Not the one who ends up sitting in a truck, heart full to the goddamn brim because his mate is glowing beside him like moonlight bottled in human form.

I mean, I know she heard some shit today and I know she has questions. But she didn’t run.

She is still here. With me.

I flick a glance her way, and that little smile she gives me—just a tease at the corner of her perfect mouth—wrecks me.

Like, full-body growl wrecks me.

And yeah, one slips out before I can stop it.

She turns toward me, all soft and sweet. “You make me happy too.”

Boom.

Joy hits my chest like a truck.

That’s it. I’m done for.

Someone call a medic.

I swing the truck into an empty spot, pop it into park, and grab the keys from the center console.

“Wait right there,” I say, and jump out like I’ve been recruited by the Romance Hero Olympics.

The spring air is getting warmer, thick with damp soil and the scent of growing things. It’s nature’s way of reminding me exactly where I want her.

In my bed, in my arms, in my fucking future.

I circle to the passenger side, pop the door, and scoop her out like I was born to carry her.

I make damn sure she slides down my body real slow, so I get every last second of her pressed against me.

Curves like heaven with a side of sin, and I am so gone it's not even funny.

Her breath catches. “Kian, we should talk.”

Oh, we’re using words now?

Cool. Cool cool cool.

I can use words.

“Fuck.” I moan the word as her scent fills me.

I lean down, nuzzle her cheek, brush my mouth against hers like I can’t help myself.

Because I can’t.

“Kian,” she whimpers.

Fucking. Whimpers.

But she’s also right. We need to talk.

“I know. Ask me anything. I’ll tell you everything.”

Her eyes shine. “Okay. Will you come in?”