Astrid's Wish Read Online Free PDF Page B

hundred years had to have left him scarred on the inside.
    “Why is this happening to me?” Klaus’s words were just above a whisper.
    “To you?” Miles shouted right before he smacked him across the face. His head jerked to the side. “Astrid didn’t ask for any of this, and he sure as hell didn’t ask to be stuck with a mate who thinks only of himself.”
    His cheek stung from the hard smack, but he refused to rub it. He couldn’t show weakness. Strength and control had been drilled into him from an early age. Guilt and sadness were useless emotions that he couldn’t afford to feel. It would make doing his job that much more difficult. But every time he thought of Astrid, that was all he could feel. Sadness for the despair Astrid must have felt being held prisoner for so long, and guilt for not being able to protect his mate from that violent past.
    Klaus screwed his eyes shut and tried to erase the images racing across his mind. No matter what happened now, he was still here to do a job. He blinked open his eyes and stood.
    “I’m sorry, Miles. I didn’t mean to belittle or disrespect what Astrid has suffered through. I wouldn’t wish that life on anyone.” He took another deep breath. “But be as it may, I’m here to do a job, and I will need to spend time with Astrid, like it or not.”
    Miles opened his mouth to say something then clamped his lips down tight. He must have thought better of what he was about to say.
    “I guess I don’t have a choice, do I?” Klaus shook his head no. “Just please be careful how you handle him. He’s so fragile, and I’m not sure what might send him over the edge.”
    “I will. Believe it or not, I would like to get to know him. I agree a mating is not beneficial for either of us, but friendship is doable.”

    Astrid’s Wish
    33
    Miles nodded. “I still don’t trust you. But like I said, I have no choice.” Miles walked out of the room without any further comment.
    “That was surprising,” Klaus said in disbelief. It seemed too easy that Miles just walked away without an argument.
    Ben shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Miles doesn’t mean any disrespect. He’s just concerned. He loves Astrid like a brother. Astrid saved his life. Plus, if anyone knows how strong a mating bond can be, it’s Miles.” Ben barked out a laugh. “Fate can be a motherfucker sometimes.” Ben motioned to the waist-high bar that sat against the far wall. “Want a drink?”
    “Yes, please.”
    Klaus followed Ben and took a seat at the bar. Klaus accepted the small tumbler full of clear liquid and downed it in one shot. It blazed a trail down the back of his throat, causing his eyes to water. The burn subsided to a warm tingling sensation working its way through his body, but it didn’t dull the ache he felt for Astrid or the desire he had for him, either. He still heard his mother’s warning in the back of his mind. For the first time in his life, Klaus had no idea what to do next.
    “So, old friend, what happens now?”
    He looked up from his empty glass. “I’m not sure, Ben. I’m just not sure.” The defeat in his own voice made him cringe internally. He felt vulnerable, and he didn’t like it.
    Ben reached across the bar and rested his hand on Klaus’s shoulder. “I know the feeling. But can I give you some advice?”
    Klaus nodded once. “Don’t make any decisions yet.” Ben shrugged.
    “Get to know Astrid. You might be surprised how things might work out.”
    Klaus chuckled. “I don’t think our story will have a happy ending like yours and Miles’s. I’m not hardwired for relationships.”
    “Sure, Klaus. Whatever you say.” Ben set his glass down and headed toward the door. “Come on. I’ll show you to your room.”
    He grabbed his bag and followed Ben up the winding staircase. As he trailed behind Ben he thought of all that had transpired in the past 34 AJ
    Jarrett
    hour. He’d met his mate, a witch who knew