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“It’s so weird,” Cassidy continued. “It was like I was talking to you, but in guy form. That’s how natural it felt. It’s like I’ve known him forever. We just clicked.” She sighed, a fond expression blooming on her face. “I’ve never felt that kind of connection with a man. Ever.”

“So you decided to become his mate? His forever mate?”

She smiled. “Yeah.”

I’d never heard her sound so sure about a relationship. Socalm.

“I trust him,” she continued. “When he tells me he wants to be with me forever, I believe it. He’s not feeding me a line like all those other assholes I’ve dated. It’s different with him. Is it because he’s a shifter?”

I huffed a laugh. “Yeah. They’re a little different than regular guys.”

“If it were an Atlanta guy saying this stuff to me, I’d tell him to fuck off and stop love-bombing me,” Cassidy said. “But with Striker, it feels like the truth.”

“He told you what it means, though, right? The bite?”

She nodded. “Yeah. It did scare me a little when he first explained it. It’s intense, you know? It’s alot.But it also seems beautiful. That kind of soul connection is beautiful. And I feel it too.” She rubbed her hand over her heart. “You know how I was so hesitant about committing?”

“Yeah, that’s why this is so crazy. You’re not exactly the type to jump into something serious.”

“But I can be a little impulsive,” she said with a half-smile.

“That’s what this was? Impulse?”

“No!” She laughed. “Well, yes. A little. It just felt really right, and I decided not to talk myself out of it. I trusted my gut.”

“And you’re happy?” I asked. I wanted her to say it, even if I could see it on her face.

“Really happy.” There was that fond expression again. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy, Harley. I’m so glad I chased you up here.”

I laughed, then hugged her. “I am, too, but you realize you’re going to have to move here, now?”

She snorted. “Think the clan will tap into their funds to help me break my lease?”

“Striker will probably rent a whole fleet of trucks for you. He’s probably already designing an extension to his house now.”

“Not without my input,” Cassidy said, laughing.

A thoughtful look settled on her face, and her gaze flickered down to my neck.

I knew she wanted to ask why Steph and I weren’t mated yet. It seemed like it was so easy for everyone else. Mia had been mated to Hawk forever, and now Cassidy was mated to Striker without any worry at all. And even though I’d known Steph and I were fated mates since we were teenagers, even though we had a beautiful son together, we still weren’t fully mated.

And that was partially my fault. I had delayed it due to my own fears, and my own insecurities, and now there was too much risk. He wouldn’t claim me until he knew it was safe.

That didn’t stop me from being jealous, though. What did it feel like when the bond was completed? Could Cassidy sense Striker, now? Did they feel the bond come to life every time they touched?

Would I ever get to feel that with Steph? Or would something always be keeping us apart?

“Harley…”

I smiled. “I’m really happy for you, Cassidy.” It was true. I was. Yes, I was jealous, but she didn’t need to know that. I wouldn’t ruin this day for her. “Let’s make some cookies or something to celebrate!”

Cassidy pressed her lips together for a moment, then nodded. She knew I was deflecting, but she let me do it. And for that, I was grateful.

The rest of the day was uneventful, full of baking, chatting, and cleaning up the house. Dylan called in the afternoon to tell me all about his successful soccer practice, and all the cool friends he had made, and asked if he could spend the night with Hawk and Mia. Striker came back after dinner, and he and Cassidy disappeared into her room.

Steph wasn’t back yet, though. My heart sank as the house fell quiet. I cleaned the kitchen, took a long shower, changed into a Cole’s garage T-shirt, then tried to read my book. It was no use. I simply couldn’t focus on the words. I curled up in Steph’s bed and scrolled mindlessly through various social media feeds. As much as I wanted to relax, I couldn’t. My heart ached. I wanted Steph in bed with me, the way Striker was with Cassidy. It was so unfair. I was happy for Cassidy and Striker—I really was—but I wanted that same connection. That same bond.

I wanted all of this shit with Sean to be over so I could be with mymate.