u

yes clashed and electricity sparked between us. The mate bond snapped into place, stronger now that we were

loudly that I nearly l

her eyes and a small

tried to look composed but I was shaking with restraint. Every instinct screamed

t you here? Are you okay? Why did you leave? Can I touch you? When we reached the middle of the café, I breathed in d

say as I tried hard not to stare at her lips, her eyes, her neck-the neck that would bear my claiming mark someday.

lf desperately. She doesn't know what you

he said softl

ed from the counter with a knowing

e's cheeks and a prim

s voice came through th

nd slammed the mental link shut b

mity was torture and relief all at once. Close enough to smell her,

she had left, my wolf nearly went insane with roaring and searching for the

d to settle something..." She trailed off and looked awa

ined. Mate

before I could stop myse

d, but it

dn't

." She rubbed her face. "I

ed but I held back. What ab

y minutes away, but Highland Creek is home." I gest

er face. "That makes sense. S

re out how to ask without seeming like a stalk

a place to stay." She smiled a little. "Everyone here has b

re you we

down at her hands

e forever, just breathing in her scent, watching the way she tucked her

ware, still chanting mate, mate, mate-but peaceful. Like a part

"Do you mind giving me your number? In case yo

Jude. Re

smile this time-and he

he spark was immediate and electric. Her breath caught a

phone back, this time careful not to let our ha

that the electricity between us was real, was

ang-loud and jarring in th

ing up quickly. "I should get back

g. Nearly pulled her back down and refused to let

ind the counter, immediately

. "You better tell me this call is super importa

to know if you're coming t

sie as I headed to the door. She looked up and our

as wrong with you at pract

wolf settled. Actually settled. For the first time in weeks, he wa

ere. In my territ

the cold air still t

's here

er let her