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He reached Devyn in time using his skills, and it is what it is.

I’m still disgustingly jealous that he got to bite Devyn first, but I’m more ashamed of myself for biting her directly afterwards.

Which is what I put in the letters I wrote her.

I spilled everything to her—including my apology for biting her in a fit of jealousy, for not making it perfect the way she deserved.

I apologized for frightening her with violence, when I know what she grew up with.

I apologized for it all, but didn’t ask for forgiveness.

She will give it if she thinks I deserve it.

“Your cousin is an asshole,” Ace declares, joining me at the bar adjacent to the living room.

“That’s something we can both agree on,” I say, sipping my whiskey.

Apparently, we both enjoy the same brand.

“And you’re closest to him?” Ace says. “Out of everyone else in your family?”

I scoff. “Yup.”

“Wow. I’m really fucking sorry, man.”

I chuckle. “Me, too.”

But I can still feel Ace watching me, even as I turn away from him.

“What?” I ask.

“You’re a good guy,” he mutters. “I’m sorry I broke your oven door.”

I nod. “Thanks.”

“And you’re really fucking good at zombie games.”

“I know.”

That’s actually what changed the mood of the evening. After we figured out our course of action to win Devyn back, the three of us blew off steam playing the ridiculous shooter games Ace purchased. Connor still sucks at them, but he’s marginally better now.

We all still feel like we’re dying, but at least now we’re on the same page.

If Ace is willing to make amends with me, I’m more than happy.

Anything for Devyn.

“You’re cute, too. Actually, you’re kind of hot with your leather jacket.”

I turn to face him, amused. “Are you hitting on me?”

But Ace shakes his head and quirks his lip. “No. Just listing the things I like about you, so we’ll get along better.”

I burst out laughing, despite the ache in my chest from missing my mate. “Yeah. Maybe we just need to play some video games more often, and you’ll just forget that I’m a detective. Suspension of disbelief, and all that.”

He shrugs. “If it works, it works. Also, we have a spare room for you to crash in if you need to.”

“I’d like that.”