Page 68 of Scent of Home

“Shane?”

He stops dead, but otherwise, doesn’t turn.

“Did I do something wrong?”

He shudders.

“My book didn’t flop. Everyone thinks that’s why I’m out here. Because my book did so badly I needed to run away and hide. But it didn’t. Not at first. But then they said it was too cynical, too jaded, there was no light.”

I edge closer.

“I met someone. I thought I was in love with her. We were going to get married and bond with each other and…” Shane laughs bitterly. “She found her scent match, and she left me. One random day in the street, she walked past an alpha who was her everything. But I was so angry, so hurt. I couldn’t understand it. How can you fall in love with a stranger you pass on the street? I was a real jerk to her. I didn’t make it easy for her to leave me.”

I wait because I don’t understand.

“I get it, that’s why I’m so upset. That’s what your song did. I finally understand why she left me. I would have done the same thing if I met you.” He whirls and picks me up, walking me back until I’m pressed against the wall. “I should have waited. I can’t believe I almost threw this away. But this…being out here with population 320, it’s my punishment. You’re not supposed to come in like magic and reward me when I’m trying to suffer.”

“Shane!” I moan as he nuzzles my throat.

“I came here because I was angry. I was so angry, and I hated the person I’d become. Locke, I was so bitter, drinking all the time.” He says the words against my skin, causing me to break out in goosebumps. “The books and fame meant nothing with no one to share it with. I was so empty and furious that I had built this entire life for her, and she threw it back in my face. The words I said, I couldn’t find a way to unsay them, even when I wanted to. I made her feel guilty for choosing him.”

Shane pulls back. He’s breathing hard. But I’m not scared.

“And then I met you. And I can feel lightness and emotions I thought I’d forgotten. I understand her, and I’m so fucking ashamed of myself. Because you aren’t a choice. There’s no choosing you, Locke. I am yours. Forever. No questions. That’s what I finally have been able to grasp and comprehend.”

“Shane…”

“And that music, you have more talent than anyone I’ve ever met in my life. Locke, you are my miracle. I’m talking too much, and I probably don’t make sense. But it’s like hearing you brought me back to life. You’re giving me back words.”

I don’t let him speak anymore. I seal my lips to his and hold onto him. The kiss is slow and passionate. He tastes like the beer he drank and pine. He doesn’t even seem to be getting tired of holding me, and I’m okay to stay here forever.

“You are perfect,” Shane whispers and kisses me again. “So perfect. I’m sorry for almost losing you.”

I can’t help but think it’s not me that’s perfect but him.

And he’s already lost me, he just doesn’t know it yet.

Chapter nineteen

Erin

Finn leads me towardsthe vast hall that is currently the location of all the craft judging activities of the Twin Rivers festival. He keeps looking back at me like he’s worried I’m going to disappear. He’s dressed in a white shirt today with his jeans, and he looks divine.

“Finn!”

A teenage boy races over to him, and they do this complicated handshake that makes my head spin.

“Oh, hey, are you still going to coach us this year? Hero has volunteered to drive us to games.”

Finn considers it and then ruffles the kid’s hair. “‘Course, I am. Wouldn’t dream of missing it.”

It’s such a wholesome image until I look back. Bray’s fingers are being held by mine, but he looks like he’d quite happily allow the ground to open up and let him fall. In contrast to Finn, Bray is dressed in a black t-shirt and black jeans. He looks just as good.

“Bray?” I whisper.

The kid looks up and sees me and smiles, but then he spots my hand wrapped around Brays.

“Oh.”

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