Page 53 of A Broody Mate for the Human

I almost wish he would go back to making dirty jokes. “We’re taking it slow,” I say.

“It’s my fault,” Luca admits, looking guilty. “I’m too complicated.”

“You’re not too complicated,” I answer immediately.

“But people are going to ask you questions,” Luca mutters.

“It’s none of their business how fast we progress,” I say confidently. “It’s fine to get to know each other. I think everyone should do that before marking each other.”

“Really?” Luca looks at me hopefully.

I nod, putting my arm around him and pulling him closer. I can notice Dave’s soft smile when he watches us, wondering if he asked his question on purpose to make us talk about it. It would be so Dave-like for him to do that.

He deserved the best mate ever.

I hate that his first experience with the mate bond was such a bad one, but I’m sure he will get a second chance too.

“I need to take Sugar for a walk,” Dave muses.

“I can do that,” Luca offers. “I don’t mind, and I’m sure the both of you want to catch up.”

I’m stunned that he never feels jealous of Dave. He knows we were a thing, but he respects Dave and has immediately accepted my friendship with him. Dave must have thought the same because he looks at Luca gently. “We don’t want you to leave, Luca.”

Luca looks flustered. “Actually, I’ve always dreamed about having a dog… you would be doing me a favor.”

“Alright.” Dave laughs. He gets up again and hands Luca all the items he needs, showing him how to hold the fur monster’s leash and how to lead him. Once Luca and the pup have left, he grins. “You need to get him a dog one day.”

I groan. “I knew you would say that.”

Dave chuckles. “Jun,” he says, sitting down again and looking at me earnestly. “I want you to know that I’m genuinely happy for you. You don’t need to tone down your affection towards Luca in front of me.”

“So you noticed?” I sigh.

“Yes, of course I did.” He smiles. “I appreciate the sentiment, but it’s unnecessary.”

I look at him for a long while. “Dave, I’m convinced there is a mate out there for you,” I point out. “Your perfect soulmate. Not Matthew, not me, but someone who was truly made for you.”

“Do you really think that?” he asks skeptically. “I’m not a wolf.”

“You might not be a werewolf, but your whole existence is interwoven with wolves. You’re already part of our world. The Goddess made you Matthew’s mate already, which is proof she has plans for you.”

He looks at me both hopeful and anxious. “I just don’t want to get my hopes up too high,” he admits. “I… my biggest fear is to end up alone.”

“You won’t,” I say. I’m shocked he feels that way. I wonder if he always had this fear. Dave and I always only loosely dated, and in a way, he managed to make me feel comfortable with my sexuality. He made me come out of my shell. There is a reason why we remained friends. I love him, just not the way I love Luca. And I’m sure he will find his mate out there and fall hard for him.

The Goddess will give him the best mate possible.

“You won’t end up alone,” I tell him. “We won’t let you. You’re like a brother to Luca; he looks up to you, and we certainly won’t let you stay on your own. Neither would Luna Annalise or Beta Ella. You have lots of friends, and they cherish you. You’re not alone.”

He looks at me through wide eyes. “I’m not alone,” he says after a while. “And I have Sugar,” he muses.

“Yeah, how could I forget,” I mutter.

“Jun, you mentioned earlier there is something else you want to talk to me about?” Dave looks at me thoughtfully. “The reason for your visit was not just to see how I’m doing.”

I nod, sighing a bit. “I hope it won’t freak you out, though.”

“What happened?”