Mate (Bride, #2)

by Ali Hazelwood

And yet. It might be a pain-induced olfactory hallucination, but I think I smell how pleased it makes him.

“And you’re half jackass. What a stunning coincidence.”

Daaaaaaaaammm

“They say she’s your mate.” It’s like the forest hears the words.

“I won’t hide it from Misery. And Misery won’t hide it from her.” “Oh, fuck off. I liked it better when you were lonely and sad and depressed.

I’m sure it’s the start of every epic love story: a girl, trying to turn on a laptop and jabbing the power button with increasing violence. A very big man in a plaid shirt, leaning cross armed against a doorjamb, staring skeptically at her.

I want to go outside, swallow a porcupine, and wait for the internal hemorrhaging to finish

Koen grunts. His head tips back, showing a strong neck and a working throat. “What the fuck have I done to deserve this?” he mutters. “Excuse me?” “Actually, I just remembered.” He lowers his chin and sighs. His voice is deep and gravelly. “I’ve been a piece of shit for most of my life, that’s what.”

“Is this a, um…terminal diagnosis?” His lips twitch. “No cure, I’m afraid.”

“Does it mean that he likes me?” “Yes,” Lowe says—which perfectly covers Koen’s “No.” I frown. “Wow. This is bringing me lots of clarity. Thanks, guys.”

“Oh, killer. I’m happy to spell it out for you, if you need me to.” “I do need you to. Like I’m five, preferably.”

“You’re the most beautiful woman that I’ve ever seen,” he says simply. Like it’s not a big deal. Like he’s complimenting my taste in socks.

“Well, this attraction you have for me is clearly beyond your control, so I won’t tell you that I’m flattered. And you seem like a great guy. You’re, um, gainfully employed, and look like you spend lots of time shirtless chopping firewood—”

I have no clue about your age, your last name, your favorite color…” I study him. “It’s probably black. It’s black, isn’t it?” “I’m actually partial to red.” “Like Human blood?” He does not deny it.

My sex drive’s cobwebs have grown their own cobwebs.

“You know,” I challenge him mildly, “if you’re accusing me of something, you can just come out and say it.” “Nah. It’s more fun to corner you into admitting it.”

For the first time, it occurs to me to wonder what his night was like before he appeared to take care of Bob—and of me. The warning phone call from Lowe. The furious drive to reach me. The fear of being too late.

I pat my cheek with my palm, and it comes back wet. That’s what’s upsetting him. “Oh.” Koen just killed someone without batting an eye but cannot take me shedding a single teardrop. “I’m fine,”

“I think you owe me an apology.” “For what?” “The way you stared at my tits.” Silence. Then, instead of the I’m sorry or Go to fucking sleep I expect, he says, “I think you owe me an apology.” “For what?” “How spectacular your tits are.”

He’s the only person in the building not wearing business attire. I’d say he didn’t get the memo, but knowing Koen, he sent it back with I do whatever the fuck I want scribbled all over it. In blood, most likely.

Koen’s eyebrows rise. “Those two are sickeningly in love. Whatever she’s taking, it’s not for the team.”

God, am I about to use the word aura?

I walk out, pretending not to hear Dr. Henshaw tell me that if that’s the impression I’m under, either I was lied to, or I’m lying to myself.

“You woman in STEM.”

Yes ali

And Koen is never, ever going to touch you. Not even if you beg him for it on your knees.”

“It’s just been a lot. In very little time. I think I’m ready for the musical episode, you know?”

“Miss Girl, I don’t give a shit about that.” “Then what—” “Why do I have to find out from Lowe what a Heat is?”

Koen is Lowe’s…If I said father figure, would that make things weird?”

“Serena?” “Mmm?” “Should we cut each other’s toenails and talk about the knot thing?” I think about how little I want to do it. How overdue we are. “Are there clippers in the bathroom?” She stands and goes to look for some.

it’s just not plausible, that the twins came back from camp having switched places and the parents did not immediately figure it