Page 122 of Quarterback Sneak

“You’re quiet over there.”

“Just thinking,” I tell him.

“About?” he pushes.

I turn my shoulders, so I’m facing him. “Would it be easier for you if I stayed at your house? On the couch of course.”

“At risk of saying yes too quickly and showing you just how much I want you close, why do you ask?”

“I just didn’t know if it would make it easier. You wouldn’t have to sit outside my dorm at night.”

He squeezes my hand. “I will sit out there every night if you want to stay in your dorm.”

I know he would too. “But I don’t want you to have to. Would the other guys mind?”

“No, they wouldn’t.”

“Are you sure?”

He squeezes my hand again gently. “You’ll be surprised how easy-going they are about mate stuff?”

“Why?”

He smirks. “Because when they find their mates, they’ll want them nearby too.” His words make me think of Riley and Reid, but I don’t say anything. I wonder if Riley is Reid’s mate, but wouldn’t they say that if it were true?Unless...

“Zane, when do you know who your mate is? I mean, do you have to be a certain age?”

“We don’t find our mates until we turn eighteen. Obviously, sometimes it’s much later than that. But the earliest we can sense a bond is at eighteen.”

“What if one of them is older?”

He shrugs. “The older one would know as soon as they turn eighteen, and the younger one not until they come of age.” Myheart squeezes.Poor Reid.I’m convinced Riley’s his mate, and she has no clue. Zane glances over at me. “Why?”

I try to play it off. “I was just curious.” I redirect the conversation back to the original topic. “If the guys don’t mind and if it would be easier, I’ll move in with you. I’ll have to check in with the school, of course. And probably my mom.”

“Don’t worry about the school at least. My dad will get it cleared with the authorities.” He glances at me again. “There are a few higher ups that know about our pack; it helps in situations like these. But Evie, I only want you to move in with us if that’s whatyouwant.”

I don’t even have to think about it. My lonely room by myself or staying with Zane and the guys. “It’s kind of a no-brainer for me. I’ll miss Tessa, but I can still meet up with her on campus. We honestly don’t see each other much in the dorm anyway.”

“She’s welcome to come over anytime.”

I laugh. “You will probably regret that offer. She is seriously in love with like every single guy in your house, except you,” I hurry to add. “She knows you’re mine.” I don’t even think about the words as they spill out. It gets quiet in the truck, but I can’t find it in me to regret my words.

“You mean that?” he asks in a low voice.

It’s my turn to squeeze hishand. “Absolutely.” I don’t have an ounce of doubt when I say it, and it hits me hard.I consider Zane mine.He’s been so good to me. He always protects me, takes care of me, and makes sure I’m safe. But he also laughs with me, teases me, buys me food, jogs with me every morning, and treats me like I’m valuable to him. I think it’s that last thing that makes me love him. He treats me like an equal. My thoughts slam to a halt, and it hits me.I love Zane.Suddenly, I feel something overcome me. It's this flood of warmth and connection; I don’t even know what it is. And then I feel Zane’s love. Ifeelit. Itwashes over me. I feel it like a living, moving thing. “Zane,” I say in a shaky voice. “What’s going on?”

He glances over at me. Whatever he sees on my face must concern him because he pulls into campus and takes the nearest parking spot. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

I stare at him, completely overwhelmed. I feel like I’m drowning in...feelings. Suddenly, that warm flow of love turns, and I feel worry and concern wash over me. “How are you doing that?” I demand.

He stares at me with concern in his eyes. “Doing what?”

“That,” I say and stop. I put my hands out in front of me. “I feel...that.” I point at his face, and he frowns. I feel his concern deepen, and it suddenly all becomes too much. I pull my hand away from his and open the door and jump down. I stride away from the truck, needing a moment.

“Evie, what’s wrong?”

I whirl around and put my hand up. “Stop. Don't come any closer.”