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.“I just wish I could change almost every decision I’ve ever made, you know?” She paused, twirling her long braid around her finger.Strands of brown hair curled along her skin.“Everything is so screwed up because of my decision fifty years ago.Nate is angry at Joe.And because I believed Charlotte`s lies, I put Marisa and Adrian through hell.I should leave.I’m just in the way here.”I didn’t think it was possible, but I actually felt sorry for the girl that had kept Adrian from his sister.She didn’t mean to cause problems.She was just a pawn in Charlotte’s games.She shouldn’t feel responsible.I hit mute on the TV and turned to face her.“Sadie, we all make mistakes.I’ve made my share and so have the others.Nate bit me.Adrian didn’t stop Charlotte from kidnapping me and Lauren.And Joe lied to Nate.It was his choice, you didn’t make him.” She dropped the braid and it fell behind her, resting on her back.“If someone told me that a child was in danger, I would have done the same thing you did.That is all on Charlotte.You didn’t know she was an evil bitch.”Sadie pursed her lips and squeezed her eyes closed.Her body shook with a silent sob.“But if I had just looked into it more.What if they had family out there? I didn’t even look to see if there were grandparents who could have taken her.Living with humans would have been a lot better for her than being with a teenage werewolf that never ages.”I sighed, feeling a sensation of deja vu.“Okay, I’m going to give you advice that Adrian gave to me six months ago.” I pulled my legs off the table and leaned forward.“As you know, Nate bit me.” When she nodded, I went on.“I was devastated.I couldn’t believe that the man I loved had taken away my humanity without asking me.I knew it was a mistake, but that didn’t matter at the time.I dwelled on the negative.Nate had bit me and I saw nothing else.“I was miserable without him and he was miserable without me.We were mated and we were in love.But I was stubborn and refused to see anything other than his sharp teeth, piercing my skin.”Sympathy washed in her chocolate brown eyes.“That is understandable.”“What you may not know is that Lauren was turned as well, by Charlotte.Her DNA was diluted with a sleeping drug and Lauren had a hard time turning into a wolf.For hours she writhed in pain, turning back and forth.”Terror for another werewolf flashed over her face.“That sounds awful.”“It was and if Nate hadn’t bit me the night before, without either of us noticing, I would have suffered through the same torture.” I took in a breath, ready to get to my point.“What I’m trying to say is that Adrian pointed something out to me.Instead of dwelling on the fact that I would have turned into a werewolf, even if Charlotte hadn’t shot me with her DNA, I should focus on the pain that he had saved me from.It didn’t matter what might have happened.It was what actually happened that was important.Nate saved me from the pain and you trusted Charlotte.Plus, you took care of Marisa when Adrian couldn’t.” I winked, leaning forward even more to pat her leg.“And from what I have seen, you did a great job.”Sadie smiled.“Thank you Megan.I appreciate your advice.”I had been so wrapped up in my story that I didn’t notice Nate standing in the doorway.He was leaning against the doorjamb with a lopsided grin on his face.His eyes were filled with pride, as well as remorse as he gazed at me.I knew he was happy that I was trying to cheer up his friend.But he hated being reminded of that fateful night six months ago.Even though he was trying to hide it, the look of regret was just the tip of what he felt for that small act of carelessness.“I guess you heard all that?” I asked when I noticed him.Sadie swung around in his direction.“Yes.”I smiled shyly at him, feeling self-conscious with an audience.I stood up slowly.“I guess I’ll take my turn then.” I wanted a shower to freshen up after the long drive.Chapter SixteenThe SecretWe met Adrian and Marisa in the driveway of our cottage so we could all walk together to the main house.“Are we underdressed?” Sadie asked, eyeing Nate and me who had dressed for dinner.I was wearing a purple flowered wrap dress, while he had changed into a navy blue button down shirt and charcoal dress pants.Our guests were more casual, wearing the same outfits they had on this afternoon.Adrian was in jeans and a button-down black shirt.I should have said something to them before, but I didn’t know how to broach the subject.Nate and I were raised in mansions where you were expected to dress up for dinner.I’m sure he was way more agreeable to it than I was, but it was the lifestyle we were raised in.I hated doing it at home, only because of the company at the table.I didn’t mind so much with the Riley’s.We didn’t do it often.“What you’re wearing is fine,” Nate answered, as he began walking up the driveway, gravel crunching beneath his feet.We could have taken the car, but the weather was so nice we decided to take advantage.The five of us had been cooped up in a vehicle for way too long.“Are you sure?” Sadie asked turning to me.“Megan?” Her eyes were pleading; she wanted me to be honest.I blew out a breath, worried my comments would hurt her feelings.“When the Riley’s have us over for dinner, we all usually dress up.” She cringed.“But not over-the-top and they won’t judge you because you didn’t.If we were going to my house to meet my very critical parents, I’d say you should change.But we’re not.Nate’s family are great.They won’t bat an eyelash.” When Sadie still hesitated, I added, “I promise, you’ll be fine.”She nodded, taking Marisa’s hand for support as they started the trek behind Adrian and Nate.“Megan, when are we going to look through your closet?” Marisa asked me, her hair fluttering in the breeze.Thankfully the humidity hadn’t returned.It was still a hot July day, but with the soft breeze it was comfortable.The smell of grass and flowers lingered in the air making our walk even more appealing.The clouds on the horizon reflected the bright rays of the sun, making the clouds glow an orangey-yellow color.“Mari,” Sadie scolded her honorary daughter.I shook my head and laughed.“It’s okay Sadie.” I glanced at Marisa.“We can go in the morning and afterward head out to get our hair done.The reception doesn’t start until eight o’clock.”Marisa squealed.“I’m so excited,” she beamed, her whole face lighting up.Her enthusiasm was contagious.I found myself feeling excited for an event that I would usually hate.Getting all dolled up and made up for a party my mother was throwing was something I normally dreaded.But doing it with people that didn’t usually have a chance to; I couldn’t wait to share it with them.We walked the rest of the way with Marisa rambling on about what she was going to wear and how to do her hair.When we approached the main house Adrian stopped and smiled at me.“Thank you,” he said softly
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