DNF @ 53%
I didn’t read the first book, so I might’ve missed some of their backstory… but this isn’t the standard rejected mate scenario. The book begins many years after the couple had a fling that ended violently.
Finn’s feelings toward Holly were complicated, to say the least. A long time ago, they’d had a fling after Finn broke up with his then most recent girlfriend. For him, being with Holly hadn’t been anything serious. She was a convenient rebound; someone he’d known who’d liked him enough not to care if he wasn’t emotionally invested in her. Or so he’d thought. After a few weeks of fucking every which way, Finn had grown bored, ready to find a real relationship again, or set out on his own. And Holly had become the opposite. Right as he’d gone to cut things off, Holly had confessed that she was in love with him and that she thought they were mates. She’d wanted to settle.
He’d been enraged and completely lost track of his own actions. Others had told him later on that they’d fought. Viciously. He vaguely remembered the feel of her claws on his shoulders, her snarling maw trying to bite at him and get him off her. His rage had become him to the point where he’d lost who he was. If Will hadn’t been there to jump on Finn in return and drag him off Holly, Finn didn’t want to imagine what he would’ve happened.
We pick up with Holly and her brother Will returning home after 5-ish yrs. away hunting goblins. (I think) Finn wants to make amends so it won’t be awkward when they run into each other… and because Will is his best friend. Holly HATES Finn. She’s pissed that he attacked her, but her wolf still thinks he’s her mate. After a grumbling reunion, the two are assigned to track a potential danger in the forest.
I’m assuming we’ll figure out why he doesn’t feel that mate pull and why he reacted so violently, but I’m halfway in and bored… so I’m calling it.