Mate (Bride, #2)

by Ali Hazelwood

“How does Koen’s recent mating relate to his lack of interest in Were-Human relations?” Maddie asks Lowe, as if Koen weren’t in the same room. “Indirectly. He misses Serena. Can’t be bothered with stuff that’s not her for long.” “Has this been a long trip for him, then?” “Nope. Two days.” “Two and three-quarters,” Koen mutters. Maddie ignores him. “Is that why he checks his phone every two minutes?” “Yes,” Lowe says, just as Koen grunts morosely, “I have a Tetris addiction.” “It’s complicated,” Lowe continues. “Being away from one’s mate. On many levels. And the fresher the mating, the more unpleasant the distance.” He looks like he knows from personal experience. “Does it get better with time?” Maddie asks. Lowe winces. “Not as far as I know. Although…” “Don’t you fucking dare say it,” Koen growls. Once again, Lowe dares. “There are things he could do that would make it more bearable.” “And he isn’t doing them because…?” “Your guess is as good as mi—” Koen chucks his phone at Lowe and is proud of how squarely he hits his mouth. So—yeah. Fine. He’ll need to bite Serena. Then there’ll be a tangible sign of the mating, this whole business will be complete, and the instinctual, feral part of him will be soothed. He’ll feel less like his world could explode for lack of her, less like absconding with her and tucking her in the trunk of a tree and keeping her as his precious, beautiful secret. He will bite her—the alternative is inconceivable—but first he’ll give her time. Space...