Rejected, And Became A Heiress (Cara)

Cara's POV

I'm frozen for a long moment, not fully understanding what Noel is saying or why.

He thinks I'm his mate? How can that be? I've already found and lost Alaric. Unless Alaric sees himself as my second chance mate?

That has to be it, but yet... with my own wolf still lost to me I couldn't truly feel any bond like I used to with Alaric.

Noel might be telling the truth, or he might be lying. I have no true way of confirming on my end without Lucy. "Now, uh, wait a minute, Noel,"

Landon says and placing his hand on Noel's shoulder, gently eases Noel back.

Noel seems reluctant to step too far away from me, however, and keeps his hands on my waist possessively.

I'm uncomfortable by the touch. He might think he's my mate, but he's still a

stranger to me. I take a step backwards myself, pulling out of his grasp. He seems confused a moment, his brows furrowing, but he does not force me to stay.

"Do you mind filling the rest of us in on what's happening?' Landon asks.

Eamon has also moved closer, curious, as have the twins. Colin, thank goodness, is set on distracting Ethan and Mia. Ethan keeps looking back with suspicion, though. Honestly, Colin does too.

They keep looking at me as if I'm the one holding the answers here, when just as confused as everyone else.

"Cara," Noel says, his eyes still on mine. His smile is easy and open, even as there is some level of smolder in his eyes. Confused as I am, I'm presently immune to his charms. "Do not pretend you cannot feel the bond between us. Please. My heart couldn't take it."

"You are suggesting that you are Cara's second chance mate?" Eamon asks him.

For the first time, he looks away from me to glance at Eamon, but only for a moment before those eyes of his are on me again.

"Second chance?"" Noel repeats. "Ah, so you've been hurt before. That explains why you are so hesitant." He places a hand on his heart, and bows slightly. "Forgive me, princess. I did not mean to frighten you away."

"It's not that," I say. Well, not just that.noveldrama

If he was a stranger on the street, maybe I would send him off without further explanation, but he is not. He is a friend of Landon's and a guest to our event. As such, he deserved to be treated with respect and honesty.

"I was in an accident six years ago," I explain.

At once, my brothers all glance away. It's an uncomfortable memory, reminding us of a past when not all of us were on the same side. Still, for Noel's sake, I press

on.

"Ever since then, I've been unable to communicate with my wolf. I can't feel more than a gentle hum of her presence anymore, and even that is only sometimes."

Noel's smile fades at once and he appears stricken.

"My dove, you must have gone through so much," Noel says. "I regret that I was unable to be there for you at that time, but I vow, you will never have to face such situations on your own ever again in the future."

"Maybe cool it a bit, Noel," Landon says. "You are coming on way to strong."

Noel startles a little, like he's only now realizing that. Of his own accord, he takes a step backwards, giving me

more room.

"I'm sorry," he says. "It is difficult for me to not want to be near you, Cara. You are so very beautiful."

My cheeks heat up, flushed and embarrassed. It's very kind of him to say that.

I'm not immune to the compliments of a man as handsome and charming as Noel. In another world, not so different to our own, perhaps I might have even fallen head over heels for him.

Unfortunately, as it is, my thoughts return to my first mate, the one who has been creeping back into my slowly but surely. I suspect that even if Lucy was still with me and fully conscious, that she would feel the same confusion, even if Noel's telling the truth and we are bonded. (1)

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