Page 24 of Wild Reckoning

“Yes.” His mate’s calmness made Killian’s hope rise a little higher.

“I’m almost sure Midnight Falls General has a psychiatric unit.” Stewart tapped his chin. “Since I’ll be starting there soon, I think I’ll have enough influence to get you an appointment today.”

Swear to fucking god I’m going to kill them. Killian’s jaw clenched when he heard his dad and brothers snickering.

“You think I’m delusional.”

“Why don’t we let the professionals figure that out, hmm?” Stewart patted his arm like everything would be okay. He was so damn calm and composed that, for a second, Killian questioned his own sanity.

It didn’t help that he heard Ryker laughing his ass off.

“Stop listening!” Killian shouted over his shoulder.

“Are you…are you hearing voices?” Stewart looked genuinely concerned. His mate was probably mentally cursing at himself for allowing Killian around Ethan.

“I’m hearing idiots,” Killian grumbled then said to his mate, “Do you want me to prove I’m a bear?”

Stewart studied him closely. Finally, looking skeptical, he blew out a breath, nodded, and splayed his arms. “By all means.”

Instead of fully shifting, Killian let his claws slide free. He would’ve bared his canines but felt it would be too aggressive.

The skin under Stewart’s eye twitched.

“I’ve given you no reason to be afraid of me,” Killian said.

“Except for your claws.” Stewart backed up quickly, his eyes wide with fright. “How… how… How is that possible?”

“Just take deep breaths, babe.” Killian retracted his claws.

“You take deep breaths. I’m allowed to freak out!” His gaze shot toward the living room.

“I promise you, Ethan is safe, Stewart. My family would kill anyone foolish enough to threaten him, and you, for that matter.” Now it was Killian who was speaking calmly, but he didn’t like the role reversal. Not when it meant his mate was in distress and Killian didn’t dare hug him.

The guy stood there staring at Killian’s hand. It was the initial shock, but he hoped it wore off soon ’cause, damn, it was killing him to see his mate like that, mouth hanging open, eyes bugging out.

After taking a shuddering breath, Stewart pulled a chair out from the table and dropped into it.

“I know you feel our connection, Stewart.” Killian leaned his butt against the counter’s edge, crossing his arms and ankles. He wanted to give his mate some space, some breathing room so he wouldn’t feel so overwhelmed. “That’s how we know we’re mates.”

Stewart shot him a questionable look.

“Okay.” Killian nodded. “Tell me how you would feel if I said I’m heading to the bar to find a random hookup?”

His mate’s eyes narrowed.

Killian pushed it, trying to get Stewart to believe the part about them being mates. “But we just met, Stewart. Why should you care who I have sex with? I can cruise the bar for any guy I want to take home and stick my dick into.”

He hated being crass, but Stewart still appeared too stubborn to admit he felt their connection. So, if his mate wanted to hold back, Killian would push as hard as he could without crossing a line he might regret, because words hurt just as much as actions.

Stewart jolted from his chair, jabbing a finger at Killian, his face a mask of rage. “Try to fuck anyone else and I’ll—” He froze, his finger still aimed at Killian, slowly blinking. “I-I don’t know where that just came from. I suddenly had so much rage inside of me.”

“Mates are very possessive of each other.” Killian dropped his arms and crossed the room, wrapping his hand around Stewart’s finger. “My bear would turn deadly if I thought you were interested in another man.” He used Stewart’s finger to pull his mate toward him. “I would never hurt you, but the bastard you flirted with wouldn’t be so lucky.”

Stewart searched Killian’s face. “You’re telling the truth… about all of this.”

“Every single word.” He drew Stewart into his arms, descending on his perfect, heart-shaped lips with a low growl.

Chapter Six

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