Page 32 of F Is for Honey Bee

With a deep sigh, Jonah moved closer and allowed Kijani to lift his top lip, revealing a set of canines that were short but just as sharp as his. “They’re beautiful, sweetheart. What species of shifter are you?”

Jonah shrugged, a small flicker of shame flashing in his eyes.

“Baby, help me understand,” Kijani said. “Please explain to me how you don’t know what you are and why you’re so ashamed of it.”

His mate scooted off the bed, his arms folded in front of him as he walked to the window and looked out. “My mom was assaulted, and nine months later, I was born.”

Kijani’s heart ached for Jonah. It wasn’t his mate’s fault, but he carried the shame as if it were. A shifter had forced himself on Jonah’s mother, and she could have ended the pregnancy, but she’d chosen not to.

Kijani was grateful for her decision because, without it, his mate wouldn’t be standing in front of him. He couldn’t imagine his life without Jonah now.

But as grateful as he was, Kijani also felt a burning desire to find the son of a bitch responsible and rip out his spine. The thought of someone taking advantage of the vulnerable made him sick to his stomach.

He walked over to Jonah and enveloped him in a tight embrace. “You are not defined by that horrible act.”

“My entire existence is the product of that horrible act,” Jonah said.

Kijani held him tighter. “You’re much more than that. You possess compassion, caring, and strength. Don’t let the actions of one monster define who you are.”

“Your heartfelt words are kind, but they aren’t going to change how I feel.” He pulled from Kijani’s embrace. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

As much as he wanted to convince Jonah there was no reason to feel ashamed, pushing him would only make things worse. “Consider the subject dropped.”

It was dropped all right. Jonah avoided him for the rest of the night.

* * * *

Jonah wasn’t even going to deal with what happened after they’d had sex. He was already cursing himself for shutting down on his mate and practically ignoring him after... Well, after that. It ruined an otherwise amazing night.

After walking off the porch, his steps slowed, realizing he’d just referred to Kijani as his mate. Nope. Not right now. Jonah shook his head and continued toward his driveaway.

The police cruiser was still parked next to Jonah’s car, as if it belonged there. It gave him a warm feeling, the idea of living with Kijani.

Jonah had never had a desire to live with anyone before. He cherished his own space, somewhere he could relax without being bothered.

The thought of living with Arlo and Flint had never crossed his mind, and his canines certainly never appeared when they were around because sex with either of them had been like a breezy day compared to the hurricane that was Kijani.

Why on earth was Mr. Pritchard outside at six in the morning? He waved, and Jonah waved back, wondering if the guy was just being nosy or if he really was getting something out of his car.

Admittedly, Kijani’s frequent visits were becoming more and more conspicuous to his nosy neighbors, hinting at a deeper relationship beyond just official business.

While Jonah cared what they thought of him, given they lived on the same street, their constant prying and judgmental glances annoyed him.

“Jonah.”

He turned at the sound of Kijani’s voice. His mate glanced at Mr. Pritchard then crooked his finger before disappearing inside the house.

Once again Jonah had thought of the wolf shifter as his mate. It was no use trying to put that out of his mind.

They were mates.

End of story.

Kijani was being discreet due to Jonah’s neighbor. He wasn’t behaving dismissively or overly loud. He was being considerate, something Jonah greatly appreciated.

So much for sneaking out an hour early. He walked back inside while hoping Kijani didn’t turn this into a lengthy conversation or want to discuss last night.

His mate standing there with his arms crossed didn’t bode well. “Yes?”

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