Rachel stood in the dimly lit park, her mind reeling from the unexpected confession. Dreg's words echoed in her thoughts, leaving her stunned and unsure how to respond.
She knew Dreg harbored feelings for her, but she had never anticipated this confrontation.
Caught in a whirlwind of emotions, she struggled to reconcile her own feelings. Her heart belonged to Zech, her mate, and she couldn't betray that bond.
Despite having a connection with Dreg, it was platonic in nature. She valued him as a companion, nothing more.
"Dreg, please stand up. This is all too sudden," Rachel finally managed to articulate, her voice wavering with a mix of empathy and guilt.
Dreg rose, a mixture of disappointment and resignation etched across his face. He had anticipated her response, yet the sting of rejection lingered.
He knew the truth, but his determination to win her over remained unshaken.