fan of ros; I’d rather have a mental brawl with an axe than watch one. But I yed one I’d been seeing all over social media because of Jasmine. I’m happy I did, since she seemed to enjoy it.

I almost rolled my eyes when she began to cry after the female lead almost died. How coincidental.

The soppy love triangle movie had been a great distraction from the thoughts swimming in my mind and the tension between us. Jasmine must have forgotten about her grudge against me, considering how she was snuggled up against me.

As the final scene faded to ck, Jasmine’s face suddenly pulled into a frown.

“You know, Ryder, I don’t think that guy made the right choice,” she said, her brow furrowed.

I chuckled dryly. “What makes you say that?”

Jasmine moved slowly, her face turning toward mine, her bright brown eyes sparkling with an usation she unsessfully tried to repress.

“He should’ve ended up with the other girl. The one with the long hair.”

Iughed. “You’re a sucker for a good underdog story, baby vixen.”

Jasmine’s expression turned serious, and she pulled herself up so that she could sit up straight.

“Whatever. But seriously, Ryder, someday you’re going to end up with Isabelle.”

My lips bent downward, and I could feel my facial muscles twitch. If someone else had mentioned Isabelle’s name, they would have been signing a death wish. With a tight-lipped smile, I forced myself to look her straight in the eyes.

“I doubt it,” I saidzily.

Jasmine rolled her eyes, but I could see relief in her face.

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“Why not? You two would make a great couple,” she sneered.

I shook my head. “I doubt it,” I repeated.

“I doubt it,” Jasmine mimicked my tone. “Is that all you’re going to say?” Her re was icy and searching as she stared.

I’d barely thought of an answer when she bombarded me with her next question.

Jasmine’s eyes narrowed. “Who are you going to marry, then? You’re not going to remain a bachelor forever; you’re an alpha.”

I couldn’t help but grin mischievously. “I’ll be getting married to my mate, long before I ever consider tying the knot.”

Jasmine’s expression transformed from curiosity to confusion, her frown returning.

“Your mate?” she repeated, as though she was digesting this new information.

“So Isabelle isn’t your mate then?” she huffed.

I nodded, trying to maintain a straight face. If only she knew that she was my mate — the one person destined to be mine. I wanted to tell her, but it just didn’t feel like the right moment. Her eyes never left mine, and I could only wonder what sort of thoughts swarmed in her head. She looked like she didn’t know how to react to this confession. I looked away, feeling a pang of guilt for keeping my true feelings hidden.

“Isabelle isn’t my mate,” I added, hoping she would stop ring, but her frown deepened.

A few moments passed, and her lips parted as though she wanted to say more, but she bit her lips instead.

“Tell her already,” Ace muttered, but I only pressed my lips together.

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