A Second Chance (Fated Mate) Read Online Free PDF Page A

seems like there is something going on here I should know about. Are you guys, uh…together or involved? I hear the sharing thing is pretty popular these days.”
    “ NO!!!” They both shouted their reply.
    “ Conner is Jake’s best friend” Shana explained.
     
    * * * * *
     
    The car ride back to Shana and Jake’s was uncomfortably quiet. Katie had a long stressful day, and found it was easy to doze off in the silence.
    When Shana heard Katie’s even breathing indicating sleep she rounded on Conner, “I can’t believe you followed me. I told you I’d talk to her but you just couldn’t let it go. I’m so pissed right now Conner, I can’t wait to tell Jake. You’ll be in so much trouble.”
    “ Do you honestly think he’ll be mad, Shana? What do you think he would have done if the situation was reversed? He’d have chased you in a heartbeat. In fact he did, every damn day he was chasing you.” Conner didn’t feel the least bit troubled. He knew his Alpha would understand. If Katie wasn’t Shana’s friend, he knew she’d understand too. For Pete sakes, he’d saved Katie’s life tonight.
    “ That’s different. Jake would never have mated me without my knowledge, and consent. You should be ashamed. You’re a bad wolf.” She was acting like his mother. No, she was acting like his Alpha.
    “ I can’t say I’m sorry enough, but it’s between me and Katie. I would have talked to her a million times over and apologized, but I couldn’t find her. Let us work it out.” He was surprised at his annoyance. Usually he was very unassuming when unthreatened.
    Shana knew he was right but she was indignant, and pregnant; a bad combination. She was riding high on emotions right now. Katie had stuck up for her, for years, and it was time for her to do the same for her friend. “She deserved better. She deserves a choice. You took that away from her. Maybe, one day she’ll forgive you, but I never will. I know what it’s like having your choices taken from you.”
    He looked hopeless, and he felt doomed. Instead of getting down on himself, he was going to fight. “I realize you’re life hasn’t always been peaches and cream, Shana, but you have no right to pass judgment on me. I’m doing the best I can for Katie. I had no idea she would leave so suddenly. You know I love her, hell I was willing to die for her today. I have never been as agonized as I was standing outside her burning house, I could feel her pain. I want her happiness and love. I’d do anything for her.”
    Shana knew he spoke the truth, she could smell it, but she was still vexed on her friend’s behalf. “Leave her to make her own choices.” She sounded uncompromising.
    “ Maybe you can let her make her own choices, mom.” Conner was amazed that he was getting annoyed at Shana so easily.
    “ Pull over the car, and get out.” Shana was not going to take this any longer.
    Conner pulled over and got out. As Shana got out of the passenger side to get in the driver’s seat, Katie climbed over the center console, hopped in the driver’s seat, closed and locked the doors. Katie rolled down the window a smidge, “Maybe you both need to understand that I’m a big girl and can make my own choices. I really enjoyed the in-car-entertainment but it’s over. Enjoy your walk.” She peeled away causing the dirt to kick up into a cloud of dust. Take that!
    Katie drove straight to Shana and Jake’s house and rang the doorbell.
    Jake had wide eyes when he opened the door and asked, “Where are they?”
    “ They were fighting about me when they thought I was asleep in the backseat; I felt it would do them good to walk the rest of the way. It’ll give them a chance to fight it out.” At Jake’s wide white smile she went on. “I hope you understand that I make my own decisions. I will not be bullied into anything.”
    Jake sobered “I understand, and please feel free to come to me with any questions you may have about our