Page 188 of Howlin’ For You

I lean in even closer until our mouths almost touch. “Nothing is going to happen to me, Nick. I promise.”

His lips tick up in a half smile. “You can’t promise that.”

“Maybe not, but I do anyway.”

“Does this mean you’re going to let me earn your forgiveness, Izzy, because I swear it’s taking everything in me not to kiss you.”

I smile, taking a deep inhale of his scent. “I want you to explain mates to me—in detail—and I want to eat this delicious food you’ve made. Teach me.”

“Of course,” he promises, circling me until he’s behind me. “But first, I have to show you something.”

My eyebrows draw in confusion. He said there was more, but I didn’t realize we’d get to it right away. What could it be?

He lifts his hands. “Gonna cover your eyes, okay?”

I stare at him over my shoulder with wide eyes.

“Do you trust me?” His voice is soft, unassuming. As if expecting I may say no.

I hesitate for only a second before nodding. His hands cover my eyes, and he leads me through the house and up the stairs until we finally stop walking.

“I made this for you,” he says, uncovering my eyes and quickly opening the door to one of the spare bedrooms.

My breath leaves me in a gasp as I step into the room. It’s been transformed into the office of my maximalist dreams. Every single inch is covered in different Lunamois-themed knick-knacks and tchotchkes. There’s a new built-in on the wall opposite the window to house them, as well as different organizers for any papers or office supplies I’ll need.

The desk is handmade, too, with a soft white rolling chair covered in fall-colored pillows. There’s a blanket draped over the side with little pumpkins stitched into it.

This feels more like me than any place I’ve been since I left Lunamois. More than my old apartment, my parents’ house.

Tears fill my eyes at the care and dedication—not to mention the time—this must have taken—the effort.

“I want you to stay.” He comes around to brush tears from my cheeks. “I want you to see that you matter. That I know you.”

“Thank you,” I reply, voice trembling. “When did you find time to build all of this?”

He huffs, shaking his head. “I haven’t slept since I last saw you, Izzy.”

I bury myself in his chest, hating that this hurt him so much.

“Come on. You can explore after dinner. Let’s eat, Izzy.” He rubs soothing patterns into my back, and I nod into his chest.

CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

NICK

Izzy glows in the soft candlelight like an angel as I pull out her chair for her to sit down at the dinner table. I expected less understanding from her, but as always, she surprises me.

“Okay,” I clear my throat as I sit down across from her. “Let me explain mates to you.”

I don’t know if she’s even aware of it, but she leans in closer. Her eyes grow as round as saucers.

“My understanding is that the Goddess is the one who blesses us with a mate. And I could tell you were mine from the first moment I smelled you in Mayor Vale’s office.”

“That makes sense,” she says, spooning some mashed potatoes onto her plate. “With how often you talk about scenting me.”

“We only have one—at least that’s my understanding. And once we find them, it’s essentially impossible to pursue a romantic relationship with anyone else. The pull is too strong.” I clear my throat, the thought of what I’m about to say next already making my chest burn. “Although if you were to reject me, I wouldn’t chase after you. I would respect your decision.” It would destroy me, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.

Including that.