She went still in my arms. I hadn’t meant to tell her that, but I wanted her to know why I wasn’t going to let her go. Why I wasn’t going to give her up. Vanessa didn’t say anything. She was breathing softly and evenly. I knew she wasn’t afraid. She didn’t smell like she was scared or angry. I’d say she was in shock. “I love you, Vanessa. This wasn’t how I wanted to tell you I was a werewolf. Mates are important to us. Please, don’t push me away. I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I’ll cherish you the way you deserve.” I whispered. “The way I should have from the beginning.” “I’m not your mate!” She snarled. “You are my mate. You’ve always been my mate. You will always be my mate. You’re my other half. How can you not see that?” I asked her. “Because I’m not. I feel

