Kelan's Pursuit Read Online Free PDF Page B

nearby apartment building. Kelan watched as he leaned his arms on his knees and hid his face in his hands. With a heavy heart, Kelan crossed the road and walked over to his mate.
    “Jake?”
    Jake’s head snapped up and his eyes widened.
    “What are you doing here?”
    “I told you I’d be back tonight. We need to talk, Jake, this is important.”
    “I was on my way to Liberties, the bar I met you in last night. Was going to pick someone up and take him home with me.”
    Kelan felt a growl begin to form in his chest but, with effort, he kept it inside. The thought of Jake being intimate with another man was suffocating. He pulled in a shaky breath and took a seat on the step next to Jake before his legs gave out.
    “Then why are you sat here?”
    “I couldn’t go through with it. I don’t know why.”
    “I do.”
    Jake met Kelan’s eyes and seemed to be eager for his answer.
    “It’s because we’re mates, Jake. I don’t know exactly how the mating bond works in humans, but for wolves it’s very strong. Now that I’ve found you, the thought of ever being with anyone else repulses me. I can’t describe how much it hurts to hear that you want to be with someone else.”
    Jake sighed. “I don’t want to, but I think it would be for the best if I did.”
    “How do you figure that?”
    “Because I can’t do this, Kelan .”
    “Do what?”
    “This, us. A relationship.”
    “You don’t want a relationship with me.” It wasn’t a question but Kelan hoped Jake would give him an answer anyway. Preferably one that wouldn’t break his heart and shatter his whole world.
    “I don’t want a relationship with anyone.”
    “Why not?”
    Jake stayed quiet. Kelan thought he wasn’t going to answer his question, but then Jake sighed again and looked up at him.
    “If I don’t get involved with anyone, then I can’t get hurt.”
    “That sounds like a very lonely existence to me.”
    Jake shrugged. “Maybe, but it’s worth it.”
    “I don’t think it is. Besides, that isn’t even an issue. You’re my mate. I could never hurt you.”
    “How can I trust what you say? You probably believe what you’re saying is true but you can’t know that for certain. Things happen.”
    Kelan wasn’t sure Jake was taking about the two of them anymore. At a guess, he’d say Jake was referring to whatever had happened in his past.
    “I’ll earn your trust, Jake. You’ll realise over time that this was meant to be and that I would never hurt you. Can’t you at least try? What’s the worst that could happen?”
    “You could leave me,” Jake said, quietly.
    Kelan frowned. Is that what had happened? Had Jake been involved with a wolf that had left him? Broken his heart? He took hold of Jake’s face, forcing him to meet his gaze.
    “Only when I’m dead,” he said, with conviction. “Wolves mate for life. I would never leave you, nor would I want to.”
    “You can’t know that for sure. You don’t even know me. What if you get to know me and decide you don’t like what you see? Where would that leave me?”
    “That wouldn’t happen. This is destiny, Jake. You and I were made for one another. You can’t fight fate. You have to take a chance on us. I promise you it will be worth it in the end. We can be very happy together.”
    Kelan saw a glimmer of hope on Jake’s face and relief surged through him. He slid along the step and put his arm around Jake’s shoulders. Jake tensed at first, then relaxed into the hold. He kissed the top of Jake’s head then ruffled his hair.
    “Does this mean you’re willing to try?” Kelan asked, holding his breath in anticipation.
    “I’ll try.”
    Kelan let out a relieved breath. “That’s all I ask, baby.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Jake poured Kelan a drink then sat down next to him on the sofa. Now that he had made the decision to try to make things work with Kelan , he felt as though a lead weight had been lifted from his chest. He was still nervous and worried that Kelan