Phoebe
I don't know why, but pride completely overshadowed the worry I was supposed to feel.
When Hayden boldly declared I was his—his mate—right in front of his dad, something inside me swelled with confidence. Like the world just stamped its approval on me. Like I truly belonged to him.
Still, my heart was pounding out of rhythm, and I ended up bolting to my room like some kind of coward.
I kept replaying that moment in my head, wishing I'd stayed and stood my ground instead of running away like a kid.
Groaning, I dragged my hands down my face. God, I was such an i***t.
The door creaked open.
"Phoebe?"
I looked up.
Hayden was standing there, looking way more relaxed than he had earlier. There was even a little smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Finley gave my shoulder a
