The Wolf Who Hatched an Egg by Scarlet Hyacinth Read Free Book Online Page A

like a complete tool. But remember when I told you I had a reason for it?”
    Yes, Shiloh remembered. It had been an odd comment, Liam claiming he said stupid things when he was nervous. Shiloh didn’t understand why Liam would be nervous. Perhaps the man would explain now.
    Liam pulled him close, turned him around, and forced their eyes to meet. “You might not be ready to hear this, but I have to say it, or else I’m going to burst. You’re my mate, Shiloh.”

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    Scarlet Hyacinth
    Shiloh just stared. Some part of him was not surprised at the words. He’d felt something special between them, something he couldn’t really explain. Was this what other swans experienced with their partners? If so, how did it work with other shifters? Seeing Brody and Carson together was encouraging, and, supposedly, wolves mated for life. But did Liam want all that with him?
    Shiloh bit his lip. “I…I don’t know what to say.”
    “You just have to say ‘yes,’” Liam answered, his voice like honey. “I’ll take care of it from there.”
    Shiloh would have very much liked to do that, but he felt afraid.
    This wasn’t like any of the times he’d gone home with a man, knowing the next morning he’d be shown the door and never called back. This meant so much more, and Shiloh didn’t think he could recover if Liam turned out to be a jerk like all the other men he’d known. “I need to think about this for a bit.”
    Liam seemed disappointed, but nodded, caressing Shiloh’s cheek gently. “I don’t want to rush you into anything. Take your time. I’ll be waiting.”
    In spite of Liam’s words, Shiloh could sense the other man’s hurt, and felt awful about it. Still, the lingering doubt inside him didn’t allow him to reach out like he’d have wanted to. They stayed in the area for a few more minutes, but the silence was strained and uncomfortable now, heavy with the knowledge of Shiloh’s refusal.
    When they at last reached the house, Liam pecked Shiloh’s cheek then went inside without a word. Even that slight touch enflamed Shiloh’s senses, and he cursed himself for causing the rift between them.
    Frustrated, he sat on the deck, just like he’d done the day before when Liam had come to see him. A few moments later, Carson came and sat next to him. “Hey, what’s up? Everything okay?”
    Shiloh leaned against his friend’s shoulder. Whether he liked it or not, Carson would worry about him. Hell, Carson and his mate were already matchmaking. It was quite possible that Liam had mentioned The Wolf Who Hatched an Egg
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    the bond between him and Shiloh to Brody. Hiding it from Carson would be rude and pointless.
    “He said he’s my mate,” he answered to Carson’s query.
    “Congratulations,” Carson said. “So what’s the problem then?”
    “I didn’t accept it,” Shiloh replied morosely.
    Carson gripped his shoulders and forced their eyes to meet.
    “What? Why?”
    “I just don’t know if this is going to work out, Carson. What does he see in me anyway?”
    Carson just stared at him as if he’d never seen Shiloh before.
    “You’re gorgeous, kind, funny, just to list a couple of qualities. Why wouldn’t he like you?”
    Shiloh wiped his sweaty palms against his trousers. “He’s a wolf.”
    “So what?” Carson asked. “Brody is one, too. Liam’s been great about Brody and me mating.”
    Shiloh broke away from his friend. “It’s not the same. You’re not like me.”
    Carson frowned at him. “Where’s all this coming from? We’re not exactly the same, of course, but that doesn’t mean anything for you and Liam.”
    Anger rose inside Shiloh. “You don’t get it, do you?” he said.
    “I’m a whore, all right? You were a virgin when you mated Brody. Of course he’ll love you. I mean, who wouldn’t? But me? Who would want me? I’m used goods.”
    Carson’s eyes widened, and as silence fell between them, Shiloh realized he’d been shouting. His heart fell as he turned and saw