Caelum's POV
"Engaged? We don't use that term." I frowned at Cedric's choice of words. "What are you getting at?"
Engagement was human bullshit. Shifters cut straight to the chase with their partners, especially fated mates. When you're bound for life, why waste time with labels?
"No, that's not what I meant." Cedric shook his head, and his hesitation grated on my nerves.
"Spit it out, Cedric. My patience is wearing thin."
"She was the alpha's mate originally. Alpha Killian rejected her when he discovered they were fated."
"Good."
Cedric stared at me, probably surprised I took it so well. Truth was, if Killian hadn't rejected her, I'd still be mateless. People would keep whispering about karma catching up to me.
I couldn't give a damn about superstitions claiming rejected mates brought bad luck. I'd been called worse things growing up—such bullshit held no weight with me.
"But—" Cedric hesitated again.
"Should I rip your mouth open so words come out faster?"
