Page 22

T wo days.

Well, technically, forty-nine hours and twenty-three minutes since Avery told me Casey left for town.

Not that I’m counting like some lovesick teenager or anything.

Okay, fine. I’m completely fucking counting.

Because the second she walked out of my life, my world turned gray.

My Dragon— usually a fierce, dominant force of supernature —curled up inside my chest like a dying ember, mourning her absence with every beat of my heart.

He’s quiet now, but watchful. Hopeful.

Because she texted.

And that has to mean something, right?

At first, I lost my damn mind.

Punched a tree so hard it split.

Torched half a cornfield.

Took Max using his Alpha voice to drag me out of the spiral.

Even then, it was Dante sitting on my chest in full Bear form that finally made me yield.

Furry Grizzly fucker.

“She needs time, Zeke. You owe her that!” Max had barked, glaring at me like I was some rabid mutt.

They were right.

I claimed her without explaining.

I let my instincts lead.

Let the need consume me.

And Casey, hell— she’s a human . A normal.

No clue what she stepped into.

I gave her fire and wings when she was still walking on solid ground.

I called her several times. Left a message.

She didn’t pick up. Didn’t call back.

But then, yesterday, she texted me.

Petals

Can we talk? Maybe have dinner tomorrow? Take it slow?

Take it slow.

My Dragon had snarled at the word, wanting to throw fire at the idea of delay.

But me? I held on to that tiny line of hope like a lifeline.

Because she still wanted to talk.

That had to mean she didn’t hate me.

Wasn’t rejecting my claim.

So now I’m parked outside her school like a damn stalker.

Only a few more minutes until her shift ends.

My palms are sweating, which is ridiculous, considering I can walk through fire without blinking.

She steps out.

And fuck me— she’s beautiful.

Hair tied back, soft curls escaping, her curves hugged by the cutest little pair of scrubs she’s wearing.

Are those cartoon dragons on them? Fuck. Yes. They are.

My heart pounds.

She’s radiant in a way that slams right into my chest.

She sees me, smiles— a small, nervous thing —and walks over.

“Hey,” she says.

I nod. Can’t trust my voice just yet. I feel her uncertainty and don’t want to scare her off again.

“So, are you good with grabbing dinner with me? Something low-key?” she offers, eyes searching mine.

I open my mouth to agree, ready to say anything that’ll keep her here, when an admin assistant steps out from behind the door.

“Miss Reynolds? You just got an urgent message,” she calls, holding a folded note.

Casey frowns and takes it. As she reads, the color drains from her face.

My spine snaps straight. “What is it?”

She doesn’t answer at first. Just stares at the words on the page like they’re written in blood.

“Casey?” My voice is hoarse now, low and sharp. My Dragon stirs, coiling with tension beneath my skin.

She looks up at me, eyes wide and scared.

“It’s from the prosecutor. They moved up the trial. I have to testify in three days.”

The breath punches from my lungs.

I don’t know what she is talking about, but she is scared. And I don’t like that.

Shit.

“I don’t understand,” she whispers as I lead her to my truck and tuck her inside.

“Talk to me, Petals,” I plead as I take the driver’s seat.

“The past was supposed to stay buried for a little longer. We were supposed to have more time. What if he finds me?”

Anger rages through me at whoever is hunting my mate. But I slap a leash on it and wait for her to continue.

“You’re safe, Casey. I got you,” I tell her.

And I do. She is so fucking safe with me. Maybe she doesn’t understand that. But I plan on showing her.

One thing I know, I won’t lose her. Not to some fucking nameless asshole. Never.

And Gods forbid some fucker tries to take her from me. Cause if they do?

I’m not sure anyone will survive it.