Mate

by Ali Hazelwood

“You’re the most beautiful woman that I’ve ever seen,” he says simply.

“Deal. And you may quietly pine after me, if you must.”

baby’s first mass murder—

Lol

I can prepare and take care of myself— ” “I will take care of you,” he says roughly. Oh. “Oh.” He sighs and runs a hand through his thick, unkempt hair. “Koen, you don’t have to— ” “Serena.”

“Koen?” I’m almost fully asleep, my lids too heavy to open. “Yeah?” “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.” God, he really is an epic asshole. “You might be the worst person I’ve ever met.” “Wouldn’t be surprised,” he mutters.

“But,” Lowe continues, “if Serena’s sister is willing to acknowledge that a lot of good can come from this, then you, too, should— ” “I fucking won’t.” “That bad?” Lowe asks after a long silence. No. It’s worse than that.

KOENNNNNNNN

I take it for what it is: a firm command not to kill. “Not with an audience this big, at least,” he murmurs lightly against the shell of my ear.

“She’s an adult Were who doesn’t require coddling,” Koen interrupts. Once again, a bit jarring to hear, especially as he rolls thick, soft socks up my shins.

Proceeds to coddle her