As Bethany and Joshua walked toward her parents’ home, Joshua stayed a few feet to her side. He felt the mate bond and the pull to her more strongly than he had been, yet still wanted to give Bethany the space she needed. Bethany could not help but notice that he was keeping his distance and stealing glances at her as they strolled along.
“You don’t have to stay so far away from me. I promise I won’t punch you again as long as you don’t try to kiss me without warning again,” Bethany grinned.
“I promise never to do that again,” Joshua agreed as she moved closer to her. “I am so truly sorry about that. I should never have done it. I just lost control. That has never happened before. Not once. I have always been in complete control of my actions.”
Bethany stopped in her tracks and turned t
