Nina nodded, leaning against the counter. “I get that. So this is more than just this morning. I see you’ve been using your day to patrol and think. He needs to realize how much you mean to him. And you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. He can’t take your presence for granted. I know it’s a shock for him, hell, I was there a few years ago myself. But with all that’s going on right now, he’s got to deal. You can live apart from him. He can live apart from you. But it’s going to hurt and I think he needs a wake up call.”

“I’m just trying to process all of this. You know? It’s all been about him. How he felt about the mating. Trying to get him to understand and accept the mating. And I realize what a huge shock it is to him and his life. But after this morning, I realize I’m trying to work it out too. I can’t do it with him around. I need to think.”

“Okay, Tee. I’ll send him away. But you know, he is an alpha male, even if he’s not a wolf. He won’t stand for being separated from you for very long.”

“He can bite me.” Tegan turned back around and stirred the sauce again. Snickering, Nina headed out of the kitchen and back to the deck below where Lex and Cade had Ben corralled.

On her way out the doors she passed Layla, who dropped a quick kiss on her cheek as the kids ran out to find Megan who laughed as they jumped into her arms.

Ben looked up as Nina came out. “Where is she?”

“She doesn’t want to see you, Ben.”

“Well it’s not up to her!”

Nina’s jaw locked a moment and one eyebrow rose. Lex chuckled and plopped down on a deck chair.

“Perhaps you don’t know where you are, human. You’re in the seat of the Cascadia Pack and this is my territory. I decide what’s up to who here and if Tegan doesn’t want to see you, she doesn’t have to,” Cade said before Nina could speak.

“Yeah. What he said.” Nina couldn’t resist adding. “Look, go home. Get some rest.

You’ll need it. Try again tomorrow night. Perhaps you’ll have better luck then. But she doesn’t want you right now. She feels disrespected and guilty and your behavior today hasn’t helped that one bit. You’re taking her for granted. You’re going to have to work for it now.”

“I did my job!” Ben exploded. “I won’t turn into some kind of lapdog because she’s a f**king werewolf.”

“She didn’t ask you to! But how can you expect her to turn into your lapdog just because you’re a cop? You two have to get your shit straight and the first thing on your to-do list should be to accept that she’s your damned mate and stop this hemming and hawing over it.”

“Nina has a big point there, Ben. Yes, it’s crazy this whole mating thing. But she didn’t plan it. And it still is a fact. You can’t wish it away and I’m banking on you not wanting to. I’ll admit I have big reservations about this situation. You’re human, that’s trouble.” Cade crossed his arms over his chest and flexed.

“I don’t know what you people want. We’ve been dating exclusively. But I don’t love her. It’s been three weeks since we met. I’m just barely getting to know her!”

“You’ve said that a few times. You not loving her. And yet you’re here. You’re here and your skin is itching with the need to touch her, comfort her. Your heart aches that you’ve made her upset. You’re worried about her, worried she may dump your ass for good.” Nina shrugged. “That sounds a lot more like love to me than gee Tegan, I really like you, you wanna go steady?Do you want her to wear your frat pin or do you want to be her f**king mate? Because one is love, the other is a shadow of feeling. Yes, it’s new and you didn’t know and blah, blah, blah. Pull up your big girl panties, Ben! Man up.

You do love Tegan, God knows she loves you. Now, what are you going to do about it?”

“I’m not a damned werewolf, I can’t just accept all this shit the way you do.”

“She’s not human. And sometimes, Ben, sometimes things happen that we can’t explain. They just are. You can make a leap of faith or you can fight it and still end up in the same place.” Lex shrugged.

“You aren’t going to see her tonight. Period. Three werewolves stand between you and the door and there are a half dozen more in the house. Just go home. Do some thinking. Figure out what your priorities are and call tomorrow afternoon.” Nina motioned her head. “Now go on. I’d tell you to sleep well but you won’t. If it’s any comfort, she won’t either.”

“Fuck this. If she wants to play games she can kiss my ass.” Ben stormed out and down the steps to the side yard where his car was parked.

“Well.” Cade watched him go.

“He’s a fool. He’d better get his shit together. She’s working on it, scared as hell but she is. He needs to do the same.” Nina flipped her hair back over her shoulder and walked into the house.

“He has no idea.” Cade shook his head.

Lex laughed. “Well, better him than me for a damned change.”

Nina joined Tegan and Layla in Tegan’s room. “He’s gone. Stormed off in a big hissy fit,” she said, tossing herself on the bed. “So, did you tell Layla that you blame yourself for Ben’s arresting this Pellini scumbag?”

“Nina, I keep telling you you need to find a way to say what you really feel.” Layla grinned. “We just got to that part. The pasta will be boiling soon so let’s just hash this out, shall we?”