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The words settle in my chest, warm and solid. I’ve been a cranky asshole to him since he showed up to my cabin the first time, but he still considers me a friend.

“Thank you,” I mutter.

“You’re welcome.”

Scarlett walks over to us, her teeth nibbling on her bottom lip. “I stayed as long as Hunter did, but it’s time for me to go,” she says, her eyes steady on mine.

Despite my desperation to make her stay, admiration fills me. Most females can’t handle my dominance—human or Lycan. Yet she has no problem standing up to me. Gazing directly into my eyes.

Which is why her next words surprise me.

“If you want to see me again, I’ll be at my grandmother’s house. Vera Youngblood is her name.”

“I’m familiar with the witch.” I can’t control the growl in my words. Just like I can’t stop myself from reaching out to take her hand as she moves toward the door. “Please stay just a little longer.”

Her answering sigh is gentle, but it tells me her answer before she speaks. “I can’t.”

My fingers don’t want to relax, but I release her, stepping back. I watch her walk out the door, unable to breathe or move. My chest aches so intensely I worry my wolf will force me to shift. Her scent lingers in the air, and I take comfort in knowing my bed will smell of her for a few more days.

Hope fills me when she pauses at the door before coming back toward me. She rises up on her toes to kiss my cheek, the imprint of her lips burning like a brand on my skin.

“Thank you for dinner and lunch. I promise I won’t hide if you come visit me tomorrow.”

Hunter winks at me as she walks out the door and mouths, That’s good.

Her words lighten my heart, but I fight the urge to trail behind her like a puppy. She’s made it clear she doesn’t want me to walk with her. She wants to get away from me.

Once I’m sure my wolf won’t chase after her like a lunatic, I strip off my clothes and go outside, securing my cabin. Then I let the shift wash over me.

In his eagerness to be closer to our mate, my wolf takes over smoothly. A small amount of pain always accompanies a shift, but this time it’s nearly effortless. The division between us blurred.

Before today, a chasm always separated us. We each existed in our own space, communicating in my mind only when one of us felt strong emotions.

Now, it’s as if we’re merging completely, our thoughts and emotions overlapping. I know it’s because I’ve found my mate. In my pack, other mated Lycans talked about the integration of their two halves. It calmed their wolf and centered their human side.

It seems I’m experiencing it firsthand. I understand the awe in their voices now. The sensation is indescribable. Rather than two entities existing in one body, we’re fusing into one spirit. No longer separate, but united.

My wolf hates that our mate is out of his sight, so he sets off at a quick pace through the woods, following the scent of honey and spice. It twines with the earthier scent of the woodsman, who smells of pine and smoke.

His scent intermingling with my mate’s, knowing he’s escorting her, sets me at ease. My wolf doesn’t see him as a threat, maybe because I considered him pack for most of my life.

I make sure to stay out of their sight as I follow behind them. Their voices rise and fall as they talk.

Scarlett’s laugh floats back to me on the breeze. I relish the sound. She hasn’t laughed for me. Which is not surprising because I’m not a witty or entertaining male.

But I love the sound. I want her to laugh for me. With me. Maybe I can learn what she enjoys and earn one of those laughs.

They reach Vera’s cottage without incident, and I let Hunter see me as he leaves my mate in the yard. He waves with a smirk and continues on to his home.

I want to linger at the old witch’s cottage in hopes of another glimpse of my mate, but, if I’m to see her tomorrow, I need a bath. My father insisted that females preferred a male who attended to his basic hygiene. Considering how happy and loving he and my mother are, I know it’s good advice.

Reluctantly, I leave, heading to the stream nearby, where there’s a spot deep enough for bathing and swimming.

Shifting in the water, I wash myself quickly, trying to ignore the frigid temperature of the stream. I know I should leave Scarlett alone, but I can’t. Maybe I can stay out of sight, watching over her until tomorrow when she invited me to see her.

Yes, that’s what I’ll do. I’ll keep my distance but remain in the woods nearby.

My wolf surges up, taking over my body as I walk out of the crisp water. My fur is damp, but a good shake knocks most of the water off.