Page 59 of Pumpkin Patch Pack

“Date?” I tease. “Who said anything about a date? This is a very professional farm tour.”

She laughs, the sound vibrating against my chest. “Oh, of course. Completely professional.”

“Though,” I add, my voice dropping lower, “if it were a date, this would be the part where I’d really want to kiss you.”

Emma lifts her head from my shoulder, her eyes meeting mine. “And if it were a date,” she whispers, “this would be the part where I’d say yes.”

My heart thunders in my chest as I lean in slowly. The kiss is gentle at first, but she sighs against my mouth, and I’m lost.

Her hands frame my face, and mine find her waist, drawing her closer. She tastes like pumpkin spice and apple pie, and I can’t get enough.

In this moment, surrounded by the farm I love and holding my mate who fits perfectly into our lives, I know with profound certainty that we’re all exactly where we’re meant to be.

26

Emma

The next morning, I’m checking my email while sipping coffee in my cottage when the notification appears. My mug nearly slips from my fingers when I see the sender: My hands tremble as I open it, unable to look away despite the terror pulsing. I knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make my fear less.

From:[email protected]

Subject line: Found you

Jessica was exceptionally helpful.

Expect me soon.

We have unfinished business, Omega.

-M

P.S. Sending over a surprise

I slam my laptop closed, heart hammering so hard I can barely breathe. The cottage walls seem to close in around me.

He knows where I am.

He’s coming.

Before I can spiral further, there’s a knock at my door. I jump, a small cry escaping my lips before I recognize Liam’s voice.

“Emma? It’s me.”

I rush to the door, yanking it open. Liam stands there, his expression immediately shifting to concern when he sees my face.

“What happened?” he asks, stepping inside. “I can smell your fear.”

“Marcus,” I manage to say, pointing at my laptop. “He knows I’m here. Jessica told him.”

Liam’s jaw tightens, “We need to tell the others, now.”

Twenty minutes later, I’m sitting at the farmhouse kitchen table, the email open on my laptop as Rowan paces and Theo leans against the counter, his usual cheerfulness dimmed.

“We’ll change the locks on your cottage today,” Rowan says, “And install security cameras at all the entrances to the property.”

“I know a guy who does security systems,” Theo adds. “I’ll call him right now, get him out here this afternoon.”

“You should move into the farmhouse. It’s safer.” Liam says.