Page 61 of The Vampire's Mate

“I’m guessing you haven’t told him.”

“I don’t know how,” I said, my throat tight.

“Ryder, you said your first word when you were eleven months old and you haven’t shut up since. Don’t tell me you don’t know how to talk.”

I swallowed hard, the ache in my chest intensifying. “What if it bites me in the ass?”

“It might,” Mom said dryly. “But that’s a risk you take when it comes to love.”

Bile rose in my throat at the sound of the word.

“Are you scared he won’t say it back?”

“No. I know he will, but?—”

“That doesn’t make it any easier.”

“It really doesn’t.”

Rustling hit my ears as Mom adjusted her position. “I wish I could tell you something thatwouldmake it easier, but I’m afraid venting to Mom won’t help you there.”

“Then what will?” I asked, already knowing her answer.

“Telling him.”

“I was afraid you’d say that.”

“Because you know it’s the right thing to do. And therightthing isn’t always theeasything.”

I cocked a brow. “Did Raleigh tell you to say that?”

“I would think the fact that I had no idea about this man in your life proves I haven’t spoken to Raleigh in ages.”

I snickered. She was right about that too. She and Raleigh were scary close—much to my dismay. Though the conversation I had with him a few weeks ago about this whole “mate” thing was eerily similar to the one I was having now. Mom’s voice pulled me out of my spiral.

“You’ve never been an overthinker, honey. Don’t start now.”

I took a calming breath. “I’ll try. Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome. Call him, and I’m going to finish my show before your dad gets home and gripes until I turn it off.”

I laughed, we said we loved each other, and I hung up the call. See? I was more than capable of saying the words. So why was it so damn hard to say them to a man who would easily give his life for me?

Instead of calling James, I set my phone on the coffee table and grabbed my jacket. I knew I’d regret it, but I needed to move, and the beach house was too small for the energy buzzing through my body.

Leaving my phone behind, I headed for the beach.

Chapter 22

I regretted my decision.

Late autumn in Massachusetts could get brutal, but that bitter wind coming off the water was damn near deadly. With each gust it felt like tiny ice needles embedded themselves in my face. But I only wrapped my leather jacket tighter around myself and stood my ground.

The length of beach in front of the house was deserted, not that I expected anything less. Someone would have to be out of their mind to be vacationing at the beach in this weather.

Hi, it’s me; I’m someone.

I felt like I’d been standing at the edge of the water for hours. I paced one way before doubling back, not wanting to go too far. I marched in the other direction before pausing outside the steps that led to the front door. My fists clenched in my pockets. Every muscle in my body urged me to run back inside and call James, but my stubborn ass couldn’t do it.

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