“He’s in heat.”
The room swayed, and my vision got a little blurry.
“Heat?”
“Yes. As in a new bear-shifter mate going into heat, right this moment.”
I knew it. I fucking knew it. The way they were together, how Laurel didn’t seem fazed by Monty’s most annoying traits, how they just clicked, how they fucked, so passionate and hungry…
“Congratulations, man. That’s wonderful. I’m happy for you.”
Amazed I got the words out, I dropped the phone on the counter.
Monty and Laurel were mated. Of course they were. I was an idiot for not seeing it earlier.
My phone buzzed again, moving across the polished wood, but I ignored it.
Sedric appeared by my side. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost, boss. And your phone’s ringing.”
The omega that had me going crazy with lust and the person I loved the most in the entire fucking world were mated.
I would have to leave Beauville. I couldn’t stay and watch them become a cozy, happy family.
“Jordy. Your phone.”
My stomach heaved, and my eyes burned.
“Jordy… What’s… For fuck’s sake. Hi, Monty. What’s up?” Sedric put a hand on my shoulder, and I jerked. I would have to keep it together.
But Monty and Laurel…they were…
“He’s right here, but he looks out of it. Yeah. Okay. I’ll try.”
The hand on my shoulder squeezed.
Sedric pressed something to my ear. It was cold and hard. My phone.
And then came Monty’s voice, loud and distraught.
“Listen, you asshole?—”
I blinked. “It’s okay, Monty. It’s fate, right?”
“Exactly! Laurel needs you. Come here! Now!”
“But you’re mated.”
“We. Are. Mated! You, Laurel, and I.”
That didn’t make sense. “What? No.”
“Then explain to me how come Laurel is crying in my arms now, missing you. He needs us both. You have three minutes, or I swear, I’m going to call backup and have Chickie or Barclay drag you here by your balls!”
He needs us both.
Stunned, I looked around at the familiar wooden walls, shelves of vintage beer glasses, and worn, empty tables.
Nothing looked real.
