Skyler kept his word. He walked me home like a gentleman, didn't try to kiss me again despite the heat in his eyes, and left me at my doorstep with a promise: "Tomorrow. Six o'clock. Wear something comfortable."
I barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt his lips on mine, the bond singing between us, the terrifying rightness of being in his arms. My wolf paced restlessly, wanting to shift and run to him, to complete the bond that had been interrupted five years ago.
*Patience,* I told her. *We're doing this right this time.*
She huffed but settled.
Morning came with complications. Mom took one look at me over breakfast and knew something had changed.
"You saw him," she said. Not a question.
"We talked. And... we're going to try. Slowly." I wrapped my hands around my coffee m
