Page 38 of Demon On Deck

“Have you talked to her about it?” Mom asks

I shake my head, throat tight.

“Son,” my Dad starts with that voice of assurance, “If there’s one thing in all my years that I have learned, it’s that silence grows seeds of doubt.”

Mom gives a little snort. Dad shoots her a look full of mischief and adoration.

“Took him long enough to learn it,” Mom mumbles as she runs her fingertips down his cheek tenderly before turning back to me.

Dad gives her a pointed side-eye, but snags her hand and kisses it.

“Do you love her?” My mom asks, making that the second time someone has asked me that today.

“With every fiber of my being,” I say once again without hesitation. “She’s my mate.”

Mom’s face lights up like a tree at Christmas. “Then go tell her. Tell her she’s your mate. Tell her that you love her.”

That’s all the push I need.

“Thanks, Mom, Dad. I love you guys.”

“We love you too,” they echo.

I end the call, grab my keys, and bolt. The drive to Kallie’s is a blur of red lights, honked horns, and a few broken traffic laws. I arrive, and the car is barely in park before I’m ripping the keys out and practically sprinting to Kallie’s door.

I knock hard and urgently. Like my next heartbeat depends on it.

Because it does.

Kallie opens the door with a startled surprise. “Evren? What are you doing here?”

“Hey, Doll. Can I come in? I need to talk to you.”

Kallie steps aside, and I duck my head to get through the door. Once inside, I have to remain hunched over. Kallie’s house was not meant for someone of my stature. It makes me feel small, but the tightening of worry in my chest makes me feel like I’m shrinking.

Door closed, she turns to face me, concern etched on her beautiful features.

“Is everything okay?” She asks.

“Kallie,” I say in a shaky breath, “I love you. You’re my mate, and I love you.”

Kallie’s eyes widen, glistening with unshed tears. “You… love me?”

“With all my heart and soul,” I say, stepping into her space and taking her hands.

Tears spill down her cheeks. “I love you too, Evren.” She whispers.

I lean down and capture her lips, but her passion is reserved.

I pull back and cup her face, brushing her tears away with my thumbs.

“What’s wrong, Kallie? You’re pulling away from me. Talk to me.”

Kallie's bottom lip trembles as she steps back from me, and worry and fear cut through me like a rip-stream.

I follow her into the small kitchen, where she picks up an envelope and hands it to me.

“Open it,” she whispers.