#Chapter 17: An Old Friend

Darren “She’s not my girlfriend.” I took the phone from my Beta and quickly declined the call, sending a brief text: “Long day. Can’t talk right now. Talk tomorrow?” A few moments later, a reply came through: “Fine… Can’t wait to see you! XOXO ;)” My Beta, who’d been looking over my shoulder, snorted. I shot him a burning glare and shoved the phone back into his hands, turning one last time. Aria was still standing on the stoop, green eyes wide. I felt a pang upon seeing her. Despite my intentions to unmark her and break our bond, the part of our souls that were intertwined felt… guilty. I needed to explain. “She’s not my girlfriend,” I repeated, loud enough for her weaker human hearing this time. “She’s just an old friend.” Liam smirked and folded his arms across his chest. “So he says. They’ve been on a few dates.” “And nothing more.” I sent a thrum of disapproval down the pack bond, a silent warning to my Beta to stop fanning the