As I pull up to our clinic, I see Jace there leaning against his truck. Pulling into my spot I sit back take a breath before getting out and looked over to Reese. He smile softly back at me.
"Go talk to him Evie, the guy has given you space against his nature and its been driving him crazy. Remember you do not have to make any decisions right now." As he walked over he gently placed a kiss my head before walking in. Sighing, it's time to pull up my big girl panties and face him..
"Hey" He said softly, as if he was afraid I was going to disappear.
"Hey Jace" it's so weird to have this uncomfortableness between is. I hate it.
He steps forward and drags me into a tight hug. I can feel his nose in my hair breathing me in as if he is trying to calm himself down. After a few long moments, he pulls back and looks at me. I watch all the questions floating in his eyes causing my heart to pinch. I didn't want this for him.. I never wanted him to hurt. Closing my eyes I try to will away the guilt i'm feeling. I never should have started anything with him.
"Stop... just stop Evie. I know where your thoughts are going and this is not your fault. We are not able to choose our mates. Please don't regret one us. I can't bare the thought of you regretting what we shared especially when we knew one day you and I would find our mates. It just happened to be you first." he said as he tenderly caresses my face. I close my eyes against his warm had and breath him in. Jace always was my rock even when we were kids. If I was normal... If I was to fall in love like everyone else with anyone it would have been Jace..
"I love you.." I whispered.
"And I love you Evie.. If things don't work out and I haven't found my mate I will be here." his tone so serious it caused me to look up.
"Jace you can't you promised..."
"It's my choice Evie.. I have been thinking about this ever since Tate came back and this is is my decision.. You also have to remember I may never find my mate. It's not a guarantee but keep in mind that doesn't mean i'm going to stop looking.. I can promise you that much" he spoke softly as he kissed the top of my head.
I can feel my heart cracking as I look up into those beautiful blue eyes. " Okay." After one last hug I take a step back as Jace give me a quick kiss on the cheek as he gets into his truck and starts to back out. Leaning out his window "See you tonight at the Run" winks and drives off.
Chuckling.. I shake my head and walk inside.
***
A few hours later I hope into Truck with Jace, Reese and Claire and we head off to the run. 45 minutes later we pull up to the Moors.. Sighing.. the memories of this place can fill someone with such joy. The beautiful Acadian Forest with nothing for miles where we can be... us. Turning around as a hear another truck pull up on the other side of the clearing. I watch in silence as Tate steps out with a tiny beautiful blond and his friend Layton from the Southland pack. He must feel my presence as his eyes snap over to meet mine. We stand there in a trance almost like we are staring into each others souls but not connecting on the same plane. Layton slaps him on the back breaking our eye contact. He looks back up and nods before walking away toward the Moors.
Turning back around to my friends as they are unloading the last of our tents and supplies I see Jace watching me from the otherside of the truck. He looks restless for some reason, but the blank expression is unnerving me slightly as I turn my eyes to avoid the feeling of guilt that was starting to creep up. Grabbing my stuff we start off to take the 30 minute hike to the pack campgrounds...