Kylie hesitates.
“The Neta has him. They had to contain him.”
Contain him.
My heart squeezes.
Because that’s not just any reaction.
That’s not normal.
That’s connection.
Instinct.
Bond.
And suddenly everything clicks into place in a way that makes my breath catch.
The app.
The pull.
The way I’ve felt since he walked into my shop.
The way my Bear has been practically vibrating since the moment I saw his face.
“Holy shit,” I whisper.
Jessica leans in. “What?”
I shake my head slowly.
“That app? Uncle Uzzi’s app,” I say. “Date to Mate.”
My Bear stirs, pleased. Certain.
Mate.
And this time?
I don’t fight her.
I don’t shove it down.
Because she’s right.
Terrifyingly, overwhelmingly right.
“It works,” I say, more firmly now. “It actually works.”
Kylie’s eyes widen.
Jessica grins like she already knew.
And me?
I feel something settle inside my chest.
