Chapter Four

Five Years Ago

Greyden bought caramel apples for them and handed over hers.

"I love these," she said.

"So do I." He took a deep bite, causing his cheek to puff out.

She laughed but did the same thing. It didn't take long for them to finish their sticky treat, and they ran over to the restrooms to wash their hands. Once clean again, he held out his hand and she entwined their fingers.

"Is it always like this between mates?" she asked.

"I'm not sure but my parents can't keep their hands off each other. Isn't it the same for yours?"

"My parents probably shouldn't have been mates," she admitted. "They fight all the time."

"I'm sorry to hear that." He pulled her to a stop. "I promise we won't be like that. I've just met you but I already am falling for you. And we both like caramel apples, so we have that going for us."

She chuckled.

"Will you be my date for the dance tonight?"

"Of course, but I must warn you. I may step on your feet."

"I'm not worried about that."

"A lot."

"Are you saying you have two left feet?" he teased.

"Is that a deal-breaker?"

He pulled her into his body, locking his hands around her lower back. "You could actually have two left feet and I wouldn't care. You could have a pet cat and I wouldn't care. You could be a vegetarian and I wouldn't care. You could have a tattoo of Scooby-Doo on your ass, and I wouldn't care."

"How'd you know?" she gasped.

He bopped her nose. "There is nothing on the earth that would ever be a deal-breaker between us."

Greyden cupped her face and slowly lowered his, and her eyes fluttered closed. He brushed her lips lightly with his own, holding back from deepening it. A thousand stars burst behind her lids, and her heart pounded in her chest. As far as first kisses went, it was the best.

When Greyden pulled back, his eyes were wide with awe. He looked at her like she hung the moon and turned water to wine.

"You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he told her softly.

"I was thinking the same."

"Men can't be beautiful."

"Sure they can," she said, smiling. "But I suppose you prefer handsome."

"Handsome I can do. Sexy. Hot. I can do them too."

She laughed.

"I know we just met," he continued. "I know there are things we need to figure out, but I'm looking forward to learning everything about you. I can't wait for our future together."

"I guess this means I have to join your pack."

"Yes. My father is the alpha so I can't come to yours. I'm sorry about that. Will you miss Sheridan?"

"Yes and no. Like I said, Alpha Bennett is a terrible leader, so that part I don't mind leaving. But I will miss my family and friends."

"My family will be your family. My home will be yours." He tapped his chest. "My heart is in your hands."

She ducked her head. "I have this feeling you are an extrovert. I am an introvert. I hope you don't get bored with me."

He lifted her chin with a finger. "Not to me. I know we just met, but I've got a feeling you'd never bore me. I hope I don't bore you."

"Never."